1
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Feng T, Wang P, Zhang X. Skp2: A critical molecule for ubiquitination and its role in cancer. Life Sci 2024; 338:122409. [PMID: 38184273 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122409] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a multi-step process that serves as the primary pathway for protein degradation within cells. UPS activity also plays a crucial role in regulating various life processes, including the cell cycle, signal transduction, DNA repair, and others. The F-box protein Skp2, a crucial member of the UPS, plays a central role in the development of various diseases. Skp2 controls cancer cell growth and drug resistance by ubiquitinating modifications to a variety of proteins. This review emphasizes the multifaceted role of Skp2 in a wide range of cancers and the mechanisms involved, highlighting the potential of Skp2 as a therapeutic target in cancer. Additionally, we describe the impactful influence exerted by Skp2 in various other diseases beyond cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Feng
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Department of Urology, Shenyang 110032, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Basic Research for Bladder Diseases, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Ping Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Department of Urology, Shenyang 110032, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Basic Research for Bladder Diseases, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xiling Zhang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Department of Urology, Shenyang 110032, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Basic Research for Bladder Diseases, Shenyang 110000, China.
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2
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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3
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Li X, Yang F, He N, Zhang M, Lv Y, Yu Y, Dong Q, Hou X, Hao Y, An Z, Zhang H, Yang Z, Zhai H, Guo D, Cao Z, Jiang VC, Chen Y. YM155 inhibits neuroblastoma growth through degradation of MYCN: A new role as a USP7 inhibitor. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 181:106343. [PMID: 36436754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Amplification of the MYCN gene (MNA) is observed in approximately 25 to 35% of neuroblastoma patients, and is a well-recognized marker of tumor aggressiveness and poor outcome. Targeting MYCN is a novel therapy strategy to induce tumor regression. Here, we discovered that a BIRC5/Survivin inhibitor, YM155, specifically inhibits MNA neuroblastoma cell growth in vitro. We found that YM155 promotes MYCN degradation in MNA cells. Further, we found that YM155 inhibits USP7 deubiquitinase activity in vitro, using Ub-aminomethylcoumarin (Ub-AMC) as substrate. Results from in vivo studies further demonstrated that YM155 significantly inhibited the tumor growth in MNA neuroblastoma xenograft model. Our data support a novel mechanism of action of YM155 in inhibition of growth of cancer cells through inducing MYCN degradation by inibition of activity of deubiquitinase like USP7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Feili Yang
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Na He
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Ming Zhang
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Yan Lv
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Yue Yu
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Qian Dong
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Xiaofu Hou
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Yanbing Hao
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Zhida An
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Haiwen Zhang
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Zhen Yang
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Heiyan Zhai
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Dagang Guo
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Zhixiang Cao
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Vernon C Jiang
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA
| | - Yiyou Chen
- Cothera Bioscience, Inc., 155 Bovet Road, Suite 660, San Mateo, CA 94402, USA.
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4
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A Review of the Regulatory Mechanisms of N-Myc on Cell Cycle. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031141. [PMID: 36770809 PMCID: PMC9920120 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma has obvious heterogeneity. It is one of the few undifferentiated malignant tumors that can spontaneously degenerate into completely benign tumors. However, for its high-risk type, even with various intensive treatment options, the prognosis is still unsatisfactory. At the same time, a large number of research data show that the abnormal amplification and high-level expression of the MYCN gene are positively correlated with the malignant progression, poor prognosis, and mortality of neuroblastoma. In this context, this article explores the role of the N-Myc, MYCN gene expression product on its target genes related to the cell cycle and reveals its regulatory network in promoting tumor proliferation and malignant progression. We hope it can provide ideas and direction for the research and development of drugs targeting N-Myc and its downstream target genes.
