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Vitalini S, Rubin B, Monticelli H, Barollo S, Redaelli M, Bertazza L, Mian C, Zorzan M, Garzoli S, Iriti M, Pezzani R. Biological activities of the aerial and undergound parts of Gymnadenia nigra Rchb.f. (syn. Nigritella nigra (L.) Rchb. f.) from the Italian Alps. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:3687-3692. [PMID: 37732610 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2258437] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the bioactivity of both aerial (GNAR) and underground (GNUG) parts of Gymnadenia nigra Rchb.f. (syn. Nigritella nigra (L.) Rchb. f.) (Orchidaceae). The obtained data proved interesting when the samples were tested in two adrenocortical cancer cell lines (SW13 and H295R). In particular, the GNAR 80% methanol extract distinctly inhibited their viability after 24 h at a concentration of 1 µg/µL by MTT assay and trypan blue dye exclusion method. Cell morphology evaluation by means Wright's staining also showed significant results, particularly in SW13 cells under the effect of both extracts. GNAR extract was able to scavenge the DPPH radical better than GNUG extract. It also was more active in albumin denaturation (a maximum % denaturation equal to 463.0 ± 8.3 vs 77.3 ± 13.3) and protease inhibition (a maximum % inhibition equal to 138.5 ± 7.0 vs 2.1 ± 2.0) tests. The results highlighted an important antitumor activity of G. nigra in vitro that deserves to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vitalini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Rubin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Halenya Monticelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Susi Barollo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Redaelli
- Merieux Nutrisciences Italia, Resana, Italy
- AIROB, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca Oncologica di Base, Padova, Italy
| | - Loris Bertazza
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maira Zorzan
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Garzoli
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Iriti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pezzani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- AIROB, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca Oncologica di Base, Padova, Italy
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2
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Corrêa CAP, Andrade AF, Veronez LC, da Silva KR, Baroni M, Suazo VK, de Paula Gomes Queiroz R, Lira RCP, Chagas PS, Brandalise SR, Yunes JA, Molina CAF, Antonini SRR, Valera ET, Tone LG, Scrideli CA. Analysis of miR-483-3p and miR-630 expression profile in pediatric adrenocortical tumors and the effect of their modulation on adrenal tumorigenesis in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 594:112371. [PMID: 39278396 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric adrenocortical tumors (ACT) are rare aggressive neoplasms with heterogeneous prognosis. MicroRNA (miRNA) signatures have been associated with cancer diagnosis, treatment response, and outcomes of several types of cancer. However, the role played by miRNAs in pediatric ACT has been poorly explored. In this study, we have evaluated the expression of miR-483-3p and miR-630 in 67 pediatric ACT and 19 non-neoplastic adrenal samples, the effects of the modulations of these miRNAs, and their relationship with the TGF-β pathway in the H295R and H295A cell lines. Deregulation of both miRNAs was related to survival and disease advanced stages and hence to patients' prognosis. Moreover, modified miR-483-3p and miR-630 in vitro expression decreased cell viability and colony formation capacity, changed how some genes of the TGF-β pathway, such as TGFBR1, TGFBR2, and SMAD7, are expressed, and altered Smad3, pSmad3, Smad 2/3, N-cadherin, and Vimentin protein expression. Besides that, when inhibition of the TGF-β pathway was combined with miR-630 overexpression or miR-483-3p silencing, cell viability and colony formation capacity decreased, and protein expression in the TGF-β pathway changed. Together, the data indicate that both miRNAs participate in the TGF-β pathway and are therefore potential markers for predicting the prognosis of patients with pediatric ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luciana Chain Veronez
- Department of Pediatrics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Mirella Baroni
- Department of Genetics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Veridiana Kill Suazo
- Department of Pediatrics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Régia Caroline Peixoto Lira
- Department of Genetics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Division of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Campus I, Uberaba, MG, 38025-200, Brazil
| | - Pablo Shimaoka Chagas
- Department of Genetics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Elvis Terci Valera
- Department of Pediatrics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Gonzaga Tone
- Department of Genetics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Pediatrics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Scrideli
- Department of Genetics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Department of Pediatrics - Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; National Science and Technology Institute for Children's Cancer Biology and Pediatric Oncology - INCT BioOncoPed, Brazil.
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3
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Arakawa Y, Elloumi F, Varma S, Khandagale P, Jo U, Kumar S, Roper N, Reinhold WC, Robey RW, Takebe N, Gottesman MM, Thomas CJ, Boeva V, Berruti A, Abate A, Tamburello M, Sigala S, Hantel C, Weigand I, Wierman ME, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K, Del Rivero J, Pommier Y. A Database Tool Integrating Genomic and Pharmacologic Data from Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines, PDX, and Patient Samples. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:2384-2398. [PMID: 39162009 PMCID: PMC11389377 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly heterogeneous disease with a notably poor prognosis due to significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Emphasizing on the importance of precision medicine, there is an increasing need for comprehensive genomic resources alongside well-developed experimental models to devise personalized therapeutic strategies. We present ACC_CellMinerCDB, a substantive genomic and drug sensitivity database (available at https://discover.nci.nih.gov/acc_cellminercdb) comprising ACC cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, surgical samples, and responses to more than 2,400 drugs examined by the NCI and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. This database exposes shared genomic pathways among ACC cell lines and surgical samples, thus authenticating the cell lines as research models. It also allows exploration of pertinent treatment markers such as MDR-1, SOAT1, MGMT, MMR, and SLFN11 and introduces the potential to repurpose agents like temozolomide for ACC therapy. ACC_CellMinerCDB provides the foundation for exploring larger preclinical ACC models. SIGNIFICANCE ACC_CellMinerCDB, a comprehensive database of cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, surgical samples, and drug responses, reveals shared genomic pathways and treatment-relevant markers in ACC. This resource offers insights into potential therapeutic targets and the opportunity to repurpose existing drugs for ACC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Fathi Elloumi
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sudhir Varma
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Prashant Khandagale
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ukhyun Jo
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nitin Roper
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William C Reinhold
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Robert W Robey
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michael M Gottesman
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Valentina Boeva
- Department of Computer Science, Institute for Machine Learning, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Brescia, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich, and University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabel Weigand
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Margaret E Wierman
- Department of Medicine-Endocrinology/Metabolism/Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Department of Medicine-Endocrinology/Metabolism/Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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4
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Timmerman SA, Mullen N, Taylor AE, Gilligan LC, Pyle M, Shrestha TB, Sebek J, Highland MA, Challapalli R, Arlt W, Bossmann SH, Dennedy MC, Prakash P, Basel MT. Characterization of a Biochemical Mouse Model of Primary Aldosteronism for Thermal Therapies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.07.592955. [PMID: 38766205 PMCID: PMC11100708 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.07.592955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is the most common cause of endocrine-related hypertension but surgery is not always feasible. Current medical interventions are associated with significant side effects and poor patient compliance. New APA animal models that replicate basic characteristics of APA and give physical and biochemical feedback are needed to test new non-surgical treatment methods, such as image-guided thermal ablation. Methods A model of APA was developed in nude mice using HAC15 cells, a human adrenal carcinoma cell line. Tumor growth, aldosterone production, and sensitivity to angiotensin II were characterized in the model. The utility of the model was validated via treatment with microwave ablation and characterization of the resulting physical and biochemical changes in the tumor. Results The APA model showed rapid and relatively homogeneous growth. The tumors produced aldosterone and steroid precursors in response to angiotensin II challenge, and plasma aldosterone levels were significantly higher in tumor bearing mice two hours after challenge verses non-tumor bearing mice. The model was useful for testing microwave ablation therapy, reducing aldosterone production by 80% in treated mice. Conclusion The HAC15 model is a useful tumor model to study and develop localized treatment methods for APA.
