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Zhang Q, Wu Q, Huan XJ, Song SS, Bao XB, Miao ZH, Wang YQ. Co-inhibition of BET and NAE enhances BIM-dependent apoptosis with augmented cancer therapeutic efficacy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116198. [PMID: 38588830 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Agents that inhibit bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins have been actively tested in the clinic as potential anticancer drugs. NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitors, represented by MLN4924, target the only activation enzyme in the neddylation pathway that has been identified as an attractive target for cancer therapy. In this study, we focus on the combination of BET inhibitors (BETis) and NAE inhibitors (NAEis) as a cancer therapeutic strategy and investigate its underlying mechanisms to explore and expand the application scope of both types of drugs. The results showed that this combination synergistically inhibited the proliferative activity of tumor cells from different tissues. Compared to a single drug, combination therapy had a weak effect on cycle arrest but significantly enhanced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the growth of NCI-H1975 xenografts in nude mice was significantly inhibited by the combination without obvious body weight loss. Research on the synergistic mechanism demonstrated that combination therapy significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of the proapoptotic gene BIM. The inhibition and knockout of BIM significantly attenuated the apoptosis induced by the combination, whereas the re-expression of BIM restored the synergistic effects, indicating that BIM induction plays a critical role in mediating the enhanced apoptosis induced by the co-inhibition of BET and NAE. Together, the enhanced transcription mediated by miR-17-92 cluster inhibition and reduced degradation promoted the increase in BIM levels, resulting in a synergistic effect. Collectively, these findings highlight the need for further clinical investigation into the combination of BETi and NAEi as a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xia-Juan Huan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shan-Shan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xu-Bin Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ze-Hong Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ying-Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
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Guo X, Adeyanju O, Olajuyin AM, Mandlem V, Sunil C, Adewumi J, Huang S, Tucker TA, Idell S, Qian G. MARCH8 downregulation modulates profibrotic responses including myofibroblast differentiation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1190-C1200. [PMID: 37661917 PMCID: PMC10854817 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00166.2023] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases can result in poor patient outcomes, especially in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe interstitial lung disease with unknown causes. The lack of treatment options requires further understanding of the pathological process/mediators. Membrane-associated RING-CH 8 (MARCH8) has been implicated in immune function regulation and inflammation, however, its role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis and particularly the fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) remains a gap in existing knowledge. In this study, we demonstrated decreased MARCH8 expression in patients with IPF compared with non-PF controls and in bleomycin-induced PF. TGF-β dose- and time-dependently decreased MARCH8 expression in normal and IPF human lung fibroblast (HLFs), along with induction of FMT markers α-SMA, collagen type I (Col-1), and fibronectin (FN). Interestingly, overexpression of MARCH8 significantly suppressed TGF-β-induced expression of α-SMA, Col-1, and FN. By contrast, the knockdown of MARCH8 using siRNA upregulated basal expression of α-SMA/Col-1/FN. Moreover, MARCH8 knockdown enhanced TGF-β-induced FMT marker expression. These data clearly show that MARCH8 is a critical "brake" for FMT and potentially affects PF. We further found that TGF-β suppressed MARCH8 mRNA expression and the proteasome inhibitor MG132 failed to block MARCH8 decrease induced by TGF-β. Conversely, TGF-β decreases mRNA levels of MARCH8 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, suggesting the transcriptional regulation of MARCH8 by TGF-β. Mechanistically, MARCH8 overexpression suppressed TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which may account for the observed effects. Taken together, this study demonstrated an unrecognized role of MARCH8 in negatively regulating FMT and profibrogenic responses relevant to interstitial lung diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY MARCH8 is an important modulator of inflammation, immunity, and other cellular processes. We found that MARCH8 expression is downregulated in the lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and experimental models of pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, TGF-β1 decreases MARCH8 transcriptionally in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). MARCH8 overexpression blunts TGF-β1-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast transition while knockdown of MARCH8 drives this profibrotic change in HLFs. The findings support further exploration of MARCH8 as a novel target in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Guo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Oluwaseun Adeyanju
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Ayobami Matthew Olajuyin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Venkatakirankumar Mandlem
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Christudas Sunil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Joy Adewumi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Steven Huang
- The Texas Lung Injury Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Torry A Tucker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
- The Texas Lung Injury Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Steven Idell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
- The Texas Lung Injury Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States
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Guo X, Olajuyin A, Tucker TA, Idell S, Qian G. BRD4 as a Therapeutic Target in Pulmonary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13231. [PMID: 37686037 PMCID: PMC10487829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713231] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic modulators that regulate gene transcription through interacting with acetylated lysine residues of histone proteins. BET proteins have multiple roles in regulating key cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, oxidative and redox balance, and immune responses. As a result, BET proteins have been found to be actively involved in a broad range of human lung diseases including acute lung inflammation, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to the identification of specific small molecular inhibitors of BET proteins, targeting BET in these lung diseases has become an area of increasing interest. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the beneficial effects of BET inhibitors in preclinical models of various human lung diseases. This is, in general, largely related to the ability of BET proteins to bind to promoters of genes that are critical for inflammation, differentiation, and beyond. By modulating these critical genes, BET proteins are integrated into the pathogenesis of disease progression. The intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is of particular interest, seems to act independently of its bromodomain binding activity, and has implication in some contexts. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the research on BET proteins with a focus on BRD4 in several major human lung diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as findings of targeting BET proteins using pharmaceutical inhibitors in different lung diseases preclinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA; (X.G.); (A.O.); (T.A.T.); (S.I.)
