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Ghosh A, Maske P, Patel V, Dubey J, Aniket K, Srivastava R. Theranostic applications of peptide-based nanoformulations for growth factor defective cancers. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 260:129151. [PMID: 38181914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.129151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Growth factors play a pivotal role in orchestrating cellular growth and division by binding to specific cell surface receptors. Dysregulation of growth factor production or activity can contribute to the uncontrolled cell proliferation observed in cancer. Peptide-based nanoformulations (PNFs) have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for growth factor-deficient cancers. PNFs offer multifaceted capabilities including targeted delivery, imaging modalities, combination therapies, resistance modulation, and personalized medicine approaches. Nevertheless, several challenges remain, including limited specificity, stability, pharmacokinetics, tissue penetration, toxicity, and immunogenicity. To address these challenges and optimize PNFs for clinical translation, in-depth investigations are warranted. Future research should focus on elucidating the intricate interplay between peptides and nanoparticles, developing robust spectroscopic and computational methodologies, and establishing a comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship governing peptide-nanoparticle interactions. Bridging these knowledge gaps will propel the translation of peptide-nanoparticle therapies from bench to bedside. While a few peptide-nanoparticle drugs have obtained FDA approval for cancer treatment, the integration of nanostructured platforms with peptide-based medications holds tremendous potential to expedite the implementation of innovative anticancer interventions. Therefore, growth factor-deficient cancers present both challenges and opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions, with peptide-based nanoformulations positioned as a promising avenue. Nonetheless, concerted research and development endeavors are essential to optimize the specificity, stability, and safety profiles of PNFs, thereby advancing the field of peptide-based nanotherapeutics in the realm of oncology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Ghosh
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, NanoBios lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Mumbai, India.
| | - Priyanka Maske
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, NanoBios lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Mumbai, India
| | - Vinay Patel
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, NanoBios lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Mumbai, India
| | - Jyoti Dubey
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, NanoBios lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Mumbai, India
| | - Kundu Aniket
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, NanoBios lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Mumbai, India.
| | - Rohit Srivastava
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, NanoBios lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Mumbai, India.
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2
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Elshazly AM, Gewirtz DA. The Cytoprotective Role of Autophagy in Response to BRAF-Targeted Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14774. [PMID: 37834222 PMCID: PMC10572960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914774] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAF-targeted therapies are widely used for the treatment of melanoma patients with BRAF V600 mutations. Vemurafenib, dabrafenib as well as encorafenib have demonstrated substantial therapeutic activity; however, as is the case with other chemotherapeutic agents, the frequent development of resistance limits their efficacy. Autophagy is one tumor survival mechanism that could contribute to BRAF inhibitor resistance, and multiple studies support an association between vemurafenib-induced and dabrafenib-induced autophagy and tumor cell survival. Clinical trials have also demonstrated a potential benefit from the inclusion of autophagy inhibition as an adjuvant therapy. This review of the scientific literature relating to the role of autophagy that is induced in response to BRAF-inhibitors supports the premise that autophagy targeting or modulation could be an effective adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
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Hartman ML, Koziej P, Kluszczyńska K, Czyz M. Pro-Apoptotic Activity of MCL-1 Inhibitor in Trametinib-Resistant Melanoma Cells Depends on Their Phenotypes and Is Modulated by Reversible Alterations Induced by Trametinib Withdrawal. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4799. [PMID: 37835493 PMCID: PMC10571954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although BRAFV600/MEK inhibitors improved the treatment of melanoma patients, resistance is acquired almost inevitably. METHODS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge and MCL-1 inhibition in trametinib-resistance models displaying distinct p-ERK1/2 levels were investigated. RESULTS Trametinib withdrawal/rechallenge caused reversible changes in ERK1/2 activity impacting the balance between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins. Reversible alterations were found in MCL-1 levels and MCL-1 inhibitors, BIM and NOXA. Taking advantage of melanoma cell dependency on MCL-1 for survival, we used S63845. While it was designed to inhibit MCL-1 activity, we showed that it also significantly reduced NOXA levels. S63845-induced apoptosis was detected as the enhancement of Annexin V-positivity, caspase-3/7 activation and histone H2AX phosphorylation. Percentages of Annexin V-positive cells were increased most efficiently in trametinib-resistant melanoma cells displaying the p-ERK1/2low/MCL-1low/BIMhigh/NOXAlow phenotype with EC50 values at concentrations as low as 0.1 μM. Higher ERK1/2 activity associated with increased MCL-1 level and reduced BIM level limited pro-apoptotic activity of S63845 further influenced by a NOXA level. CONCLUSIONS Our study supports the notion that the efficiency of an agent designed to target a single protein can largely depend on the phenotype of cancer cells. Thus, it is important to define appropriate phenotype determinants to stratify the patients for the novel therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (M.L.H.); (P.K.); (K.K.)