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5
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Wu T, Gu X, Cui H. Emerging Roles of SKP2 in Cancer Drug Resistance. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051147. [PMID: 34068643 PMCID: PMC8150781 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
More than half of all cancer patients receive chemotherapy, however, some of them easily acquire drug resistance. Resistance to chemotherapy has become a massive obstacle to achieve high rates of pathological complete response during cancer therapy. S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), as an E3 ligase, was found to be highly correlated with drug resistance and poor prognosis. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms that Skp2 confers to drug resistance, including the Akt-Skp2 feedback loop, Skp2-p27 pathway, cell cycle and mitosis regulation, EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) property, enhanced DNA damage response and repair, etc. We also addressed novel molecules that either inhibit Skp2 expression or target Skp2-centered interactions, which might have vast potential for application in clinics and benefit cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wu
- Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
| | - Xinsheng Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China;
| | - Hongmei Cui
- Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China;
- Correspondence:
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6
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Zhao L, Lv C, Sun L, Li Q, Wang Y, Wu M, Wang Y, Guo Z, Bian S, Kong D, Lin L, Wang Y, Zhou J, Li Y. Histone deacetylase inhibitor chidamide regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by MYCN/DKK3 in B-ALL. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:961-970. [PMID: 33566253 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies revealed that MYCN downregulates the expression of DKK3, activates the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway at the transcriptional level, and thereby promotes the development of B cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia (B-ALL) but does not affect the methylation of the DKK3 promoter. Some studies have shown that MYCN is associated with histone acetylation. We speculate that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway by inhibiting MYCN and increasing the expression of DKK3. Based on previous experiments, we tested this hypothesis by analysing the changes in MYCN, DKK3 and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways in B-ALL cells after treatment with the selective HDACi chidamide. The in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that chidamide inhibited the expression of MYCN and increased the expression of DKK3 by inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylase, and these effects resulted in inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and the proliferation of B-ALL cells. These findings indicate that chidamide might be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy regimens for patients with B-ALL and thus provide a new approach to the treatment of B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengfang Lv
- Department of Hematology, Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuhuang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhibo Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Sicheng Bian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Desheng Kong
- Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Leilei Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yinghua Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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7
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Asmamaw MD, Liu Y, Zheng YC, Shi XJ, Liu HM. Skp2 in the ubiquitin-proteasome system: A comprehensive review. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1920-1949. [PMID: 32391596 DOI: 10.1002/med.21675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a complex process that regulates protein stability and activity by the sequential actions of E1, E2 and E3 enzymes to influence diverse aspects of eukaryotic cells. However, due to the diversity of proteins in cells, substrate selection is a highly critical part of the process. As a key player in UPS, E3 ubiquitin ligases recruit substrates for ubiquitination specifically. Among them, RING E3 ubiquitin ligases which are the most abundant E3 ubiquitin ligases contribute to diverse cellular processes. The multisubunit cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) are the largest family of RING E3 ubiquitin ligases with tremendous plasticity in substrate specificity and regulate a vast array of cellular functions. The F-box protein Skp2 is a component of CRL1 (the prototype of CRLs) which is expressed in many tissues and participates in multiple cellular functions such as cell proliferation, metabolism, and tumorigenesis by contributing to the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of several specific tumor suppressors. Most importantly, Skp2 plays a pivotal role in a plethora of cancer-associated signaling pathways. It enhances cell growth, accelerates cell cycle progression, promotes migration and invasion, and inhibits cell apoptosis among others. Hence, targeting Skp2 may represent a novel and attractive strategy for the treatment of different human cancers overexpressing this oncogene. In this review article, we summarized the known roles of Skp2 both in health and disease states in relation to the UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moges Dessale Asmamaw
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Henan Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control & Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Henan Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control & Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Henan Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control & Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Henan Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control & Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Henan Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control & Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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8