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Deng Y, Ma G, Vallega KA, Wang D, Wang M, Wang C, Wang S, Ramalingam SS, Sun SY. Therapeutic efficacy of the novel SHP2 degrader SHP2-D26, alone or in combination, against lung cancer is associated with modulation of p70S6K/S6, Bim and Mcl-1. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1558-1569. [PMID: 35449204 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00472-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
SHP2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase, plays a critical role in fully activating oncogenic signaling pathways such as Ras/MAPK downstream of cell surface tyrosine receptors (e.g., EGFR), which are often activated in human cancers, and thus has emerged as an attractive cancer therapeutic target. This study focused on evaluating the therapeutic potential of the novel SHP2 degrader, SHP2-D26 (D26), either alone or in combination, against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. While all tested NSCLC cell lines responded to D26 with IC50s of < 8 μM, a few cell lines (4/14) were much more sensitive than others with IC50s of ≤ 4 μM. There was no clear association between basal levels of SHP2 and cell sensitivities to D26. Moreover, D26 rapidly and potently decreased SHP2 levels in different NSCLC cell lines in a sustained way regardless of cell sensitivities to D26, suggesting that additional factors may impact cell response to D26. We noted that suppression of p70S6K/S6, but not ERK1/2, was associated with cell responses to D26. In the sensitive cell lines, D26 effectively increased Bim levels while decreasing Mcl-1 levels accompanied with the induction of apoptosis. When combined with the third generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib (AZD9291), synergistic effects on decreasing the survival of different osimertinib-resistant cell lines were observed with enhanced induction of apoptosis. Although D26 alone exerted moderate inhibition of the growth of NSCLC xenografts, the combination of osimertinib and D26 effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant xenografts, suggesting promising efficacy in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfu Deng
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guangzhi Ma
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Karin A Vallega
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mingliang Wang
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Changwei Wang
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Xu H, Xu G, Xu Q, Xu C, Zhou X, Bai Y, Yin L, Ding Y, Wang W. MLN2238 exerts its anti-tumor effects via regulating ROS/JNK/mitochondrial signaling pathways in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1040847. [PMID: 36386204 PMCID: PMC9659592 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1040847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a highly malignant tumor with limited treatment options that contributes largely to cancer-related deaths worldwide. Compared with traditional transcriptomic analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is emerging as a more advanced and popular tool for the in-depth exploration of cellular diversity and molecular complexity. As a next-generation proteasome inhibitor, MLN2238 presents better pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic responses in various cancers. However, its effects and mechanisms of action in iCCA remain unknown. Methods: iCCA tumor heterogeneity was determined based on 4,239 qualified scRNA-seq data from 10 iCCA samples. The potential biological roles of proteasome-related genes in iCCA were investigated using a pseudo-trajectory reconstruction. The effect of MLN2238 on iCCA cell proliferation was estimated using the CCK-8, EdU, and clone formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to examine the effect of added MLN2238 on cell cycle and apoptosis levels. Autophagic flux was detected using AdPlus-mCherry-GFP-LC3B cells. ROS levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using DCFH-DA probing and JC-1 staining. JNK activation and mitochondrial apoptosis were observed using western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. Finally, we used a tumor-bearing mouse model to validate its efficacy in vivo for iCCA treatment. Results: Proteasome-related genes were dysregulated in iCCA progression and expressed at higher levels in tumor tissues. MLN2238 suppressed cell proliferation, blocked the cell cycle in the G2/M phase, promoted apoptosis, and induced cytoprotective autophagy in iCCA cells. Furthermore, MLN2238 increased ROS levels and activated the JNK signaling pathway. Inhibition of ROS and JNK activation by NAC and SP600125 significantly reversed MLN2238-induced apoptosis. MLN2238 also suppressed the growth of iCCA tumors in vivo. Conclusion: Proteasome-related genes play pivotal roles in iCCA development. MLN2238, as a proteasome inhibitor, induces apoptosis in iCCA cells through ROS/JNK/mitochondrial signaling pathways, and hence, making MLN2238 a potential therapeutic choice for iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianhui Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohu Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yin