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Valentini E, Di Martile M, Brignone M, Di Caprio M, Manni I, Chiappa M, Sergio I, Chiacchiarini M, Bazzichetto C, Conciatori F, D'Aguanno S, D'Angelo C, Ragno R, Russillo M, Colotti G, Marchesi F, Bellone ML, Dal Piaz F, Felli MP, Damia G, Del Bufalo D. Bcl-2 family inhibitors sensitize human cancer models to therapy. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:441. [PMID: 37460459 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05963-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BH3 mimetics, targeting the Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic proteins, represent a promising therapeutic opportunity in cancers. ABT-199, the first specific Bcl-2 inhibitor, was approved by FDA for the treatment of several hematological malignancies. We have recently discovered IS21, a novel pan BH3 mimetic with preclinical antitumor activity in several tumor types. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of IS21 and other BH3 mimetics, both as single agents and combined with the currently used antineoplastic agents in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ovarian cancer, and melanoma. IS21 was found to be active in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, melanoma, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer cell lines. Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 protein levels predicted IS21 sensitivity in melanoma and ovarian cancer, respectively. Exploring IS21 mechanism of action, we found that IS21 activity depends on the presence of BAX and BAK proteins: complexes between Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins and their main binding partners were reduced after IS21 treatment. In combination experiments, BH3 mimetics sensitized leukemia cells to chemotherapy, ovarian cancer cells and melanoma models to PARP and MAPK inhibitors, respectively. We showed that this enhancing effect was related to the potentiation of the apoptotic pathway, both in hematologic and solid tumors. In conclusion, our data suggest the use of inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins as a therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Valentini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Brignone
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marica Di Caprio
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Chiappa
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Sergio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Chiacchiarini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Bazzichetto
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Conciatori
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona D'Aguanno
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen D'Angelo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rino Ragno
- Rome Center for Molecular Design, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Russillo
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianni Colotti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marchesi
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bellone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Dal Piaz
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Masoudi R, Mohammadi A, Morovati S, Heidari AA, Asad-Sangabi M. Induction of apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells by matrix protein of PPR virus as a novel anti-cancer agent. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125536. [PMID: 37369256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and highly malignant neoplasm, ranking as the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, non-human oncolytic viruses such as Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) are considered as a potent candidate in the viral therapy of cancer. In the current study, the apoptotic effects of matrix (M) protein of PPRV was investigated on SW480 CRC cells. The M gene was cloned into the pcDNA™3.1/Hygro(+) expression vector and transfected into the cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of the M protein on SW480 cells were confirmed using MTT assay. Furthermore, flow cytometry results showed that the M protein induces apoptosis in 91 % of CRC cells. Interestingly, the expression of the M gene in SW480 cells led to the up-regulation of genes including Bax, p53, and Caspase-9, as well as an increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. By using bioinformatics modeling, we hypothesized that the M protein could interact with Bax factor through its BH3-like motif and could further activate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Ultimately, this study provided the first evidence of the pro-apoptotic activity of PPRV M protein indicating its possible development as a promising novel anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Masoudi
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Solmaz Morovati
- Division of Biotechnology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Heidari
- Division of Aquatic Animal Health and Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Asad-Sangabi
