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Besse A, Sedlarikova L, Buechler L, Kraus M, Yang CH, Strakova N, Soucek K, Navratil J, Svoboda M, Welm AL, Joerger M, Driessen C, Besse L. HIV-protease inhibitors potentiate the activity of carfilzomib in triple-negative breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:918-930. [PMID: 38969867 PMCID: PMC11368961 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02774-9] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to chemotherapy is a major problem in the treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Preclinical data suggest that TNBC is dependent on proteasomes; however, clinical observations indicate that the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors in TNBC may be limited, suggesting the need for combination therapies. METHODS We compared bortezomib and carfilzomib and their combinations with nelfinavir and lopinavir in TNBC cell lines and primary cells with regard to their cytotoxic activity, functional proteasome inhibition, and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Furthermore, we evaluated the involvement of sXBP1, ABCB1, and ABCG2 in the cytotoxic activity of drug combinations. RESULTS Carfilzomib, via proteasome β5 + β2 inhibition, is more cytotoxic in TNBC than bortezomib, which inhibits β5 + β1 proteasome subunits. The cytotoxicity of carfilzomib was significantly potentiated by nelfinavir or lopinavir. Carfilzomib with lopinavir induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and pro-apoptotic UPR through the accumulation of excess proteasomal substrate protein in TNBC in vitro. Moreover, lopinavir increased the intracellular availability of carfilzomib by inhibiting carfilzomib export from cells that express high levels and activity of ABCB1, but not ABCG2. CONCLUSION Proteasome inhibition by carfilzomib combined with nelfinavir/lopinavir represents a potential treatment option for TNBC, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Sedlarikova
- Babak Myeloma Group, Department of Pathological Physiology, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Lorina Buechler
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Kraus
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Chieh-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicol Strakova
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
- Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Soucek
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Navratil
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Svoboda
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Markus Joerger
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Driessen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic.
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Shaji UP, Tuti N, Alim SK, Mohan M, Das S, Meur G, Swamy MJ, Anindya R. Inhibition of human DNA alkylation damage repair enzyme ALKBH2 by HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 141:103732. [PMID: 39094381 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103732] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The human DNA repair enzyme AlkB homologue-2 (ALKBH2) repairs methyl adducts from genomic DNA and is overexpressed in several cancers. However, there are no known inhibitors available for this crucial DNA repair enzyme. The aim of this study was to examine whether the first-generation HIV protease inhibitors having strong anti-cancer activity can be repurposed as inhibitors of ALKBH2. We selected four such inhibitors and performed in vitro binding analysis against ALKBH2 based on alterations of its intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and differential scanning fluorimetry. The effect of these HIV protease inhibitors on the DNA repair activity of ALKBH2 was also evaluated. Interestingly, we observed that one of the inhibitors, ritonavir, could inhibit ALKBH2-mediated DNA repair significantly via competitive inhibition and sensitized cancer cells to alkylating agent methylmethane sulfonate (MMS). This work may provide new insights into the possibilities of utilizing HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir as a DNA repair antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unnikrishnan P Shaji
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Nikhil Tuti
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India
| | - S K Alim
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India
| | - Monisha Mohan
- Department of Science and Humanities, Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIIT-DM) Kancheepuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600127, India
| | - Susmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Gargi Meur
- ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Musti J Swamy
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India
| | - Roy Anindya
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India.
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3
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Xiong JX, Li YT, Tan XY, Chen T, Liu BH, Fu L. Targeting PRSS23 with tipranavir induces gastric cancer stem cell apoptosis and inhibits growth of gastric cancer via the MKK3/p38 MAPK-IL24 pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:405-421. [PMID: 37814123 PMCID: PMC10789761 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01165-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) contribute to the refractory features of gastric cancer (GC) and are responsible for metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. The key factors drive GCSC function and affect the clinical outcome of GC patients remain poorly understood. PRSS23 is a novel serine protease that is significantly up-regulated in several types of cancers and cancer stem cells, and related to tumor progression and drug resistance. In this study, we investigated the role of PRSS23 in GCSCs as well as the mechanism by which PRSS23 regulated the GCSC functions. We demonstrated that PRSS23 was critical for sustaining GCSC survival. By screening a collection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (PIs), we identified tipranavir as a PRSS23-targeting drug, which effectively killed both GCSC and GC cell lines (its IC50 values were 4.7 and 6.4 μM in GCSC1 cells and GCSC2 cells, respectively). Administration of tipranavir (25 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p., for 8 days) in GCSC-derived xenograft mice markedly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous GCSC tumors without apparent toxicity. In contrast, combined treatment with 5-FU plus cisplatin did not affect the tumor growth but causing significant weight loss. Furthermore, we revealed that tipranavir induced GCSC cell apoptosis by suppressing PRSS23 expression, releasing MKK3 from the PRSS23/MKK3 complex to activate p38 MAPK, and thereby activating the IL24-mediated Bax/Bak mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In addition, tipranavir was found to kill other types of cancer cell lines and drug-resistant cell lines. Collectively, this study demonstrates that by targeting both GCSCs and GC cells, tipranavir is a promising anti-cancer drug, and the clinical development of tipranavir or other drugs specifically targeting the PRSS23/MKK3/p38MAPK-IL24 mitochondrial apoptotic pathway may offer an effective approach to combat gastric and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Xian Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yu-Ting Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tie Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bao-Hua Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Caddeo C, Miglionico R, Rinaldi R, Nigro I, Lamorte D, Chiummiento L, Lupattelli P, Funicello M, D’Orsi R, Valenti D, Santoro V, Fadda AM, Bisaccia F, Vassallo A, Armentano MF. PEGylated Liposomes Loaded with Carbamate Inhibitor ANP0903 Trigger Apoptosis by Enhancing ER Stress in HepG2 Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054552. [PMID: 36901980 PMCID: PMC10002784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054552] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the development of systemic therapies, but there is still the need for new drugs and technologies that can increase the survival and quality of life of patients. The present investigation reports the development of a liposomal formulation of a carbamate molecule, reported as ANP0903, previously tested as an inhibitor of HIV-1 protease and now evaluated for its ability to induce cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. PEGylated liposomes were prepared and characterized. Small, oligolamellar vesicles were produced, as demonstrated by light scattering results and TEM images. The physical stability of the vesicles in biological fluids was demonstrated in vitro, alongside the stability during storage. An enhanced cellular uptake was verified in HepG2 cells treated with liposomal ANP0903, resulting in a greater cytotoxicity. Several biological assays were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms explaining the proapoptotic effect of ANP0903. Our results allow us to hypothesize that the cytotoxic action in tumor cells is probably due to the inhibition of the proteasome, resulting in an increase in the amount of ubiquitinated proteins within the cells, which in turn triggers activation of autophagy and apoptosis processes, resulting in cell death. The proposed liposomal formulation represents a promising approach to deliver a novel antitumor agent to cancer cells and enhance its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caddeo
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rocchina Miglionico
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Roberta Rinaldi
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Nigro
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Lamorte
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Lucia Chiummiento
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Paolo Lupattelli
- Department of Chimica, Sapienza University of Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Funicello
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosarita D’Orsi
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Santoro
- Department of Farmacia, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Faustino Bisaccia
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Vassallo
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff TNcKILLERS s.r.l., Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0971205624