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Li M, Han Y, Wang C, Kang W, Jiang W, Zhang L, Tang Y. Dissecting super-enhancer driven transcriptional dependencies reveals novel therapeutic strategies and targets for group 3 subtype medulloblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:311. [PMID: 36273157 PMCID: PMC9587669 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and group 3 subtype medulloblastoma (G3-MB) exhibits the worst prognosis. Super enhancers (SEs) are large clusters of enhancers that play important roles in cancer through transcriptional control of cell identity genes, oncogenes and tumor-dependent genes. Dissecting SE-driven transcriptional dependencies of cancer leads to identification of novel oncogenic mechanisms, therapeutic strategies and targets. METHODS Integrative SE analyses of primary tissues and patient-derived tumor cell lines of G3-MB were performed to extract the conserved SE-associated gene signatures and their oncogenic potentials were evaluated by gene expression, tumor-dependency and patient prognosis analyses. SE-associated subtype-specific upregulated tumor-dependent genes, which were revealed as members of SE-driven core transcriptional regulatory network of G3-MB, were then subjected to functional validation and mechanistic investigation. SE-associated therapeutic potential was further explored by genetic or pharmaceutical targeting of SE complex components or SE-associated subtype-specific upregulated tumor-dependent genes individually or in combination, and the underlying therapeutic mechanisms were also examined. RESULTS The identified conserved SE-associated transcripts of G3-MB tissues and cell lines were enriched of subtype-specifically upregulated tumor-dependent genes and MB patients harboring enrichment of those transcripts exhibited worse prognosis. Fourteen such conserved SE-associated G3-MB-specific upregulated tumor-dependent genes were identified to be members of SE-driven core transcriptional regulatory network of G3-MB, including three well-recognized TFs (MYC, OTX2 and CRX) and eleven newly identified downstream effector genes (ARL4D, AUTS2, BMF, IGF2BP3, KIF21B, KLHL29, LRP8, MARS1, PSMB5, SDK2 and SSBP3). An OTX2-SE-ARL4D regulatory axis was further revealed to represent a subtype-specific tumor dependency and therapeutic target of G3-MB via contributing to maintaining cell cycle progression and inhibiting neural differentiation of tumor cells. Moreover, BET inhibition with CDK7 inhibition or proteasome inhibition, two combinatory strategies of targeting SE complex components (BRD4, CDK7) or SE-associated effector gene (PSMB5), were shown to exhibit synergistic therapeutic effects against G3-MB via stronger suppression of SE-associated transcription or higher induction of ER stress, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study verifies the oncogenic role and therapeutic potential of SE-driven transcriptional dependencies of G3-MB, resulting in better understanding of its tumor biology and identification of novel SE-associated therapeutic strategies and targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025 Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujie Han
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025 Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaochen Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XZJU-UoE Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenfeng Kang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025 Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Jiang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025 Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025 Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujie Tang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of National Ministry of Education, Department of Pathophysiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, 200025 Shanghai, People’s Republic of China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025 People’s Republic of China
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Mivebresib synergized with PZ703b, a novel Bcl-xl PROTAC degrader, induces apoptosis in bladder cancer cells via the mitochondrial pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 623:120-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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Mcl-1 levels critically impact the sensitivities of human colorectal cancer cells to APG-1252-M1, a novel Bcl-2/Bcl-XL dual inhibitor that induces Bax-dependent apoptosis. Neoplasia 2022; 29:100798. [PMID: 35462114 PMCID: PMC9046866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
New treatment options, such as targeted therapies, are urgently needed for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The current study focuses on demonstrating the therapeutic efficacies of APG-1252-M1 (an active form of the prodrug, APG-1252 or pelcitoclax), a highly potent Bcl-2/Bcl-XL dual inhibitor in clinical trials, against CRC and understanding the underlying mechanisms. APG-1252-M1 effectively decreased the survival of CRC cell lines, particularly those expressing relatively low levels of Mcl-1, with the induction of apoptosis. High levels of Mcl-1 were significantly correlated with decreased sensitivity of CRC cell lines to APG-1252-M1. When combined with an Mcl-1 inhibitor, APG-1252-M1 synergistically decreased the survival and induced apoptosis of APG-1252-M1-insensitive cell lines with high levels of Mcl-1. This combination further decreased the survival and enhanced apoptosis even in sensitive cell lines with relatively low levels of Mcl-1, whereas enforced expression of ectopic Mcl-1 in these cells abrogated APG-1252-M1’s effects on decreasing cell survival and inducing apoptosis, which could be reversed by Mcl-1 inhibition. APG-1252-M1 rapidly induced cytochrome C and Smac release from mitochondria with caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Deficiency of Bax in CRC cells abolished APG-1252-M1’s ability to induce apoptosis, indicating that APG-1252-M1 induces Bax-dependent apoptosis. The current study thus demonstrates the potential of APG-1252-M1 as a monotherapy in the treatment of CRC, particularly those with low Mcl-1 expression, or in combination with an Mcl-1 inhibitor, warranting further evaluation in vivo and in the clinic.
