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Mechanisms of Anticancer Drug Resistance in Hepatoblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030407. [PMID: 30909445 PMCID: PMC6468761 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The most frequent liver tumor in children is hepatoblastoma (HB), which derives from embryonic parenchymal liver cells or hepatoblasts. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which rarely affects young people, causes one fourth of deaths due to cancer in adults. In contrast, HB usually has better prognosis, but this is still poor in 20% of cases. Although more responsive to chemotherapy than HCC, the failure of pharmacological treatment used before and/or after surgical resection is an important limitation in the management of patients with HB. To advance in the implementation of personalized medicine it is important to select the best combination among available anti-HB drugs, such as platinum derivatives, anthracyclines, etoposide, tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, Vinca alkaloids, 5-fluorouracil, monoclonal antibodies, irinotecan and nitrogen mustards. This requires predicting the sensitivity to these drugs of each tumor at each time because, it should be kept in mind, that cancer chemoresistance is a dynamic process of Darwinian nature. For this goal it is necessary to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of chemoresistance involved in the refractoriness of HB against the pharmacological challenge and how they evolve during treatment. In this review we have summarized the current knowledge on the multifactorial and complex factors responsible for the lack of response of HB to chemotherapy.
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Stecca L, Tait S, Corrado F, Esposito M, Mantovani A, La Rocca C. Development of an in vitro test battery model based on liver and colon cancer cell lines to discriminate PCB mixtures by transcription factors gene expression analysis. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 34:204-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Jagani H, Kasinathan N, Meka SR, Josyula VR. Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein as a potential target for cancer therapy: A mini review. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 44:1212-21. [DOI: 10.3109/21691401.2015.1019668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh Jagani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Narayanan Kasinathan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sreenivasa Reddy Meka
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Venkata Rao Josyula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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The role of BH3-mimetic drugs in the treatment of pediatric hepatoblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:4190-208. [PMID: 25690034 PMCID: PMC4346952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16024190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric hepatoblastoma (HB) is commonly treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical tumor resection according to international multicenter trial protocols. Complete tumor resection is essential and survival rates up to 95% have now been achieved in those tumors classified as standard-risk HB. Drug resistance and occurrence of metastases remain the major challenges in the treatment of HB, especially in high-risk tumors. These conditions urgently require the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. One of those alternatives is the modulation of apoptosis in HB cells. HBs regularly overexpress anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-family in comparison to healthy liver tissue. This fact may contribute to the development of chemoresistance of HB cells. Synthetic small inhibitory molecules with BH3-mimetic effects, such as ABT-737 and obatoclax, enhance the susceptibility of tumor cells to different cytotoxic drugs and thereby affect initiator proteins of the apoptosis cascade via the intrinsic pathway. Besides additive effects on HB cell viability when used in combination with cytotoxic drugs, BH3-mimetics also play a role in preventing metastasation by reducing adhesion and inhibiting cell migration abilities. Presumably, including additive BH3-mimetic drugs into existing therapeutic regimens in HB patients might allow dose reduction of established cytotoxic drugs and thereby associated immanent side effects, while maintaining the antitumor activity. Furthermore, reduction of tumor growth and inhibition of tumor cell dissemination may facilitate complete surgical tumor resection, which is mandatory in this tumor type resulting in improved survival rates in high-risk HB. Currently, there are phase I and phase II clinical trials in several cancer entities using this potential target. This paper reviews the available literature regarding the use of BH3-mimetic drugs as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy in various malignancies and focuses on results in HB cells.