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Coffin AB, Dale E, Doppenberg E, Fearington F, Hayward T, Hill J, Molano O. Putative COVID-19 therapies imatinib, lopinavir, ritonavir, and ivermectin cause hair cell damage: A targeted screen in the zebrafish lateral line. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:941031. [PMID: 36090793 PMCID: PMC9448854 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.941031] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomedical community is rapidly developing COVID-19 drugs to bring much-need therapies to market, with over 900 drugs and drug combinations currently in clinical trials. While this pace of drug development is necessary, the risk of producing therapies with significant side-effects is also increased. One likely side-effect of some COVID-19 drugs is hearing loss, yet hearing is not assessed during preclinical development or clinical trials. We used the zebrafish lateral line, an established model for drug-induced sensory hair cell damage, to assess the ototoxic potential of seven drugs in clinical trials for treatment of COVID-19. We found that ivermectin, lopinavir, imatinib, and ritonavir were significantly toxic to lateral line hair cells. By contrast, the approved COVID-19 therapies dexamethasone and remdesivir did not cause damage. We also did not observe damage from the antibiotic azithromycin. Neither lopinavir nor ritonavir altered the number of pre-synaptic ribbons per surviving hair cell, while there was an increase in ribbons following imatinib or ivermectin exposure. Damage from lopinavir, imatinib, and ivermectin was specific to hair cells, with no overall cytotoxicity noted following TUNEL labeling. Ritonavir may be generally cytotoxic, as determined by an increase in the number of TUNEL-positive non-hair cells following ritonavir exposure. Pharmacological inhibition of the mechanotransduction (MET) channel attenuated damage caused by lopinavir and ritonavir but did not alter imatinib or ivermectin toxicity. These results suggest that lopinavir and ritonavir may enter hair cells through the MET channel, similar to known ototoxins such as aminoglycoside antibiotics. Finally, we asked if ivermectin was ototoxic to rats in vivo. While ivermectin is not recommended by the FDA for treating COVID-19, many people have chosen to take ivermectin without a doctor’s guidance, often with serious side-effects. Rats received daily subcutaneous injections for 10 days with a clinically relevant ivermectin dose (0.2 mg/kg). In contrast to our zebrafish assays, ivermectin did not cause ototoxicity in rats. Our research suggests that some drugs in clinical trials for COVID-19 may be ototoxic. This work can help identify drugs with the fewest side-effects and determine which therapies warrant audiometric monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B. Coffin
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Allison B. Coffin,
| | - Emily Dale
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Emilee Doppenberg
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Forrest Fearington
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Tamasen Hayward
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Jordan Hill
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
| | - Olivia Molano
- College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA, United States
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Pereira M, Vale N. Saquinavir: From HIV to COVID-19 and Cancer Treatment. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070944. [PMID: 35883499 PMCID: PMC9313067 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Saquinavir was the first protease inhibitor developed for HIV therapy, and it changed the standard of treatment for this disease to a combination of drugs that ultimately led to increased survival of this otherwise deadly condition. Inhibiting the HIV protease impedes the virus from maturing and replicating. With this in mind, since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the research for already approved drugs (mainly antivirals) to repurpose for treatment of this disease has increased. Among the drugs tested, saquinavir showed promise in silico and in vitro in the inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro). Another field for saquinavir repurposing has been in anticancer treatment, in which it has shown effects in vitro and in vivo in several types of cancer, from Kaposi carcinoma to neuroblastoma, demonstrating cytotoxicity, apoptosis, inhibition of cell invasion, and improvement of radiosensibility of cancer cells. Despite the lack of follow-up in clinical trials for cancer use, there has been a renewed interest in this drug recently due to COVID-19, which shows similar pharmacological pathways and has developed superior in silico models that can be translated to oncologic research. This could help further testing and future approval of saquinavir repurposing for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pereira
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Shaji UP, Tuti N, Das S, Anindya R, Mohan M. Interactions between HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir and human DNA repair enzyme ALKBH2: a molecular dynamics simulation study. Mol Divers 2022; 27:931-938. [PMID: 35543797 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10444-2] [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: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The human DNA repair enzyme AlkB homologue-2 (ALKBH2) repairs methyl adducts from genomic DNA. Overexpression of ALKBH2 has been implicated in both tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance in some cancers, including glioblastoma and renal cancer rendering it a potential therapeutic target and a diagnostic marker. However, no inhibitor is available against these important DNA repair proteins. Intending to repurpose a drug as an inhibitor of ALKBH2, we performed in silico evaluation of HIV protease inhibitors and identified Ritonavir as an ALKBH2-interacting molecule. Using molecular dynamics simulation, we elucidated the molecular details of Ritonavir-ALKBH2 interaction. The present work highlights that Ritonavir might be used to target the ALKBH2-mediated DNA alkylation repair.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikhil Tuti
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi Sanga Reddy, Telangana, 502284, India
| | - Susmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi Sanga Reddy, Telangana, 502284, India
| | - Roy Anindya
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi Sanga Reddy, Telangana, 502284, India.
| | - Monisha Mohan
- Department of Science and Humanities, Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing Kancheepuram, Chennai, Tamilnadu, 600127, India.
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Nelfinavir Induces Cytotoxicity towards High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells, Involving Induction of the Unfolded Protein Response, Modulation of Protein Synthesis, DNA Damage, Lysosomal Impairment, and Potentiation of Toxicity Caused by Proteasome Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010099. [PMID: 35008264 PMCID: PMC8750028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for 70% of all ovarian-cancer-related deaths. Mainstay treatment with platinum-based drugs following surgery results in favorable outcomes in the majority of patients; however, in >80% of cases, the disease relapses with eventual drug resistance. As such, urgent development of improved alternative therapies is necessary for HGSOC patients with lower life expectancy. Rapid repurposing of market available drugs for cancer therapy is a cost-effective alternative to bypass the decade-long traditional drug development pipeline. Among potential drug-repurposing candidates, nelfinavir (NFV)—an anti-infective agent to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)—has shown anti-cancer effects against diverse cancers; however, its remedial benefits against HGSOC are unknown. In this study, we explored how NFV targets HGSOC cells obtained from patients at platinum-sensitive and -resistant stages. We observed beneficial efficacy elicited by NFV against HGSOC in both disease conditions through multiple mechanistic avenues, suggesting positive drug-repurposing prospects. Abstract High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a significant cause of mortality among women worldwide. Traditional treatment consists of platinum-based therapy; however, rapid development of platinum resistance contributes to lower life expectancy, warranting newer therapies to supplement the current platinum-based protocol. Repurposing market-available drugs as cancer therapeutics is a cost- and time-effective way to avail new therapies to drug-resistant patients. The anti-HIV agent nelfinavir (NFV) has shown promising toxicity against various cancers; however, its role against HGSOC is unknown. Here, we studied the effect of NFV against HGSOC cells obtained from patients along disease progression and carrying different sensitivities to platinum. NFV triggered, independently of platinum sensitivity, a dose-dependent reduction in the HGSOC cell number and viability, and a parallel increase in hypo-diploid DNA content. Moreover, a dose-dependent reduction in clonogenic survival of cells escaping the acute toxicity was indicative of long-term residual damage. In addition, dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of H2AX indicated NFV-mediated DNA damage, which was associated with decreased survival and proliferation signals driven by the AKT and ERK pathways. NFV also mediated a dose-dependent increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules associated with long-term inhibition of protein synthesis and concurrent cell death; such events were accompanied by a proapoptotic environment, signaled by increased phospho-eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved executer caspase-7. Finally, we show that NFV potentiates the short-term cell cycle arrest and long-term toxicity caused by the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Overall, our in vitro study demonstrates that NFV can therapeutically target HGSOC cells of differential platinum sensitivities via several mechanisms, suggesting its prospective repurposing benefit considering its good safety profile.
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Yu W, Wu X, Zhao Y, Chen C, Yang Z, Zhang X, Ren J, Wang Y, Wu C, Li C, Chen R, Wang X, Zheng W, Liao H, Yuan X. Computational Simulation of HIV Protease Inhibitors to the Main Protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2: Implications for COVID-19 Drugs Design. Molecules 2021; 26:7385. [PMID: 34885967 PMCID: PMC8659229 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is highly homologous to SARS-CoV. To date, the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is regarded as an important drug target for the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some experiments confirmed that several HIV protease inhibitors present the inhibitory effects on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting Mpro. However, the mechanism of action has still not been studied very clearly. In this work, the interaction mechanism of four HIV protease inhibitors Darunavir (DRV), Lopinavir (LPV), Nelfinavir (NFV), and Ritonavire (RTV) targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro was explored by applying docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and MM-GBSA methods using the broad-spectrum antiviral drug Ribavirin (RBV) as the negative and nonspecific control. Our results revealed that LPV, RTV, and NFV have higher binding affinities with Mpro, and they all interact with catalytic residues His41 and the other two key amino acids Met49 and Met165. Pharmacophore model analysis further revealed that the aromatic ring, hydrogen bond donor, and hydrophobic group are the essential infrastructure of Mpro inhibitors. Overall, this study applied computational simulation methods to study the interaction mechanism of HIV-1 protease inhibitors with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, and the findings provide useful insights for the development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents for the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (W.Y.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (C.W.); (C.L.)