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Guo X, Adeyanju O, Sunil C, Mandlem V, Olajuyin A, Huang S, Chen SY, Idell S, Tucker TA, Qian G. DOCK2 contributes to pulmonary fibrosis by promoting lung fibroblast to myofibroblast transition. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C133-C144. [PMID: 35584329 PMCID: PMC9273279 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00067.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common chronic interstitial lung disease and is characterized by progressive scarring of the lung. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays an essential role in IPF and drives fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT). Dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) is known to regulate diverse immune functions by activating Rac and has been recently implicated in pleural fibrosis. We now report a novel role of DOCK2 in pulmonary fibrosis development by mediating FMT. In primary normal and IPF human lung fibroblasts (HLFs), TGF-β induced DOCK2 expression concurrent with FMT markers, smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), collagen-1, and fibronectin. Knockdown of DOCK2 significantly attenuated TGF-β-induced expression of these FMT markers. In addition, we found that the upregulation of DOCK2 by TGF-β is dependent on both Smad3 and ERK pathways as their respective inhibitors blocked TGF-β-mediated induction. TGF-β also stabilized DOCK2 protein, which contributes to increased DOCK2 expression. In addition, DOCK2 was also dramatically induced in the lungs of patients with IPF and in bleomycin, and TGF-β induced pulmonary fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, increased lung DOCK2 expression colocalized with the FMT marker α-SMA in the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model, implicating DOCK2 in the regulation of lung fibroblast phenotypic changes. Importantly, DOCK2 deficiency also attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and α-SMA expression. Taken together, our study demonstrates a novel role of DOCK2 in pulmonary fibrosis by modulating FMT and suggests that targeting DOCK2 may present a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention or treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Guo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Oluwaseun Adeyanju
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Christudas Sunil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Venkatakirankumar Mandlem
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Ayobami Olajuyin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Steven Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Steven Idell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
- The Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, Texas
| | - Torry A Tucker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
- The Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, Texas
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
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10
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Qian G, Adeyanju O, Sunil C, Huang SK, Chen SY, Tucker TA, Idell S, Guo X. Dedicator of Cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) Deficiency Attenuates Lung Injury Associated with Chronic High-Fat and High-Fructose Diet-Induced Obesity. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:226-238. [PMID: 34767813 PMCID: PMC8883439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a major risk factor for lung disease development. However, little is known about the impact of chronic high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet-induced obesity on lung inflammation and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. Herein we hypothesized that dedicator of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) promotes a proinflammatory phenotype of lung fibroblasts (LFs) to elicit lung injury and fibrosis in chronic HFHF diet-induced obesity. An HFHF diet for 20 weeks induced lung inflammation and profibrotic changes in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. CD68 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression were notably increased in the lungs of wild-type mice fed an HFHF diet. An HFHF diet further increased lung DOCK2 expression that co-localized with fibroblast-specific protein 1, suggesting a role of DOCK2 in regulating proinflammatory phenotype of LFs. Importantly, DOCK2 knockout protected mice from lung inflammation and fibrosis induced by a HFHF diet. In primary human LFs, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β induced DOCK2 expression concurrent with MCP-1, IL-6, and matrix metallopeptidase 2. DOCK2 knockdown suppressed TNF-α-induced expression of these molecules and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways, suggesting a mechanism of DOCK2-mediated proinflammatory and profibrotic changes in human LFs. Taken together, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized role of DOCK2 in regulating proinflammatory phenotype of LFs, potentiation of lung inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis in chronic HFHF diet-caused obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Oluwaseun Adeyanju
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Christudas Sunil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Steven K. Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Torry A. Tucker
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Steven Idell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas
| | - Xia Guo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia,Address correspondence to Xia Guo, Ph.D., Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US Highway 271, Lab A-1, Tyler, TX 75708.
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11
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Wang Q, Chen W, Zhang B, Gao Z, Zhang Q, Deng H, Han L, Shen XL. Perfluorooctanoic acid induces hepatocellular endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in vitro via endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria communication. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 354:109844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Qian G, Adeyanju O, Roy S, Sunil C, Jeffers A, Guo X, Ikebe M, Idell S, Tucker TA. DOCK2 Promotes Pleural Fibrosis by Modulating Mesothelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 66:171-182. [PMID: 34710342 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0175oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelial to mesenchymal transition (MesoMT) is one of the crucial mechanisms underlying pleural fibrosis, which results in restrictive lung disease. DOCK2 plays important roles in immune functions, however, its role in pleural fibrosis particularly MesoMT remains unknown. We found that DOCK2 and the MesoMT maker α-SMA were significantly elevated and colocalized in the thickened pleura of patients with nonspecific pleuritis, suggesting the involvement of DOCK2 in the pathogenesis of MesoMT and pleural fibrosis. Likewise, data from three different pleural fibrosis models (TGF-β, carbon black/bleomycin, and streptococcal empyema) consistently demonstrated DOCK2 upregulation and its colocalization with α-SMA in the pleura. In addition, induced DOCK2 colocalized with the mesothelial marker calretinin, implicating DOCK2 in the regulation of MesoMT. Our in vivo data also showed that DOCK2 knockout mice were protected from Streptococcus pneumoniae induced pleural fibrosis, impaired lung compliance, and collagen deposition. To determine the involvement of DOCK2 in MesoMT, we treated primary human pleural mesothelial cells with the potent MesoMT inducer TGF-β. TGF-β significantly induced DOCK2 expression in a time-dependent manner, along with α-SMA, collagen 1, and fibronectin. Furthermore, DOCK2 knockdown significantly attenuated TGF-β induced α-SMA, collagen 1 and fibronectin expression, suggesting the importance of DOCK2 in TGF-β induced MesoMT. DOCK2 knockdown also inhibited TGF-β induced Snail upregulation, which may account for its role in regulating MesoMT. Taken together, the current study provides evidence that DOCK2 contributes to the pathogenesis of pleural fibrosis by mediating MesoMT and deposition of neomatrix and may represent a novel target for its prevention or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Qian