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Berger M, Neth O, Ilmer M, Garnier A, Salinas-Martín MV, de Agustín Asencio JC, von Schweinitz D, Kappler R, Muñoz M. Hepatoblastoma cells express truncated neurokinin-1 receptor and can be growth inhibited by aprepitant in vitro and in vivo. J Hepatol 2014; 60:985-94. [PMID: 24412605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Multidrug resistance presents a major problem in hepatoblastoma (HB), and new anti-tumor strategies are desperately needed. The substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) complex has been discovered to be pivotal in the development of a variety of human cancers, and NK1R antagonists, such as the clinical drug aprepitant, are promising future anticancer agents. Yet, the role of the SP/NK1R complex as a potential anticancer target in HB is unknown. METHODS Human HB cell lines HepT1, HepG2, and HuH6, human tumor samples from 17 children with HB as well as mice xenografted with human HB cell line HuH6 were analyzed regarding the SP/NK1R complex as a potential new anti-tumor target in HB. RESULTS Therapeutic targeting with the NK1R antagonists aprepitant, L-733,060, and L-732,138 led to growth inhibition and apoptosis in HepT1, HepG2, and HuH6 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Intriguingly, HB cells predominantly expressed the truncated splice variant of NK1R. Human fibroblasts showed only dismal NK1R expression and were significantly more resistant. Stimulation of HB cells with SP, NK1R's natural ligand, caused increased growth rates and abrogated the anti-proliferative effect of NK1R antagonists. Expression analysis of 17 human HB samples confirmed the clinical relevance of NK1R. Most importantly, oral treatment of a HuH6 xenograft mouse model with 80mg/kg/day aprepitant for 24days resulted in a striking reduction of tumor growth, as evidenced by reduced tumor volume and weight, lowered tumor-specific alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) serum levels, and decreased number of Ki-67 positive cells. Furthermore, aprepitant treatment inhibited in vivo angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we describe the NK1R in its truncated splice variant as a potent target in human HB and an inhibitory effect in vivo and in vitro by NK1R antagonists. Therefore, NK1R antagonists should be considered promising new candidates for innovative therapeutic strategies against HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Berger
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease and Immunopathology, Virgen del Rocío Children's Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine, Seville, Spain; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Research Laboratories, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Olaf Neth
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease and Immunopathology, Virgen del Rocío Children's Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine, Seville, Spain
| | - Matthias Ilmer
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Agnès Garnier
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Research Laboratories, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Dietrich von Schweinitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Research Laboratories, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Kappler
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Research Laboratories, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Miguel Muñoz
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides, Virgen del Rocío Children's Hospital, Seville, Spain.
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Wang X, Yu B, Ren W, Mo X, Zhou C, He H, Jia H, Wang L, Jacob ST, Lee RJ, Ghoshal K, Lee LJ. Enhanced hepatic delivery of siRNA and microRNA using oleic acid based lipid nanoparticle formulations. J Control Release 2013; 172:690-8. [PMID: 24121065 PMCID: PMC4307782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Many cationic lipids have been developed for lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery of siRNA and microRNA (miRNA). However, less attention has been paid to "helper lipids". Here, we investigated several "helper lipids" and examined their effects on the physicochemical properties such as particle size and zeta potential, as well as cellular uptake and transfection efficiency. We found that inclusion of oleic acid (OA), an unsaturated fatty acid, into the LNP formulation significantly enhanced the delivery efficacy for siRNA and miRNA. For proof-of-concept, miR-122, a liver-specific microRNA associated with many liver diseases, was used as a model agent to demonstrate the hepatic delivery efficacy both in tumor cells and in animals. Compared to Lipofectamine 2000, a commercial transfection agent, LNPs containing OA delivered microRNA-122 in a more efficient manner with a 1.8-fold increase in mature miR-122 expression and a 20% decrease in Bcl-w, a target of microRNA-122. In comparison with Invivofectamine, a commercial transfection agent specifically designed for hepatic delivery, LNPs containing OA showed comparable liver accumulation and in vivo delivery efficiency. These findings demonstrated the importance of "helper lipid" components of the LNP formulation on the cellular uptake and transfection activity of siRNA and miRNA. LNPs containing OA is a promising nanocarrier system for the delivery of RNA-based therapeutics in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Wang
- NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - Bo Yu
- NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - Wei Ren
- Department of Physiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - Chenguang Zhou
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - Hongyan He
- NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - HuLiang Jia
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Samson T. Jacob
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - Robert J. Lee
- NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - Kalpana Ghoshal
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
| | - L. James Lee
- NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, U.S.A
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LIEBER JUSTUS, DEWERTH ALEXANDER, WENZ JULIA, KIRCHNER BETTINA, EICHER CARMEN, WARMANN STEVENW, FUCHS JÖRG, ARMEANU-EBINGER SORIN. Increased efficacy of CDDP in a xenograft model of hepatoblastoma using the apoptosis sensitizer ABT-737. Oncol Rep 2012; 29:646-52. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.2150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Venkatramani R, Furman WL, Fuchs J, Warmann SW, Malogolowkin MH. Current and future management strategies for relapsed or progressive hepatoblastoma. Paediatr Drugs 2012; 14:221-32. [PMID: 22702740 DOI: 10.2165/11597740-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary malignant neoplasm of the liver in children. Improvements in chemotherapy and surgical techniques have increased survival rates for those with localized disease. The prognosis for patients with progressive or relapsed disease continues to be dismal. Complete resection by surgery or liver transplantation is necessary for cure. Few conventional chemotherapy agents have demonstrated activity in progressive or relapsed hepatoblastoma. Irinotecan has shown activity in relapsed and progressive hepatoblastoma. The efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy in this setting is unknown. Newer targeted agents that 'selectively' interfere with pathway targets involved in tumor growth and progression such as insulin-like growth factor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are currently under development. Because of the rarity of hepatoblastoma, only a small minority of these agents will ever be evaluated in children with this disorder. Gene-directed therapy and immunotherapy have shown promising results in the preclinical setting, and should be investigated as future treatment options for advanced hepatoblastoma.