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Xiaomin Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pollutant Sensitive Materials and Environmental Remediation, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (X.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yizhen Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Chun Chen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (W.Y.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (C.W.); (C.L.)
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pollutant Sensitive Materials and Environmental Remediation, College of Life Sciences, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei 235000, China; (X.W.); (X.Z.)
| | - Jiayi Ren
- Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai 519041, China;
| | - Yueming Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (W.Y.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (C.W.); (C.L.)
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Changwen Wu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (W.Y.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (C.W.); (C.L.)
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Chengming Li
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (W.Y.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (C.W.); (C.L.)
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Rongfeng Chen
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Weihong Zheng
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Huaxin Liao
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (W.Y.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (C.W.); (C.L.)
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
| | - Xiaohui Yuan
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (W.Y.); (C.C.); (Y.W.); (C.W.); (C.L.)
- Zhuhai Trinomab Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai 519040, China; (R.C.); (X.W.); (W.Z.)
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10
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Two Novel Precursors of the HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor Darunavir Target the UPR/Proteasome System in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HepG2. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113052. [PMID: 34831275 PMCID: PMC8618555 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113052] [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: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several pre-clinical and clinical reports suggest that HIV-1 protease inhibitors, in addition to the antiretroviral properties, possess pleiotropic pharmacological effects including anticancer action. Therefore, we investigated the pro-apoptotic activity in tumor cells of two molecules, RDD-19 and RDD-142, which are hydroxyethylamine derivatives’ precursors of darunavir and several HIV-1 protease inhibitors. Methods: Three hepatoma cell lines and one non-pathological cell line were treated with RDD-19 and RDD-142, and cell viability was assessed. The expression levels of several markers for ER stress, autophagy, cellular ubiquitination, and Akt activation were quantified in HepG2 cells treated with RDD-19 and RDD-142 to evaluate apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death. Results: RDD-19 and RDD-142 showed a greater dose-dependent cytotoxicity towards the hepatic tumor cell line HepG2 compared to the non-pathological hepatic cell line IHH. Both molecules caused two types of cell death, a caspase-dependent apoptosis, which was ascertained by a series of biochemical and morphological assays, and a caspase-independent death that was characterized by the induction of ER stress and autophagy. The strong increase of ubiquitinated proteins inside the cells suggested that the target of these molecules could be the proteasome and in silico molecular docking analysis that was used to support the plausibility of this hypothesis. Furthermore, cells treated with the two compounds displayed decreased levels of p-AKT, which interferes with cell survival and proliferation. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that two compounds, RDD-19 and RDD-142, have pleiotropic effects and that they may represent promising anticancer candidates.
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11
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Movaqar A, Yaghoubi A, Rezaee SAR, Jamehdar SA, Soleimanpour S. Coronaviruses construct an interconnection way with ERAD and autophagy. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:1135-1151. [PMID: 34468179 PMCID: PMC8412035 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses quickly became a pandemic or epidemic, affecting large numbers of humans, due to their structural features and also because of their impacts on intracellular communications. The knowledge of the intracellular mechanism of virus distribution could help understand the coronavirus's proper effects on different pathways that lead to the infections. They protect themselves from recognition and damage the infected cell by using an enclosed membrane through hijacking the autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation pathways. The present study is a comprehensive review of the coronavirus strategy in upregulating the communication network of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Movaqar
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Microbiology & Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Atieh Yaghoubi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Microbiology & Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - SA Rahim Rezaee
- Inflammation & Inflammatory Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saeid A Jamehdar
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Microbiology & Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Saman Soleimanpour
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Microbiology & Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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12
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Besse L, Besse A, Stolze SC, Sobh A, Zaal EA, van der Ham AJ, Ruiz M, Phuyal S, Büchler L, Sathianathan M, Florea BI, Borén J, Ståhlman M, Huber J, Bolomsky A, Ludwig H, Hannich JT, Loguinov A, Everts B, Berkers CR, Pilon M, Farhan H, Vulpe CD, Overkleeft HS, Driessen C. Treatment with HIV-Protease Inhibitor Nelfinavir Identifies Membrane Lipid Composition and Fluidity as a Therapeutic Target in Advanced Multiple Myeloma. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4581-4593. [PMID: 34158378 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The HIV-protease inhibitor nelfinavir has shown broad anticancer activity in various preclinical and clinical contexts. In patients with advanced, proteasome inhibitor (PI)-refractory multiple myeloma, nelfinavir-based therapy resulted in 65% partial response or better, suggesting that this may be a highly active chemotherapeutic option in this setting. The broad anticancer mechanism of action of nelfinavir implies that it interferes with fundamental aspects of cancer cell biology. We combined proteome-wide affinity-purification of nelfinavir-interacting proteins with genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based screening to identify protein partners that interact with nelfinavir in an activity-dependent manner alongside candidate genetic contributors affecting nelfinavir cytotoxicity. Nelfinavir had multiple activity-specific binding partners embedded in lipid bilayers of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Nelfinavir affected the fluidity and composition of lipid-rich membranes, disrupted mitochondrial respiration, blocked vesicular transport, and affected the function of membrane-embedded drug efflux transporter ABCB1, triggering the integrated stress response. Sensitivity to nelfinavir was dependent on ADIPOR2, which maintains membrane fluidity by promoting fatty acid desaturation and incorporation into phospholipids. Supplementation with fatty acids prevented the nelfinavir-induced effect on mitochondrial metabolism, drug-efflux transporters, and stress-response activation. Conversely, depletion of fatty acids/cholesterol pools by the FDA-approved drug ezetimibe showed a synergistic anticancer activity with nelfinavir in vitro. These results identify the modification of lipid-rich membranes by nelfinavir as a novel mechanism of action to achieve broad anticancer activity, which may be suitable for the treatment of PI-refractory multiple myeloma. SIGNIFICANCE: Nelfinavir induces lipid bilayer stress in cellular organelles that disrupts mitochondrial respiration and transmembrane protein transport, resulting in broad anticancer activity via metabolic rewiring and activation of the unfolded protein response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Andrej Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Sara C Stolze
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amin Sobh
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Esther A Zaal
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alwin J van der Ham
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Ruiz
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Santosh Phuyal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lorina Büchler
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marc Sathianathan
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bogdan I Florea
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julia Huber
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arnold Bolomsky
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Ludwig
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Thomas Hannich
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alex Loguinov
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bart Everts
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Celia R Berkers
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Pilon
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hesso Farhan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christopher D Vulpe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Christoph Driessen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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13
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Harish BS, Raja MRC, Mahapatra SK, Uppuluri KB. Production Enhancement of an Anticoagulant Trypsin Inhibitor from Oceanimonas sp. BPMS22 and Its Anti-cancer Activity. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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14
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Çetin G, Klafack S, Studencka-Turski M, Krüger E, Ebstein F. The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in Immune Cells. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010060. [PMID: 33466553 PMCID: PMC7824874 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the major intracellular and non-lysosomal protein degradation system. Thanks to its unique capacity of eliminating old, damaged, misfolded, and/or regulatory proteins in a highly specific manner, the UPS is virtually involved in almost all aspects of eukaryotic life. The critical importance of the UPS is particularly visible in immune cells which undergo a rapid and profound functional remodelling upon pathogen recognition. Innate and/or adaptive immune activation is indeed characterized by a number of substantial changes impacting various cellular processes including protein homeostasis, signal transduction, cell proliferation, and antigen processing which are all tightly regulated by the UPS. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which the UPS contributes to the generation of an adequate immune response. In this regard, we also discuss the consequences of UPS dysfunction and its role in the pathogenesis of recently described immune disorders including cancer and auto-inflammatory diseases.