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States;
| | - Oluwaseun Adeyanju
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Saptarshi Roy
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Christudas Sunil
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Ann Jeffers
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Xia Guo
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Mitsuo Ikebe
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Steven Idell
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, Texas, United States
| | - Torry A Tucker
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 12341, Texas Lung Injury Institute, Tyler, Texas, United States
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13
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Zhu L, Chen Z, Zang H, Fan S, Gu J, Zhang G, Sun KDY, Wang Q, He Y, Owonikoko TK, Ramalingam SS, Sun SY. Targeting c-Myc to overcome acquired resistance of EGFR mutant NSCLC cells to the third generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, osimertinib. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4822-4834. [PMID: 34289988 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Osimertinib (AZD9291 or TAGRISSOTM) is a promising and approved third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR-activating mutations or the resistant T790M mutation. However, the inevitable emergence of acquired resistance limits its long-term efficacy. A fuller understanding of the mechanism of action of osimertinib and its linkage to acquired resistance will enable the development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies. Consequently, we have identified a novel connection between osimertinib or other EGFR TKI and c-Myc. Osimertinib rapidly and sustainably decreased c-Myc levels primarily via enhancing protein degradation in EGFR-mutant (EGFRm) NSCLC cell lines and xenograft tumors. c-Myc levels were substantially elevated in different EGFRm NSCLC cell lines with acquired resistance to osimertinib in comparison with their corresponding parental cell lines and could not be reduced any further by osimertinib. Consistently, c-Myc levels were elevated in the majority of EGFRm NSCLC tissues relapsed from EGFR-TKI treatment compared to their corresponding untreated baseline c-Myc levels. Suppression of c-Myc through knockdown or pharmacological targeting with BET inhibitors restored the response of resistant cell lines to osimertinib. These findings indicate that c-Myc modulation mediates the therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib and the development of osimertinib-acquired resistance. Furthermore, they establish c-Myc as a potential therapeutic target and warrant clinical testing of BET inhibition as a potential strategy to overcome acquired resistance to osimertinib or other EGFR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Zhen Chen
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Hongjing Zang
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
| | - Jiajia Gu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | | | - Kevin D-Y Sun
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Qiming Wang
- Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University
| | - Yong He
- Daping Hospital, Army Medical University
| | | | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine
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14
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Inhibition of MEK5/ERK5 signaling overcomes acquired resistance to the third generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib, via enhancing Bim-dependent apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2021; 519:141-149. [PMID: 34245854 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The promising therapeutic efficacy of the third generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib (AZD9291), for the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been demonstrated in the clinic both as first-line and second line therapy. However, inevitable acquired resistance limits its long-term benefit to patients and is thus a significant clinical challenge. The current study focuses on studying the potential role of targeting MEK5-ERK5 signaling in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib. Osimertinib and other third generation EGFR inhibitors exerted a rapid and sustained suppressive effect on ERK5 phosphorylation primarily in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines and lost this activity in some osimertinib-resistant cell lines. Osimertinib combined with either ERK5 or MEK5 inhibitors synergistically decreased the survival of osimertinib-resistant cell lines with enhanced induction of apoptosis primarily via augmenting Bim expression. Moreover, the combination effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant xenografts in vivo. Together, these findings suggest the potential role of MEK5-ERK5 signaling in modulating development of acquired resistance to osimertinib and value of targeting this signaling as a potential strategy in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib and possibly other third generation EGFR inhibitors.
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15
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Zulkifli A, Tan FH, Areeb Z, Stuart SF, Gomez J, Paradiso L, Luwor RB. Carfilzomib Promotes the Unfolded Protein Response and Apoptosis in Cetuximab-Resistant Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137114. [PMID: 34281166 PMCID: PMC8269417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab is a common treatment option for patients with wild-type K-Ras colorectal carcinoma. However, patients often display intrinsic resistance or acquire resistance to cetuximab following treatment. Here we generate two human CRC cells with acquired resistance to cetuximab that are derived from cetuximab-sensitive parental cell lines. These cetuximab-resistant cells display greater in vitro proliferation, colony formation and migration, and in vivo tumour growth compared with their parental counterparts. To evaluate potential alternative therapeutics to cetuximab-acquired-resistant cells, we tested the efficacy of 38 current FDA-approved agents against our cetuximab-acquired-resistant clones. We identified carfilzomib, a selective proteosome inhibitor to be most effective against our cell lines. Carfilzomib displayed potent antiproliferative effects, induced the unfolded protein response as determined by enhanced CHOP expression and ATF6 activity, and enhanced apoptosis as determined by enhanced caspase-3/7 activity. Overall, our results indicate a potentially novel indication for carfilzomib: that of a potential alternative agent to treat cetuximab-resistant colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Zulkifli
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; (A.Z.); (F.H.T.); (Z.A.); (S.F.S.); (J.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Fiona H. Tan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; (A.Z.); (F.H.T.); (Z.A.); (S.F.S.); (J.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Zammam Areeb
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; (A.Z.); (F.H.T.); (Z.A.); (S.F.S.); (J.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Sarah F. Stuart
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; (A.Z.); (F.H.T.); (Z.A.); (S.F.S.); (J.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Juliana Gomez
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; (A.Z.); (F.H.T.); (Z.A.); (S.F.S.); (J.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Lucia Paradiso
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; (A.Z.); (F.H.T.); (Z.A.); (S.F.S.); (J.G.); (L.P.)