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Dedhia PH, Sivakumar H, Rodriguez MA, Nairon KG, Zent JM, Zheng X, Jones K, Popova LV, Leight JL, Skardal A. A 3D adrenocortical carcinoma tumor platform for preclinical modeling of drug response and matrix metalloproteinase activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15508. [PMID: 37726363 PMCID: PMC10509170 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42659-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has a poor prognosis, and no new drugs have been identified in decades. The absence of drug development can partly be attributed to a lack of preclinical models. Both animal models and 2D cell cultures of ACC fail to accurately mimic the disease, as animal physiology is inherently different than humans, and 2D cultures fail to represent the crucial 3D architecture. Organoids and other small 3D in vitro models of tissues or tumors can model certain complexities of human in vivo biology; however, this technology has largely yet to be applied to ACC. In this study, we describe the generation of 3D tumor constructs from an established ACC cell line, NCI-H295R. NCI-H295R cells were encapsulated to generate 3D ACC constructs. Tumor constructs were assessed for biomarker expression, viability, proliferation, and cortisol production. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) functionality was assessed directly using fluorogenic MMP-sensitive biosensors and through infusion of NCI-H295R cells into a metastasis-on-a-chip microfluidic device platform. ACC tumor constructs showed expression of biomarkers associated with ACC, including SF-1, Melan A, and inhibin α. Treatment of ACC tumor constructs with chemotherapeutics demonstrated decreased drug sensitivity compared to 2D cell culture. Since most tumor cells migrate through tissue using MMPs to break down extracellular matrix, we validated the utility of ACC tumor constructs by integrating fluorogenic MMP-sensitive peptide biosensors within the tumor constructs. Lastly, in our metastasis-on-a-chip device, NCI-H295R cells successfully engrafted in a downstream lung cell line-based construct, but invasion distance into the lung construct was decreased by MMP inhibition. These studies, which would not be possible using 2D cell cultures, demonstrated that NCI-H295R cells secreted active MMPs that are used for invasion in 3D. This work represents the first evidence of a 3D tumor constructs platform for ACC that can be deployed for future mechanistic studies as well as development of new targets for intervention and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya H Dedhia
- Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 816 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Translational Therapeutics Program, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Center for Cancer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Hemamylammal Sivakumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 886 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Marco A Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 886 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Kylie G Nairon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 886 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Joshua M Zent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 886 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xuguang Zheng
- Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 816 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Katie Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 886 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Liudmila V Popova
- Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, 816 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jennifer L Leight
- Center for Cancer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 886 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Center for Cancer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 886 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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6
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Luca E, Zitzmann K, Bornstein S, Kugelmeier P, Beuschlein F, Nölting S, Hantel C. Three Dimensional Models of Endocrine Organs and Target Tissues Regulated by the Endocrine System. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4601. [PMID: 37760571 PMCID: PMC10526768 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immortalized cell lines originating from tumors and cultured in monolayers in vitro display consistent behavior and response, and generate reproducible results across laboratories. However, for certain endpoints, these cell lines behave quite differently from the original solid tumors. Thereby, the homogeneity of immortalized cell lines and two-dimensionality of monolayer cultures deters from the development of new therapies and translatability of results to the more complex situation in vivo. Organoids originating from tissue biopsies and spheroids from cell lines mimic the heterogeneous and multidimensional characteristics of tumor cells in 3D structures in vitro. Thus, they have the advantage of recapitulating the more complex tissue architecture of solid tumors. In this review, we discuss recent efforts in basic and preclinical cancer research to establish methods to generate organoids/spheroids and living biobanks from endocrine tissues and target organs under endocrine control while striving to achieve solutions in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edlira Luca
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Zitzmann
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Stefan Bornstein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Endocrine Research Unit, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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7
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Dedhia P, Sivakumar H, Rodriguez MA, Nairon KG, Zent JM, Zheng X, Jones K, Popova L, Leight JL, Skardal A. A 3D adrenocortical carcinoma tumor platform for preclinical modeling of drug response and matrix metalloproteinase activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.24.525287. [PMID: 36747748 PMCID: PMC9900758 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.24.525287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) has a poor prognosis, and no new drugs have been identified in decades. The absence of drug development can partly be attributed to a lack of preclinical models. Both animal models and 2D cell cultures of ACC fail to accurately mimic the disease, as animal physiology is inherently different than humans, and 2D cultures fail to represent the crucial 3D architecture. Organoids and other small 3D in vitro models of tissues or tumors can model certain complexities of human in vivo biology; however, this technology has largely yet to be applied to ACC. In this study, we describe the generation of 3D tumor constructs from an established ACC cell line, NCI-H295R. NCI-H295R cells were encapsulated to generate 3D ACC constructs. Tumor constructs were assessed for biomarker expression, viability, proliferation, and cortisol production. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) functionality was assessed directly using fluorogenic MMP-sensitive biosensors and through infusion of NCI-H295R cells into a metastasis-on-a-chip microfluidic device platform. ACC tumor constructs showed expression of biomarkers associated with ACC, including SF-1, Melan A, and inhibin alpha. Treatment of ACC tumor constructs with chemotherapeutics demonstrated decreased drug sensitivity compared to 2D cell culture. Since most tumor cells migrate through tissue using MMPs to break down extracellular matrix, we validated the utility of ACC tumor constructs by integrating fluorogenic MMP-sensitive peptide biosensors within the tumor constructs. Lastly, in our metastasis-on-a-chip device, NCI-H295R cells successfully engrafted in a downstream lung cell line-based construct, but invasion distance into the lung construct was decreased by MMP inhibition. These studies, which would not be possible using 2D cell cultures, demonstrated that NCI-H295R cells secreted active MMPs that are used for invasion in 3D. This work represents the first evidence of a 3D tumor constructs platform for ACC that can be deployed for future mechanistic studies as well as development of new targets for intervention and therapies.
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8
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Sedlack AJH, Hatfield SJ, Kumar S, Arakawa Y, Roper N, Sun NY, Nilubol N, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K, Hoang CD, Bergsland EK, Hernandez JM, Pommier Y, del Rivero J. Preclinical Models of Adrenocortical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2873. [PMID: 37296836 PMCID: PMC10251941 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancer is an aggressive endocrine malignancy with an incidence of 0.72 to 1.02 per million people/year, and a very poor prognosis with a five-year survival rate of 22%. As an orphan disease, clinical data are scarce, meaning that drug development and mechanistic research depend especially on preclinical models. While a single human ACC cell line was available for the last three decades, over the last five years, many new in vitro and in vivo preclinical models have been generated. Herein, we review both in vitro (cell lines, spheroids, and organoids) and in vivo (xenograft and genetically engineered mouse) models. Striking leaps have been made in terms of the preclinical models of ACC, and there are now several modern models available publicly and in repositories for research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. H. Sedlack
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Samual J. Hatfield
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Arakawa
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nitin Roper
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nai-Yun Sun
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naris Nilubol
- Surgical Oncology Program National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80016, USA
| | - Chuong D. Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Emily K. Bergsland
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | | | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jaydira del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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9
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Ling G, Bruno J, Albert SG, Dhindsa S. Fatty acids as a direct regulator of aldosterone hypersecretion. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 561:111836. [PMID: 36549461 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Primary hyperaldosteronism is a major cause of secondary hypertension and carries additional cardiovascular risks beyond that of the elevated blood pressure. Primary hyperaldosteronism is more prevalent in obese people, and weight loss reduces aldosterone levels. It needs to be determined whether obesity related factors directly contribute to the pathogenesis of primary hyperaldosteronism. Here we show that the non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) palmitic acid, and to a lesser extent, linoleic acid significantly stimulated aldosterone production and steroid enzyme induction in adrenocortical HAC15 cells of human origin. Palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and to a much lesser extent, oleic acid induced the expression of aldosterone synthase. Induction of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR) was modest. Increased aldosterone secretion was independent of fatty acid beta-oxidation in the mitochondria but may involve free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1/GPR40) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid induced the expression of C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP), a marker of ER stress, correlating with their ability to induce aldosterone synthase gene expression. Palmitic acid, but not linoleic acid decreased mitochondrial potentials and induced uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). Palmitic acid enhanced, while docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) suppressed aldosterone response to angiotensin II (Ang-II). Our study provides evidence that NEFAs modulate aldosterone production, and further suggests that hyperaldosteronism shares similar pathogenesis with other obesity-related disorders such as metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyu Ling
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Jonathan Bruno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Stewart G Albert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Sandeep Dhindsa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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10
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Parry CM, Chan LF, Carr DF, Hawcutt DB. Platelet-derived growth factor D expression in adrenal cells is modulated by corticosteroids: putative role in adrenal suppression. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:97-101. [PMID: 35568735 PMCID: PMC9876782 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02094-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenal suppression is a clinically concerning side effect of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment in patients with asthma. Increased susceptibility to ICS-induced adrenal suppression has previously been identified in those with the rs591118 polymorphism in platelet-derived growth factor D (PDGFD). The mechanism underpinning this relationship is not known. METHODS H295R cells were genotyped for rs591118 using a validated Taqman PCR allelic discrimination assay. H295R cell viability was determined after treatment with beclometasone and fluticasone (range 0-330 μM). Cortisol was measured in cell culture medium using competitive enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS PDGFD protein expression in H295R cells was confirmed using Western blotting. When ACTH and forskolin were added to H295R cells, a reduction in PDGFD expression was seen, which was then restored by incubation with prochloraz, a known inhibitor of steroidogenesis. A dose-dependent, decrease in PDGFD expression was observed with beclometasone (over a 24 h incubation period) but not with beclometasone incubations beyond 24 h nor with fluticasone (at 24 or 48 h). CONCLUSIONS H295R cells express PDGFD protein, which can be modulated by incubation with steroidogenesis agonists and antagonists and additionally with exogenous beclometasone. IMPACT PDGFD is expressed in the human adrenal cell line, H295R, and expression can be modulated by beclometasone as well as agonists/antagonists of steroidogenesis. This builds on previous research that identified a SNP in PDGFD (rs591118) as an independent risk factor for adrenal suppression in adults and children with obstructive airway disease treated with inhaled corticosteroids. First in vitro experiments to support a link between the PDGF and cortisol production pathways, supporting the hypothesis that PDGFD variants can affect an individual's sensitivity to corticosteroid-induced adrenal suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Parry
- NIHR Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Liverpool, UK ,grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Li F. Chan
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Centre for Endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Daniel F. Carr
- grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular, Systems and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel B. Hawcutt
- NIHR Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Liverpool, UK ,grid.10025.360000 0004 1936 8470Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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11
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Development of Human Adrenocortical Adenoma (HAA1) Cell Line from Zona Reticularis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010584. [PMID: 36614027 PMCID: PMC9820690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human adrenal cortex is composed of distinct zones that are the main source of steroid hormone production. The mechanism of adrenocortical cell differentiation into several functionally organized populations with distinctive identities remains poorly understood. Human adrenal disease has been difficult to study, in part due to the absence of cultured cell lines that faithfully represent adrenal cell precursors in the early stages of transformation. Here, Human Adrenocortical Adenoma (HAA1) cell line derived from a patient's macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia and was treated with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) and gene expression was examined. We describe a patient-derived HAA1 cell line derived from the zona reticularis, the innermost zone of the adrenal cortex. The HAA1 cell line is unique in its ability to exit a latent state and respond with steroidogenic gene expression upon treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors. The gene expression pattern of differentiated HAA1 cells partially recreates the roster of genes in the adrenal layer that they have been derived from. Gene ontology analysis of whole genome RNA-seq corroborated increased expression of steroidogenic genes upon HDAC inhibition. Surprisingly, HDACi treatment induced broad activation of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha pathway. This novel cell line we developed will hopefully be instrumental in understanding the molecular and biochemical mechanisms controlling adrenocortical differentiation and steroidogenesis.
