1
|
Fnu G, Weber GF. Targeting the core program of metastasis with a novel drug combination. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7291. [PMID: 38826119 PMCID: PMC11145026 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7291] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported that metastases are generally characterized by a core program of gene expression that activates tissue remodeling/vascularization, alters ion homeostasis, induces the oxidative metabolism, and silences extracellular matrix interactions. This core program distinguishes metastases from their originating primary tumors as well as from their destination host tissues. Therefore, the gene products involved are potential targets for anti-metastasis drug treatment. METHODS Because the silencing of extracellular matrix interactions predisposes to anoiks in the absence of active survival mechanisms, we tested inhibitors against the other three components. RESULTS Individually, the low-specificity VEGFR blocker pazopanib (in vivo combined with marimastat), the antioxidant dimethyl sulfoxide (or the substitute atovaquone, which is approved for internal administration), and the ionic modulators bumetanide and tetrathiomolybdate inhibited soft agar colony formation by breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines. The individual candidate agents have a record of use in humans (with limited efficacy when administered individually) and are available for repurposing. In combination, the effects of these drugs were additive or synergistic. In two mouse models of cancer (utilizing 4T1 cells or B16-F10 cells), the combination treatment with these medications, applied immediately (to prevent metastasis formation) or after a delay (to suppress established metastases), dramatically reduced the occurrence of disseminated foci. CONCLUSIONS The combination of tissue remodeling inhibitors, suppressors of the oxidative metabolism, and ion homeostasis modulators has very strong promise for the treatment of metastases by multiple cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gulimirerouzi Fnu
- James L. Winkle College of PharmacyUniversity of Cincinnati Academic Health CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Georg F. Weber
- James L. Winkle College of PharmacyUniversity of Cincinnati Academic Health CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xie C, Sun Q, Chen J, Yang B, Lu H, Liu Z, Li Y, Li K, Tang B, Lin L. Cu-Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide-based tumor microenvironment-responsive injectable gels for cuproptosis-based synergistic osteosarcoma therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132029. [PMID: 38704064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132029] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Cuproptosis affects osteosarcoma locally, and the exploitation of cuproptosis-related biomaterials for osteosarcoma treatment is still in its infancy. We designed and synthesized a novel injectable gel of Cu ion-coordinated Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFP-Cu) for antiosteosarcoma therapy. This material has antitumor effects, the ability to stimulate immunity and promote bone formation, and a controlled Cu2+ release profile in smart response to tumor microenvironment stimulation. TFP-Cu can selectively inhibit the proliferation of K7M2 tumor cells by arresting the cell cycle and promoting cell apoptosis and cuproptosis. TFP-Cu also promoted the M1 polarization of RAW264.7 cells and regulated the immune microenvironment. These effects increased osteogenic gene and protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. TFP-Cu could significantly limit tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and improving the activation of anti-CD8 T cell-mediated immune responses. Therefore, TFP-Cu could be a potential candidate for treating osteosarcoma and bioactive drug carrier for further cancer-related applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Xie
- Department of Joint and Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qili Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jingle Chen
- Department of Joint and Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bingsheng Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Cartilage Regenerative Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China
| | - Huiwen Lu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhanpeng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yucong Li
- Department of Joint and Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bin Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, PR China.
| | - Lijun Lin
- Department of Joint and Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shang R, Liao Y, Zheng X. Inhibition of Wnt Signaling by Atovaquone Inhibits Gastric Cancer and Enhances Chemotherapy Effectiveness Through Activation of Casein Kinase 1α. Nutr Cancer 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38494910 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2328377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a driving force behind the progression of gastric cancer. Atovaquone, known as an antimalarial drug, has emerged as a potential candidate for anti-cancer therapy. This study investigated atovaquone's effects on gastric cancer and its underlying mechanisms. Using gastric cancer cell lines, we found that atovaquone, at concentrations relevant to clinical use, significantly reduced their viability. Notably, atovaquone exhibited a lower effectiveness in reducing the viability of normal gastric cells compared to gastric cancer cells. We further demonstrated that atovaquone inhibited gastric cancer growth and colony formation. Mechanism studies revealed that atovaquone inhibited mitochondrial respiration and induced oxidative stress. Experiments using ρ0 cells, deficient in mitochondrial respiration, indicated a slightly weaker effect of atovaquone on inducing apoptosis compared to wildtype cells. Atovaquone increased phosphorylated β-catenin at Ser45 and Ser33/37/Thr41, elevated Axin, and reduced β-catenin. The inhibitory effects of atovaquone on β-catenin were reversed upon depletion of CK1α. Furthermore, the combination of atovaquone with paclitaxel suppressed gastric cancer growth and improved overall survival in mice. Given that atovaquone is already approved for clinical use, these findings suggest its potential as a valuable addition to the drug arsenal available for treating gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Yingying Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuejiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu B, Zheng X, Li J, Yao P, Guo P, Liu W, Zhao G. Atovaquone inhibits colorectal cancer metastasis by regulating PDGFRβ/NF-κB signaling pathway. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1070. [PMID: 37932661 PMCID: PMC10629062 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11585-9] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumour. Invasive growth and distant metastasis are the main characteristics of its malignant biological behaviour, and they are also the primary factors leading to death in colon cancer patients. Atovaquone is an antimalarial drug, and its anticancer effect has recently been demonstrated in several cancer models in vitro and in vivo, but it has not been examined in the treatment of colorectal cancer. METHODS To elucidate the effect of atovaquone on colorectal cancer. We used RNA transcriptome sequencing, RT‒PCR and Western blot experiments to examine the expression of NF-κB (p-P65), EMT-related proteins and related inflammatory factors (IL1B, IL6, CCL20, CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL6, IL6ST, FAS, IL10 and IL1A). The effect of atovaquone on colorectal cancer metastasis was validated using an animal model of lung metastases. We further used transcriptome sequencing, the GCBI bioinformatics database and the STRING database to predict relevant target proteins. Furthermore, pathological sections were collected from relevant cases for immunohistochemical verification. RESULTS This study showed that atovaquone could inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis and invasion in vivo and in vitro, inhibit the expression of E-cadherin protein, and promote the protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB1, Snail and Slug. Atovaquone could inhibit EMT by inhibiting NF-κB (p-P65) and related inflammatory factors. Further bioinformatics analysis and verification showed that PDGFRβ was one of the targets of atovaquone. CONCLUSION In summary, atovaquone can inhibit the expression of NF-κB (p-P65) and related inflammatory factors by inhibiting the protein expression of p-PDGFRβ, thereby inhibiting colorectal cancer metastasis. Atovaquone may be a promising drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Yao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Chengdu Medical College, 610500, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, 610051, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Gaoping Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kalyanaraman B, Cheng G, Hardy M, You M. OXPHOS-targeting drugs in oncology: new perspectives. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:939-952. [PMID: 37736880 PMCID: PMC11034819 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2261631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drugs targeting mitochondria are emerging as promising antitumor therapeutics in preclinical models. However, a few of these drugs have shown clinical toxicity. Developing mitochondria-targeted modified natural compounds and US FDA-approved drugs with increased therapeutic index in cancer is discussed as an alternative strategy. AREAS COVERED Triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+)-based drugs selectively accumulate in the mitochondria of cancer cells due to their increased negative membrane potential, target the oxidative phosphorylation proteins, inhibit mitochondrial respiration, and inhibit tumor proliferation. TPP+-based drugs exert minimal toxic side effects in rodents and humans. These drugs can sensitize radiation and immunotherapies. EXPERT OPINION TPP+-based drugs targeting the tumor mitochondrial electron transport chain are a new class of oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors with varying antiproliferative and antimetastatic potencies. Some of these TPP+-based agents, which are synthesized from naturally occurring molecules and FDA-approved drugs, have been tested in mice and did not show notable toxicity, including neurotoxicity, when used at doses under the maximally tolerated dose. Thus, more effort should be directed toward the clinical translation of TPP+-based OXPHOS-inhibiting drugs in cancer prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Gang Cheng
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR, UMR 7273, Marseille 13013, France
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu G, Li L, Shang D, Zhou C, Zhang C. BRSK1 confers cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells via regulation of mitochondrial respiration. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04821-z. [PMID: 37140697 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04821-z] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although cisplatin-containing chemotherapy has been utilized as a front-line treatment for cervical cancer, intrinsic and acquired resistance of cisplatin remains a major hurdle for the durable and curative therapeutic response. We thus aim to identify novel regulator of cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells. METHODS Real-time PCR and western blotting analysis were employed to determine the expression of BRSK1 in normal and cisplatin-resistant cells. Sulforhodamine B assay was conducted to assess the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to cisplatin. Seahorse Cell Mito Stress Test assay was utilized to evaluate the mitochondrial respiration in cervical cancer cells. RESULTS BRSK1 expression was upregulated in cisplatin-treated cervical cancer patient tumors and cell lines compared with untreated tumors and cell lines. Depletion of BRSK1 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of both normal and cisplatin-resistant cervical cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Moreover, BRSK1-mediated regulation of cisplatin sensitivity is conducted by a subpopulation of BRSK1 residing in the mitochondria of cervical cancer cells and is dependent on its kinase enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, BRSK1 confers cisplatin resistance via the regulation of mitochondrial respiration. Importantly, treatment with mitochondrial inhibitor in cervical cancer cells phenocopied the BRSK1 depletion-mediated mitochondria dysfunction and cisplatin sensitization. Of note, we observed that high BRSK1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in cisplatin-treated cervical cancer patients. CONCLUSION Our study defines BRSK1 as a novel regulator of cisplatin sensitivity, identifying that targeting BRSK1-regulated mitochondrial respiration could be a useful approach for enhancing the efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in cervical cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, 256603, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, 256603, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Shang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, 256603, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, 256603, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chuanhou Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, 256603, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cruz-Gregorio A, Aranda-Rivera AK, Roviello GN, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Targeting Mitochondrial Therapy in the Regulation of HPV Infection and HPV-Related Cancers. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030402. [PMID: 36986324 PMCID: PMC10054155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been previously proposed that some types of cancer cells reprogram their metabolic pathways, favoring the metabolism of glucose by aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) instead of oxidative phosphorylation, mainly because the mitochondria of these cells are damaged, thus displaying mitochondrial dysfunction. However, in several cancers, the mitochondria do not exhibit any dysfunction and are also necessary for the tumor’s growth and maintenance. Remarkably, if the mitochondria are dysfunctional, specific processes associated with the release of cytochrome c (cyt c), such as apoptosis, are significantly impaired. In these cases, cellular biotherapies such as mitochondrial transplantation could restore the intrinsic apoptotic processes necessary for the elimination of cancers. On the other hand, if the mitochondria are in good shape, drugs that target the mitochondria are a valid option for treating the related cancers. Famously, the mitochondria are targeted by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV-related cancers depend on the host’s mitochondria for their development and progression. On the other hand, the mitochondria are also important during treatment, such as chemotherapy, since they are key organelles for the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which significantly increases cell death due to the presence of oxidative stress (OS). In this way, the mitochondria in HPV infection and in the development of HPV-related cancer could be targeted to reduce or eliminate HPV infections or HPV-related cancers. To our knowledge, there was no previous review specifically focusing on this topic, so this work aimed to summarize for the first time the potential use of mitochondria-targeting drugs, providing molecular insights on the main therapeutics developed so far in HPV infection and HPV-related cancer. Thus, we reviewed the mechanisms associated with HPV-related cancers, with their early proteins and mitochondrial apoptosis specifically induced by different compounds or drugs, in which these molecules induce the production of ROS, the activation of proapoptotic proteins, the deactivation of antiapoptotic proteins, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), cyt c release, and the activation of caspases, which are all events which lead to the activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. This makes these compounds and drugs potential anticancer therapeutics that target the mitochondria and could be exploited in future biomedical strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Cruz-Gregorio
- Department of Cardiovascular Biomedicine, Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology, Juan Badiano No. 1, Colonia Section XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Laboratory F-315, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Ana Karina Aranda-Rivera
- Laboratory F-315, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Giovanni N. Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Council for Research (IBB-CNR), Area di Ricerca site and Headquarters, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.N.R.); (J.P.-C.)