| | - Rodney B. Luwor
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Clinical Sciences Building, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia; (A.Z.); (F.H.T.); (Z.A.); (S.F.S.); (J.G.); (L.P.)
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8344-3027; Fax: +61-3-9347-6488
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16
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Zhao L, Zhu L, Oh YT, Qian G, Chen Z, Sun SY. Rictor, an essential component of mTOR complex 2, undergoes caspase-mediated cleavage during apoptosis induced by multiple stimuli. Apoptosis 2021; 26:338-347. [PMID: 33905036 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-021-01676-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-mediated cleavage of proteins ensures the irreversible commitment of cells to undergo apoptosis, and is thus a hallmark of apoptosis. Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (rictor) functions primarily as a core and essential component of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) to critically regulate cellular homeostasis. However, its role in the regulation of apoptosis is largely unknown. In the current study, we found that rictor was cleaved to generate two small fragments at ~ 50 kD and ~ 130 kD in cells undergoing apoptosis upon treatment with different stimuli such as the death ligand, TRAIL, and the small molecule, AZD9291. This cleavage was abolished when caspases were inhibited and could be reproduced when directly incubating rictor protein and caspase-3 in vitro. Furthermore, the cleavage site of caspase-3 on rictor was mapped at D1244 (VGVD). These findings together robustly demonstrate that rictor is a substrate of caspase-3 and undergoes cleavage during apoptosis. These results add new information for understanding the biology of rictor in the regulation of cell survival and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Screening & Evaluation, Wannan Medical College School of Pharmacy and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - You-Take Oh
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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17
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Paradzik T, Bandini C, Mereu E, Labrador M, Taiana E, Amodio N, Neri A, Piva R. The Landscape of Signaling Pathways and Proteasome Inhibitors Combinations in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1235. [PMID: 33799793 PMCID: PMC8000754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells, characterized by an extreme genetic heterogeneity that poses great challenges for its successful treatment. Due to antibody overproduction, MM cells depend on the precise regulation of the protein degradation systems. Despite the success of PIs in MM treatment, resistance and adverse toxic effects such as peripheral neuropathy and cardiotoxicity could arise. To this end, the use of rational combinatorial treatments might allow lowering the dose of inhibitors and therefore, minimize their side-effects. Even though the suppression of different cellular pathways in combination with proteasome inhibitors have shown remarkable anti-myeloma activities in preclinical models, many of these promising combinations often failed in clinical trials. Substantial progress has been made by the simultaneous targeting of proteasome and different aspects of MM-associated immune dysfunctions. Moreover, targeting deranged metabolic hubs could represent a new avenue to identify effective therapeutic combinations with PIs. Finally, epigenetic drugs targeting either DNA methylation, histone modifiers/readers, or chromatin remodelers are showing pleiotropic anti-myeloma effects alone and in combination with PIs. We envisage that the positive outcome of patients will probably depend on the availability of more effective drug combinations and treatment of early MM stages. Therefore, the identification of sensitive targets and aberrant signaling pathways is instrumental for the development of new personalized therapies for MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Paradzik
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (T.P.); (C.B.); (E.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Cecilia Bandini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (T.P.); (C.B.); (E.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Elisabetta Mereu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (T.P.); (C.B.); (E.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Maria Labrador
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (T.P.); (C.B.); (E.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Elisa Taiana
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy; (E.T.); (A.N.)
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Cà Granda IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Antonino Neri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy; (E.T.); (A.N.)
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Cà Granda IRCCS, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Piva
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (T.P.); (C.B.); (E.M.); (M.L.)