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Cai Z, Moten A, Peng D, Hsu CC, Pan BS, Manne R, Li HY, Lin HK. The Skp2 Pathway: A Critical Target for Cancer Therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 67:16-33. [PMID: 32014608 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.01.013] [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: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Strictly regulated protein degradation by ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is essential for various cellular processes whose dysregulation is linked to serious diseases including cancer. Skp2, a well characterized component of Skp2-SCF E3 ligase complex, is able to conjugate both K48-linked ubiquitin chains and K63-linked ubiquitin chains on its diverse substrates, inducing proteasome mediated proteolysis or modulating the function of tagged substrates respectively. Overexpression of Skp2 is observed in various human cancers associated with poor survival and adverse therapeutic outcomes, which in turn suggests that Skp2 engages in tumorigenic activity. To that end, the oncogenic properties of Skp2 are demonstrated by various genetic mouse models, highlighting the potential of Skp2 as a target for tackling cancer. In this article, we will describe the downstream substrates of Skp2 as well as upstream regulators for Skp2-SCF complex activity. We will further summarize the comprehensive oncogenic functions of Skp2 while describing diverse strategies and therapeutic platforms currently available for developing Skp2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Cai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
| | - Asad Moten
- National Capital Consortium, Department of Defense, Washington DC, 20307, USA; Institute for Complex Systems, HealthNovations International, Houston, TX, 77089, USA; Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Danni Peng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Che-Chia Hsu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Bo-Syong Pan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Rajeshkumar Manne
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hong-Yu Li
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Science, 200 South Cedar, Little Rock AR 72202, USA
| | - Hui-Kuan Lin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA; Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
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9
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Bibbo' S, Lamolinara A, Capone E, Purgato S, Tsakaneli A, Panella V, Sallese M, Rossi C, Ciufici P, Nieddu V, De Laurenzi V, Iezzi M, Perini G, Sala G, Sala A. Repurposing a psychoactive drug for children with cancer: p27 Kip1-dependent inhibition of metastatic neuroblastomas by Prozac. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:3. [PMID: 31900399 PMCID: PMC6949307 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYC family of transcription factors is a major driver of human cancer and potential therapeutic target. However, no clinically viable drugs have been yet developed that are able to directly tackle MYC oncoproteins. In our laboratory, we are exploring alternative approaches aiming to disturb signalling downstream of MYC. MYCN is frequently activated in neuroblastoma, a paediatric solid malignancy that, in its metastatic form, has a very poor prognosis. An important pathway regulated by MYC is the CKS1/SKP2/p27kip1 axis. In this study, we have repurposed the anti-psychotic drug Prozac to disrupt CKS1/SKP2/p27Kip1 signalling and assess its potential as an anti-neuroblastoma agent in vitro and in vivo. Using DNA editing technology, we show that stabilisation of p27Kip1 operated by Prozac in MYC-activated cells is essential for the anti-neuroblastoma activity of the drug. Furthermore, dosing mice with a concentration of Prozac equivalent to that used in long-term clinical trials in children with psychiatric disorders caused a significant reduction of metastatic disease in two models of high-risk neuroblastoma. The favourable toxicity profile of Prozac suggests that long-term treatments might be implemented in children with MYC/CKS1high neuroblastomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bibbo'
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, della Salute e del Territorio, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Emily Capone
- Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Dipartmento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefania Purgato
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologia, Universita' di Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alexia Tsakaneli
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, UB8 3PH, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Valeria Panella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, della Salute e del Territorio, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michele Sallese
- Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Dipartmento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cosmo Rossi
- Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Ciufici
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, della Salute e del Territorio, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Nieddu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, della Salute e del Territorio, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Dipartmento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanni Perini
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologia, Universita' di Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sala
- Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Dipartmento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Arturo Sala
- Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, della Salute e del Territorio, Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy. .,Centro di Studi e Tecnologie Avanzate (CAST), Università "G D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy. .,Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, UB8 3PH, Uxbridge, UK.
