1
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Nwosu GO, Ross DM, Powell JA, Pitson SM. Venetoclax therapy and emerging resistance mechanisms in acute myeloid leukaemia. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:413. [PMID: 38866760 PMCID: PMC11169396 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06810-7] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly aggressive and devastating malignancy of the bone marrow and blood. For decades, intensive chemotherapy has been the frontline treatment for AML but has yielded only poor patient outcomes as exemplified by a 5-year survival rate of < 30%, even in younger adults. As knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of AML has advanced, so too has the development new strategies with potential to improve the treatment of AML patients. To date the most promising of these targeted agents is the BH3-mimetic venetoclax which in combination with standard of care therapies, has manageable non-haematological toxicity and exhibits impressive efficacy. However, approximately 30% of AML patients fail to respond to venetoclax-based regimens and almost all treatment responders eventually relapse. Here, we review the emerging mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired venetoclax resistance in AML and highlight recent efforts to identify novel strategies to overcome resistance to venetoclax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gus O Nwosu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David M Ross
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Flinders University and Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jason A Powell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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2
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Deng H, Han Y, Liu L, Zhang H, Liu D, Wen J, Huang M, Zhao L. Targeting Myeloid Leukemia-1 in Cancer Therapy: Advances and Directions. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5963-5998. [PMID: 38597264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
As a tripartite cell death switch, B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) family members precisely regulate the endogenous apoptosis pathway in response to various cell signal stresses through protein-protein interactions. Myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), a key anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, is positioned downstream in the endogenous apoptotic pathway and plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial function. Mcl-1 is highly expressed in a variety of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to tumorigenesis, poor prognosis, and chemoresistance, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. This Perspective aims to discuss the mechanism by which Mcl-1 regulates apoptosis and non-apoptotic functions in cancer cells and to outline the discovery and optimization process of potent Mcl-1 modulators. In addition, we summarize the structural characteristics of potent inhibitors that bind to Mcl-1 through multiple co-crystal structures and analyze the cardiotoxicity caused by current Mcl-1 inhibitors, providing prospects for rational targeting of Mcl-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Han
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jiachen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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3
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Wang L, Xu L, Han S, Zhu X. Anlotinib Inhibits Cisplatin Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting MCL-1 Expression via MET/STAT3/Akt Pathway. Can Respir J 2024; 2024:2632014. [PMID: 38468814 PMCID: PMC10927342 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2632014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Anlotinib is an effective targeted therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has been found to mediate chemoresistance in many cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of anlotinib mediates cisplatin (DDP) resistance in NSCLC remains unclear. Methods Cell viability was assessed by the cell counting kit 8 assay. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined using the colony formation assay and transwell assay. The mRNA expression levels of mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression levels of MET, MCL-1, and STAT3/Akt pathway-related markers were examined using western blot analysis. Results Our data showed that anlotinib inhibited the DDP resistance of NSCLC cells by regulating cell proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, MET and MCL-1 expression could be decreased by anlotinib treatment. Silencing of MET suppressed the activity of the STAT3/Akt pathway and MCL-1 expression. Furthermore, MET overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of anlotinib on the DDP resistance of NSCLC cells, and this effect could be eliminated by MCL-1 knockdown or ACT001 (an inhibitor for STAT3/Akt pathway). Conclusion Our results confirmed that anlotinib inhibited DDP resistance in NSCLC cells, which might decrease MCL-1 expression via mediating the MET/STAT3/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lile Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shuhua Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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4