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15
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The Anti-Cancer Properties of the HIV Protease Inhibitor Nelfinavir. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113437. [PMID: 33228205 PMCID: PMC7699465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To this day, cancer remains a medical challenge despite the development of cutting-edge diagnostic methods and therapeutics. Thus, there is a continual demand for improved therapeutic options for managing cancer patients. However, novel drug development requires decade-long time commitment and financial investments. Repurposing approved and market-available drugs for cancer therapy is a way to reduce cost and the timeframe for developing new therapies. Nelfinavir is an anti-infective agent that has extensively been used to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in adult and pediatric patients. In addition to its anti-infective properties, nelfinavir has demonstrated potent off-target anti-cancer effects, suggesting that it could be a suitable candidate for drug repurposing for cancer. In this review, we systematically compiled the therapeutic benefits of nelfinavir against cancer as a single drug or in combination with chemoradiotherapy, and outlined the possible underlying mechanistic pathways contributing to the anti-cancer effects. Abstract Traditional cancer treatments may lose efficacy following the emergence of novel mutations or the development of chemoradiotherapy resistance. Late diagnosis, high-cost of treatment, and the requirement of highly efficient infrastructure to dispense cancer therapies hinder the availability of adequate treatment in low-income and resource-limited settings. Repositioning approved drugs as cancer therapeutics may reduce the cost and timeline for novel drug development and expedite the availability of newer, efficacious options for patients in need. Nelfinavir is a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor that has been approved and is extensively used as an anti-infective agent to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Yet nelfinavir has also shown anti-cancer effects in in vitro and in vivo studies. The anti-cancer mechanism of nelfinavir includes modulation of different cellular conditions, such as unfolded protein response, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, the proteasome pathway, oxidative stress, the tumor microenvironment, and multidrug efflux pumps. Multiple clinical trials indicated tolerable and reversible toxicities during nelfinavir treatment in cancer patients, either as a monotherapy or in combination with chemo- or radiotherapy. Since orally available nelfinavir has been a safe drug of choice for both adult and pediatric HIV-infected patients for over two decades, exploiting its anti-cancer off-target effects will enable fast-tracking this newer option into the existing repertoire of cancer chemotherapeutics.
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16
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Kobayashi A. Roles of NRF3 in the Hallmarks of Cancer: Proteasomal Inactivation of Tumor Suppressors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092681. [PMID: 32962187 PMCID: PMC7563620 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the physiological roles of the NFE2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-related transcription factor NRF3 in cancer. NRF3 confers cells with six so-called “hallmarks of cancer” through upregulating gene expression of specific target genes, leading to tumorigenesis and cancer malignancy. These driver gene-like functions of NRF3 in cancer are distinct from those of NRF2. Abstract The physiological roles of the NRF2-related transcription factor NRF3 (NFE2L3) have remained unknown for decades. The remarkable development of human cancer genome databases has led to strong suggestions that NRF3 has functional significance in cancer; specifically, high NRF3 mRNA levels are induced in many cancer types, such as colorectal cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and are associated with poor prognosis. On the basis of this information, the involvement of NRF3 in tumorigenesis and cancer malignancy has been recently proposed. NRF3 confers cancer cells with selective growth advantages by enhancing 20S proteasome assembly through induction of the chaperone gene proteasome maturation protein (POMP) and consequently promoting degradation of the tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) in a ubiquitin-independent manner. This new finding offers insight into the proteasomal but not the genetic inactivation mechanism of tumor suppressors. Moreover, NRF3 promotes cancer malignancy-related processes, including metastasis and angiogenesis. Finally, the molecular mechanisms underlying NRF3 activation have been elucidated, and this knowledge is expected to provide many insights that are useful for the development of anticancer drugs that attenuate NRF3 transcriptional activity. Collectively, the evidence indicates that NRF3 confers cells with six so-called “hallmarks of cancer”, implying that it exhibits cancer driver gene-like function. This review describes recent research advances regarding the newly discovered addiction of cancer cells to NRF3 compared to NRF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kobayashi
- Laboratory for Genetic Code, Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan; ; Tel.: +81-774-65-6273
- Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
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17
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Marima R, Hull R, Dlamini Z, Penny C. Efavirenz and Lopinavir/Ritonavir Alter Cell Cycle Regulation in Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1693. [PMID: 32984047 PMCID: PMC7484481 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) is currently the most effective treatment for HIV/AIDS. Additionally, HIV positive patients receiving HAART have a better health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Cancers previously associated with HIV/AIDS also known as the AIDS defining cancers (ADCs), such as Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have been on the decline since the introduction of HAART. However, non-AIDS defining cancers (NADCs), in particular, lung cancers have been documented to be on the rise. The association between the use of HAART components and lung carcinogenesis is poorly understood. This study aimed at elucidating the effects of two HAART components [efavirenz (EFV), and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)] on lung cancer. This was achieved through the use of in vitro cell biological approaches to assess cell health, including cell viability, Real Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) growth monitoring, evaluation of the cell cycle, and progression to apoptosis, following on drug treatments. At plasma level concentrations, both EFV and LPV/r induced S-phase arrest, while at lower concentrations both drugs promoted the progression of cells into G2/M phase following cell cycle FACS analysis. At higher concentrations although cell viability assays reflected anti-proliferative effects of the drugs, this was not statistically significant. RTCA showed a significant decline in cell viability in response to the highest dose of LPV/r. Dual staining by Annexin V-FITC and PI confirmed significant pro-apoptotic effects were promoted by LPV/r. Both EFV and LPV/r exert double-edged oncogenic effects on MRC-5 and A549 lung cells, acting to either promote cell proliferation or to enhance apoptosis. This is affected by EFV and LPV/r altering cell cycle progression, with a significant S-phase arrest, this being an indication of cellular stress, cytotoxicity, and DNA damage within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaba Marima
- SA-MRC/UP Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers Extramural Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pan African Cancer Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa
| | - Rodney Hull
- SA-MRC/UP Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers Extramural Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pan African Cancer Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SA-MRC/UP Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers Extramural Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pan African Cancer Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, South Africa
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18
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Nascimento ALCS, Fernandes RP, Quijia C, Araujo VHS, Pereira J, Garcia JS, Trevisan MG, Chorilli M. Pharmacokinetic Parameters of HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1018-1029. [PMID: 32390304 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, research has been carried out to control the virus. Understanding the mechanisms of replication has given access to the various classes of drugs that over time have transformed AIDS into a manageable chronic disease. The class of protease inhibitors (PIs) gained notice in anti-retroviral therapy, once it was found that peptidomimetic molecules act by blocking the active catalytic center of the aspartic protease, which is directly related to HIV maturation. However, mutations in enzymatic internal residues are the biggest issue for these drugs, because a small change in biochemical interaction can generate resistance. Low plasma concentrations of PIs favor viral natural selection; high concentrations can inhibit even partially resistant enzymes. Food-drug/drug-drug interactions can decrease the bioavailability of PIs and are related to many side effects. Therefore, this review summarizes the pharmacokinetic properties of current PIs, the changes when pharmacological boosters are used and also lists the major mutations to help understanding of how long the continuous treatment can ensure a low viral load in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L C S Nascimento
- LACFar, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Richard P Fernandes
- Araraquara Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), CP 355, 14801-970, Araraquara, SP, Brazil
| | - Christian Quijia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor H S Araujo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Pereira
- LACFar, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Jerusa S Garcia
- LACFar, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcello G Trevisan
- LACFar, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas, 37130-000, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
| | - Marlus Chorilli
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 14800-903, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Hamazaki J, Murata S. ER-Resident Transcription Factor Nrf1 Regulates Proteasome Expression and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103683. [PMID: 32456207 PMCID: PMC7279161 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein folding is a substantively error prone process, especially when it occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The highly exquisite machinery in the ER controls secretory protein folding, recognizes aberrant folding states, and retrotranslocates permanently misfolded proteins from the ER back to the cytosol; these misfolded proteins are then degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system termed as the ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The 26S proteasome is a multisubunit protease complex that recognizes and degrades ubiquitinated proteins in an ATP-dependent manner. The complex structure of the 26S proteasome requires exquisite regulation at the transcription, translation, and molecular assembly levels. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 1 (Nrf1; NFE2L1), an ER-resident transcription factor, has recently been shown to be responsible for the coordinated expression of all the proteasome subunit genes upon proteasome impairment in mammalian cells. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the transcriptional regulation of the proteasome, as well as recent findings concerning the regulation of Nrf1 transcription activity in ER homeostasis and metabolic processes.