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10
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Montemurro L, Raieli S, Angelucci S, Bartolucci D, Amadesi C, Lampis S, Scardovi AL, Venturelli L, Nieddu G, Cerisoli L, Fischer M, Teti G, Falconi M, Pession A, Hrelia P, Tonelli R. A Novel MYCN-Specific Antigene Oligonucleotide Deregulates Mitochondria and Inhibits Tumor Growth in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma. Cancer Res 2019; 79:6166-6177. [PMID: 31615807 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Approximately half of high-risk neuroblastoma is characterized by MYCN amplification. N-Myc promotes tumor progression by inducing cell growth and inhibiting differentiation. MYCN has also been shown to play an active role in mitochondrial metabolism, but this relationship is not well understood. Although N-Myc is a known driver of the disease, it remains a target for which no therapeutic drug exists. Here, we evaluated a novel MYCN-specific antigene PNA oligonucleotide (BGA002) in MYCN-amplified (MNA) or MYCN-expressing neuroblastoma and investigated the mechanism of its antitumor activity. MYCN mRNA and cell viability were reduced in a broad set of neuroblastoma cell lines following BGA002 treatment. Furthermore, BGA002 decreased N-Myc protein levels and apoptosis in MNA neuroblastoma. Analysis of gene expression data from patients with neuroblastoma revealed that MYCN was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), downregulated mitophagy, and poor prognosis. Inhibition of MYCN caused profound mitochondrial damage in MNA neuroblastoma cells through downregulation of the mitochondrial molecular chaperone TRAP1, which subsequently increased ROS. Correspondingly, inhibition of MYCN reactivated mitophagy. Systemic administration of BGA002 downregulated N-Myc and TRAP1, with a concomitant decrease in MNA neuroblastoma xenograft tumor weight. In conclusion, this study highlights the role of N-Myc in blocking mitophagy in neuroblastoma and in conferring protection to ROS in mitochondria through upregulation of TRAP1. BGA002 is a potently improved MYCN-specific antigene oligonucleotide that reverts N-Myc-dysregulated mitochondrial pathways, leading to loss of the protective effect of N-Myc against mitochondrial ROS. SIGNIFICANCE: A second generation antigene peptide oligonucleotide targeting MYCN induces mitochondrial damage and inhibits growth of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Montemurro
- Interdepartmental Center for Cancer Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Angelucci
- Interdepartmental Center for Cancer Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Damiano Bartolucci
- Interdepartmental Center for Cancer Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Medical Faculty, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gabriella Teti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences-DBNS, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirella Falconi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences-DBNS, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Interdepartmental Center for Cancer Research, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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11
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Dimaras H, Corson TW. Retinoblastoma, the visible CNS tumor: A review. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:29-44. [PMID: 29314142 PMCID: PMC6034991 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The pediatric ocular cancer retinoblastoma is the only central nervous system (CNS) tumor readily observed without specialized equipment: it can be seen by, and in, the naked eye. This accessibility enables unique imaging modalities. Here, we review this cancer for a neuroscience audience, highlighting these clinical and research imaging options, including fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. We also discuss the subtype of retinoblastoma driven by the MYCN oncogene more commonly associated with neuroblastoma, and consider trilateral retinoblastoma, in which an intracranial tumor arises along with ocular tumors in patients with germline RB1 gene mutations. Retinoblastoma research and clinical care can offer insights applicable to CNS malignancies, and also benefit from approaches developed elsewhere in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Dimaras
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Division of Clinical Public Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Human Pathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Timothy W. Corson
- Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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12
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Mansour MA. Ubiquitination: Friend and foe in cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 101:80-93. [PMID: 29864543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic modulation and posttranslational modification of proteins are tightly controlled biological processes that occur in response to physiological cues. One such dynamic modulation is ubiquitination, which marks proteins for degradation via the proteasome, altering their localization, affecting their activity, and promoting or interfering with protein interactions. Hence, ubiquitination is crucial for a plethora of physiological processes, including cell survival, differentiation and innate and adaptive immunity. Similar to kinases, components of the ubiquitination system are often deregulated, leading to a variety of diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In a context-dependent manner, ubiquitination can regulate both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting pathways in cancer. This review outlines how components of the ubiquitination systems (e.g. E3 ligases and deubiquitinases) act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors according to the nature of their substrates. Furthermore, I interrogate how the current knowledge of the differential roles of ubiquitination in cancer lead to technical advances to inhibit or reactivate the components of the ubiquitination system accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Mansour
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; The CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, Switchback Road, G61 1BD, United Kingdom; Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
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13