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12
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Karimaa M, Riikonen R, Kettunen H, Taavitsainen P, Ramela M, Chrusciel M, Karlsson S, Rummakko P, Simola O, Wohlfahrt G, Hakulinen P, Vuorela A, Joensuu H, Utriainen T, Fizazi K, Oksala R. First-in-Class Small Molecule to Inhibit CYP11A1 and Steroid Hormone Biosynthesis. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1765-1776. [PMID: 36129801 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Binding of steroid hormones to their cognate receptors regulates the growth of most prostate and breast cancers. We hypothesized that CYP11A inhibition might halt the synthesis of all steroid hormones, because CYP11A is the only enzyme that catalyses the first step of steroid hormone biosynthesis. We speculated that a CYP11A inhibitor could be administered safely provided that the steroids essential for life are replaced. Virtual screening and systematic structure-activity relationship optimization were used to develop ODM-208, the first-in-class, selective, nonsteroidal, oral CYP11A1 inhibitor. Safety of ODM-208 was assessed in rats and Beagle dogs, and efficacy in a VCaP castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) xenograft mouse model, in mice and dogs, and in six patients with metastatic CRPC. Blood steroid hormone concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. ODM-208 binds to CYP11A1 and inhibited its enzymatic activity. ODM-208 administration led to rapid, complete, durable, and reversible inhibition of the steroid hormone biosynthesis in an adrenocortical carcinoma cell model in vitro, in adult noncastrated male mice and dogs, and in patients with CRPC. All measured serum steroid hormone concentrations reached undetectable levels within a few weeks from the start of ODM-208 administration. ODM-208 was well tolerated with steroid hormone replacement. The toxicity findings were considered related to CYP11A1 inhibition and were reversed after stopping of the compound administration. Steroid hormone biosynthesis can be effectively inhibited with a small-molecule inhibitor of CYP11A1. The findings suggest that administration of ODM-208 is feasible with concomitant corticosteroid replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Meri Ramela
- Orion Corporation Orion Pharma, Espoo, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Outi Simola
- Orion Corporation Orion Pharma, Espoo, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Heikki Joensuu
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tapio Utriainen
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karim Fizazi
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, University of Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
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13
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Bridging the Scientific Gaps to Identify Effective Treatments in Adrenocortical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215245. [DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) typically presents in advanced stages of disease and has a dismal prognosis. One of the foremost reasons for this is the lack of available systemic therapies, with mitotane remaining the backbone of treatment since its discovery in the 1960s, despite underwhelming efficacy. Surgery remains the only potentially curative option, but about half of patients will recur post-operatively, often with metastatic disease. Other local treatment options have been attempted but are only used practically on a case-by-case basis. Over the past few decades there have been significant advances in understanding the molecular background of ACC, but this has not yet translated to better treatment options. Attempts at novel treatment strategies have not provided significant clinical benefit. This paper reviews our current treatment options and molecular understanding of ACC and the reasons why a successful treatment has remained elusive. Additionally, we discuss the knowledge gaps that need to be overcome to bring us closer to successful treatment and ways to bridge them.
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14
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Sigala S, Rossini E, Abate A, Tamburello M, Bornstein SR, Hantel C. An update on adrenocortical cell lines of human origin. Endocrine 2022; 77:432-437. [PMID: 35764904 PMCID: PMC9385758 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03112-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, heterogenous and highly malignant disease. Management of ACC is dependent on disease stage with complete surgical resection as the only potentially curative option. However, advanced, un-resectable, metastatic stages and also recurrences often require systemic treatments, which are unfortunately nowadays still unsatisfactory. The scarcity of preclinical models reflecting patient heterogeneities and furthermore drug-resistant phenotypes, has hampered the progress and development of new therapies in recent years. In this review, we provide an overview on the classical models and substantial progress which has been made over the last years in context of this aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091, Zürich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
- Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Paul-Langerhans-Institute Dresden, Helmholtz Center Munich, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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15
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Sousa D, Pereira SS, Pignatelli D. Modulation of Autophagy in Adrenal Tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:937367. [PMID: 35966083 PMCID: PMC9373848 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.937367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal masses are one of the most common tumors in humans. The majority are benign and non-functioning and therefore do not require immediate treatment. In contrast, the rare adrenal malignant tumors are often highly aggressive and with poor prognosis. Besides usually being detected in advanced stages, often already with metastases, one of the reasons of the unfavorable outcome of the patients with adrenal cancer is the absence of effective treatments. Autophagy is one of the intracellular pathways targeted by several classes of chemotherapeutics. Mitotane, the most commonly used drug for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma, was recently shown to also modulate autophagy. Autophagy is a continuous programmed cellular process which culminates with the degradation of cellular organelles and proteins. However, being a dynamic mechanism, understanding the autophagic flux can be highly complex. The role of autophagy in cancer has been described paradoxically: initially described as a tumor pro-survival mechanism, different studies have been showing that it may result in other outcomes, namely in tumor cell death. In adrenal tumors, this dual role of autophagy has also been addressed in recent years. Studies reported both induction and inhibition of autophagy as a treatment strategy of adrenal malignancies. Importantly, most of these studies were performed using cell lines. Consequently clinical studies are still required. In this review, we describe what is known about the role of autophagy modulation in treatment of adrenal tumors. We will also highlight the aspects that need further evaluation to understand the paradoxical role of autophagy in adrenal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sousa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Signaling & Metabolism Group, IPATIMUP- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia S. Pereira
- Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica (UMIB), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ITR - Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Signaling & Metabolism Group, IPATIMUP- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de S. João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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16
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Cremaschi V, Abate A, Cosentini D, Grisanti S, Rossini E, Laganà M, Tamburello M, Turla A, Sigala S, Berruti A. Advances in adrenocortical carcinoma pharmacotherapy: what is the current state of the art? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1413-1424. [PMID: 35876101 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Surgery, followed or not by adjuvant mitotane, is the current mainstay of therapy for patients with early-stage adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Mitotane, either alone or in association with EDP (Etoposide-Doxorubicin-Cisplatin) combination chemotherapy, is the standard approach for patients with metastatic ACC. AREAS COVERED The activity of newer cytotoxic drugs, radioligands, targeted therapies and immunotherapy, both in preclinical and in clinical studies, will be reviewed in this paper. EXPERT OPINION ADIUVO trial revealed that the administration of adjuvant mitotane is not advantageous in patients with good prognosis. Future strategies are to intensify efforts in adjuvant setting in patients with high risk of relapse. In patients with advanced/metastatic disease, modern targeted therapies have shown significant cytotoxicity in preclinical studies, however, studies in ACC patients reported disappointing results so far. The absence of targeted agents specifically inhibiting the major molecular pathways of ACC growth is the main cause of the failure of these drugs. Since ACC is often antigenic but poorly immunogenic, the results of immunotherapy trials appeared inferior to those achieved in the management of patients with other malignancies. Radioligand therapy may also be a promising approach. Combination of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy could be interesting to be tested in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cremaschi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Laganà
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Tamburello
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Turla
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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17
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Duranova H, Fialkova V, Valkova V, Bilcikova J, Olexikova L, Lukac N, Massanyi P, Knazicka Z. Human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line (NCI-H295R): An in vitro screening model for the assessment of endocrine disruptors' actions on steroidogenesis with an emphasis on cell ultrastructural features. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151912. [PMID: 35661985 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cell lines as an in vitro model for xenobiotic screening and toxicity studies provide a very important tool in the field of scientific research at the level of molecular pathways and gene expression. Good cell culture practice and intracellular characterization, as well as physiological properties of the cell line are of critical importance for in vitro reproductive toxicity testing of various endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The NCI-H295R, human adrenocarcinoma cell line, is the most widely used in vitro cellular system to study the human adrenal steroidogenic pathway at the level of hormone production and gene expression, as it expresses genes that encode for all the key enzymes for steroidogenesis. In this review, we aim to highlight the information considering the origin, development, physiological and ultrastructural characteristics of the NCI-H295R cell line. The review also creates a broad overview of the cell line usage in various range of studies related to the steroidogenesis issues. To our best knowledge, the paper provides the first report of quantitative data (ex novo) from stereological estimates of component (volume, surface) densities of nuclei, mitochondria, and lipid droplets of the NCI-H295R cells. Such ultrastructural measurements can be valuable in the assessment of underlying mechanisms of changes in the cell steroid hormone production induced by the action of diverse endocrine disruptors. Thus, they can significantly contribute to complexity of structure-function relationships in association with steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Duranova
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Veronika Fialkova
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Veronika Valkova
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Jana Bilcikova
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Lucia Olexikova
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC - Research Institute for Animal Production in Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovak Republic.
| | - Norbert Lukac
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Peter Massanyi
- Institute of Applied Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
| | - Zuzana Knazicka
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovak Republic.