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Akbari P, Taebpour M, Akhlaghi M, Hasan SH, Shahriyari S, Parsaeian M, Haghirosadat BF, Rahdar A, Pandey S. Regulation of the P53 tumor suppressor gene and the Mcl-2 oncogene expression by an active herbal component delivered through a smart thermo-pH-sensitive PLGA carrier to improve Osteosarcoma treatment. Med Oncol 2024; 41:68. [PMID: 38289404 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS), a lethal malignancy, has witnessed an escalating incidence rate. Contemporary therapeutic strategies for this cancer have proven to be inadequate, primarily due to their extensive side effects and the lack of specificity in targeting the molecular pathways implicated in this disease. Consequently, this project is aimed to manufacture and characterize Poly (Lactic-co-glycolic acid) embodying curcumin, a phytocompound devoid of adverse effects which not only exerts an anti-neoplastic influence but also significantly modulates the genetic pathways associated with this malignancy. In this investigation, multiple formulations of PLGA-Cur were synthesized, and the choice of optimal formula was made considering the efficiency of nanoparticle encapsulation and the drug dispersion rate from synthesized PLGA. The selected formulation's physical and chemical attributes, such as its dimension, polydispersity index of the formulation, surface electrical charge, physical-spatial structure, and stability, were examined using methods, including Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and spectrophotometry. Subsequently, the absence of interaction between the drug and the system was assessed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and cellular uptake was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy. The smart system's responsiveness to environmental stimuli was determined using the dialysis bag method and its anti-tumor properties were investigated on the SAOS-2 cell line. Finally, to evaluate the system's genetic impact on bone cancer, the molecular quantification of the P53 tumor suppressor gene and the oncogene MCL-2 was analyzed using real-time PCR and their protein expression levels were also examined. The PLGAs synthesized in this study exhibited an encapsulation rate of 91.5 ± 1.16% and a maximum release rate of 71 ± 1%, which were responsive to various stimuli. The size of the PLGAs was 12.5 ± 321.2 nm, with an electric charge of -38.9 ± 2.6 mV and a PDI of 0.107, indicating suitable morphology and stability. Furthermore, both the system and the drug retained their natural properties after inoculation. The system was readily absorbed by cancer cells and effectively exerted its anti-cancer properties. Notably, the system had a significant impact on the mentioned genes' expression. The produced nanosystem, possessing optimal physicochemical properties, has the potential to enhance the anti-cancer efficacy of curcumin. This is achieved by altering molecular and genetic pathways within cancer cells, thereby positioning it as a viable adjunctive treatment modality and also synthesizing of this herbal base drug system consider as a completely novel method for cancer therapy that can efficiently modulate genetical pathways involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parinaz Akbari
- Biotechnology Research Center, International Campus, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taebpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Milad Akhlaghi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Shaimaa Hamid Hasan
- FIBMS Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Anesthesia Department, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Duhok, Iraq
| | - Shayesteh Shahriyari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Parsaeian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Bibi Fatemeh Haghirosadat
- Medical Nanotechnology & Tissue Engineering Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, University of Zabol, P. O. Box. 98613-35856, Zabol, Iran.
| | - Sadanand Pandey
- School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, 173229, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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5
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Wang W, Jiang K, Liu X, Li J, Zhou W, Wang C, Cui J, Liang T. FBXW7 and human tumors: mechanisms of drug resistance and potential therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1278056. [PMID: 38027013 PMCID: PMC10680170 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1278056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug therapy, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy, stands as the foremost therapeutic approach for contemporary human malignancies. However, increasing drug resistance during antineoplastic therapy has become a substantial barrier to favorable outcomes in cancer patients. To enhance the effectiveness of different cancer therapies, an in-depth understanding of the unique mechanisms underlying tumor drug resistance and the subsequent surmounting of antitumor drug resistance is required. Recently, F-box and WD Repeat Domain-containing-7 (FBXW7), a recognized tumor suppressor, has been found to be highly associated with tumor therapy resistance. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the underlying mechanisms through which FBXW7 facilitates the development of drug resistance in cancer. Additionally, this review elucidates the role of FBXW7 in therapeutic resistance of various types of human tumors. The strategies and challenges implicated in overcoming tumor therapy resistance by targeting FBXW7 are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tingting Liang
- Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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6
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Bui I, Baritaki S, Libra M, Zaravinos A, Bonavida B. Cancer Resistance Is Mediated by the Upregulation of Several Anti-Apoptotic Gene Products via the Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase/Nitric Oxide Pathway: Therapeutic Implications. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:853-889. [PMID: 37466477 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Several therapeutic strategies for cancer treatments have been developed with time, and significant milestones have been achieved recently. However, with these novel therapies, not all cancer types respond and in the responding cancer types only a subset is affected. The failure to respond is principally the result that these cancers develop several mechanisms of resistance. Thus, a focus of current research investigations is to unravel the various mechanisms that regulate resistance and identify suitable targets for new therapeutics. Recent Advances: Hence, many human cancer types have been reported to overexpress the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and it has been suggested that iNOS/nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of resistance. We have postulated that iNOS overexpression or NO regulates the overexpression of pivotal anti-apoptotic gene products such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma extra large (Bcl-xL), myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), and survivin. In this report, we describe the various mechanisms, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational, by which iNOS/NO regulates the expression of the above anti-apoptotic gene products. Critical Issues: The iNOS/NO-mediated regulation of the four gene products is not the same with both specific and overlapping pathways. Our findings are, in large part, validated by bioinformatic analyses demonstrating, in several cancers, several direct correlations between the expression of iNOS and each of the four examined anti-apoptotic gene products. Future Directions: We have proposed that targeting iNOS may be highly efficient since it will result in the underexpression of multiple anti-apoptotic proteins and shifting the balance toward the proapoptotic gene products and reversal of resistance. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 853-889.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indy Bui
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stavroula Baritaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Italian League Against Cancer, Catania, Italy
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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7
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Gupta SRR, Mittal P, Kundu B, Singh A, Singh IK. Silibinin: an inhibitor for a high-expressed BCL-2A1/BFL1 protein, linked with poor prognosis in breast cancer. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37837418 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2268176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) accounts for 30% of all diagnosed cases of cancer in women and remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The current study looks for a protein from the anti-apoptotic/pro-survival BCL-2 family whose overexpression reduces survivability in BC patients and a potential inhibitor for the protein. We found BCL-2A1/BFL1 protein with high expression linked to low survivability in BC. The protein shows prognosis in 8 out of 29 categories, whereas no other family member manifests this property. Out of 7379 compounds, three small molecules (CHEMBL9509, CHEMBL2104550 and CHEMBL3545011) form an H-bond with BCL-2A1/BFL1 protein's unique residue Cys55. Of the three small molecules, we found CHEMBL9509 (Silibinin) to be a potent inhibitor. The compound forms a stable H-bond with the residue Cys55 with the lowest binding energy compared to the other two compounds. It remains stable in the BH3 binding region for more than 100 ns, whereas the other two detach from the region. Additionally, the compound is found to be better than Venetoclax and Nematoclax. We firmly believe in the compound CHEMBL9509 potency to halt BC's progression by inhibiting the BCL-2A1/BFL1 protein, increasing patients' survivability.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradheya R R Gupta
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Bishwajit Kundu
- Kusuma School of Biological Science, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi (South Campus), New Delhi, India
| | - Indrakant K Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
- Institute of Eminence, Delhi School of Public Health, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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8
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Morimoto Y, Takada K, Takeuchi O, Watanabe K, Hirohara M, Masuda Y. Simultaneous inhibition of Chk1 and Bcl-xL induces apoptosis in vitro and represses tumour growth in an in vivo xenograft model. J Chemother 2023; 35:435-447. [PMID: 36134604 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2022.2125749] [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: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that prexasertib, a checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitor, and navitoclax, a Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL inhibitor, induced a synergistic inhibitory effect on cell proliferation in vitro. Here, we investigated the effect of the simultaneous knockdown of Chk1 and each antiapoptotic protein of the Bcl-2 family (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, or Mcl-1) with small interfering RNAs on apoptosis in three pancreatic cancer cell lines. Only simultaneous knockdown of Chk1 and Bcl-xL induced significant apoptosis compared with single knockdown in all three cell lines. We evaluated the anti-tumour effects of combined prexasertib and navitoclax treatment in a mouse xenograft model. Treatment to control volume ratios were calculated as 63.2% for prexasertib, 79.4% for navitoclax, and 36.8% for prexasertib and navitoclax. These findings suggest that the simultaneous inhibition of Chk1 and Bcl-xL may be an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Morimoto
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Takada
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Takeuchi
- BioMedical Laboratory, Department of Research, Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Watanabe
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Hirohara
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Masuda