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Kong D, Zhao L, Sun L, Fan S, Li H, Zhao Y, Guo Z, Lin L, Cui L, Wang K, Chen W, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Li Y. MYCN is a novel oncogenic target in adult B-ALL that activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by suppressing DKK3. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:3627-3637. [PMID: 29673070 PMCID: PMC6010754 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf‐3 (DKK3) is frequently down‐regulated by promoter hypermethylation and is closely associated with a poor prognosis in many cancers. Our previous studies have shown that miR‐708 down‐regulates DKK3 at the post‐transcriptional level in B‐ALL. However, whether transcriptional mechanisms lead to DKK3 silencing remains unclear. Here, we analysed the promoter regions of DKK3 by bioinformatics and found binding sites for MYCN. A dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay and ChIP experiments revealed that MYCN negatively regulates DKK3 at the transcriptional level in B‐ALL cell lines, and using bisulphite sequencing PCR, we affirmed that MYCN has no effect on the methylation of the DKK3 promoter. MYCN silencing in B‐ALL cells resulted in reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and G1 phase arrest. Treatment with MYCN siRNA or 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐AdC), a demethylating agent, significantly increased the levels of DKK3 mRNA and protein and decreased the protein levels of p‐GSK3β and nuclear β‐catenin, which indicates inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in vitro. MYCN knockdown significantly decreased the tumorigenic capacity of Nalm6 cells, which restored DKK3 levels and inhibited the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in vivo. Our study provides an increased understanding of adult B‐ALL pathogenesis, which may be beneficial to the development of effective prognostic markers or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desheng Kong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Hematology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Linlin Zhao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shengjin Fan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Huibo Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhibo Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Leilei Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Cui
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yihui Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yinghua Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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14
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Mohammad OS, Nyquist MD, Schweizer MT, Balk SP, Corey E, Plymate S, Nelson PS, Mostaghel EA. Supraphysiologic Testosterone Therapy in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer: Models, Mechanisms and Questions. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:E166. [PMID: 29210989 PMCID: PMC5742814 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9120166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since Huggins defined the androgen-sensitive nature of prostate cancer (PCa), suppression of systemic testosterone (T) has remained the most effective initial therapy for advanced disease although progression inevitably occurs. From the inception of clinical efforts to suppress androgen receptor (AR) signaling by reducing AR ligands, it was also recognized that administration of T in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) could result in substantial clinical responses. Data from preclinical models have reproducibly shown biphasic responses to T administration, with proliferation at low androgen concentrations and growth inhibition at supraphysiological T concentrations. Many questions regarding the biphasic response of PCa to androgen treatment remain, primarily regarding the mechanisms driving these responses and how best to exploit the biphasic phenomenon clinically. Here we review the preclinical and clinical data on high dose androgen growth repression and discuss cellular pathways and mechanisms likely to be involved in mediating this response. Although meaningful clinical responses have now been observed in men with PCa treated with high dose T, not all men respond, leading to questions regarding which tumor characteristics promote response or resistance, and highlighting the need for studies designed to determine the molecular mechanism(s) driving these responses and identify predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama S Mohammad
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt.
| | | | - Michael T Schweizer
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Stephen P Balk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Stephen Plymate
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Peter S Nelson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Elahe A Mostaghel
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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15
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Zhang MG, Lee JY, Gallo RA, Tao W, Tse D, Doddapaneni R, Pelaez D. Therapeutic targeting of oncogenic transcription factors by natural products in eye cancer. Pharmacol Res 2017; 129:365-374. [PMID: 29203441 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Carcinogenesis has a multifactorial etiology, and the underlying molecular pathogenesis is still not entirely understood, especially for eye cancers. Primary malignant intraocular neoplasms are relatively rare, but delayed detection and inappropriate management contribute to poor outcomes. Conventional treatment, such as orbital exenteration, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, alone results in high mortality for many of these malignancies. Recent sequential multimodal therapy with a combination of high-dose chemotherapy, followed by appropriate surgery, radiotherapy, and additional adjuvant chemotherapy has helped dramatically improve management. Transcription factors are proteins that regulate gene expression by modulating the synthesis of mRNA. Since transcription is a dominant control point in the production of many proteins, transcription factors represent key regulators for numerous cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, making them compelling targets for drug development. Natural compounds have been studied for their potential to be potent yet safe chemotherapeutic drugs. Since the ancient times, plant-derived bioactive molecules have been used to treat dreadful diseases like cancer, and several refined pharmaceutics have been developed from these compounds. Understanding targeting mechanisms of oncogenic transcription factors by natural products can add to our oncologic management toolbox. This review summarizes the current findings of natural products in targeting specific oncogenic transcription factors in various types of eye cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle G Zhang
- Dr Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - John Y Lee
- Dr Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Ryan A Gallo
- Dr Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Wensi Tao
- Dr Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - David Tse