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18
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Spaulding SC, Bollag WB. The role of lipid second messengers in aldosterone synthesis and secretion. J Lipid Res 2022; 63:100191. [PMID: 35278411 PMCID: PMC9020094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2022.100191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Second messengers are small rapidly diffusing molecules or ions that relay signals between receptors and effector proteins to produce a physiological effect. Lipid messengers constitute one of the four major classes of second messengers. The hydrolysis of two main classes of lipids, glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids, generate parallel profiles of lipid second messengers: phosphatidic acid (PA), diacylglycerol (DAG), and lysophosphatidic acid versus ceramide, ceramide-1-phosphate, sphingosine, and sphingosine-1-phosphate, respectively. In this review, we examine the mechanisms by which these lipid second messengers modulate aldosterone production at multiple levels. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone responsible for maintaining fluid volume, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure homeostasis. Primary aldosteronism is a frequent endocrine cause of secondary hypertension. A thorough understanding of the signaling events regulating aldosterone biosynthesis may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. The cumulative evidence in this literature emphasizes the critical roles of PA, DAG, and sphingolipid metabolites in aldosterone synthesis and secretion. However, it also highlights the gaps in our knowledge, such as the preference for phospholipase D-generated PA or DAG, as well as the need for further investigation to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which these lipid second messengers regulate optimal aldosterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinjini C Spaulding
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Wendy B Bollag
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
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19
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Di Fazio P, Rusche FD, Roth S, Pehl A, Wächter S, Mintziras I, Bartsch DK, Holzer K. Long Non-Coding RNA H19 Expression Correlates with Autophagy Process in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:254-267. [PMID: 34726962 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.2001483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality. The suppression of the long-non-coding RNA H19, counterbalanced by IGF2 over-expression, leads to down-regulation of the autophagy markers, high proliferation rate and metastatic potential in patients affected by ACC. The administration of the deacetylase inhibitors (DACi) panobinostat, trichostatin A (TSA) and SAHA affected the cell viability of H295R monolayer and spheroids and induced the over-expression of H19 and autophagy transcripts. H19 knock down in H295R cells was not able to modulate the expression level of autophagy transcripts. Instead, H19 knock down was able to impede the ability of DACi to modulate the protein level of the autophagy markers. Furthermore, the administration of higher concentration of DACi was able to down-regulate the protein level of Beclin1 and p62 and to induce the conversion of LC3B-I into the active LC3B-II form, thus confirming an active autophagic process. Neither the active protein level nor the activity of caspases 8 and 3 was prompted by the DACi, thus excluding the involvement of the executioners of apoptosis in H295R decay. The DACi restore H19, the autophagy markers and trigger cell death in ACC cells. The re-activation of autophagy would represent a novel strategy for the treatment of patients affected by this severe malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Di Fazio
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Franziska D Rusche
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Silvia Roth
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anika Pehl
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Wächter
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ioannis Mintziras
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Detlef K Bartsch
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Holzer
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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20
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Stelcer E, Komarowska H, Jopek K, Żok A, Iżycki D, Malińska A, Szczepaniak B, Komekbai Z, Karczewski M, Wierzbicki T, Suchorska W, Ruchała M, Ruciński M. Biological response of adrenal carcinoma and melanoma cells to mitotane treatment. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:120. [PMID: 35261634 PMCID: PMC8855164 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous case report described an adrenal incidentaloma initially misdiagnosed as adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), which was treated with mitotane. The final diagnosis was metastatic melanoma of unknown primary origin. However, the patient developed rapid disease progression after mitotane withdrawal, suggesting a protective role for mitotane in a non-adrenal-derived tumor. The aim of the present study was to determine the biological response of primary melanoma cells obtained from that patient, and that of other established melanoma and ACC cell lines, to mitotane treatment using a proliferation assay, flow cytometry, quantitative PCR and microarrays. Although mitotane inhibited the proliferation of both ACC and melanoma cells, its role in melanoma treatment appears to be limited. Flow cytometry analysis and transcriptomic studies indicated that the ACC cell line was highly responsive to mitotane treatment, while the primary melanoma cells showed a moderate response in vitro. Mitotane modified the activity of several key biological processes, including ‘mitotic nuclear division’, ‘DNA repair’, ‘angiogenesis’ and ‘negative regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade’. Mitotane administration led to elevated levels of DNA double-strand breaks, necrosis and apoptosis. The present study provides a comprehensive insight into the biological response of mitotane-treated cells at the molecular level. Notably, the present findings offer new knowledge on the effects of mitotane on ACC and melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Stelcer
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61‑001 Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Komarowska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Karol Jopek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61‑001 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Żok
- Division of Philosophy of Medicine and Bioethics, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Dariusz Iżycki
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61‑866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Malińska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61‑001 Poznan, Poland
| | - Beata Szczepaniak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61‑001 Poznan, Poland
| | - Zhanat Komekbai
- Department of Histology, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030019, Kazakhstan
| | - Marek Karczewski
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wierzbicki
- Department of General, Endocrinological and Gastroenterological Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Suchorska
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61‑866 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60‑355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Ruciński
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61‑001 Poznan, Poland
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21
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Chimento A, De Luca A, Avena P, De Amicis F, Casaburi I, Sirianni R, Pezzi V. Estrogen Receptors-Mediated Apoptosis in Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1242. [PMID: 35163166 PMCID: PMC8835409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that estrogen stimulates growth and inhibits apoptosis through estrogen receptor(ER)-mediated mechanisms in many cancer cell types. Interestingly, there is strong evidence that estrogens can also induce apoptosis, activating different ER isoforms in cancer cells. It has been observed that E2/ERα complex activates multiple pathways involved in both cell cycle progression and apoptotic cascade prevention, while E2/ERβ complex in many cases directs the cells to apoptosis. However, the exact mechanism of estrogen-induced tumor regression is not completely known. Nevertheless, ERs expression levels of specific splice variants and their cellular localization differentially affect outcome of estrogen-dependent tumors. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of current knowledge on ERs-mediated apoptosis that occurs in main hormone dependent-cancers. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of ER-mediated cell death will be useful for the development of specific ligands capable of triggering apoptosis to counteract estrogen-dependent tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Chimento
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Arianna De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Paola Avena
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Ivan Casaburi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rosa Sirianni
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pezzi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy
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22
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Shalomov B, Handklo-Jamal R, Reddy HP, Theodor N, Bera AK, Dascal N. A revised mechanism of action of hyperaldosteronism-linked mutations in cytosolic domains of GIRK4 (KCNJ5). J Physiol 2021; 600:1419-1437. [PMID: 34957562 DOI: 10.1113/jp282690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Mutations in GIRK4 (KCNJ5) G-protein gated channels cause primary aldosteronism, a major cause of secondary hypertension. The primary mechanism is believed to be loss of K+ selectivity. R52H and E246K, aldosteronism-causing mutations in cytosolic N- and C- termini of GIRK4, were reported to cause loss of K+ selectivity. We show that R52H, E246K and G247R mutations render homotetrameric GIRK channels non-functional. In heterotetrameric context with GIRK1, these mutations impair membrane expression, interaction with Gβγ and open probability, but do not alter K+ selectivity or inward rectification. In human aldosterone-secreting cell line, a GIRK4 opener and overexpression of heterotetrameric GIRK1/4WT , but not over-expression of GIRK1/4 mutants, reduced aldosterone secretion. Aldosteronism-causing mutations in cytosolic domain of GIRK4 are loss-of-function mutations rather than gain-of-function, selectivity-loss mutations. Deciphering of exact biophysical mechanism that impairs the channel is crucial for setting the course of treatment. ABSTRACT G-protein gated, inwardly rectifying potassium channels (GIRK) mediate inhibitory transmission in brain and heart, and are present in adrenal cortex. GIRK4 (KCNJ5) subunits are abundant in the heart and adrenal cortex. Multiple mutations of KCNJ5 cause primary aldosteronism (PA). Mutations in the pore region of GIRK4 cause loss of K+ selectivity, Na+ influx, and depolarization of zona glomerulosa cells followed by hypersecretion of aldosterone. The concept of selectivity loss has been extended to mutations in cytosolic domains of GIRK4 channels, remote from the pore. We expressed aldosteronism-linked GIRK4R52H , GIRK4E246K , and GIRK4G247R mutants in Xenopus oocytes. Whole-cell currents of heterotetrameric GIRK1/4R52H and GIRK1/4E246K channels were greatly reduced compared to GIRK1/4WT . Nevertheless, all heterotetrameric mutants retained full K+ selectivity and inward rectification. When expressed as homotetramers, only GIRK4WT , but none of the mutants, produced whole-cell currents. Confocal imaging, single channel and Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analyses showed: 1) reduction of membrane abundance of all mutated channels, especially as homotetramers, 2) impaired interaction with Gβγ subunits, and 3) reduced open probability of GIRK1/4R52H . VU0529331, a GIRK4 opener, activated homotetrameric GIRK4G247R channels, but not GIRK4R52H and GIRK4E246K . In human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line (HAC15), VU0529331 and over-expression of heterotetrameric GIRK1/4WT , but not over-expression of GIRK1/4 mutants, reduced aldosterone secretion. Our results suggest that, contrary to pore mutants of GIRK4, non-pore mutants R52H and E246K mutants are loss-of-function rather than gain-of-function/selectivity-loss mutants. Hence, GIRK4 openers may be a potential course of treatment for patients with cytosolic N- and C-terminal mutations. Abstract Figure: There are two mutations types in KCNJ5 (GIRK4) that can cause excessive secretion of aldosterone, leading to primary aldosteronism. Mutations of the first type render the channel non-selective to monovalent cations and often constitutively active, thus depolarizing the zona granulosa cells. This previously described mechanism underlies the disease-causing effects of mutations of amino acid residues located in the pore region (red color). Blockers of the channel may be useful as potential treatment to reduce aldosterone secretion. Here we show that mutations of the second type, located in the cytosolic domain remote from the pore, act by a different mechanism. They do not alter channel's ion selectivity or rectification but cause poor expression or poor activation by Gβγ, resulting in a reduction in cell's K+ conductance and depolarization. In this case, GIRK4 openers can potentially be useful to prevent the excessive aldosterone secretion. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Shalomov
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Reem Handklo-Jamal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Haritha P Reddy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.,Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Neta Theodor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Amal K Bera
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600036, India
| | - Nathan Dascal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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23
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Lo Iacono M, Puglisi S, Perotti P, Saba L, Petiti J, Giachino C, Reimondo G, Terzolo M. Molecular Mechanisms of Mitotane Action in Adrenocortical Cancer Based on In Vitro Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215255. [PMID: 34771418 PMCID: PMC8582505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mitotane is the only approved drug for the treatment of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma and for postoperative adjuvant therapy. It is known that mitotane destroys the adrenal cortex impairing steroidogenesis, although its exact molecular mechanism is still unclear. However, confounding factors affecting in vitro experiments could reduce the relevance of the studies. In this review, we explore in vitro studies on mitotane effects, highlighting how different experimental conditions might contribute to the controversial findings. On this basis, it may be necessary to re-evaluate the experiments taking into account their potential confounding factors such as cell strains, culture serum, lipoprotein concentration, and culture passages, which could hide important molecular results. As a consequence, the identification of novel pharmacological molecular pathways might be used in the future to implement personalized therapy, maximizing the benefit of mitotane treatment while minimizing its toxicity. Abstract Mitotane is the only approved drug for the treatment of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma and is increasingly used for postoperative adjuvant therapy. Mitotane action involves the deregulation of cytochromes P450 enzymes, depolarization of mitochondrial membranes, and accumulation of free cholesterol, leading to cell death. Although it is known that mitotane destroys the adrenal cortex and impairs steroidogenesis, its exact mechanism of action is still unclear. The most used cell models are H295-derived cell strains and SW13 cell lines. The diverging results obtained in presumably identical cell lines highlight the need for a stable in vitro model and/or a standard methodology to perform experiments on H295 strains. The presence of several enzymatic targets responsive to mitotane in mitochondria and mitochondria-associated membranes causes progressive alteration in mitochondrial structure when cells were exposed to mitotane. Confounding factors of culture affecting in vitro experiments could reduce the significance of any molecular mechanism identified in vitro. To ensure experimental reproducibility, particular care should be taken in the choice of culture conditions: aspects such as cell strains, culture serum, lipoproteins concentration, and culture passages should be carefully considered and explicated in the presentation of results. We aimed to review in vitro studies on mitotane effects, highlighting how different experimental conditions might contribute to the controversial findings. If the concerns pointed out in this review will be overcome, the new insights into mitotane mechanism of action observed in-vitro could allow the identification of novel pharmacological molecular pathways to be used to implement personalized therapy.
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24
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Melau C, Riis ML, Nielsen JE, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Thuesen LL, Hare KJ, Hammerum MS, Mitchell RT, Frederiksen H, Juul A, Jørgensen A. The effects of selected inhibitors on human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis differs under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. BMC Med 2021; 19:204. [PMID: 34493283 PMCID: PMC8425147 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disordered fetal adrenal steroidogenesis can cause marked clinical effects including virilization of female fetuses. In postnatal life, adrenal disorders can be life-threatening due to the risk of adrenal crisis and must be carefully managed. However, testing explicit adrenal steroidogenic inhibitory effects of therapeutic drugs is challenging due to species-specific characteristics, and particularly the impact of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation on drugs targeting steroidogenesis has not previously been examined in human adrenal tissue. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of selected steroidogenic inhibitors on human fetal adrenal (HFA) steroid hormone production under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. METHODS This study used an established HFA ex vivo culture model to examine treatment effects in 78 adrenals from 50 human fetuses (gestational weeks 8-12). Inhibitors were selected to affect enzymes critical for different steps in classic adrenal steroidogenic pathways, including CYP17A1 (Abiraterone acetate), CYP11B1/2 (Osilodrostat), and a suggested CYP21A2 inhibitor (Efavirenz). Treatment effects were examined under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions in tissue from the same fetus and determined by quantifying the secretion of adrenal steroids in the culture media using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed on ln-transformed data using one-way ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS Treatment with Abiraterone acetate and Osilodrostat resulted in potent inhibition of CYP17A1 and CYP11B1/2, respectively, while treatment with Efavirenz reduced testosterone secretion under basal conditions. ACTH-stimulation affected the inhibitory effects of all investigated drugs. Thus, treatment effects of Abiraterone acetate were more pronounced under stimulated conditions, while Efavirenz treatment caused a non-specific inhibition on steroidogenesis. ACTH-stimulation prevented the Osilodrostat-mediated CYP11B1 inhibition observed under basal conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the effects of steroidogenic inhibitors differ under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions in the HFA ex vivo culture model. This could suggest that in vivo effects of therapeutic drugs targeting steroidogenesis may vary in conditions where patients have suppressed or high ACTH levels, respectively. This study further demonstrates that ex vivo cultured HFAs can be used to evaluate steroidogenic inhibitors and thereby provide novel information about the local effects of existing and emerging drugs that targets steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mette Schou Hammerum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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25
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Grabarek B, Cholewa K, Lodowska J. The influence of TNF-α on the expression profile of key enzymes of steroidogenesis in H295R cells. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2021; 38:404-411. [PMID: 34377120 PMCID: PMC8330850 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2021.107926] [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: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays an extremely important role in the regulation of hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis. It is believed that chronic inflammation is the main cause of cancerogenesis and TNF-α plays a significant role in both of these processes. Unfortunately, the function of TNF-α in human adrenal steroidogenesis has not been explained enough. AIM To evaluate the changes in transcriptional activity of STAR, CYP11A1, CYP11B1, and CYP11B2 in H295R cell line exposed to TNF-α. MATERIAL AND METHODS NCI-H295R, human adrenocortical cell line was exposed to human recombinant TNF-α at the concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 10 nM for 3, 12, 24, and 48 h. Cells not exposed to TNF-α were the control of this experiment. RTqPCR assay was used to determine the changes in the expression of genes encoding STAR, CYP11A1, CYP11B1, and CYP11B2. RESULTS The highest differences between stimulated and non-stimulated cells were observed in the expression of STAR (FC = +2.2; 0.01 nM of TNF-α; 48 h); CYP11A1 (FC = +3.5; 0.1 nM of TNF-α; 24 h); CYP11B1 (FC = +7.0; 10 nM of TNF-α; 48 h); CYP11B2 (FC = +2.5; 10 nM of TNF-α; 48 h). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the expression were found only for CYP11A1. The interaction effect between genes was also noticed (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The research showed the impact of TNF-α on the expression of the key genes encoding enzymes involved in adrenal steroidogenesis. Different expression patterns of was observed, depending on time and TNF-α concentration increased synthesis of this pro-inflammatory cytokine may intensify adrenal steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beniamin Grabarek