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Dewerth A, Wonner T, Lieber J, Ellerkamp V, Warmann SW, Fuchs J, Armeanu-Ebinger S. In vitro evaluation of the Aurora kinase inhibitor VX-680 for Hepatoblastoma. Pediatr Surg Int 2012; 28:579-89. [PMID: 22526548 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-012-3086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatoblastoma (HB) has a poor prognosis in advanced stages. The aim of this study was to enhance effectiveness of chemotherapy with antineoplastic kinase inhibitors. METHODS Viability was monitored in HB cells (HUH6, HepT1) in monolayer and spheroid cultures treated with kinase inhibitors VX-680, Wee1-InhibitorII, and SU11274 alone or in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) using MTT assays. Apoptosis was revealed by Caspase-3 assay. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine histone H3 phosphorylation. RESULTS Among the kinase inhibitors strongest anti-proliferative effect on HB cells was documented for VX-680. HUH6 cells responded more sensitively to the Aurora kinase inhibitor as HepT1 cells (IC(50) 8 and 16.6 μM, respectively). While VX-680 and CDDP showed no additive effects, the combination of VX-680 and histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA had a synergistic effect on the proliferation of HUH6 cells. The inhibition with VX-680 led to reduced histone H3 phosphorylation, to an increase of apoptotic cells, and to morphological changes such as vacuolization and swelling of the cells and nuclei. CONCLUSION The data provide evidence that VX-680 might improve treatment results in HB with increased Aurora kinase activity by inhibiting cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dewerth
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Armeanu-Ebinger S, Wenz J, Seitz G, Leuschner I, Handgretinger R, Mau-Holzmann UA, Bonin M, Sipos B, Fuchs J, Warmann SW. Characterisation of the cell line HC-AFW1 derived from a pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38223. [PMID: 22666492 PMCID: PMC3364222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatment of paediatric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often inefficient due to advanced disease at diagnosis and resistance to common drugs. The aim of this study was to generate a cell line derived from a paediatric HCC in order to expand research in this field. We established the HC-AFW1 cell line from a liver neoplasm of a 4-year-old boy through culturing of primary tumor specimens. The cell line has been stable for over one year of culturing and has a doubling time of 40 h. The tumour cells have an epithelial histology and express HCC-associated proteins such as Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Glypican 3, E-cadherin, CD10, CD326, HepPar1 and Vimentin. Forty-nine amino acids in exon 3 of β-Catenin that involve the phosphorylation sites of GSK3 were absent and β-Catenin is detectable in the cell nuclei. Cytogenetic analysis revealed large anomalies in the chromosomal map. Several alterations of gene copy numbers were detected by genome-wide SNP array. Among the different drugs tested, cisplatin and irinotecan showed effective inhibition of tumour cell growth in a proliferation assay at concentrations below 5 µg/ml. Subcutaneous xenotransplantation of HC-AFW1 cells into NOD/SCID mice resulted in fast growing dedifferentiated tumours with high levels of serum AFP. Histological analyses of the primary tumour and xenografts included national and international expert pathological review. Consensus reading characterised the primary tumour and the HC-AFW1-derived tumours as HCC. HC-AFW1 is the first cell line derived from a paediatric HCC without a background of viral hepatitis or cirrhosis and represents a valuable tool for investigating the biology of and therapeutic strategies for childhood HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorin Armeanu-Ebinger
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Eicher C, Dewerth A, Kirchner B, Warmann SW, Fuchs J, Armeanu-Ebinger S. Treatment effects of the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib on hepatoblastoma cell lines and xenografts in NMRI-Foxn1 nu mice. Liver Int 2012; 32:574-81. [PMID: 22176637 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02729.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidrug resistance is a major reason for poor treatment results in advanced hepatoblastoma (HB). Several alternative treatment options are currently under investigation to improve the prognosis of affected patients AIMS This study aimed to analyse the impact of sorafenib on the viability of HB cells and xenotransplanted HB tumours. METHODS Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated in two HB cell lines (HUH6 and HepT1) after treatment with sorafenib using MTT and Caspase 3 activation assay. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation was investigated using Western blot. In addition, sorafenib (30 mg/kg) was administered orally to NMRI mice bearing subcutaneous HUH6 derived tumours. Tumour progression and viability were monitored by tumour volume and α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assay. Tumour angiogenesis and mean vascular density (MVD) was determined using CD31 staining, ERK phosphorylation was detected using indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS Treatment with sorafenib led to decreased ERK phosphorylation, reduced cell viability and induction of apoptosis in HepT1 and HUH6 cells. In HB xenografts, sorafenib significantly reduced tumour growth compared with control (P < 0.05). AFP levels were lower in the sorafenib group (P = 0.07). Relative apoptotic areas detected using TUNEL assay were increased (P = 0.003). CD31 staining revealed inhibition of angiogenesis, and mean vascular density was lower in the sorafenib group (P = 0.02). ERK phosphorylation was reduced in tumours tissues after sorafenib treatment. CONCLUSION Treatment with sorafenib led to a potent inhibition of cell viability, tumour progression and angiogenesis. Sorafenib might therefore also be a promising treatment option for high risk or recurrent HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Eicher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, University Children's Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Yu HM, Wang TC. Mechanism of cisplatin resistance in human urothelial carcinoma cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2012; 50:1226-37. [PMID: 22326969 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
An isogenic pair of cisplatin-susceptible (NTUB1) and -resistant (NTUB1/P) human urothelial carcinoma cell lines was used to elucidate the mechanism of cisplatin resistance. The significantly lower intracellular platinum (IP) concentration, which resulted from the decreased cisplatin uptake, was found in NTUB1/P cells. The enhancement of IP concentration did not increase the susceptibility of NTUB1/P cells to cisplatin treatment. The reduction of IP concentration as well was unable to enhance the cisplatin-resistance in susceptible NTUB1 cells. This indicated that reduction of IP concentration was not the account for the development of cisplatin resistance here. Instead, the over expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, anti-oxidative heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and cell cycle regulator p16INK4 seemed to be more important for the gaining of cisplatin in these human urothelial carcinoma cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Yu
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, 161Minquan E. Road, Section 6, Neihu Dist., Taipei City 114, Taiwan, ROC.
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Transcription factor GATA-4 is abundantly expressed in childhood but not in adult liver tumors. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2012; 54:101-8. [PMID: 21788913 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0b013e31822d52cf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transcription factor GATA-4 is expressed in early fetal liver and essential for organogenesis. It is also implicated in carcinogenesis in several endoderm-derived organs. Hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common malignant pediatric liver tumor, has features of fetal liver including extramedullary hematopoiesis. We investigated the expression of GATA-4 and its purported target gene erythropoietin (Epo) in liver tumors and the role of GATA-4 in HB pathogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used for liver samples from patients with HB or hepatocellular carcinoma. To further investigate the role of GATA-4 in pediatric liver tumors, we used adenoviral transfections of wild-type or dominant negative GATA-4 constructs in the human HB cell line, HUH6. RESULTS We found abundant GATA-4 expression in both types of liver tumors in children, whereas it was absent in adult hepatocellular carcinoma. A close family member GATA-6 was expressed in a minority of childhood but not adult liver tumors. Epo, present in the fetal liver, was also expressed in childhood liver tumors. Moreover, cell line HUH6 was GATA-4 positive and produced Epo. We found that altering the amount of functional GATA-4 in HUH6 cells did not significantly affect either proliferation or apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS GATA-4 is abundant in pediatric liver tumors, but unraveling its exact role in these neoplasms requires further investigation.