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Laboratory F-315, Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence: (G.N.R.); (J.P.-C.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu X, Ni G, Zhang P, Li H, Li J, Cavallazzi Sebold B, Wu X, Chen G, Yuan S, Wang T. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing and deep tissue proteomics reveal distinct tumour microenvironment in stage-I and II cervical cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:28. [PMID: 36683048 PMCID: PMC9869594 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02598-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) is the 3rd most common cancer in women and the 4th leading cause of deaths in gynaecological malignancies, yet the exact progression of CC is inconclusive, mainly due to the high complexity of the changing tumour microenvironment (TME) at different stages of tumorigenesis. Importantly, a detailed comparative single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis of tumour microenvironment (TME) of CC patients at different stages is lacking. METHODS In this study, a total of 42,928 and 29,200 nuclei isolated from the tumour tissues of stage-I and II CC patients and subjected to single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis. The cell heterogeneity and functions were comparatively investigated using bioinformatic tools. In addition, label-free quantitative mass spectrometry based proteomic analysis was carried out. The proteome profiles of stage-I and II CC patients were compared, and an integrative analysis with the snRNA-seq was performed. RESULTS Compared with the stage-I CC (CCI) patients, the immune response relevant signalling pathways were largely suppressed in various immune cells of the stage-II CC (CCII) patients, yet the signalling associated with cell and tissue development was enriched, as well as metabolism for energy production suggested by the upregulation of genes associated with mitochondria. This was consistent with the quantitative proteomic analysis that showed the dominance of proteins promoting cell growth and intercellular matrix development in the TME of CCII group. The interferon-α and γ responses appeared the most activated pathways in many cell populations of the CCI patients. Several collagens, such as COL12A1, COL5A1, COL4A1 and COL4A2, were found significantly upregulated in the CCII group, suggesting their roles in diagnosing CC progression. A novel transcript AC244205.1 was detected as the most upregulated gene in CCII patients, and its possible mechanistic role in CC may be investigated further. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides important resources for decoding the progression of CC and set the foundation for developing novel approaches for diagnosing CC and tackling the immunosuppressive TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosong Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicineof, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoying Ni
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicineof, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Pingping Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hejie Li
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Junjie Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital/School of Clinical Medicineof, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Xiaolian Wu
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoqiang Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Songhua Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang X, Sun C, Wan J, Zhang X, Jia Y, Zhou C. Compartmentalized activities of HMGCS1 control cervical cancer radiosensitivity. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110507. [PMID: 36328117 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms by which cellular metabolism affects cervical cancer cell radiosensitivity remain poorly understood. Here, we found that loss of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase 1 (HMGCS1), a key enzyme catalyzing the conversion of acetoacetyl-CoA to HMG-CoA in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, sensitizes the cervical cancer cells to radiation. We observed a compartmentalized cellular distribution of HMGCS1 in nuclei, cytosol, and mitochondria of cervical cancer cells and found that cytosolic HMGCS1 and mitochondrial HMGCS1 contribute together to the regulation of radiosensitivity. Mechanistically, we show that cytosolic HMGCS1 regulates radiosensitivity via manipulating the cholesterol metabolism, while mitochondrial HMGCS1 controls mitochondrial gene expression, thereby sustaining the mitochondrial function of cervical cancer cells. Together, our study identifies HMGCS1 as a novel regulator of radiosensitivty in cervical cancer cells, providing a molecular link between altered cholesterol metabolism, mitochondrial respiration, and radiosensitivity. Thus, targeting HMGCS1 may improve the therapeutic outcome of cervical cancer radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, PR China
| | - Congcong Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, PR China
| | - Jinliang Wan
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, PR China
| | - Yanhan Jia
- Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang N, Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Ji J. Proguanil and atovaquone use is associated with lower colorectal cancer risk: a nationwide cohort study. BMC Med 2022; 20:439. [PMID: 36357883 PMCID: PMC9650910 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) are at a high risk of developing CRC. Preclinical studies suggest that the anti-malaria drug proguanil and atovaquone might play a role in preventing CRC, but population-based evidence is still lacking. METHODS By accessing a couple of nationwide Swedish registers, we performed a cohort study to explore whether using proguanil and atovaquone might associate with a lower risk of CRC by adopting a new-user study design. Adults who have 1 or more first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) diagnosed with CRC were identified and linked with the Prescribed Drug Register to evaluate their administration history of proguanil and atovaquone. Survival analysis of the time to CRC diagnosis with Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS A total of 16,817 incident proguanil/atovaquone users were identified and matched with 168,170 comparisons, who did not use proguanil/atovaquone, on the ratio of 1:10. We found a significant negative association between proguanil/atovaquone use and risk of CRC (adjusted HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.93). Test for trend showed significant dose- and duration-response correlations (P < 0.001). The association was more pronounced in CRC diagnosed at an advanced stage than at an early stage (adjusted HR, 0.69 vs.0.81). CONCLUSIONS This national-wide population-based cohort study showed that the use of proguanil and atovaquone was associated with a reduced risk of CRC among individuals with a family history of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naiqi Zhang