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Cholewa
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jolanta Lodowska
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology, Krakow, Poland
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26
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Chimento A, De Luca A, Nocito MC, Sculco S, Avena P, La Padula D, Zavaglia L, Sirianni R, Casaburi I, Pezzi V. SIRT1 is involved in adrenocortical cancer growth and motility. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:3856-3869. [PMID: 33650791 PMCID: PMC8051751 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare tumour with unfavourable prognosis, lacking an effective treatment. This tumour is characterized by IGF‐II (insulin‐like growth factor II) overproduction, aromatase and ERα (oestrogen receptor alpha) up‐regulation. Previous reports suggest that ERα expression can be regulated by sirt1 (sirtuin 1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent class III histone deacetylases that modulates activity of several substrates involved in cellular stress, metabolism, proliferation, senescence, protein degradation and apoptosis. Nevertheless, sirt1 can act as a tumour suppressor or oncogenic protein. In this study, we found that in H295R and SW13 cell lines, sirt1 expression is inhibited by sirtinol, a potent inhibitor of sirt1 activity. In addition, sirtinol is able to decrease ACC cell proliferation, colony and spheroids formation and to activate the intrinsic apoptotic mechanism. Particularly, we observed that sirtinol interferes with E2/ERα and IGF1R (insulin growth factor 1 receptor) pathways by decreasing receptors expression. Sirt1 involvement was confirmed by using a specific sirt1 siRNA. More importantly, we observed that sirtinol can synergize with mitotane, a selective adrenolitic drug, in inhibiting adrenocortical cancer cell growth. Collectively, our data reveal an oncogenic role for sirt1 in ACC and its targeting could implement treatment options for this type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Chimento
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Arianna De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marta Claudia Nocito
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sara Sculco
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Paola Avena
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Davide La Padula
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Lucia Zavaglia
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rosa Sirianni
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Ivan Casaburi
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pezzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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27
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Wu L, Liang C, Huang X, Deng X, Jiang J, Luo Z. Salubrinal Regulates the Apoptosis of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells via the PERK/eIF2 α/ATF4 Signaling Pathway. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:5038130. [PMID: 34567111 PMCID: PMC8461226 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5038130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein-kinase-R- (PKR-) like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) signaling pathway is a well-known promoter of cell apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to determine whether salubrinal (Sal), a selective activator of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), can induce apoptosis of human adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cell via activating the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling pathway, and the potential mechanisms of this action were explored. The ACC cell lines, including SW-13 and NCI-H295 R, were used. 3-(4,5)-Dimethylthiazol(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay, cell scratch experiments, flow cytometry, and JC-1 staining assays were performed to detect the cell viability, cell migration, and cell apoptosis. The expression of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling-pathway-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins was detected by western blot (WB). Intracellular Ca2+ ion concentration was determined by a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results showed that Sal inhibited the migration and proliferation of ACC cells. Sal remarkably increased the influx of Ca2+ ion and the apoptosis rate of ACC cells in vitro. Furthermore, the expression levels of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were upregulated in the treatment of Sal. The research demonstrated that Sal reduces the cell viability, increases the intracellular calcium concentration, and promotes the apoptosis of ACC cells in vitro through increasing the phosphorylation level of eIF2α and activating the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling. PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 is expected to act as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Chunfeng Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xuemei Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiujun Deng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jiming Jiang
- Department of Analysis for Cosmetics (Dietary Supplements), Guangxi Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zuojie Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
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28
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Manso J, Sharifi-Rad J, Zam W, Tsouh Fokou PV, Martorell M, Pezzani R. Plant Natural Compounds in the Treatment of Adrenocortical Tumors. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:5516285. [PMID: 34567112 PMCID: PMC8463247 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5516285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant natural products are a plethora of diverse and complex molecules produced by the plant secondary metabolism. Among these, many can reserve beneficial or curative properties when employed to treat human diseases. Even in cancer, they can be successfully used and indeed numerous phytochemicals exert antineoplastic activity. The most common molecules derived from plants and used in the fight against cancer are polyphenols, i.e., quercetin, genistein, resveratrol, curcumin, etc. Despite valuable data especially in preclinical models on such compounds, few of them are currently used in the medical practice. Also, in adrenocortical tumors (ACT), phytochemicals are scarcely or not at all used. This work summarizes the available research on phytochemicals used against ACT and adrenocortical cancer, a very rare disease with poor prognosis and high metastatic potential, and wants to contribute to stimulate preclinical and clinical research to find new therapeutic strategies among the overabundance of biomolecules produced by the plant kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Manso
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Ospedale 105, Padova 35128, Italy
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Wissam Zam
- Analytical and Food Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tartous University, Tartous, Syria
| | | | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
- Universidad de Concepción, Unidad de Desarrollo Tecnológico, UDT, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Raffaele Pezzani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Ospedale 105, Padova 35128, Italy
- Phytotherapy Lab, Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, via Ospedale 105, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Knott EL, Leidenheimer NJ. A Targeted Bioinformatics Assessment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma Reveals Prognostic Implications of GABA System Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228485. [PMID: 33187258 PMCID: PMC7697095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare but deadly cancer for which few treatments exist. Here, we have undertaken a targeted bioinformatics study of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ACC dataset focusing on the 30 genes encoding the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system—an under-studied, evolutionarily-conserved system that is an emerging potential player in cancer progression. Our analysis identified a subset of ACC patients whose tumors expressed a distinct GABA system transcriptome. Transcript levels of ABAT (encoding a key GABA shunt enzyme), were upregulated in over 40% of tumors, and this correlated with several favorable clinical outcomes including patient survival; while enrichment and ontology analysis implicated two cancer-related biological pathways involved in metastasis and immune response. The phenotype associated with ABAT upregulation revealed a potential metabolic heterogeneity among ACC tumors associated with enhanced mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, many GABAA receptor subunit-encoding transcripts were expressed, including two (GABRB2 and GABRD) prognostic for patient survival. Transcripts encoding GABAB receptor subunits and GABA transporters were also ubiquitously expressed. The GABA system transcriptome of ACC tumors is largely mirrored in the ACC NCI-H295R cell line, suggesting that this cell line may be appropriate for future functional studies investigating the role of the GABA system in ACC cell growth phenotypes and metabolism.
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The cytoskeleton actin binding protein filamin A impairs both IGF2 mitogenic effects and the efficacy of IGF1R inhibitors in adrenocortical cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2020; 497:77-88. [PMID: 33075426 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) overexpress insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), that drives a proliferative autocrine loop by binding to IGF1R and IR, but IGF1R/IR-targeted therapies failed in ACC patients. The cytoskeleton actin-binding protein filamin A (FLNA) impairs IR signalling in melanoma cells. Aims of this study were to test FLNA involvement in regulating IGF1R and IR responsiveness to both IGF2 and inhibitors in ACC. In ACC cells H295R and SW13 and primary cultures (1ACC, 4 adenomas) we found that IGF1R and IR interacted with FLNA, and FLNA silencing increased IGF1R and reduced IR expression, with a downstream effect of increased cell proliferation and ERK phosphorylation. In addition, FLNA knockdown potentiated antiproliferative effects of IGF1R/IR inhibitor Linsitinib and IGF1R inhibitor NVP-ADW742 in H295R. Finally, Western blot showed lower FLNA expression in ACCs (n = 10) than in ACAs (n = 10) and an inverse correlation of FLNA/IGF1R ratio with ERK phosphorylation in ACCs only. In conclusion, we demonstrated that low FLNA levels enhance both IGF2 proliferative effects and IGF1R/IR inhibitors efficacy in ACC cells, suggesting FLNA as a new factor influencing tumor clinical behavior and the response to the therapy with IGF1R/IR-targeted drugs.