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Zantut-Wittmann DE, Barreto IS, Laus AC, Moreno DA, Moma CA, Maia FFR, Assumpção LVMD, Reis RM. PD-L1 and MCL-1 markers and the relationship with prognostic characteristics of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 570:111931. [PMID: 37072108 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES MCL-1 and PD-L1 proteins are related to carcinogenesis mechanisms in differentiated thyroid carcinoma(DTC). Tumor antigens stimulate the expression of PD-1 in immune cells, which binds to PD-L1 of tumor cells, inducing immune escape from the tumor. MCL-1, an anti-apoptotic member of the BCL-2 family, is necessary for the survival of T and B lymphocytes and has a high oncogenic potential. We aim to evaluate the clinical utility and relevance of MCL-1 and PD-L1 in the long-term prognosis of DTC. METHODS 120 DTC patients after total thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy followed for a minimum of 2 years were included. Demographic features, tumor histopathology, persistence/recurrence risk, factors associated with outcome, initial response to therapy, persistence or disease-free at the follow-up were related to MCL-1 and PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression and BRAFV600E mutation. RESULTS 100(83.3%) were women, 46.64 ± 16.73 years old at diagnosis; 37(30.8%) patients were at high, 45(37.5%) of intermediate and 38(31.7%) of low disease recurrence/persistence risk. At the end of follow-up of 124.86 ± 65.36 months, 48(42.5%) had persistent disease. 103(85.8%) patients had papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), 17(14.2%) follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). In PTC, moderate/strong PD-L1 and MCL-1 expressions were associated to BRAFV600E (p=0.0467; p=0.0044). PD-L1 was also associated with tall cell subtype (p=0.0274). In FTC, weak PD-L1 expression was associated to the largest nodule diameter (p=0.0100). Strong/moderate PD-L1 expression was associated to T2 and the weak expression with T3 in TNM classification (p=0.0490). Moderate MCL-1 expression was associated to smoking (p=0.0350). CONCLUSIONS PDL-1, marker of progression of tumor cells and MCL-1, anti-apoptotic marker, were associated with PTC carrying BRAFV600E mutation, while PDL-1 was associated with more aggressive PTC subtype. MCL-1 and PD-L1 could be useful in composing a panel to assess the prognosis of PTC patients. On the other hand, both markers seemed to have lower relevance to FTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Engelbrecht Zantut-Wittmann
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Icleia Siqueira Barreto
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Laus
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Camila Aparecida Moma
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico Fernandes Ribeiro Maia
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lígia Vera Montali da Assumpção
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP, Brazil; Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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7
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Peng Z, Gillissen B, Richter A, Sinnberg T, Schlaak MS, Eberle J. Enhanced Apoptosis and Loss of Cell Viability in Melanoma Cells by Combined Inhibition of ERK and Mcl-1 Is Related to Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Caspase Activation and Upregulation of Proapoptotic Bcl-2 Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054961. [PMID: 36902392 PMCID: PMC10002974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054961] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of MAP kinase pathways by BRAF inhibitors has evolved as a key therapy for BRAF-mutated melanoma. However, it cannot be applied for BRAF-WT melanoma, and also, in BRAF-mutated melanoma, tumor relapse often follows after an initial phase of tumor regression. Inhibition of MAP kinase pathways downstream at ERK1/2, or inhibitors of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, such as Mcl-1, may serve as alternative strategies. As shown here, the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the ERK inhibitor SCH772984 showed only limited efficacy in melanoma cell lines, when applied alone. However, in combination with the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845, the effects of vemurafenib were strongly enhanced in BRAF-mutated cell lines, and the effects of SCH772984 were enhanced in both BRAF-mutated and BRAF-WT cells. This resulted in up to 90% loss of cell viability and cell proliferation, as well as in induction of apoptosis in up to 60% of cells. The combination of SCH772984/S63845 resulted in caspase activation, processing of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), phosphorylation of histone H2AX, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release. Proving the critical role of caspases, a pan-caspase inhibitor suppressed apoptosis induction, as well as loss of cell viability. As concerning Bcl-2 family proteins, SCH772984 enhanced expression of the proapoptotic Bim and Puma, as well as decreased phosphorylation of Bad. The combination finally resulted in downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and enhanced expression of the proapoptotic Noxa. In conclusion, combined inhibition of ERK and Mcl-1 revealed an impressive efficacy both in BRAF-mutated and WT melanoma cells, and may thus represent a new strategy for overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Peng
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Bernhard Gillissen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Richter
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Max S. Schlaak
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Eberle