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Lieber J, Eicher C, Wenz J, Kirchner B, Warmann SW, Fuchs J, Armeanu-Ebinger S. The BH3 mimetic ABT-737 increases treatment efficiency of paclitaxel against hepatoblastoma. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:362. [PMID: 21854558 PMCID: PMC3176244 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The primary goal of current chemotherapy in hepatoblastoma (HB) is reduction of tumour volume and vitality to enable complete surgical resection and reduce risk of recurrence or metastatic disease. Drug resistance remains a major challenge for HB treatment. In some malignancies inhibition of anti-apoptotic pathways using small BH3 mimetic molecules like ABT-737 shows synergistic effects in combination with cystotoxic agents in vitro. Now we analysed toxicology and synergistic effects of this approach in HB cells and HB xenografts. Methods Viability was monitored in HB cells (HUH6 and HepT1) and fibroblasts treated with paclitaxel, ABT-737 and a combination of both in a MTT assay. HUH6 xenotransplants in NOD/LtSz-scid IL2Rγnull mice (NSG) were treated accordingly. Tumour volume and body weight were monitored. Xenografted tumours were analysed by histology and immunohistochemistry (Ki-67 and TUNEL assay). Results ABT-737 reduced viability in HUH6 and HepT1 cells cultures at concentrations above 1 μM and also enhanced the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel when used in combination. Thereby paclitaxel could be reduced tenfold to achieve similar reduction of viability of tumour cells. In contrast no toxicity in fibroblasts was observed at the same regiments. Subcutaneous HB (HUH6) treated with paclitaxel (12 mg/kg body weight, n = 7) led to delayed tumour growth in the beginning of the experiment. However, tumour volume was similar to controls (n = 5) at day 25. Combination treatment with paclitaxel and ABT-737 (100 mg/kg, n = 8) revealed significantly 10 fold lower relative tumour volumes compared to control and paclitaxel groups. Paclitaxel dependent toxicity was observed in this mice strain. Conclusions Our results demonstrate enhancement of chemotherapy by using modulators of apoptosis. Further analyses should include improved pharmacological formulations of paclitaxel and BH3 mimetics in order to reduce toxicological effects. Sensitising HB to apoptosis may also render resistant HB susceptible to established chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Lieber
- Department of Paediatric Surgery and Paediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital, Hoppe-Seyler-Strasse 1, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Cho HJ, Baek KE, Park SM, Kim IK, Nam IK, Choi YL, Park SH, Im MJ, Choi J, Ryu J, Kim JW, Lee CW, Kang SS, Yoo J. RhoGDI2 confers gastric cancer cells resistance against cisplatin-induced apoptosis by upregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Cancer Lett 2011; 311:48-56. [PMID: 21752536 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI)2 has been identified as a regulator of Rho family GTPase. Recently, we suggested that RhoGDI2 could promote tumor growth and malignant progression in gastric cancer. In this study, we demonstrate that RhoGDI2 contributes to another important feature of aggressive cancers, i.e., resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin. Forced expression of RhoGDI2 attenuated cisplatin-induced apoptosis, whereas RhoGDI2 depletion showed opposite effects in vitro. Moreover, the increased anti-apoptotic effect of RhoGDI2 on cisplatin was further validated in RhoGDI2-overexpressing SNU-484 xenograft model in nude mice. Furthermore, we identified Bcl-2 as a major determinant of RhoGDI2-mediated cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells. Depletion of Bcl-2 expression significantly increased cisplatin-induced apoptosis in RhoGDI2-overexpressing gastric cancer cells, whereas overexpression of Bcl-2 blocked cisplatin-induced apoptosis in RhoGDI2-depleted gastric cancer cells. Overall, these findings establish RhoGDI2 as an important therapeutic target for simultaneously enhancing chemotherapy efficacy and reducing metastasis risk in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jun Cho
- Department of Microbiology/Research Institute of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
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Lieber J, Kirchner B, Eicher C, Warmann SW, Seitz G, Fuchs J, Armeanu-Ebinger S. Inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X enhances chemotherapy sensitivity in hepatoblastoma cells. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 55:1089-95. [PMID: 20680965 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins is regularly found in malignant cells, contributing to their clonal expansion by conferring an improved survival ability. In Hepatoblastoma (HB) apoptosis regulation contributes to resistance and therapy failure, therefore we modulated apoptosis sensitivity of HB cells for an improved cytotoxic activity of commonly used drugs. PROCEDURE Apoptosis-related proteins were quantified in HB cells (HuH6 and HepT1) using protein assays. Interaction of ABT-737, a small-molecule inhibitor of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-W with cytotoxic drugs was monitored in a proliferation assay. Apoptosis induction was measured by caspase-3 activity. RESULTS We found high levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and Bcl-X as well as low levels of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and Bad in both HB cell lines. ABT-737 induced apoptosis in HuH6 and HepT1 cells at concentrations higher than 1 µM. ABT-737 also enhanced the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin (CDDP), doxorubicin (DOXO), etoposide and paclitaxel when used as combination therapy. HuH6 expressed slightly higher pro-apoptotic and lower anti-apoptotic protein levels than HepT1, which may explain the stronger enhancement of cytostatic drug effects in HuH6 cells when treated in combination with ABT-737. CONCLUSION The observed anti-apoptotic phenotype in HB cell lines may contribute to resistance to cytotoxic drugs used in the standard treatment protocol of HB. These pre-clinical results suggest that apoptosis sensitizers with BH-3 mimicry, such as ABT-737, should be further evaluated in preclinical models of HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus Lieber
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
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Brozovic A, Ambriović-Ristov A, Osmak M. The relationship between cisplatin-induced reactive oxygen species, glutathione, and BCL-2 and resistance to cisplatin. Crit Rev Toxicol 2010; 40:347-59. [PMID: 20163198 DOI: 10.3109/10408441003601836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cisplatin (cDDP) is an anticancer agent that is widely used in the treatment of many solid tumors. A major obstacle to successful cDDP-based chemotherapy, however, is the intrinsic and acquired resistance of tumor cells to this drug. Greater insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of cellular responses to cDDP will aid in the development and optimization of new therapeutic strategies. Apart from induction of DNA damage, recent data have suggested that cDDP also induces the formation of reactive oxygen species that can trigger cell death. Cell death occurs as the result of several simultaneously activated signaling pathways. The specific pathway responsible for cell death depends on the cell type and the treatment conditions. This review focuses on the relationship between glutathione and BCL-2 and their protective role in cDDP-induced reactive oxygen species formation and cDDP resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Brozovic
- Laboratory for Genotoxic Agents, Division of Molecular Biology, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Warmann SW, Fuchs J, Bitzer M, Lauer UM. Emerging gene-directed anti-tumor strategies against human hepatoblastoma. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:1155-61. [DOI: 10.1517/14712590903136696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Meijerman I, Beijnen JH, Schellens JH. Combined action and regulation of phase II enzymes and multidrug resistance proteins in multidrug resistance in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2008; 34:505-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2008.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2007] [Revised: 02/11/2008] [Accepted: 03/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Targeted constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by cucurbitacin B. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2008; 63:635-42. [PMID: 18521604 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-008-0780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effect of cucurbitacin B on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and apoptosis, and to explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS In vitro viability of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) was investigated using a 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphologic changes of cells were evaluated through light microscopy. Cell cycle distribution was evaluated with flow cytometry following PI staining. Apoptosis was evaluated respectively with flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy following Annexin V-FITC/PI and Hoechst 33258 staining. Western blot assays were performed to determine the expression of pSTAT3 and Bcl-2. Finally, in vivo effect of cucurbitacin B on the growth of HepG2 cells was determined in nude mice. RESULTS The MTT assay showed that cucurbitacin B inhibited HepG2 cell viability in a dose and time-dependent manner. Cucurbitacin B treatment resulted in accumulation of cells at the S phase of cell cycle as well as apoptosis. Marked morphological changes, including condensation of chromatin, nuclear fragmentation and apoptotic bodies were clearly shown on Hoechst 33258 staining. Western blot showed that cucurbitacin B inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2. Growth of HepG2 tumor in nude mice was also inhibited by cucurbitacin B. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that cucurbitacin B may have a therapeutic value in suppressing the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanism may be attributable to the suppression of STAT3 phosphorylation.
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