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20
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NRF3-POMP-20S Proteasome Assembly Axis Promotes Cancer Development via Ubiquitin-Independent Proteolysis of p53 and Retinoblastoma Protein. Mol Cell Biol 2020; 40:MCB.00597-19. [PMID: 32123008 PMCID: PMC7189095 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00597-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteasomes are essential protease complexes that maintain cellular homeostasis, and aberrant proteasomal activity supports cancer development. The regulatory mechanisms and biological function of the ubiquitin-26S proteasome have been studied extensively, while those of the ubiquitin-independent 20S proteasome system remain obscure. Here, we show that the cap 'n' collar (CNC) family transcription factor NRF3 specifically enhances 20S proteasome assembly in cancer cells and that 20S proteasomes contribute to colorectal cancer development through ubiquitin-independent proteolysis of the tumor suppressor p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) proteins. The NRF3 gene is highly expressed in many cancer tissues and cell lines and is important for cancer cell growth. In cancer cells, NRF3 upregulates the assembly of the 20S proteasome by directly inducing the gene expression of the 20S proteasome maturation protein POMP. Interestingly, NRF3 knockdown not only increases p53 and Rb protein levels but also increases p53 activities for tumor suppression, including cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, protein stability and cell viability assays using two distinct proteasome inhibitor anticancer drugs, the 20S proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 inhibitor TAK-243, show that the upregulation of the NRF3-POMP axis leads to ubiquitin-independent proteolysis of p53 and Rb and to impaired sensitivity to bortezomib but not TAK-243. More importantly, the NRF3-POMP axis supports tumorigenesis and metastasis, with higher NRF3/POMP expression levels correlating with poor prognoses in patients with colorectal or rectal adenocarcinoma. These results suggest that the NRF3-POMP-20S proteasome assembly axis is significant for cancer development via ubiquitin-independent proteolysis of tumor suppressor proteins.
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21
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Hitz F, Kraus M, Pabst T, Hess D, Besse L, Silzle T, Novak U, Seipel K, Rondeau S, Stüdeli S, Vilei SB, Samaras P, Mey U, Driessen C. Nelfinavir and lenalidomide/dexamethasone in patients with lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma. A phase I/II Trial (SAKK 39/10). Blood Cancer J 2019; 9:70. [PMID: 31455773 PMCID: PMC6711992 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-019-0228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiretroviral agent nelfinavir has antimyeloma activity and can overcome resistance to bortezomib. Our phase I/II trial investigated whether adding nelfinavir to lenalidomide-dexamethasone can overcome lenalidomide resistance in lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Twenty-nine patients were included (high-risk cytogenetic aberrations 31%; ≥2 prior therapy lines 93%; lenalidomide-bortezomib double-refractory 34%). Twenty-four patients (83%) had prior bortezomib and 10 (34%) were lenalidomide-bortezomib double-refractory. They received four cycles of nelfinavir 2500 mg/day with standard-dose lenalidomide (25 mg days 1-21) and dexamethasone (40/20 mg days 1, 8, 15, 22). Minor response or better was achieved in 16 patients (55%; 95% CI 36-74%), including 40% of those who were lenalidomide-bortezomib double-refractory, and partial response or better in nine patients (31%; 95% CI 15-51%). Median progression-free survival was 3.4 (95% CI 2.0-4.9) months and median overall survival 21.6 (13.0-50.1) months. Lenalidomide-related pneumonitis, pneumonia, and neutropenic fever occurred, but there were no unexpected adverse events. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed a 45% (95% CI 40-51%) reduction in total proteasome activity from baseline and significant induction of unfolded protein response and autophagy. Thus, nelfinavir-lenalidomide-dexamethasone is an active oral combination in lenalidomide-refractory MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hitz
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - M Kraus
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - T Pabst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - D Hess
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - L Besse
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - T Silzle
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - U Novak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - K Seipel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Universitätsspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Rondeau
- SAKK Coordinating Center, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S Stüdeli
- SAKK Coordinating Center, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - U Mey
- Department of Oncology, Kantonsspital Graubünden, Chur, Switzerland
| | - C Driessen
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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22
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Cole DW, Svider PF, Shenouda KG, Lee PB, Yoo NG, McLeod TM, Mutchnick SA, Yoo GH, Kaufman RJ, Callaghan MU, Fribley AM. Targeting the unfolded protein response in head and neck and oral cavity cancers. Exp Cell Res 2019; 382:111386. [PMID: 31075256 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many FDA-approved anti-cancer therapies, targeted toward a wide array of molecular targets and signaling networks, have been demonstrated to activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). Despite a critical role for UPR signaling in the apoptotic execution of cancer cells by many of these compounds, the authors are currently unaware of any instance whereby a cancer drug was developed with the UPR as the intended target. With the essential role of the UPR as a driving force in the genesis and maintenance of the malignant phenotype, a great number of pre-clinical studies have surged into the medical literature describing the ability of dozens of compounds to induce UPR signaling in a myriad of cancer models. The focus of the current work is to review the literature and explore the role of the UPR as a mediator of chemotherapy-induced cell death in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) and oral cavity (OCSCC), with an emphasis on preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Cole
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Peter F Svider
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kerolos G Shenouda
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Paul B Lee
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas G Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Thomas M McLeod
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sean A Mutchnick
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - George H Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael U Callaghan
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrew M Fribley
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
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23
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Paskaš S, Krajnović T, Basile MS, Dunđerović D, Cavalli E, Mangano K, Mammana S, Al-Abed Y, Nicoletti F, Mijatović S, Maksimović-Ivanić D. Senescence as a main mechanism of Ritonavir and Ritonavir-NO action against melanoma. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:1362-1375. [PMID: 30997718 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The main focus of this study is exploring the effect and mechanism of two HIV-protease inhibitors: Ritonavir and Ritonavir-nitric oxide (Ritonavir-NO) on in vitro growth of melanoma cell lines. NO modification significantly improved the antitumor potential of Ritonavir, as the IC50 values of Ritonavir-NO were approximately two times lower than IC50 values of the parental compound. Our results showed for the first time, that both compounds induced senescence in primary and metastatic melanoma cell lines. This transformation was manifested as a change in cell morphology, enlargement of nuclei, increased cellular granulation, upregulation of β-galactosidase activity, lipofuscin granules appearance, higher production of reactive oxygen species and persistent inhibition of proliferation. The expression of p53, as one of the key regulators of senescence, was upregulated after 48 hours of Ritonavir-NO treatment only in metastatic B16F10 cells, ranking it as a late-response event. The development of senescent phenotype was consistent with the alteration of the cytoskeleton-as we observed diminished expression of vinculin, α-actin, and β-tubulin. Permanent inhibition of S6 protein by Ritonavir-NO, but not Ritonavir, could be responsible for a stronger antiproliferative potential of the NO-modified compound. Taken together, induction of senescent phenotype may provide an excellent platform for developing therapeutic approaches based on selective killing of senescent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Paskaš
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara Krajnović
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maria S Basile
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Duško Dunđerović
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santa Mammana
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- Center for Molecular Innovation, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sanja Mijatović
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Maksimović-Ivanić
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
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24
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Lopinavir-NO, a nitric oxide-releasing HIV protease inhibitor, suppresses the growth of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Invest New Drugs 2019; 37:1014-1028. [PMID: 30706336 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We generated a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing derivative of the anti-HIV protease inhibitor lopinavir by linking the NO moiety to the parental drug. We investigated the effects of lopinavir and its derivative lopinavir-NO on melanoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Lopinavir-NO exhibited a twofold stronger anticancer action than lopinavir in vitro. These results were successfully translated into syngeneic models of melanoma in vivo, where a significant reduction in tumour volume was observed only in animals treated with lopinavir-NO. Both lopinavir and lopinavir-NO inhibited cell proliferation and induced the trans-differentiation of melanoma cells to Schwann-like cells. In melanoma cancer cell lines, both lopinavir and lopinavir-NO induced morphological changes, minor apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, caspase activation and autophagy were detected only in B16 cells, indicating a cell line-specific treatment response. Lopinavir-NO released NO intracellularly, and NO neutralization restored cell viability. Treatment with lopinavir-NO induced only a transient activation of Akt and inhibition of P70S6 kinase. The results of this study identify lopinavir-NO as a promising candidate for further clinical trials in melanoma and possibly other solid tumours.