- Città Della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
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18
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Zong D, Gu J, Cavalcante GC, Yao W, Zhang G, Wang S, Owonikoko TK, He X, Sun SY. BRD4 Levels Determine the Response of Human Lung Cancer Cells to BET Degraders That Potently Induce Apoptosis through Suppression of Mcl-1. Cancer Res 2020; 80:2380-2393. [PMID: 32156781 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer consists of approximately 80% non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 20% small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide despite advances in early diagnosis, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Thus, novel therapies are still urgently needed. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins, primarily comprised of BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 proteins, function as epigenetic readers and master transcription coactivators and are now recognized cancer therapeutic targets. BET degraders such as ZBC260 and dBET represent a novel class of BET inhibitors that act by inducing BET degradation. The current study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacies of BET degraders, particularly ZBC260, against lung cancer, as well as understanding the underlying mechanisms and identifying molecular markers that determine cell sensitivity to BET degraders. A panel of NSCLC cell lines possessed similar response patterns to ZBC260 and dBET but different responses to BET inhibitor JQ-1. BRD levels, particularly BRD4, correlated positively with high sensitivity to BET degraders but not to JQ-1. BET degraders potently induced apoptosis in sensitive NSCLC cells and were accompanied by reduction of Mcl-1 and c-FLIP levels, which are critical for mediating induction of apoptosis and enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, ZBC260 exerted more potent activity than JQ-1 in vivo against the growth of NSCLC xenografts and patient-derived xenografts. These findings warrant future clinical validation of the efficacy of BET degraders in NSCLC, particularly those with high levels of BRD proteins, especially BRD4. SIGNIFICANCE: The current study demonstrates the potential of novel BET degraders in the treatment of lung cancer and warrants clinical validation of BET degraders in lung cancer with high levels of BRD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jiajia Gu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Giovanna C Cavalcante
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.,Laboratory of Human and Medical Genetics, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Weilong Yao
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Guojing Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xia He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China.
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.
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19
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Zang H, Qian G, Arbiser J, Owonikoko TK, Ramalingam SS, Fan S, Sun SY. Overcoming acquired resistance of EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells to the third generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib, with the natural product honokiol. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:882-895. [PMID: 32003107 PMCID: PMC7138398 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of acquired resistance to osimertinib (Osim) (AZD9291 or TAGRISSOTM), an FDA‐approved third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor for the treatment of EGFR‐mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), limits the long‐term benefits for patients. Thus, effective treatment options are urgently needed. To this end, we explored whether honokiol (HNK), a natural product with potential antitumor activity, may be used to overcome Osim resistance. The combination of HNK and Osim synergistically decreased the survival of several Osim ‐resistant cell lines with enhanced effects on inhibiting cell colony formation and growth and on inducing apoptosis. This combination also showed greater growth suppression of Osim‐resistant xenograft tumors including those with 19del, T790M, and C797S triple mutations in nude mice. Mechanistically, the augmented induction of apoptosis by the combination is largely due to enhanced Mcl‐1 reduction through facilitating its degradation. A synthetic HNK derivative exerted similar effects with greater efficacy. Our findings warrant further study of HNK and its derivatives in overcoming Osim resistance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjing Zang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jack Arbiser
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
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20
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Zang H, Qian G, Zong D, Fan S, Owonikoko TK, Ramalingam SS, Sun SY. Overcoming acquired resistance of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant non-small cell lung cancer cells to osimertinib by combining osimertinib with the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589). Cancer 2020; 126:2024-2033. [PMID: 31999837 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major clinical obstacle that limits the long-term benefits of treatment with osimertinib (AZD9291) in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant non-small cell lung cancer is the development of acquired resistance. Therefore, effective strategies that can overcome acquired resistance to osimertinib are urgently needed. The authors' current efforts in this direction have identified LBH589 (panobinostat), a clinically used histone deacetylase inhibitor, as a potential agent in overcoming osimertinib resistance. METHODS Cell growth and apoptosis in vitro were evaluated by measuring cell numbers and colony formation and by detecting annexin V-positive cells and protein cleavage, respectively. Drug effects on tumor growth in vivo were assessed with xenografts in nude mice. Alterations of tested proteins in cells were monitored with Western blot analysis. Gene knockout was achieved using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. RESULTS The combination of LBH589 and osimertinib synergistically decreased the survival of different osimertinib-resistant cell lines, including those harboring C797S mutations, with greater inhibition of cell colony formation and growth. The combination enhanced the induction of apoptosis in osimertinib-resistant cells. Importantly, the combination effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant xenograft tumors in nude mice. Mechanistically, the combination of LBH589 and osimertinib enhanced the elevation of Bim in osimertinib-resistant cells. Knockout of Bim in osimertinib-resistant cells substantially attenuated or abolished apoptosis enhanced by the LBH589 and osimertinib combination. These results collectively support a critical role of Bim elevation in the induction of apoptosis of osimertinib-resistant cells for this combination. CONCLUSIONS The current findings provide strong preclinical evidence in support of the potential for LBH589 to overcome osimertinib resistance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjing Zang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dan Zong
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
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21