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University/Region Skåne, Skåne University Hospital, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University/Region Skåne, Skåne University Hospital, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Department of Functional Pathology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University/Region Skåne, Skåne University Hospital, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Department of Functional Pathology, School of Medicine, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Jianguang Ji
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University/Region Skåne, Skåne University Hospital, Jan Waldenströms gata 35, 205 02, Malmö, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Azad A, Kong A. The Therapeutic Potential of Imidazole or Quinone-Based Compounds as Radiosensitisers in Combination with Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194694. [PMID: 36230623 PMCID: PMC9563564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with curable head and neck cancers are usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but they experience significant, severe side effects, which greatly affect their quality of life. Some of these patients still experience disease relapse after an intensive course of treatment due to tumours that are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy because of hypoxia (lack of oxygen). In addition, some patients are not suitable for and/or are not able to have combined chemotherapy with radiotherapy due to their age or other physical conditions. Certain small-molecule drugs, which are used to treat various infections including malaria, have been shown to reduce hypoxia and thus make radiotherapy more effective. Therefore, their combination with radiotherapy could have less toxicities compared with the combination of chemotherapy with radiotherapy. Here, we discuss the promising results from preclinical work and clinical trials of these agents, and their potential use in the clinic, to reduce hypoxia and to sensitise radiotherapy. These agents could potentially be used for patients who are not suitable for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy; they may also be used to reduce the dose of radiotherapy if able to enhance radiotherapy effect at lower dose in order to reduce toxicities while maintaining the treatment efficacy in a more personalised manner. Abstract The addition of platinum chemotherapy to primary radiotherapy (chemoradiation) improves survival outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but it carries a high incidence of acute and long-term treatment-related complications, resulting in a poor quality of life. In addition, patients with significant co-morbidities, or older patients, cannot tolerate or do not benefit from concurrent chemoradiation. These patients are often treated with radiotherapy alone resulting in poor locoregional control and worse survival outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess other less toxic treatment modalities, which could become an alternative to chemoradiation in HNSCC. Currently, there are several promising anti-cancer drugs available, but there has been very limited success so far in replacing concurrent chemoradiation due to their low efficacy or increased toxicities. However, there is new hope that a treatment strategy that incorporates agents that act as radiosensitisers to improve the efficacy of conventional radiotherapy could be an alternative to more toxic chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, imidazole-based or quinone-based anti-malarial compounds have drawn considerable attention as potential radiosensitisers in several cancers. Here, we will discuss the possibility of using these compounds as radiosensitisers, which could be assessed as safe and effective alternatives to chemotherapy, particularly for patients with HNSCC that are not suitable for concurrent chemotherapy due to their age or co-morbidities or in metastatic settings. In addition, these agents could also be tested to assess their efficacy in combination with immunotherapy in recurrent and metastatic settings or in combination with radiotherapy and immunotherapy in curative settings.
Collapse
|
12
|
Huang M, Xiong D, Pan J, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Myers CR, Johnson BD, Hardy M, Kalyanaraman B, You M. Prevention of Tumor Growth and Dissemination by In Situ Vaccination with Mitochondria-Targeted Atovaquone. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2101267. [PMID: 35243806 PMCID: PMC9036031 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Atovaquone, an FDA-approved drug for malaria, is known to inhibit mitochondrial electron transport. A recently synthesized mitochondria-targeted atovaquone increased mitochondrial accumulation and antitumor activity in vitro. Using an in situ vaccination approach, local injection of mitochondria-targeted atovaquone into primary tumors triggered potent T cell immune responses locally and in distant tumor sites. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone treatment led to significant reductions of both granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone treatment blocks the expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis in granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, which may lead to death of granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone inhibits expression of genes for mitochondrial complex components, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis in both granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. The resulting decreases in intratumoral granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells could facilitate the observed increase in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells. Mitochondria-targeted atovaquone also improves the anti-tumor activity of PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. The results implicate granulocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells as novel targets of mitochondria-targeted atovaquone that facilitate its antitumor efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mofei Huang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Donghai Xiong
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Jing Pan
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Yian Wang
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| | - Charles R. Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Bryon D. Johnson
- Department of MedicineMedical College of WisconsinMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRSICRUMR 7273Marseille13013France
| | - Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of BiophysicsMedical College of Wisconsin8701 Watertown Plank RoadMilwaukeeWI53226USA