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Structural and Biofunctional Insights into the Cyclo(Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-) Scaffold from Experimental and In Silico Studies: Melanoma and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137173. [PMID: 35806175 PMCID: PMC9266943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Short peptides have great potential as safe and effective anticancer drug leads. Herein, the influence of short cyclic peptides containing the Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe sequence on patient-derived melanoma cells was investigated. Cyclic peptides such as cyclo(Leu-Ile-Ile-Leu-Val-Pro-Pro-Phe-Phe-), called CLA, and cyclo(Pro-homoPro-β3homoPhe-Phe-), called P11, exert the cytotoxic and the cytostatic effects in melanoma cells, respectively. CLA was the most active peptide as it reduced the viability of melanoma cells to 50% of control at about 10 µM, whereas P11 at about 40 µM after 48 h incubation. Interestingly, a linear derivative of P11 did not induce any effect in melanoma cells confirming previous studies showing that cyclic peptides exert better biological activity compared to their linear counterparts. According to in silico predictions, cyclic tetrapeptides show a better pharmacokinetic and toxic profile to humans than CLA. Notably, the spatial structure of those peptides containing synthetic amino acids has not been explored yet. In the Cambridge Structural Database, there is only one such cyclic tetrapeptide, cyclo((R)-β2homoPhe-D-Pro-Lys-Phe-), while in the Protein Data Bank—none. Therefore, we report the first crystal structure of cyclo(Pro-Pro-β3homoPhe-Phe-), denoted as 4B8M, a close analog of P11, which is crucial for drug discovery. Comparative molecular and supramolecular analysis of both structures was performed. The DFT findings revealed that 4B8M is well interpreted in the water solution. The results of complex Hirshfeld surface investigations on the cooperativity of interatomic contacts in terms of electrostatic and energetic features are provided. In short, the enrichment ratio revealed O…H/H…O and C…H/H…C as privileged intercontacts in the crystals in relation to basic and large supramolecular H-bonding synthon patterns. Furthermore, the ability of self-assemble 4B8M leading to a nanotubular structure is also discussed.
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Targeting the BCL-2-regulated apoptotic pathway for the treatment of solid cancers. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2397-2410. [PMID: 34581776 PMCID: PMC8589438 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deregulation of apoptosis is a key contributor to tumourigenesis as it can lead to the unwanted survival of rogue cells. Drugs known as the BH3-mimetics targeting the pro-survival members of the BCL-2 protein family to induce apoptosis in cancer cells have achieved clinical success for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, despite our increasing knowledge of the pro-survival factors mediating the unwanted survival of solid tumour cells, and our growing BH3-mimetics armamentarium, the application of BH3-mimetic therapy in solid cancers has not reached its full potential. This is mainly attributed to the need to identify clinically safe, yet effective, combination strategies to target the multiple pro-survival proteins that typically mediate the survival of solid tumours. In this review, we discuss current and exciting new developments in the field that has the potential to unleash the full power of BH3-mimetic therapy to treat currently recalcitrant solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Douglas Fairlie
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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10
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Madej E, Ryszawy D, Brożyna AA, Czyz M, Czyz J, Wolnicka-Glubisz A. Deciphering the Functional Role of RIPK4 in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111504. [PMID: 34768934 PMCID: PMC8583870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor-interacting protein kinase 4 (RIPK4) plays an important role in the development and maintenance of various tissues including skin, but its role in melanoma has not been reported. Using patient-derived cell lines and clinical samples, we show that RIPK4 is expressed in melanomas at different levels. This heterogenous expression, together with very low level of RIPK4 in melanocytes, indicates that the role of this kinase in melanoma is context-dependent. While the analysis of microarray data has revealed no straightforward correlation between the stage of melanoma progression and RIPK4 expression in vivo, relatively high levels of RIPK4 are in metastatic melanoma cell lines. RIPK4 down-regulation by siRNA resulted in the attenuation of invasive potential as assessed by time-lapse video microscopy, wound-healing and transmigration assays. These effects were accompanied by reduced level of pro-invasive proteins such as MMP9, MMP2, and N-cadherin. Incubation of melanoma cells with phorbol ester (PMA) increased PKC-1β level and hyperphosphorylation of RIPK4 resulting in degradation of RIPK4. Interestingly, incubation of cells with PMA for short and long durations revealed that cell migration is controlled by the NF-κB signaling in a RIPK4-dependent (RIPK4high) or independent (RIPK4low) manner depending on cell origin (distant or lymph node metastasis) or phenotype (mesenchymal or epithelial).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Madej
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Damian Ryszawy
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.R.); (J.C.)
| | - Anna A. Brożyna
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Biology, Department of Human Biology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 1 Lwowska Street, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Jaroslaw Czyz
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.R.); (J.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Wolnicka-Glubisz
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-664-65-26; Fax: +48-12-664-69
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