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Li J, Song Y, Cai H, Zhou B, Ma J. Roles of circRNA dysregulation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1153207. [PMID: 37384299 PMCID: PMC10299836 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1153207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most prevalent histological esophageal cancer characterized by advanced diagnosis, metastasis, resistance to treatment, and frequent recurrence. In recent years, numerous human disorders such as ESCC, have been linked to abnormal expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs), suggesting that they are fundamental to the intricate system of gene regulation that governs ESCC formation. The tumor microenvironment (TME), referring to the area surrounding the tumor cells, is composed of multiple components, including stromal cells, immune cells, the vascular system, extracellular matrix (ECM), and numerous signaling molecules. In this review, we briefly described the biological purposes and mechanisms of aberrant circRNA expression in the TME of ESCC, including the immune microenvironment, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, metabolism, and radiotherapy resistance. As in-depth research into the processes of circRNAs in the TME of ESCC continues, circRNAs are promising therapeutic targets or delivery systems for cancer therapy and diagnostic and prognostic indicators for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuxia Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huihong Cai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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10
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Gupta SRR, Nagar G, Mittal P, Rana S, Singh H, Singh R, Singh A, Singh IK. Breast Cancer Therapeutics and Hippo Signaling Pathway: Novel MicroRNA-Gene-Protein Interaction Networks. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:273-280. [PMID: 37311160 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2023.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is a master regulator of development, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in particular, and it plays an important role in tissue regeneration, controlling organ size, and cancer suppression. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been implicated in breast cancer, a highly prevalent cancer affecting 1 out of every 15 women worldwide. While the Hippo signaling pathway inhibitors are available, they are suboptimal, for example, due to chemoresistance, mutation, and signal leakage. Inadequate knowledge about the Hippo pathway connections and their regulators limits our ability to uncover novel molecular targets for drug development. We report here novel microRNA (miRNA)-gene and protein-protein interaction networks in the Hippo signaling pathway. We employed the GSE miRNA dataset for the present study. The GSE57897 dataset was normalized and searched for differentially expressed miRNAs, and their targets were searched using the miRWalk2.0 tool. From the upregulated miRNAs, we observed that the hsa-miR-205-5p forms the biggest cluster and targets four genes involved in the Hippo signaling pathway. Interestingly, we found a novel connection between two Hippo signaling pathway proteins, angiomotin (AMOT) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4). From the downregulated miRNAs, hsa-miR-16-5p, hsa-miR-7g-5p, hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-103a-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-miR-200c-3p, target genes were present in the pathway. We found that PTEN, EP300, and BTRC were important cancer-inhibiting proteins, form hubs, and their genes interact with downregulating miRNAs. We suggest that targeting proteins from these newly unraveled networks in the Hippo signaling pathway and further research on the interaction of hub-forming cancer-inhibiting proteins can open up new avenues for next-generation breast cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradheya R R Gupta
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Garima Nagar
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shweta Rana
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Harpreet Singh
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Singh
- Department of Environmental Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Singh
- Department of Botany, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Indrakant K Singh
- Molecular Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Delhi School of Public Health, Institute of Eminence, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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11
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Daressy F, Séguy L, Favre L, Corvaisier S, Apel C, Groo AC, Litaudon M, Dumontet V, Malzert-Fréon A, Desrat S, Roussi F, Robert A, Wiels J. NA1-115-7, from Zygogynum pancheri, is a new selective MCL-1 inhibitor inducing the apoptosis of hematological cancer cells but non-toxic to normal blood cells or cardiomyocytes. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113546. [PMID: 35988426 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of antiapoptotic members (BCL-2, BCL-xL, MCL-1, etc.) of the BCL-2 family contributes to tumor development and resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Synthetic inhibitors targeting these proteins have been developed, and some hematological malignancies are now widely treated with a BCL-2 inhibitor (venetoclax). However, acquired resistance to venetoclax or chemotherapy drugs due to an upregulation of MCL-1 has been observed, rendering MCL-1 an attractive new target for treatment. Six MCL-1 inhibitors (S64315, AZD-5991, AMG-176, AMG-397, ABBV-467 and PRT1419) have been evaluated in clinical trials since 2016, but some were affected by safety issues and none are currently used clinically. There is, therefore, still a need for alternative molecules. We previously described two drimane derivatives as the first covalent BH3 mimetics targeting MCL-1. Here, we described the characterization and biological efficacy of one of these compounds (NA1-115-7), isolated from Zygogynum pancheri, a plant belonging to the Winteraceae family. NA1-115-7 specifically induced the apoptosis of MCL-1-dependent tumor cells, with two hours of treatment sufficient to trigger cell death. The treatment of lymphoma cells with NA1-115-7 stabilized MCL-1, disrupted its interactions with BAK, and rapidly induced apoptosis through a BAK- and BAX-mediated process. Importantly, a similar treatment with NA1-115-7 was not toxic to erythrocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, platelets, or cardiomyocytes. These results highlight the potential of natural products for use as specific BH3 mimetics non-toxic to normal cells, and they suggest that NA1-115-7 may be a promising tool for use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Daressy