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer PreventionHouston Methodist Research Institute6670 Bertner AveHoustonTX77030USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xie F, Gong J, Tan H, Zhang H, Ma J. Preclinical evidence of synergism between atovaquone and chemotherapy by AMPK-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 907:174256. [PMID: 34129882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174256] [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: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chemoresistance has been associated with increased reliance on mitochondrial functions in many cancers, including lung cancer. Atovaquone is an anti-malaria drug and mitochondrial inhibitor. In this work, we attempted to explore whether atovaquone can be repurposed for lung cancer treatment to overcome chemoresistance. We showed that atovaquone inhibited proliferation, colony formation and survival in non-small cell lung cancer cell (NSCLC) cells. Of note, the effective dose of atovaquone was clinically achievable. Combination index value indicated that atovaquone and carboplatin were synergistic in inhibiting NSCLC. The potent efficacy of atovaquone and its synergism with chemotherapeutic drug were also demonstrated in NSCLC xenograft mice model. Mechanism studies showed that the synergism between atovaquone and carboplatin was due to atovaquone's ability in disrupting mitochondrial functions via specifically inhibiting complex III induced oxygen consumption. Subsequently, atovaquone activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. AMPK inhibition reversed the anti-NSCLC activity of atovaquone, suggesting that the action of atovaquone is also dependent on AMPK. Our work suggests that atovaquone is an attractive candidate for NSCLC treatment. Our findings emphasize that inhibition of mitochondrial function is a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance NSCLC chemosensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xie
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Gong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Hongxia Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Jingping Ma
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li YQ, Zheng Z, Liu QX, Lu X, Zhou D, Zhang J, Zheng H, Dai JG. Repositioning of Antiparasitic Drugs for Tumor Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:670804. [PMID: 33996598 PMCID: PMC8117216 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.670804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repositioning is a strategy for identifying new antitumor drugs; this strategy allows existing and approved clinical drugs to be innovatively repurposed to treat tumors. Based on the similarities between parasitic diseases and cancer, recent studies aimed to investigate the efficacy of existing antiparasitic drugs in cancer. In this review, we selected two antihelminthic drugs (macrolides and benzimidazoles) and two antiprotozoal drugs (artemisinin and its derivatives, and quinolines) and summarized the research progresses made to date on the role of these drugs in cancer. Overall, these drugs regulate tumor growth via multiple targets, pathways, and modes of action. These antiparasitic drugs are good candidates for comprehensive, in-depth analyses of tumor occurrence and development. In-depth studies may improve the current tumor diagnoses and treatment regimens. However, for clinical application, current investigations are still insufficient, warranting more comprehensive analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Qi Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Quan-Xing Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-Gang Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sbirkov Y, Ivanova T, Burnusuzov H, Gercheva K, Petrie K, Schenk T, Sarafian V. The Protozoan Inhibitor Atovaquone Affects Mitochondrial Respiration and Shows In Vitro Efficacy Against Glucocorticoid-Resistant Cells in Childhood B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:632181. [PMID: 33791218 PMCID: PMC8005808 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.632181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (cALL) accounts for about one third of all paediatric malignancies making it the most common cancer in children. Alterations in tumour cell metabolism were first described nearly a century ago and have been acknowledged as one of the key characteristics of cancers including cALL. Two of the backbone chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of this disease, Glucocorticoids and L-asparaginase, are exerting their anti-leukaemic effects through targeting cell metabolism. Even though risk stratification and treatment regimens have improved cure rates to nearly 90%, prognosis for relapsed children remains poor. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Atovaquone is a well-tolerated drug used in the clinic mainly against malaria. Being a ubiquinone analogue, this drug inhibits co-enzyme Q10 of the electron transport chain (ETC) affecting oxidative phosphorylation and cell metabolism. In this study we tested the effect of Atovaquone on cALL cells in vitro. Pharmacologically relevant concentrations of the inhibitor could effectively target mitochondrial respiration in both cALL cell lines (REH and Sup-B15) and primary patient samples. We found that Atovaquone leads to a marked decrease in basal respiration and ATP levels, as well as reduced proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. Importantly, we observed an enhanced anti-leukaemic effect when Atovaquone was combined with the standard chemotherapeutic Idarubicin, or with Prednisolone in an in vitro model of Glucocorticoid resistance. Repurposing of this clinically approved inhibitor renders further investigations, but also presents opportunities for fast-track trials as a single agent or in combination with standard chemotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetomira Ivanova
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Hasan Burnusuzov
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Center for Competence Personalized Innovative Medicine (PERIMED), Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kalina Gercheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kevin Petrie
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | - Tino Schenk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine Jena (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Exploring gene knockout strategies to identify potential drug targets using genome-scale metabolic models. Sci Rep 2021; 11:213. [PMID: 33420254 PMCID: PMC7794450 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on new cancer drugs is performed either through gene knockout studies or phenotypic screening of drugs in cancer cell-lines. Both of these approaches are costly and time-consuming. Computational framework, e.g., genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs), could be a good alternative to find potential drug targets. The present study aims to investigate the applicability of gene knockout strategies to be used as the finding of drug targets using GSMMs. We performed single-gene knockout studies on existing GSMMs of the NCI-60 cell-lines obtained from 9 tissue types. The metabolic genes responsible for the growth of cancerous cells were identified and then ranked based on their cellular growth reduction. The possible growth reduction mechanisms, which matches with the gene knockout results, were described. Gene ranking was used to identify potential drug targets, which reduce the growth rate of cancer cells but not of the normal cells. The gene ranking results were also compared with existing shRNA screening data. The rank-correlation results for most of the cell-lines were not satisfactory for a single-gene knockout, but it played a significant role in deciding the activity of drug against cell proliferation, whereas multiple gene knockout analysis gave better correlation results. We validated our theoretical results experimentally and showed that the drugs mitotane and myxothiazol can inhibit the growth of at least four cell-lines of NCI-60 database.