- Dr Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Ravi Doddapaneni
- Dr Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Dr Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami College of Engineering, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
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16
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Duong C, Yoshida S, Chen C, Barisone G, Diaz E, Li Y, Beckett L, Chung J, Antony R, Nolta J, Nitin N, Satake N. Novel targeted therapy for neuroblastoma: silencing the MXD3 gene using siRNA. Pediatr Res 2017; 82:527-535. [PMID: 28419087 PMCID: PMC5766270 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundNeuroblastoma is the second most common extracranial cancer in children. Current therapies for neuroblastoma, which use a combination of chemotherapy drugs, have limitations for high-risk subtypes and can cause significant long-term adverse effects in young patients. Therefore, a new therapy is needed. In this study, we investigated the transcription factor MXD3 as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma.MethodsMXD3 expression was analyzed in five neuroblastoma cell lines by immunocytochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, and in 18 primary patient tumor samples by immunohistochemistry. We developed nanocomplexes using siRNA and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to target MXD3 in neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro as a single-agent therapeutic and in combination with doxorubicin, vincristine, cisplatin, or maphosphamide-common drugs used in current neuroblastoma treatment.ResultsMXD3 was highly expressed in neuroblastoma cell lines and in patient tumors that had high-risk features. Neuroblastoma cells treated in vitro with the MXD3 siRNA nanocomplexes showed MXD3 protein knockdown and resulted in cell apoptosis. Furthermore, on combining MXD3 siRNA nanocomplexes with each of the four drugs, all showed additive efficacy.ConclusionThese results indicate that MXD3 is a potential new target and that the use of MXD3 siRNA nanocomplexes is a novel therapeutic approach for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Duong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California,Stem Cell Program, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Sakiko Yoshida
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California,Stem Cell Program, University of California, Davis, California,Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University, Japan
| | - Cathy Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California,Stem Cell Program, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Gustavo Barisone
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California,Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Elva Diaz
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Yueju Li
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Laurel Beckett
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Jong Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Reuben Antony
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Jan Nolta
- Stem Cell Program, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Nitin Nitin
- Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Noriko Satake
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California,Stem Cell Program, University of California, Davis, California,Corresponding author: Noriko Satake, Department of Pediatrics, 2516 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, Phone: 916-734-2781, FAX: 916-451-3014,
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17
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Proliferation and Survival of Embryonic Sympathetic Neuroblasts by MYCN and Activated ALK Signaling. J Neurosci 2017; 36:10425-10439. [PMID: 27707976 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0183-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood tumor that arises from the sympathoadrenal lineage. MYCN amplification is the most reliable marker for poor prognosis and MYCN overexpression in embryonic mouse sympathetic ganglia results in NB-like tumors. MYCN cooperates with mutational activation of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which promotes progression to NB, but the role of MYCN and ALK in tumorigenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we use chick sympathetic neuroblasts to examine the normal function of MYCN and MYC in the control of neuroblast proliferation, as well as effects of overexpression of MYCN, MYC, and activated ALK, alone and in combination. We demonstrate that MYC is more strongly expressed than MYCN during neurogenesis and is important for in vitro neuroblast proliferation. MYC and MYCN overexpression elicits increased proliferation but does not sustain neuroblast survival. Unexpectedly, long-term expression of activated ALKF1174L leads to cell-cycle arrest and promotes differentiation and survival of postmitotic neurons. ALKF1174L induces NEFM, RET, and VACHT and results in decreased expression of proapototic (BMF, BIM), adrenergic (TH), and cell-cycle genes (e.g., CDC25A, CDK1). In contrast, neuroblast proliferation is maintained when MYCN and ALKF1174L are coexpressed. Proliferating MYCN/ALKF1174L neuroblasts display a differentiated phenotype but differ from ALK-expressing neurons by the upregulation of SKP2, CCNA2, E2F8, and DKC1 Inhibition of the ubiquitin ligase SKP2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 2), which targets the CDK inhibitor p27 for degradation, reduces neuroblast proliferation, implicating SKP2 in the maintained proliferation of MYCN/ALKF1174L neuroblasts. Together, our results characterize MYCN/ALK cooperation leading to neuroblast proliferation and survival that may represent initial steps toward NB development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT MYCN overexpression combined with activated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is sufficient to induce neuroblastoma (NB) in mouse sympathoadrenal cells. To address cellular and molecular effects elicited by MYCN/ALK cooperation, we used cultures of chick sympathetic neuroblasts. We demonstrate that MYCN increases proliferation but not survival, whereas long-term expression of ALKF1174L elicits cell-cycle exit, differentiation, and survival of postmitotic neurons. Combined MYCN/ALKF1174L expression allows long-term proliferation and survival of neuroblasts with differentiated characteristics. In the presence of ALKF1174L signaling, MYCN induces the expression of the ubiquitin ligase SKP2 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 2), which targets p27 for degradation and is also upregulated in high-risk NB. SKP2 inhibition supports a function for SKP2 in the maintained neuroblast proliferation downstream of MYCN/ALK, which may represent an early step toward tumorigenesis.