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Stelcer E, Milecka P, Komarowska H, Jopek K, Tyczewska M, Szyszka M, Lesniczak M, Suchorska W, Bekova K, Szczepaniak B, Ruchala M, Karczewski M, Wierzbicki T, Szaflarski W, Malendowicz LK, Rucinski M. Adropin Stimulates Proliferation and Inhibits Adrenocortical Steroidogenesis in the Human Adrenal Carcinoma (HAC15) Cell Line. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:561370. [PMID: 33133015 PMCID: PMC7579427 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.561370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adropin is a multifunctional peptide hormone encoded by the ENHO (energy homeostasis associated) gene. It plays a role in mechanisms related to increased adiposity, insulin resistance, as well as glucose, and lipid metabolism. The low adropin levels are strongly associated with obesity independent insulin resistance. On the other hand, overexpression or exogenous administration of adropin improves glucose homeostasis. The multidirectional, adropin-related effects associated with the regulation of metabolism in humans also appear to be attributable to the effects of this peptide on the activity of various elements of the endocrine system including adrenal cortex. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of adropin on proliferation and secretory activity in the human HAC15 adrenal carcinoma cell line. In this study, we obtained several highly interesting findings. First, GPR19, the main candidate sensitizer of adrenocortical cells to adropin, was expressed in HAC15 cells. Moreover, GPR19 expression was relatively stable and not regulated by ACTH, forskolin, or adropin itself. Our findings also suggest that adropin has the capacity to decrease expression levels of steroidogenic genes such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and CYP11A1, which then led to a statistically significant inhibition in cortisol and aldosterone biosynthesis and secretion. Based on whole transcriptome study and research involving transforming growth factor (TGF)-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor we demonstrated that attenuation of steroidogenesis caused by adropin is mediated by the TGF-β signaling pathway likely to act through transactivation mechanism. We found that HAC15 cells treated with adropin presented significantly higher proliferation levels than untreated cells. Using specific intracellular inhibitors, we showed that adropin stimulate proliferation via ERK1/2 and AKT dependent signaling pathways. We have also demonstrated that expression of GPR19 is elevated in adrenocortical carcinoma in relation to normal adrenal glands. High level of GPR19 expression in adrenocortical carcinoma may constitute a negative prognostic factor of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Stelcer
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Lab, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paulina Milecka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Hanna Komarowska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Karol Jopek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marianna Tyczewska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Szyszka
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Lesniczak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Suchorska
- Radiobiology Lab, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Karlygash Bekova
- West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Beata Szczepaniak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchala
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Karczewski
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wierzbicki
- Department of General, Endocrinological and Gastroenterological Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Witold Szaflarski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ludwik K. Malendowicz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marcin Rucinski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Kurlbaum M, Sbiera S, Kendl S, Martin Fassnacht M, Kroiss M. Steroidogenesis in the NCI-H295 Cell Line Model is Strongly Affected By Culture Conditions and Substrain. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2020; 128:672-680. [PMID: 32349159 DOI: 10.1055/a-1105-6332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT NCI-H295 cells are the most widely used model for adrenal steroidogenesis and adrenocortical carcinoma and have been used for decades in laboratories worldwide. However, reported steroidogenic properties differ considerably. OBJECTIVE To evaluate heterogeneity of steroidogenesis among NCI-H295 cell strains, clarify the influence of culture media and test response to inhibitors of steroidogenesis by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). METHODS NCI-H295 cells were obtained from two cell banks and cultivated in different media. An LC-MS/MS-based panel analysis of thirteen steroids was adapted for cell culture supernatant. Cells were treated with metyrapone, abiraterone and mitotane. RESULTS Mineralocorticoid synthesis was strongly affected by passaging as reflected by reduction of aldosterone secretion from 0.158±0.006 to 0.017±0.001 µg/106 cells (p<0.05). Relevant differences were also found for cells from two vendors in terms of aldosterone secretion (0.180±0.001 vs. 0.09±0.002 µg/106 cells, p<0.05). Selection of medium strongly impacted on cortisol secretion with>4-fold difference (40.6±5.5 vs. 182.1±23 µg/106 cells) and reflected differential activation of the glucocorticoid pathway. Exposure to abiraterone, metyrapone and mitotane resulted in characteristic steroidogenic profiles consistent with known mechanism of drug action with considerable differences in metabolites upstream of the blocked enzyme. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that steroid hormone secretion in NCI-H295 cells is strongly affected by the individual strain, passage and growing conditions. These factors should be taken into account in the evaluation of experiments analyzing steroid parameters directly or as surrogate parameters of cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kurlbaum
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg, Central Laboratory, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Kendl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg, Central Laboratory, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- University Hospital Würzburg, Central Laboratory, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Ettaieb M, Kerkhofs T, van Engeland M, Haak H. Past, Present and Future of Epigenetics in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051218. [PMID: 32414074 PMCID: PMC7281315 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051218] [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: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation profiling has been suggested a reliable technique to distinguish between benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors, a process which with current diagnostic methods remains challenging and lacks diagnostic accuracy of borderline tumors. Accurate distinction between benign and malignant adrenal tumors is of the essence, since ACC is a rare but aggressive endocrine disease with an annual incidence of about 2.0 cases per million people per year. The estimated five-year overall survival rate for ACC patients is <50%. However, available treatment regimens are limited, in which a radical surgical resection is the only curable option. Nevertheless, up to 85% of patients with radical resection show recurrence of the local disease often with concurrent metastases. Adrenolytic therapy with mitotane, administered alone or in combination with cytotoxic agents, is currently the primary (palliative) treatment for patients with advanced ACC and is increasingly used in adjuvant setting to prevent recurrence. Prognostic stratification is important in order to individualize adjuvant therapies. On April 1, 2020, there were 7404 publications on adrenocortical carcinoma (adrenocortical carcinoma) OR adrenocortical carcinoma [MeSH Terms]) OR adrenal cortex cancer[MeSH Terms]) OR adrenal cortical carcinoma [MeSH Terms]) OR adrenal cortex neoplasm [MeSH Terms]) OR adrenocortical cancer [MeSH Terms]), yet the underlying pathophysiology and characteristics of ACC is not fully understood. Knowledge on epigenetic alterations in the process of adrenal tumorigenesis is rapidly increasing and will add to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of ACC. DNA methylation profiling has been heralded as a promising method in the prognostication of ACC. This review summarizes recent findings on epigenetics of ACC and its role in diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Ettaieb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Maxima Medical Center, 5631 Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas Kerkhofs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Manon van Engeland
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Harm Haak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Maxima Medical Center, 5631 Eindhoven/Veldhoven, The Netherlands;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Services Research and CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Center, 6229 Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Abate A, Rossini E, Bonini SA, Fragni M, Cosentini D, Tiberio GAM, Benetti D, Hantel C, Laganà M, Grisanti S, Terzolo M, Memo M, Berruti A, Sigala S. Cytotoxic Effect of Trabectedin In Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Lines and Primary Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040928. [PMID: 32283844 PMCID: PMC7226156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitotane is the only drug approved for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). The regimen to be added to mitotane is a chemotherapy including etoposide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin. This pharmacological approach, however, has a limited efficacy and significant toxicity. Evidence indicates that ACC seems to be sensitive to alkylating agents. Trabectedin is an anti-tumor drug that acts as an alkylating agent with a complex mechanism of action. Here, we investigated whether trabectedin could exert a cytotoxic activity in in vitro cell models of ACC. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay on ACC cell lines and primary cell cultures. The gene expression was evaluated by q-RT-PCR, while protein expression and localization were studied by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. Combination experiments were performed to evaluate their interaction on ACC cell line viability. Trabectedin demonstrated high cytotoxicity at sub-nanomolar concentrations in ACC cell lines and patient-derived primary cell cultures. The drug was able to reduce /β catenin nuclear localization, although it is unclear whether this effect is involved in the observed cytotoxicity. Trabectedin/mitotane combination exerted a synergic cytotoxic effect in NCI-H295R cells. Trabectedin has antineoplastic activity in ACC cells. The synergistic cytotoxic activity of trabectedin with mitotane provides the rationale for testing this combination in a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Martina Fragni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Guido Albero Massimo Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Diego Benetti
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, 01307 City, Germany
| | - Marta Laganà
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.C.); (M.L.); (S.G.); (A.B.)
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (A.A.); (E.R.); (S.A.B.); (M.F.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-371-7663
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Rubin B, Pilon C, Pezzani R, Rebellato A, Fallo F. The effects of mitotane and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:357-367. [PMID: 31587178 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mitotane is the only chemotherapeutic agent available for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), however, the anti-neoplastic efficacy is limited due to several side-effects in vivo. There is, therefore, a need of exploring for new anti-tumoral agents which can be used either alone or in combination with mitotane. The active vitamin D metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) acts as an anti-proliferative agent in human cancer by inhibiting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of this study was to study the effects of mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3, individually or in combination, in an in vitro model with H295R ACC cells, and to elucidate the molecular events behind their effects involving the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. METHODS AND RESULTS Multiple concentrations of mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3, individually or in combination, were tested on H295R cells for 24-96 h, and the effects analysed by MTT. A reduction in cell growth was observed in a dose/time-dependent manner for both mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3. In addition, a combination of clinically sub-therapeutic concentrations of mitotane with 1α,25(OH)2D3, had an additive anti-proliferative effect (Combination Index = 1.02). In a wound healing assay, individual treatments of both mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3 reduced the migration ability of H295R cells, with the effect further enhanced on combining both the agents. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analysis showed a modulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin and VDR signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Our results show an additive effect of mitotane and 1α,25(OH)2D3 on the inhibition of H295R ACC cell growth and viability, and suggest that molecular mechanisms of their effects involve a functional link between VDR and Wnt/beta-catenin pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Rubin
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - C Pilon
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - R Pezzani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Rebellato
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy
| | - F Fallo