Collapse
|
17
|
Fu C, Xiao X, Xu H, Lu W, Wang Y. Efficacy of atovaquone on EpCAM +CD44 + HCT-116 human colon cancer stem cells under hypoxia. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:286. [PMID: 33209130 PMCID: PMC7668131 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia contributes to the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in several human cancer cell lines. Atovaquone, an anti-malaria drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, has recently demonstrated anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo in several cancer models. To assess the potential of atovaquone as an anti-cancer agent under hypoxia in colorectal carcinoma, EpCAM+CD44+ colon cancer stem cells were isolated from HCT-116 human colon cancer cells through magnetic-activated cell sorting. The efficacy of atovaquone on cytotoxicity, tumorsphere formation, apoptosis, invasion and cell-cycle progression under hypoxic conditions were evaluated. MTS assays indicated that atovaquone inhibited the proliferation of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 15 µM. Atovaquone inhibited tumorsphere formation and cell proliferation by causing cell-cycle arrest in S-phase, which induced apoptosis of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells, as detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assays, and caused mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, as determined by a JC-1 staining assay. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR demonstrated increased expression of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Transwell invasion assays indicated that atovaquone inhibited the invasiveness of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells under hypoxia, which was associated with upregulation of MMP-2 and -9 and increased expression of tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-1. Taken together, atovaquone reduced the tumorsphere formation and invasion ability of EpCAM+CD44+ HCT-116 cells, at least in part by increasing the expression of TIMP-1 and downregulating the expression of MMP-2 and -9, as well as the cells' viability by inducing cell-cycle arrest in S-phase and induction of apoptosis via the Bcl-2/Bax pathway under hypoxic conditions. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms of action of atovaquone as a promising anticancer agent in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Fu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.,Department of Endocrinology, Stanford University Medical School, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Xu Xiao
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.,Department of Pharmacy, Siping Central People's Hospital, Siping, Jilin 136000, P.R. China
| | - Hao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Weifei Lu
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450002, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mudassar F, Shen H, O'Neill G, Hau E. Targeting tumor hypoxia and mitochondrial metabolism with anti-parasitic drugs to improve radiation response in high-grade gliomas. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:208. [PMID: 33028364 PMCID: PMC7542384 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01724-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGGs), including glioblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, are amongst the most fatal brain tumors. These tumors are associated with a dismal prognosis with a median survival of less than 15 months. Radiotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment of HGGs for decades; however, pronounced radioresistance is the major obstacle towards the successful radiotherapy treatment. Herein, tumor hypoxia is identified as a significant contributor to the radioresistance of HGGs as oxygenation is critical for the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Hypoxia plays a fundamental role in the aggressive and resistant phenotype of all solid tumors, including HGGs, by upregulating hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) which stimulate vital enzymes responsible for cancer survival under hypoxic stress. Since current attempts to target tumor hypoxia focus on reducing oxygen demand of tumor cells by decreasing oxygen consumption rate (OCR), an attractive strategy to achieve this is by inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, as it could decrease OCR, and increase oxygenation, and could therefore improve the radiation response in HGGs. This approach would also help in eradicating the radioresistant glioma stem cells (GSCs) as these predominantly rely on mitochondrial metabolism for survival. Here, we highlight the potential for repurposing anti-parasitic drugs to abolish tumor hypoxia and induce apoptosis of GSCs. Current literature provides compelling evidence that these drugs (atovaquone, ivermectin, proguanil, mefloquine, and quinacrine) could be effective against cancers by mechanisms including inhibition of mitochondrial metabolism and tumor hypoxia and inducing DNA damage. Therefore, combining these drugs with radiotherapy could potentially enhance the radiosensitivity of HGGs. The reported efficacy of these agents against glioblastomas and their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier provides further support towards promising results and clinical translation of these agents for HGGs treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faiqa Mudassar
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Westmead, Australia
| | - Han Shen
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Westmead, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Geraldine O'Neill
- Children's Cancer Research Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Westmead, Australia
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Eric Hau
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, NSW, Westmead, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, NSW, Westmead, Australia
- Blacktown Hematology and Cancer Centre, Blacktown Hospital, NSW, Blacktown, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cruz-Gregorio A, Aranda-Rivera AK, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Human Papillomavirus-related Cancers and Mitochondria. Virus Res 2020; 286:198016. [PMID: 32445871 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although it has been established that persistent infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main cause in the development of cervical cancer, the HR-HPV infection is also related with the cause of a significant fraction of other human malignancies from the mucosal squamous epithelial such as anus, vagina, vulva, penis and oropharynx. HR-HPV infection induces cell proliferation, cell death evasion and genomic instability resulting in cell transformation, due to HPV proteins, which target and modify the function of differents cell molecules and organelles, such as mitochondria. Mitochondria are essential in the production of the cellular energy by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), in the metabolism of nucleotides, aminoacids (aa), and fatty acids, even in the regulation of cell death processes such as apoptosis or mitophagy. Thus, mitochondria have a significant role in the HPV-related cancer development. This review focuses on the role of HPV and mitochondria in HPV-related cancer development, and treatments associated to mitochondrial apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Cruz-Gregorio
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biology Department, Laboratories F-225, National Autonomous University of Mexico, CDMX, 04510, Mexico.
| | - Ana Karina Aranda-Rivera
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biology Department, Laboratories F-315, National Autonomous University of Mexico, CDMX, 04510, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico.