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18
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Qi DL, Cobrinik D. MDM2 but not MDM4 promotes retinoblastoma cell proliferation through p53-independent regulation of MYCN translation. Oncogene 2016; 36:1760-1769. [PMID: 27748758 PMCID: PMC5374018 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastomas can arise from cone photoreceptor precursors in response to the loss of pRB function. Cone precursor-specific circuitry cooperates with pRB loss to initiate this process and subsequently contributes to the malignancy. Intrinsic high-level MDM2 expression is a key component of the cone precursor circuitry and is thought to inactivate p53-mediated tumor surveillance, which could otherwise be induced in response to pRB loss. However, the MDM2-related MDM4 has also been proposed to abrogate p53-mediated tumor surveillance in the absence of detectable MDM2 in retinoblastoma cells, bringing into question the importance of high-level MDM2 versus MDM4 expression. Here we report that high-level MDM2 but not MDM4 has a consistent critical role in retinoblastoma cell proliferation in vitro, as well as in orthotopic xenografts. Reduction of either MDM2 or MDM4 weakly induced p53, yet reduction of MDM2 but not MDM4 severely impaired proliferation and survival through a p53-independent mechanism. Specifically, MDM2 upregulated the mRNA expression and translation of another component of the cone circuitry, MYCN, in retinoblastoma cells. Moreover, MYCN was essential to retinoblastoma cell growth and tumor formation, and ectopic MYCN partially reversed the effects of MDM2 depletion, indicating that MYCN is an important MDM2 target. These findings indicate that high-level MDM2 expression is needed in order to perform a critical p53-independent function and may obviate the need for genomic alterations to the p53 pathway during retinoblastoma tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D-L Qi
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - D Cobrinik
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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19
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Heo J, Eki R, Abbas T. Deregulation of F-box proteins and its consequence on cancer development, progression and metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 36:33-51. [PMID: 26432751 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
F-box proteins are substrate receptors of the SCF (SKP1-Cullin 1-F-box protein) E3 ubiquitin ligase that play important roles in a number of physiological processes and activities. Through their ability to assemble distinct E3 ubiquitin ligases and target key regulators of cellular activities for ubiquitylation and degradation, this versatile group of proteins is able to regulate the abundance of cellular proteins whose deregulated expression or activity contributes to disease. In this review, we describe the important roles of select F-box proteins in regulating cellular activities, the perturbation of which contributes to the initiation and progression of a number of human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinho Heo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rebeka Eki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tarek Abbas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Center for Cell Signaling, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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20
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Qi J, Ronai ZA. Dysregulation of ubiquitin ligases in cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2015; 23:1-11. [PMID: 26690337 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin ligases (UBLs) are critical components of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), which governs fundamental processes regulating normal cellular homeostasis, metabolism, and cell cycle in response to external stress signals and DNA damage. Among multiple steps of the UPS system required to regulate protein ubiquitination and stability, UBLs define specificity, as they recognize and interact with substrates in a temporally- and spatially-regulated manner. Such interactions are required for substrate modification by ubiquitin chains, which marks proteins for recognition and degradation by the proteasome or alters their subcellular localization or assembly into functional complexes. UBLs are often deregulated in cancer, altering substrate availability or activity in a manner that can promote cellular transformation. Such deregulation can occur at the epigenetic, genomic, or post-translational levels. Alterations in UBL can be used to predict their contributions, affecting tumor suppressors or oncogenes in select tumors. Better understanding of mechanisms underlying UBL expression and activities is expected to drive the development of next generation modulators that can serve as novel therapeutic modalities. This review summarizes our current understanding of UBL deregulation in cancer and highlights novel opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfei Qi
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21201, USA.
| | - Ze'ev A Ronai
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, 92037, USA.
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