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25
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Huang L, Li L, Tien C, LaBarbera DV, Chen C. Targeting HIV-1 Protease Autoprocessing for High-throughput Drug Discovery and Drug Resistance Assessment. Sci Rep 2019; 9:301. [PMID: 30670786 PMCID: PMC6343032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36730-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 protease autoprocessing liberates the free mature protease from its Gag-Pol polyprotein precursor through a series of highly regulated autoproteolysis reactions. Herein, we report the development and validation (Z' ≥ 0.50) of a cell-based functional assay for high-throughput screening (HTS) of autoprocessing inhibitors using fusion precursors in combination with AlphaLISA (amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay ELISA). Through pilot screening of a collection of 130 known protease inhibitors, the AlphaLISA assay confirmed all 11 HIV protease inhibitors in the library capable of suppressing precursor autoprocessing at low micromolar concentrations. Meanwhile, other protease inhibitors had no impact on precursor autoprocessing. We next conducted HTS of ~23,000 compounds but found no positive hits. Such high selectivity is advantageous for large-scale HTS campaigns and as anticipated based on assay design because a positive hit needs simultaneously to be nontoxic, cell permeable, and inhibiting precursor autoprocessing. Furthermore, AlphaLISA quantification of fusion precursors carrying mutations known to cause resistance to HIV protease inhibitors faithfully recapitulated the reported resistance, suggesting that precursor autoprocessing is a critical step contributing to drug resistance. Taken together, this reported AlphaLISA platform will provide a useful tool for drug discovery targeting HIV-1 protease autoprocessing and for quantification of PI resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangqun Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Linfeng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - ChihFeng Tien
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel V LaBarbera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Chaoping Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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26
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Loss of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 sensitizes tumors to nelfinavir-bortezomib therapy to intensify endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death. Oncogene 2018; 37:5913-5925. [PMID: 29980790 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0381-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells lose homeostatic flexibility because of mutations and dysregulated signaling pathways involved in maintaining homeostasis. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 (TSC1) and TSC2 play a fundamental role in cell homeostasis, where signal transduction through TSC1/TSC2 is often compromised in cancer, leading to aberrant activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). mTORC1 hyperactivation increases the basal level of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via an accumulation of unfolded protein, due to heightened de novo protein translation and repression of autophagy. We exploit this intrinsic vulnerability of tumor cells lacking TSC2, by treating with nelvinavir to further enhance ER stress while inhibiting the proteasome with bortezomib to prevent effective protein removal. We show that TSC2-deficient cells are highly dependent on the proteosomal degradation pathway for survival. Combined treatment with nelfinavir and bortezomib at clinically relevant drug concentrations show synergy in selectively killing TSC2-deficient cells with limited toxicity in control cells. This drug combination inhibited tumor formation in xenograft mouse models and patient-derived cell models of TSC and caused tumor spheroid death in 3D culture. Importantly, 3D culture assays differentiated between the cytostatic effects of the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin, and the cytotoxic effects of the nelfinavir/bortezomib combination. Through RNA sequencing, we determined that nelfinavir and bortezomib tip the balance of ER protein homeostasis of the already ER-stressed TSC2-deficient cells in favor of cell death. These findings have clinical relevance in stratified medicine to treat tumors that have compromised signaling through TSC and are inflexible in their capacity to restore ER homeostasis.
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27
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Barillari G, Monini P, Sgadari C, Ensoli B. The Impact of Human Papilloma Viruses, Matrix Metallo-Proteinases and HIV Protease Inhibitors on the Onset and Progression of Uterine Cervix Epithelial Tumors: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1418. [PMID: 29747434 PMCID: PMC5983696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection of uterine cervix epithelial cells by the Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) is associated with the development of dysplastic/hyperplastic lesions, termed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN lesions may regress, persist or progress to invasive cervical carcinoma (CC), a leading cause of death worldwide. CIN is particularly frequent and aggressive in women infected by both HPV and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), as compared to the general female population. In these individuals, however, therapeutic regimens employing HIV protease inhibitors (HIV-PI) have reduced CIN incidence and/or clinical progression, shedding light on the mechanism(s) of its development. This article reviews published work concerning: (i) the role of HPV proteins (including HPV-E5, E6 and E7) and of matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) in CIN evolution into invasive CC; and (ii) the effect of HIV-PI on events leading to CIN progression such as basement membrane and extracellular matrix invasion by HPV-positive CIN cells and the formation of new blood vessels. Results from the reviewed literature indicate that CIN clinical progression can be monitored by evaluating the expression of MMPs and HPV proteins and they suggest the use of HIV-PI or their derivatives for the block of CIN evolution into CC in both HIV-infected and uninfected women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 1 via Montpellier, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paolo Monini
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 299 viale Regina Elena, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Sgadari
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 299 viale Regina Elena, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Barbara Ensoli
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 299 viale Regina Elena, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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28
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Cloos J, Roeten MS, Franke NE, van Meerloo J, Zweegman S, Kaspers GJ, Jansen G. (Immuno)proteasomes as therapeutic target in acute leukemia. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2018; 36:599-615. [PMID: 29071527 PMCID: PMC5721123 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-017-9699-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The clinical efficacy of proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of multiple myeloma has encouraged application of proteasome inhibitor containing therapeutic interventions in (pediatric) acute leukemia. Here, we summarize the positioning of bortezomib, as first-generation proteasome inhibitor, and second-generation proteasome inhibitors in leukemia treatment from a preclinical and clinical perspective. Potential markers for proteasome inhibitor sensitivity and/or resistance emerging from leukemia cell line models and clinical sample studies will be discussed focusing on the role of immunoproteasome and constitutive proteasome (subunit) expression, PSMB5 mutations, and alternative mechanisms of overcoming proteolytic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Cloos
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Departments of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Margot Sf Roeten
- Departments of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niels E Franke
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan van Meerloo
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Departments of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja Zweegman
- Departments of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan Jl Kaspers
- Departments of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Princess Màxima Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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29
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Abt D, Besse A, Sedlarikova L, Kraus M, Bader J, Silzle T, Vodinska M, Slaby O, Schmid HP, Engeler DS, Driessen C, Besse L. Improving the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma by combination with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-protease inhibitors lopinavir or nelfinavir. BJU Int 2017; 121:600-609. [PMID: 29161753 DOI: 10.1111/bju.14083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the potential of second-generation proteasome inhibition by carfilzomib and its combination with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (HIV-PIs) lopinavir and nelfinavir in vitro for improved treatment of clear cell renal cell cancer (ccRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and unfolded protein response (UPR) activation of proteasome inhibitors, HIV-PIs, and their combination were assessed in three cell lines and primary cells derived from three ccRCC tumours by MTS assay, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Proteasome activity was determined by activity based probes. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis by annexin V/propidium iodide assay and ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1) activity by MitoTracker™ Green FM efflux assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, MA, USA). RESULTS Lopinavir and nelfinavir significantly increased the cytotoxic effect of carfilzomib in all cell lines and primary cells. ABCB1 efflux pump inhibition, induction of ROS production, and UPR pre-activation by lopinavir were identified as underlying mechanisms of this strong synergistic effect. Combined treatment led to unresolved protein stress, increased activation of pro-apoptotic UPR pathway, and a significant increase in apoptosis. CONCLUSION The combination of the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib and the HIV-PIs lopinavir and nelfinavir has a strong synergistic cytotoxic activity against ccRCCin vitro at therapeutically relevant drug concentrations. This effect is most likely explained by synergistic UPR triggering and ABCB1-modulation caused by HIV-PIs. Our findings suggest that combined treatment of second-generation proteasome inhibitors and HIV-PIs should be investigated in patients with metastatic RCC within a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Abt
- Department of Urology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Andrej Besse
- Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Sedlarikova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Babak Myeloma Group, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marianne Kraus
- Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Juergen Bader
- Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Silzle
- Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martina Vodinska
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Slaby
- Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hans-Peter Schmid
- Department of Urology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Christoph Driessen
- Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Besse
- Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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30
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Bacigalupo I, Palladino C, Leone P, Toschi E, Sgadari C, Ensoli B, Barillari G. Inhibition of MMP-9 expression by ritonavir or saquinavir is associated with inactivation of the AKT/Fra-1 pathway in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:2903-2908. [PMID: 28521396 PMCID: PMC5431249 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A reduced incidence and decreased clinical progression of uterine cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) has been observed in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treated with HIV-protease inhibitors (PIs). The HIV-PIs saquinavir (SQV) and ritonavir (RTV) have been demonstrated to efficiently inhibit invasion of human primary CIN cells by downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9. The present study further investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the activity of SQV and RTV in CIN. The results of the present study indicate that the treatment of human primary CIN cells with SQV or RTV directly impairs events leading to MMP-9 expression, including the phosphorylation of AKT and the nuclear localisation of the Fos-related antigen transcription factor. In addition, neither SQV nor RTV affected the expression of human papilloma virus proteins, such as E6 or E7. In view of the important role that the AKT/Fra-1/MMP-9 signalling pathway serves in CIN progression to invasive cervical carcinoma, these data further support the use of HIV-PIs in the treatment of CIN in women infected with HIV and women who are not infected with HIV. Furthermore, the present study identified a molecular mechanism underlying the anti-invasive effects of SQV/RTV, providing useful information for the development of SQV/RTV derivatives, which may be employed as novel anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Bacigalupo
- National Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Center, National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Clelia Palladino
- National Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Center, National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Leone
- National Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Center, National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Toschi
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Sgadari
- National Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Center, National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ensoli
- National Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Center, National Institute of Health, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, I-00133 Rome, Italy
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31
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Maksimovic-Ivanic D, Fagone P, McCubrey J, Bendtzen K, Mijatovic S, Nicoletti F. HIV-protease inhibitors for the treatment of cancer: Repositioning HIV protease inhibitors while developing more potent NO-hybridized derivatives? Int J Cancer 2017; 140:1713-1726. [PMID: 27870005 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The possible use of HIV protease inhibitors (HIV-PI) as new therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer primarily originated from their success in treating HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). While these findings were initially attributed to immune reconstitution and better control of oncogenic viral infections, the number of reports on solid tumors, KS, lymphoma, fibrosarcoma, multiple myeloma and prostate cancer suggest other mechanisms for the anti-neoplastic activity of PIs. However, a major drawback for the possible adoption of HIV-PIs in the therapy of cancer relies on their relatively weak anticancer potency and important side effects. This has propelled several groups to generate derivatives of HIV-PIs for anticancer use, through modifications such as attachment of different moieties, ligands and transporters, including saquinavir-loaded folic acid conjugated nanoparticles and nitric oxide (NO) derivatives of HIV-PIs. In this article, we discuss the current preclinical and clinical evidences for the potential use of HIV-PIs, and of novel derivatives, such as saquinavir-NO in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Maksimovic-Ivanic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic," Belgrade University, Serbia
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - James McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Klaus Bendtzen
- Institute for Inflammation Research (IIR), Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sanja Mijatovic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic," Belgrade University, Serbia
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
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32
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Constitutive NF-κB activation in AML: Causes and treatment strategies. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2016; 98:35-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Driessen C, Kraus M, Joerger M, Rosing H, Bader J, Hitz F, Berset C, Xyrafas A, Hawle H, Berthod G, Overkleeft HS, Sessa C, Huitema A, Pabst T, von Moos R, Hess D, Mey UJM. Treatment with the HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir triggers the unfolded protein response and may overcome proteasome inhibitor resistance of multiple myeloma in combination with bortezomib: a phase I trial (SAKK 65/08). Haematologica 2015; 101:346-55. [PMID: 26659919 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2015.135780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Downregulation of the unfolded protein response mediates proteasome inhibitor resistance in multiple myeloma. The Human Immunodeficieny Virus protease inhibitor nelfinavir activates the unfolded protein response in vitro. We determined dose-limiting toxicity and recommended dose for phase II of nelfinavir in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Twelve patients with advanced hematologic malignancies were treated with nelfinavir (2500-5000 mg/day p.o., days 1-14, 3+3 dose escalation) and bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2), days 1, 4, 8, 11; 21-day cycles). A run in phase with nelfinavir monotherapy allowed pharmakokinetic/pharmakodynamic assessment of nelfinavir in the presence or absence of concomittant bortezomib. End points included dose-limiting toxicity, activation of the unfolded protein response, proteasome activity, toxicity and response to trial treatment. Nelfinavir 2×2500 mg was the recommended phase II dose identified. Nelfinavir alone significantly up-regulated expression of proteins related to the unfolded protein response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and inhibited proteasome activity. Of 10 evaluable patients in the dose escalation cohort, 3 achieved a partial response, 4 stable disease for 2 cycles or more, while 3 had progressive disease as best response. In an exploratory extension cohort with 6 relapsed, bortezomib-refractory, lenalidomide-resistant myeloma patients treated at the recommended phase II dose, 3 reached a partial response, 2 a minor response, and one progressive disease. The combination of nelfinavir with bortezomib is safe and shows promising activity in advanced, bortezomib-refractory multiple myeloma. Induction of the unfolded protein response by nelfinavir may overcome the biological features of proteasome inhibitor resistance. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01164709).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Driessen
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Kraus
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Markus Joerger
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hilde Rosing
- Slotervaart Hospital/The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen Bader
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Felicitas Hitz
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alwin Huitema
- Slotervaart Hospital/The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Pabst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital and University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roger von Moos
- Hematology & Medical Oncology, Kantonsspital Graubuenden, Chur, Switzerland
| | - Dagmar Hess
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich J M Mey
- Hematology & Medical Oncology, Kantonsspital Graubuenden, Chur, Switzerland
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Kast RE, Ramiro S, Lladó S, Toro S, Coveñas R, Muñoz M. Antitumor action of temozolomide, ritonavir and aprepitant against human glioma cells. J Neurooncol 2015; 126:425-31. [PMID: 26603162 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-015-1996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In the effort to find better treatments for glioblastoma we tested several currently marketed non-chemotherapy drugs for their ability to enhance the standard cytotoxic drug currently used to treat glioblastoma- temozolomide. We tested four antiviral drugs- acyclovir, cidofovir, maraviroc, ritonavir, and an anti-emetic, aprepitant. We found no cytotoxicity of cidofovir and discussed possible reasons for discrepancy from previous findings of others. We also found no cytotoxicity from acyclovir or maraviroc also in contradistinction to predictions. Cytotoxicity to glioma cell line GAMG for temozolomide alone was 14%, aprepitant alone 7%, ritonavir alone 14%, while temozolomide + aprepitant was 19%, temozolomide + ritonavir 34%, ritonavir + aprepitant 64 %, and all three, temozolomide + ritonavir + aprepitant 78%. We conclude that a remarkable synergy exists between aprepitant and ritonavir. Given the long clinical experience with these two well-tolerated drugs in treating non-cancer conditions, and the current median survival of glioblastoma of 2 years, a trial is warranted of adding these two simple drugs to current standard treatment with temozolomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Kast
- IIAIGC Headquarters, Dean of Studies, 22 Church St, Burlington, VT, 05401, USA.
| | - Susana Ramiro
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Sandra Lladó
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Salvador Toro
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems (Lab. 14), Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Muñoz
- Research Laboratory on Neuropeptides (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Avda. Manuel Siurot s/n, 41013, Seville, Spain.