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Li Y, Zang H, Qian G, Owonikoko TK, Ramalingam SR, Sun SY. ERK inhibition effectively overcomes acquired resistance of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant non-small cell lung cancer cells to osimertinib. Cancer 2019; 126:1339-1350. [PMID: 31821539 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osimertinib (AZD9291), a third-generation, mutation-selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), is an approved drug for patients who have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutations or those harboring a resistant T790M mutation. Unfortunately, all patients eventually relapse and develop resistance to osimertinib. The current study addressed whether ERK inhibition exerts effects similar to those produced by MEK inhibition in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib. METHODS Drug effects on cell and tumor growth were assessed by measuring cell number alterations and colony formation in vitro and with xenografts in nude mice in vivo. Apoptosis was assessed with annexin V/flow cytometry and protein cleavage. Protein alterations in cells were detected with Western blot analysis. Gene overexpression and knockout were achieved with lentiviral infection and CRISPR/Cas9, respectively. RESULTS The combination of osimertinib with an ERK inhibitor synergistically decreased the survival of osimertinib-resistant cell lines with enhanced induction of apoptosis and effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant xenografts in nude mice. Moreover, the combination of an MEK or ERK inhibitor with a first-generation (eg, erlotinib) or second-generation (eg, afatinib) EGFR-TKI also very effectively inhibited the growth of osimertinib-resistant cells in vitro and of tumors in vivo, although these cell lines were cross-resistant to first-generation or second-generation EGFR-TKIs. CONCLUSIONS The current findings emphasize the importance of targeting MEK/ERK signaling in maintaining the long-term benefit of osimertinib through overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib, warranting further investigation of this therapeutic strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of osimertinib in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hongjing Zang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suresh R Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
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22
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Abruzzese MP, Bilotta MT, Fionda C, Zingoni A, Soriani A, Petrucci MT, Ricciardi MR, Molfetta R, Paolini R, Santoni A, Cippitelli M. The homeobox transcription factor MEIS2 is a regulator of cancer cell survival and IMiDs activity in Multiple Myeloma: modulation by Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) protein inhibitors. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:324. [PMID: 30975979 PMCID: PMC6459881 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Myeloid Ecotropic Insertion Site 2 (MEIS2) has been identified as a cellular substrate of the E3-ubiquitin ligase complex CRL4-cereblon (CRL4CRBN) in crystal structure and by biochemical screen. Emerging evidence suggests that IMiDs can block MEIS2 from binding to CRBN facilitating the subsequent activation of a CRL4CRBNIMiD-E3-ubiquitin ligase activity and proteasome-mediated degradation of critical substrates regulators of Multiple Myeloma (MM) cell survival and proliferation. Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) family of proteins are important epigenetic regulators involved in promoting gene expression of several oncogenes, and many studies have revealed important anticancer activities mediated by BET inhibitors (BETi) in hematologic malignancies including MM. Here, we investigated MEIS2 in MM, the role of this protein as a modulator of IMiDs activity and the ability of BETi to inhibit its expression. Our observations indicate that inhibition of MEIS2 in MM cells by RNA interference correlates with reduced growth, induction of apoptosis and enhanced efficacy of different anti-MM drugs. In addition, MEIS2 regulates the expression of Cyclin E/CCNE1 in MM and induction of apoptosis after treatment with the CDK inhibitor Seliciclib/Roscovitine. Interestingly, modulation of MEIS2 can regulate the expression of NKG2D and DNAM-1 NK cell-activating ligands and, importantly, the activity of IMiDs in MM cells. Finally, BETi have the ability to inhibit the expression of MEIS2 in MM, underscoring a novel anticancer activity mediated by these drugs. Our study provides evidence on the role of MEIS2 in MM cell survival and suggests therapeutic strategies targeting of MEIS2 to enhance IMiDs anti-myeloma activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zingoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Soriani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Petrucci
- Division of Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ricciardi
- Hematology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Paolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. .,Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Roma, RM, Italy. .,IRCCS, Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.
| | - Marco Cippitelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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23
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Shi P, Zhang S, Zhu L, Qian G, Ren H, Ramalingam SS, Chen M, Sun SY. The Third-Generation EGFR Inhibitor, Osimertinib, Promotes c-FLIP Degradation, Enhancing Apoptosis Including TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis in NSCLC Cells with Activating EGFR Mutations. Transl Oncol 2019; 12:705-713. [PMID: 30856555 PMCID: PMC6411612 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The third-generation EGFR inhibitor, osimertinib (AZD9291), selectively and irreversibly inhibits EGFR activating and T790 M mutants while sparing wild-type EGFR. Osimertinib is now an approved drug for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating EGFR mutations (first-line) or those who have become resistant to 1st generation EGFR inhibitors through the T790 M mutation (second-line). Unfortunately, all patients eventually relapse and develop resistance to osimertinib. Hence, it is essential to fully understand the biology underlying the development of resistance to osimertinib in order to improve its therapeutic efficacy and overcome resistance. Cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a truncated form of caspase-8 and functions as a key inhibitor of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. The current study has demonstrated that osimertinib reduces c-FLIP levels via facilitating its degradation and enhances apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) primarily in NSCLC with activating EGFR mutations. Moreover, modulation of c-FLIP expression levels, to some degree, also alters the sensitivities of EGFR mutant NSCLC cells to undergo osimertinib-induced apoptosis, suggesting that c-FLIP suppression is an important event contributing to the antitumor activity of osimertinib against EGFR mutant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puyu Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shuo Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China; Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA; Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Polysaccharide Drug, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macro-molecules, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, PR China
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hui Ren
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mingwei Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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