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biology Department, Laboratories F-315, National Autonomous University of Mexico, CDMX, 04510, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ruvinov I, Nguyen C, Scaria B, Vegh C, Zaitoon O, Baskaran K, Mehaidli A, Nunes M, Pandey S. Lemongrass Extract Possesses Potent Anticancer Activity Against Human Colon Cancers, Inhibits Tumorigenesis, Enhances Efficacy of FOLFOX, and Reduces Its Adverse Effects. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 18:1534735419889150. [PMID: 31845598 PMCID: PMC6918039 DOI: 10.1177/1534735419889150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Current chemotherapeutics for metastatic colorectal cancers have limited success
and are extremely toxic due to nonselective targeting. Some natural extracts
have been traditionally taken and have shown anticancer activity. These extracts
have multiple phytochemicals that can target different pathways selectively in
cancer cells. We have shown previously that lemongrass (Cymbopogon
citratus) extract is effective at inducing cell death in human
lymphomas. However, the efficacy of lemongrass extract on human colorectal
cancer has not been investigated. Furthermore, its interactions with current
chemotherapies for colon cancer is unknown. In this article, we report the
anticancer effects of ethanolic lemongrass extract in colorectal cancer models,
and importantly, its interactions with FOLFOX and Taxol. Lemongrass extract
induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells in a time and dose-dependent manner
without harming healthy cells in vitro. Oral administration of lemongrass
extract was well tolerated and effective at inhibiting colon cancer xenograft
growth in mice. It enhanced the anticancer efficacy of FOLFOX and,
interestingly, inhibited FOLFOX-related weight loss in animals given the
combination treatment. Furthermore, feeding lemongrass extract to
APCmin/+ transgenic mice led to the reduction of intestinal
tumors, indicating its preventative potential. Therefore, this natural extract
has potential to be developed as a supplemental treatment for colorectal
cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Caleb Vegh
- University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ola Zaitoon
- University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kirtonia A, Gala K, Fernandes SG, Pandya G, Pandey AK, Sethi G, Khattar E, Garg M. Repurposing of drugs: An attractive pharmacological strategy for cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 68:258-278. [PMID: 32380233 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human malignancies are one of the major health-related issues though out the world and anticipated to rise in the future. The development of novel drugs/agents requires a huge amount of cost and time that represents a major challenge for drug discovery. In the last three decades, the number of FDA approved drugs has dropped down and this led to increasing interest in drug reposition or repurposing. The present review focuses on recent concepts and therapeutic opportunities for the utilization of antidiabetics, antibiotics, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, PDE inhibitors and estrogen receptor antagonist, Antabuse, antiparasitic and cardiovascular agents/drugs as an alternative approach against human malignancies. The repurposing of approved non-cancerous drugs is an effective strategy to develop new therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer patients at an affordable cost in clinics. In the current scenario, most of the countries throughout the globe are unable to meet the medical needs of cancer patients because of the high cost of the available cancerous drugs. Some of these drugs displayed potential anti-cancer activity in preclinic and clinical studies by regulating several key molecular mechanisms and oncogenic pathways in human malignancies. The emerging pieces of evidence indicate that repurposing of drugs is crucial to the faster and cheaper discovery of anti-cancerous drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kirtonia
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Gouri Pandya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Amit Kumar Pandey
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Haryana, 122413, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Artesunate targets oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma via mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent oxidative damage and Akt/AMPK/mTOR inhibition. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2020; 52:113-121. [PMID: 31965456 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09823-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although mitochondrial metabolism has recently gained attention as a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer, little is known on the impact of mitochondrial respiration inhibition on oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Using in vitro and in vivo OTSCC models, our work demonstrates that inducing mitochondrial dysfunction by anti-malarial drug artesunate is effective in targeting OTSCC stem-cell like and bulk cells. Artesunate inhibits anchorage-independent colony formation, proliferation and survival in all tested OTSCC cell lines although with varying efficacy. Artesunate displays preferential anti-OTSCC activity by sparing normal cells. Mechanism analysis indicates that artesunate inhibits mitochondrial respiration via suppressing mitochondrial complex I and II but not IV or V, resulting in oxidative stress and damage. Interestingly, OTSCC cells that are more sensitive to artesunate have higher level of basal mitochondrial respiration and reversed respiratory capacity compared to those with less sensitivity to artesunate, suggesting the varying dependence on mitochondrial respiration among OTSCC cell lines. In addition, artesunate induces oxidative stress and damage in cells with low sensitivity to a less extent than in those with high sensitivity. We confirm that mitochondrial respiration inhibition is required for the action of artesunate in OTSCC. Mitochondrial dysfunction by artesunate further activates AMPK and suppresses Akt/mTOR. Importantly, the in vitro observations are reproducible in vivo OTSCC xenograft mouse model. Our findings provide pre-clinical evidence on the efficacy of artesunate and emphasize the therapeutic value of targeting mitochondrial respiration in OTSCC.
Collapse
|
23
|
Sun D, Wei Y, Zheng HX, Jin L, Wang J. Contribution of Mitochondrial DNA Variation to Chronic Disease in East Asian Populations. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:128. [PMID: 31803756 PMCID: PMC6873657 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the main producers of energy in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations (haplogroups), and these variations can contribute to human disease. East Asian populations show enrichment of many mitochondrial haplogroups, including A, B, D, G, M7, M8, M9, N9, R9, and exhibit half of the known haplogroups of worldwide. In this review, we summarize the current research in the field of mtDNA variation and associated disease in East Asian populations and discuss the physiological and pathological relevance of mitochondrial biology. mtDNA haplogroups are associated with various metabolic disorders ascribed to altered oxidative phosphorylation. The same mitochondrial haplogroup can show either a negative or positive association with different diseases. Mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, and mitochondrial oxidative stress, ultimately influence susceptibility to various diseases. In addition, mitochondrial retrograde signaling pathways may have profound effects on nuclear-mitochondrial interactions, affecting cellular morphology, and function. Other complex networks including proteostasis, mitochondrial unfolded protein response and reactive oxygen species signaling may also play pivotal roles in metabolic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dayan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Xiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gupta N, Srivastava SK. Atovaquone: An Antiprotozoal Drug Suppresses Primary and Resistant Breast Tumor Growth by Inhibiting HER2/β-Catenin Signaling. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1708-1720. [PMID: 31270151 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. In the current study, we evaluated the anticancer effects of an antiprotozoal drug, atovaquone, against several breast cancer cell lines. Our results showed that atovaquone treatment induced apoptosis and inhibited the growth of all the breast cancer cell lines tested, including several patient-derived cells. In addition, atovaquone treatment significantly reduced the expression of HER2, β-catenin, and its downstream molecules such as pGSK-3β, TCF-4, cyclin D1, and c-Myc in vitro Efficacy of atovaquone was further evaluated in an in vivo tumor model by orthotropic implantation of two highly aggressive 4T1 and CI66 breast cancer cells in the mammary fat pad of female mice. Our results demonstrated that oral administration of atovaquone suppressed the growth of CI66 and 4T1 tumors by 70% and 60%, respectively. Paclitaxel is the first-line chemotherapeutic agent for metastatic breast cancer. We demonstrate that atovaquone administration suppressed the growth of 4T1 paclitaxel-resistant tumors by 40%. Tumors from atovaquone-treated mice exhibited reduced HER2, β-catenin, and c-Myc levels alongside an increase in apoptosis in all the three tumor models when analyzed by Western blotting, IHC, and TUNEL assay. Taken together, our results indicate that atovaquone effectively reduces the growth of primary and paclitaxel-resistant breast tumors. Atovaquone is already in the clinics with high safety and tolerability profile. Therefore, the findings from our studies will potentially prompt further clinical investigation into repurposing atovaquone for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nehal Gupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas.,Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas