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Maksimovic-Ivanic D, Mojic M, Bulatovic M, Radojkovic M, Kuzmanovic M, Ristic S, Stosic-Grujicic S, Miljkovic D, Cavalli E, Libra M, Fagone P, McCubrey J, Nicoletti F, Mijatovic S. The NO-modified HIV protease inhibitor as a valuable drug for hematological malignancies: Role of p70S6K. Leuk Res 2015. [PMID: 26220866 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Covalent attachment of NO to the first approved HIV protease inhibitor Saquinavir (Saq-NO) expands the therapeutic potential of the original drug. Apart from retained antiviral activity, the modified drug exerts strong antitumor effects and lower toxicity. In the present study, we have evaluated the sensitivity of different hematological malignancies to Saq-NO. Saq-NO efficiently diminished the viability of Jurkat, Raji, HL-60 and K562 cells. While Jurkat and Raji cells (established from pediatric patients) displayed abrogated proliferative potential, HL-60 and K652 cells (originated from adults) exposed to Saq-NO treatment underwent caspase dependent apoptosis. In addition, similar sensitivity to Saq-NO was observed in mononuclear blood cells obtained from pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Western blot analysis indicated p70S6 kinase as a possible intracellular target of Saq-NO action. Moreover, the addition of a NO moiety to Lopinavir resulted in improved antitumor potential as compared to the parental compound, suggesting that NO-derived HIV protease inhibitors are a potential new source of anticancer drugs with unique mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danijela Maksimovic-Ivanic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Mojic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mirna Bulatovic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Radojkovic
- Clinical Center "Dr Dragisa Misovic", Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Kuzmanovic
- Institute for Health Care of Mother and Child of Serbia "Dr Vukan Cupic", Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Ristic
- Clinical Center "Dr Dragisa Misovic", Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stanislava Stosic-Grujicic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djordje Miljkovic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Sanja Mijatovic
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic", Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kast RE, Karpel-Massler G, Halatsch ME. CUSP9* treatment protocol for recurrent glioblastoma: aprepitant, artesunate, auranofin, captopril, celecoxib, disulfiram, itraconazole, ritonavir, sertraline augmenting continuous low dose temozolomide. Oncotarget 2015; 5:8052-82. [PMID: 25211298 PMCID: PMC4226667 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CUSP9 treatment protocol for recurrent glioblastoma was published one year ago. We now present a slight modification, designated CUSP9*. CUSP9* drugs--aprepitant, artesunate, auranofin, captopril, celecoxib, disulfiram, itraconazole, sertraline, ritonavir, are all widely approved by regulatory authorities, marketed for non-cancer indications. Each drug inhibits one or more important growth-enhancing pathways used by glioblastoma. By blocking survival paths, the aim is to render temozolomide, the current standard cytotoxic drug used in primary glioblastoma treatment, more effective. Although esthetically unpleasing to use so many drugs at once, the closely similar drugs of the original CUSP9 used together have been well-tolerated when given on a compassionate-use basis in the cases that have come to our attention so far. We expect similarly good tolerability for CUSP9*. The combined action of this suite of drugs blocks signaling at, or the activity of, AKT phosphorylation, aldehyde dehydrogenase, angiotensin converting enzyme, carbonic anhydrase -2,- 9, -12, cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, cathepsin B, Hedgehog, interleukin-6, 5-lipoxygenase, matrix metalloproteinase -2 and -9, mammalian target of rapamycin, neurokinin-1, p-gp efflux pump, thioredoxin reductase, tissue factor, 20 kDa translationally controlled tumor protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor. We believe that given the current prognosis after a glioblastoma has recurred, a trial of CUSP9* is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georg Karpel-Massler
- University of Ulm, Department of Neurosurgery, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marc-Eric Halatsch
- University of Ulm, Department of Neurosurgery, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, Ulm, Germany
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the mechanisms of anti-cancer activity of nelfinavir and other protease inhibitors (PIs) based on evidences reported in the published literature. METHODS We extensively reviewed the literature concerning nelfinavir (NFV) as an off target anti-cancer drug and other PIs. A classification of PIs based on anti-cancer mode of action was proposed. Controversies regarding nelfinavir mode of action were also addressed. CONCLUSIONS The two main mechanisms involved in anti-cancer activity are endoplasmic reticulum stress-unfolded protein response pathway and Akt inhibition. However there are many other effects, partially dependent and independent of those mentioned, that may be useful in cancer treatment, including MMP-9 and MMP-2 inhibition, down-regulation of CDK-2, VEGF, bFGF, NF-kB, STAT-3, HIF-1 alfa, IGF, EGFR, survivin, BCRP, androgen receptor, proteasome, fatty acid synthase (FAS), decrease in cellular ATP concentration and upregulation of TRAIL receptor DR5, Bax, increased radiosensitivity, and autophagy. The end result of all these effects is slower growth, decreased angiogenesis, decreased invasion and increased apoptosis, which means reduced proliferation and increased cancer cells death. PIs may be classified according to their anticancer activity at clinically achievable doses, in AKT inhibitors, ER stressors and Akt inhibitors/ER stressors. Beyond the phase I trials that have been recently completed, adequately powered and well-designed clinical trials are needed in the various cancer type settings, and specific trials where NFV is tested in association with other known anti-cancer pharmaceuticals should be sought, in order to find an appropriate place for NFV in cancer treatment. The analysis of controversies on the molecular mechanisms of NFV hints to the possibility that NFV works in a different way in tumor cells and in hepatocytes and adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Koltai
- Centro de Diagnostico y Tratamiento de la Obra Social del Personal de la Alimentación, Talar de Pacheco, Buenos Aires, 1618, Argentina
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Auner HW, Cenci S. Recent advances and future directions in targeting the secretory apparatus in multiple myeloma. Br J Haematol 2015; 168:14-25. [PMID: 25296649 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a genetically heterogeneous tumour of transformed plasma cells, terminally differentiated effectors of the B cell lineage specialized in producing large amounts of immunoglobulins. The uniquely well-developed secretory apparatus that equips normal and transformed plasma cells with the capacity for high-level protein secretion constitutes a distinctive therapeutic target. In this review we discuss how fundamental cellular processes, such as the unfolded protein response (UPR), endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation and autophagy, maintain intracellular protein homeostasis (proteostasis) and regulate plasma cell ontogeny and malignancy. We summarize our current understanding of the cellular effects of proteasome inhibitors and the molecular bases of resistance to them. Furthermore, we discuss how improvements in our understanding of the secretory apparatus and of the complex interactions between intracellular protein synthesis and degradation pathways can disclose novel drug targets for multiple myeloma, defining a paradigm of general interest for cancer biology and disorders of altered proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger W Auner
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Dasmahapatra G, Patel H, Friedberg J, Quayle SN, Jones SS, Grant S. In vitro and in vivo interactions between the HDAC6 inhibitor ricolinostat (ACY1215) and the irreversible proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib in non-Hodgkin lymphoma cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:2886-97. [PMID: 25239935 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between the HDAC6 inhibitor ricolinostat (ACY1215) and the irreversible proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib were examined in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) models, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and double-hit lymphoma cells. Marked in vitro synergism was observed in multiple cell types associated with activation of cellular stress pathways (e.g., JNK1/2, ERK1/2, and p38) accompanied by increases in DNA damage (γH2A.X), G2-M arrest, and the pronounced induction of mitochondrial injury and apoptosis. Combination treatment with carfilzomib and ricolinostat increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas the antioxidant TBAP attenuated DNA damage, JNK activation, and cell death. Similar interactions occurred in bortezomib-resistant and double-hit DLBCL, MCL, and primary DLBCL cells, but not in normal CD34(+) cells. However, ricolinostat did not potentiate inhibition of chymotryptic activity by carfilzomib. shRNA knockdown of JNK1 (but not MEK1/2), or pharmacologic inhibition of p38, significantly reduced carfilzomib-ricolinostat lethality, indicating a functional contribution of these stress pathways to apoptosis. Combined exposure to carfilzomib and ricolinostat also markedly downregulated the cargo-loading protein HR23B. Moreover, HR23B knockdown significantly increased carfilzomib- and ricolinostat-mediated lethality, suggesting a role for this event in cell death. Finally, combined in vivo treatment with carfilzomib and ricolinostat was well tolerated and significantly suppressed tumor growth and increased survival in an MCL xenograft model. Collectively, these findings indicate that carfilzomib and ricolinostat interact synergistically in NHL cells through multiple stress-related mechanisms, and suggest that this strategy warrants further consideration in NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girija Dasmahapatra
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hiral Patel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Johnathan Friedberg
- James T. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York. Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York. Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Simon S Jones
- Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven Grant
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia. Virginia Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
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