- CNRS UMR9018, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Line Séguy
- Normandie Université, UniCaen, CERMN, F-14000 Caen, France
| | - Loëtitia Favre
- Inserm U955, Université Paris-Est Créteil, F-94009 Créteil, France; AP-HP, CHU Henri Mondor, Département de Pathologie, F-94009 Créteil, France
| | | | - Cécile Apel
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Marc Litaudon
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Vincent Dumontet
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Sandy Desrat
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Fanny Roussi
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Aude Robert
- Inserm UMR1279, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Joëlle Wiels
- CNRS UMR9018, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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siRNA Targeting Mcl-1 Potentiates the Anticancer Activity of Andrographolide Nanosuspensions via Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061196. [PMID: 35745769 PMCID: PMC9230779 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061196] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. However, recurrence is frequently found despite adjuvant therapy being available. Combination therapy with cytotoxic drugs and gene therapy is being developed to be a new promising cancer treatment strategy. Introducing substituted dithiocarbamate moieties at the C12 position of andrographolide (3nAG) could improve its anticancer selectivity in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. However, its hydrophobicity is one of its main drawbacks. This work successfully prepared 3nAG nanosuspension stabilized with the chitosan derivative NSC (3nAGN-NSC) to increase solubility and pharmacological effectiveness. siRNAs have emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative for interfering with particular mRNA. The 3nAGN-NSC had also induced Mcl-1 mRNA expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells at 8, 12, and 24 h. This indicates that, in addition to Mcl-1 silencing by siRNA (siMcl-1) in MCF-7 with substantial Mcl-1 reliance, rationally devised combination treatment may cause the death of cancer cells in breast cancer. The Fa-CI analysis showed that the combination of 3nAGN-NSC and siMcl-1 had a synergistic effect with a combination index (CI) value of 0.75 (CI < 1 indicating synergistic effects) at the fractional inhibition of Fa 0.7. The synergistic effect was validated by flow cytometry, with the induction of apoptosis as the mechanism of reduced cell viability. Our findings suggested the rational use of 3nAGN-NSC in combination with siMcl-1 to kill breast cancer cells.
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Sulkshane P, Teni T. Myeloid cell leukemia-1: a formidable barrier to anticancer therapeutics and the quest of targeting it. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:278-296. [PMID: 36045907 PMCID: PMC9400788 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members are apical regulators of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis that orchestrate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) through interactions with their proapoptotic counterparts. Overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins has been linked to therapy resistance and poor prognosis in diverse cancers. Among the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, predominant overexpression of the prosurvival myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) has been reported in a myriad of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to therapy resistance and poor outcomes, thus making it a potential druggable target. The unique structure of Mcl-1 and its complex regulatory mechanism makes it an adaptive prosurvival switch that ensures tumor cell survival despite therapeutic intervention. This review focusses on diverse mechanisms adopted by tumor cells to maintain sustained elevated levels of Mcl-1 and how high Mcl-1 levels contribute to resistance in conventional as well as targeted therapies. Moreover, recent developments in the Mcl-1-targeted therapeutics and the underlying challenges and considerations in designing novel Mcl-1 inhibitors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Sulkshane
- Glickman Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Tanuja Teni
- Teni Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Mumbai 400094, India
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Abstract
N-heterocycles, both saturated and unsaturated, are ubiquitous biologically active molecules that are extremely appealing scaffolds in drug discovery programs. Although classical synthetic methods have been developed to access many relevant N-heterocyclic scaffolds, representing well-established and reliable routes, some do not meet the needs of sustainability. In this context, several advances have been made towards the sustainable synthesis of N-heterocycles. This review focuses on the most recent examples from the last five years of catalytic synthesis of several heterocyclic compounds of medicinal relevance. Thus, the synthesis of isoindoloquinazolines, quinazolines and azaindoles, among others, are covered. The synthetic methods selected include the use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts and the use of alternative and sustainable methods such as, for example, metal-catalyzed acceptorless coupling and one-pot reactions. The green aspects of the individual synthetic approaches are highlighted, and the scope of each methodology is described.
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