| | - Sanjay K Srivastava
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas. .,Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nguyen C, Pandey S. Exploiting Mitochondrial Vulnerabilities to Trigger Apoptosis Selectively in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E916. [PMID: 31261935 PMCID: PMC6678564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The transformation of normal cells to the cancerous stage involves multiple genetic changes or mutations leading to hyperproliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and evasion of the host immune system. However, to accomplish hyperproliferation, cancer cells undergo profound metabolic reprogramming including oxidative glycolysis and acidification of the cytoplasm, leading to hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. The majority of drug development research in the past has focused on targeting DNA replication, repair, and tubulin polymerization to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Unfortunately, these are not cancer-selective targets. Recently, researchers have started focusing on metabolic, mitochondrial, and oxidative stress vulnerabilities of cancer cells that can be exploited as selective targets for inducing cancer cell death. Indeed, the hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membranes in cancer cells can lead to selective importing of mitocans that can induce apoptotic effects. Herein, we will discuss recent mitochondrial-selective anticancer compounds (mitocans) that have shown selective toxicity against cancer cells. Increased oxidative stress has also been shown to be very effective in selectively inducing cell death in cancer cells. This oxidative stress could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn will produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS). This creates a vicious cycle of mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production, irreversibly leading to cell suicide. We will also explore the possibility of combining these compounds to sensitize cancer cells to the conventional anticancer agents. Mitocans in combination with selective oxidative-stress producing agents could be very effective anticancer treatments with minimal effect on healthy cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9E 3P4, Canada
| | - Siyaram Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9E 3P4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sun Y, Xu H, Chen X, Li X, Luo B. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration overcomes hepatocellular carcinoma chemoresistance. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 508:626-632. [PMID: 30522865 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.11.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The clinical management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging due to its resistance to chemotherapy. In our work, we demonstrate that an antiparasitic drug atovaquone at clinically relevant concentrations is active against chemoresistant HCC. We show that atovaquone inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in not only HCC parental cells but also cells exposed to long time culture of chemotherapeutic agents. Consistently, the combination of atovaquone with cisplatin or doxorubicin achieved remarkably greater efficacy than single drug alone. Mechanistically, atovaquone overcomes HCC chemoresistance via supressing mitochondrial respiration and inducing oxidative stress. Atovaquone but not cisplatin or doxorubicin is ineffective in mitochondrial respiration-deficient ρ0, confirming mitochondria as a specific upstream target of atovaquone. Interestingly, we show that prolonged exposure of HCC cells to chemotherapeutic agents induces higher level of mitochondrial respiration, suggesting that tumors which develop chemoresistance after chemotherapy might be more dependent on mitochondrial respiration than primary tumors and explaining the sensitivity of chemoresistant HCC cells to atovaquone. We further show that atovaquone at tolerable does significantly inhibits chemoresistant HCC growth in mice throughout the duration of treatment. In line with in vitro data, we observe the increased oxidative stress in atovaquone-treated tumors. Our findings highlight the dependency of chemoresistant HCC on mitochondrial respiration and demonstrate that atovaquone is a potential drug to overcome HCC chemoresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Hai Xu
- Huangjiahu Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xinju Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Baoping Luo
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Li G, Yin Q, Ji H, Wang Y, Liu H, Jiang L, Zhu F, Li B. A study on screening and antitumor effect of CD55-specific ligand peptide in cervical cancer cells. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:3899-3912. [PMID: 30519000 PMCID: PMC6239109 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s182337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background To improve the targeting ability of antitumor drugs, we identified the antigens with high expression on the surface of tumor cells associated with tumor escape, such as the complement regulatory protein CD55 molecule, which is also known as the decay accelerating factor. In this study, phage display technology was used to screen and identify CD55-specific ligand peptide (CD55sp) bound to CD55 molecule on the surface of cervical cancer HeLa cells. We then explored the role of this peptide in inhibiting the growth of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Our characterization of CD55sp will provide implication for tumor target therapy. Methods The phage bound to the surface of HeLa cells were isolated by phage display technology. Positive phage clones were identified by ELISA. Phage was then amplified and determined by agarose gel electrophoresis after monoclonal DNA extraction. DNA sequencing and bioinformatical analysis were conducted to obtain specific ligand peptides. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of CD55 molecule on the surface of tumor and normal cells. Subsequently, the effects of CD55sp on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa and SiHa cells were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and TUNEL assay, respectively. The morphology of apoptotic cells was examined by electron microscope. The distribution of Cleaved caspase-3 was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of bcl-2 and Cleaved caspase-3 were determined by Western blot. Results The results showed that the peptide (QVNGLGERSQQM) can bind to the CD55 molecule on the surface of cervical cancer HeLa and SiHa cells as a ligand peptide. It can also effectively inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells and induce cell apoptosis. Conclusion This study demonstrates that CD55sp screened by phage display technology plays a strong antitumor role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoxiang Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| | - Qifeng Yin
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| | - Huanhuan Ji
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yujuan Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| | - Huihui Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| | - Liangqian Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ke F, Yu J, Chen W, Si X, Li X, Yang F, Liao Y, Zuo Z. The anti-malarial atovaquone selectively increases chemosensitivity in retinoblastoma via mitochondrial dysfunction-dependent oxidative damage and Akt/AMPK/mTOR inhibition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 504:374-379. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|