- Endocrine-Metabolic Laboratory, Clinica Medica 3, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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Patti F, Palmioli A, Vitalini S, Bertazza L, Redaelli M, Zorzan M, Rubin B, Mian C, Bertolini C, Iacobone M, Armanini D, Barollo S, Airoldi C, Iriti M, Pezzani R. Anticancer Effects of Wild Mountain Mentha longifolia Extract in Adrenocortical Tumor Cell Models. Front Pharmacol 2020; 10:1647. [PMID: 32116670 PMCID: PMC7025550 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mint [Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson] is an aromatic plant that belongs to Lamiaceae family. It is traditionally used as herbal tea in Europe, Australia and North Africa and shows numerous pharmacological effects, such as spasmolytic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-hemolytic. Recently, its antiproliferative role has been suggested in a small number of tumor cell models, but no data are available on adrenocortical carcinoma, a malignancy with a survival rate at 5 years of 20%-30% which frequently metastasize. This work aimed to study the effects of Mentha longifolia L. crude extract (ME) on two adrenocortical tumor cell models (H295R and SW13 cells). Chemical composition of ME was assessed by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy analysis. Brine shrimp lethality assay showed ME effects at >0.5 µg/µl (p < 0.05). Cell viability and vitality were determined by MTT, SRB, and trypan blue assays in H295R and SW13 cells. The anti-proliferative effects of ME were more evident in SW13 cells at 72 h (ME > 0.5 µg/µl, p < 0.05). Combination of ME with mitotane (approved drug for adrenocortical carcinoma) seemed not to reinforce the efficacy of the herb. As control, human fibroblasts were treated with ME with no effect on cell viability. Clonogenic assay was concordant with previous cell viability tests (ME > 0.5 µg/µl, p < 0.05), while Wright staining demonstrated the presence of both necrotic and apoptotic cells. Cell cycle analysis showed a strong increase in subG0/G1 phase, related to cell death. Furthermore, MAPK and PI3k/Akt pathways were modulated by Western blot analysis when treating cells with ME alone or combined with mitotane. The crude methanolic extract of wild mountain mint can decrease cell viability, vitality and survival of adrenocortical tumor cell models, in particular of SW13 cells. These data show the potential anticancer effects of ME, still more work is needed to corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Patti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Palmioli
- BioOrgNMR Lab, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Vitalini
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan State University, Milano, Italy
| | - Loris Bertazza
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Redaelli
- AIROB, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca Oncologica di Base, Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute for Molecular Science and Experimental Technologies, VIMSET, Liettoli di Campolongo Maggiore, Italy
| | - Maira Zorzan
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Beatrice Rubin
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Bertolini
- AIROB, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca Oncologica di Base, Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Iacobone
- Minimally Invasive Endocrine Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Decio Armanini
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Susi Barollo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Airoldi
- BioOrgNMR Lab, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Iriti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan State University, Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Pezzani
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- AIROB, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca Oncologica di Base, Padova, Italy
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Thiel G, Ulrich M, Mukaida N, Rössler OG. Regulation of stimulus-induced interleukin-8 gene transcription in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells – Role of AP-1 and NF-κB. Cytokine 2020; 126:154862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Seidel E, Walenda G, Messerschmidt C, Obermayer B, Peitzsch M, Wallace P, Bahethi R, Yoo T, Choi M, Schrade P, Bachmann S, Liebisch G, Eisenhofer G, Beule D, Scholl UI. Generation and characterization of a mitotane-resistant adrenocortical cell line. Endocr Connect 2020; 9:122-134. [PMID: 31910152 PMCID: PMC6993260 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mitotane is the only drug approved for the therapy of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Its clinical use is limited by the occurrence of relapse during therapy. To investigate the underlying mechanisms in vitro, we here generated mitotane-resistant cell lines. After long-term pulsed treatment of HAC-15 human adrenocortical carcinoma cells with 70 µM mitotane, we isolated monoclonal cell populations of treated cells and controls and assessed their respective mitotane sensitivities by MTT assay. We performed exome sequencing and electron microscopy, conducted gene expression microarray analysis and determined intracellular lipid concentrations in the presence and absence of mitotane. Clonal cell lines established after pulsed treatment were resistant to mitotane (IC50 of 102.2 ± 7.3 µM (n = 12) vs 39.4 ± 6.2 µM (n = 6) in controls (biological replicates, mean ± s.d., P = 0.0001)). Unlike nonresistant clones, resistant clones maintained normal mitochondrial and nucleolar morphology during mitotane treatment. Resistant clones largely shared structural and single nucleotide variants, suggesting a common cell of origin. Resistance depended, in part, on extracellular lipoproteins and was associated with alterations in intracellular lipid homeostasis, including levels of free cholesterol, as well as decreased steroid production. By gene expression analysis, resistant cells showed profound alterations in pathways including steroid metabolism and transport, apoptosis, cell growth and Wnt signaling. These studies establish an in vitro model of mitotane resistance in ACC and point to underlying molecular mechanisms. They may enable future studies to overcome resistance in vitro and improve ACC treatment in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Seidel
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, BCRT – Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gudrun Walenda
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Clemens Messerschmidt
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Paal Wallace
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rohini Bahethi
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Taekyeong Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Murim Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Petra Schrade
- Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institut für Vegetative Anatomie, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bachmann
- Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institut für Vegetative Anatomie, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard Liebisch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dieter Beule
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, BCRT – Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Lang J, Capasso A, Jordan KR, French JD, Kar A, Bagby SM, Barbee J, Yacob BW, Head LS, Tompkins KD, Freed BM, Somerset H, Clark TJ, Pitts TM, Messersmith WA, Eckhardt SG, Wierman ME, Leong S, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K. Development of an Adrenocortical Cancer Humanized Mouse Model to Characterize Anti-PD1 Effects on Tumor Microenvironment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5568436. [PMID: 31513709 PMCID: PMC7947837 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has transformed treatment strategies of several human malignancies, research models to study immunotherapy in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) are lacking. OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of anti-PD1 immunotherapy on the alteration of the immune milieu in ACC in a newly generated preclinical model and correlate with the response of the matched patient. DESIGN, SETTING, AND INTERVENTION To characterize the CU-ACC2-M2B patient-derived xenograft in a humanized mouse model, evaluate the effect of a PD-1 inhibitor therapy, and compare it with the CU-ACC2 patient with metastatic disease. RESULTS Characterization of the CU-ACC2-humanized cord blood-BALB/c-Rag2nullIl2rγnullSirpaNOD model confirmed ACC origin and match with the original human tumor. Treatment of the mice with pembrolizumab demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition (60%) compared with controls, which correlated with increased tumor infiltrating lymphocyte activity, with an increase of human CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05), HLA-DR+ T cells (P < 0.05) as well as Granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells (<0.001). In parallel, treatment of the CU-ACC2 patient, who had progressive disease, demonstrated a partial response with 79% to 100% reduction in the size of target lesions, and no new sites of metastasis. Pretreatment analysis of the patient's metastatic liver lesion demonstrated abundant intratumoral CD8+ T cells by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS Our study reports the first humanized ACC patient-derived xenograft mouse model, which may be useful to define mechanisms and biomarkers of response and resistance to immune-based therapies, to ultimately provide more personalized care for patients with ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lang
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anna Capasso
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kimberly R Jordan
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jena D French
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Adwitiya Kar
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stacey M Bagby
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jacob Barbee
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Betelehem W Yacob
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lia S Head
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth D Tompkins
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Brian M Freed
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hilary Somerset
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Toshimasa J Clark
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Todd M Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Wells A Messersmith
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - S Gail Eckhardt
- Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Margaret E Wierman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Research Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - Stephen Leong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Research Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades, DO, Endocrinology MS8106, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 East 17th Ave, RC1 South, Aurora, CO 80045. E-mail:
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Fragni M, Palma Lopez LP, Rossini E, Abate A, Cosentini D, Salvi V, Vezzoli S, Poliani PL, Bosisio D, Hantel C, Tiberio GAM, Grisanti S, Memo M, Terzolo M, Berruti A, Sigala S. In vitro cytotoxicity of cabazitaxel in adrenocortical carcinoma cell lines and human adrenocortical carcinoma primary cell cultures ☆. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 498:110585. [PMID: 31536779 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The overall 5-year survival rate of patients with ENS@T stage IV ACC is less than 15%. Systemic antineoplastic therapies have a limited efficacy and new drugs are urgently needed. Human ACC primary cultures and cell lines were used to assess the cytotoxic effect of cabazitaxel, and the role of P-glycoprotein in mediating this effect. Cabazitaxel reduced ACC cell viability, both in ACC cell lines and in ACC primary cell cultures. Molecular and pharmacological targeting of ABCB1/P-gp did not modify its cytotoxic effect in NCI-H295R cells, while it increased the paclitaxel-induced toxicity. Cabazitaxel modified the expression of proteins involved in cellular physiology, such as apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. The drug combination cabazitaxel/mitotane exerted an additive/moderate synergism in different ACC cell experimental models. These results provide a rationale for testing cabazitaxel in a clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Fragni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lilian Patricia Palma Lopez
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Deborah Cosentini
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Section of Oncology and Experimental Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Vezzoli
- Forensic Medicine Unit, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Section of Oncology and Experimental Immunology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland; Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Germany
| | - Guido A M Tiberio
- Surgical Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia at ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grisanti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Gianoncelli A, Guarienti M, Fragni M, Bertuzzi M, Rossini E, Abate A, Basnet RM, Zizioli D, Bono F, Terzolo M, Memo M, Berruti A, Sigala S. Adrenocortical Carcinoma Xenograft in Zebrafish Embryos as a Model To Study the In Vivo Cytotoxicity of Abiraterone Acetate. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2620-2629. [PMID: 31397841 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abiraterone acetate (AbiAc) inhibits tumor growth when administered to immunodeficient mice engrafted with the in vitro cell model of human adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Here, we developed and validated a zebrafish model engrafted with cortisol-secreting ACC cells to study the effects of AbiAc on tumor growth. The experimental conditions for AbiAc absorption in AB zebrafish embryos including embryo number, AbiAc concentration, and absorption time curve by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were set up. The AbiAc effect on steroid production in AB zebrafish embryos was measured as well. ACC cells (the NCI-H295R cell line, the primary cell ACC29, and the negative control cell SW13) were treated with drug-induced liver injury fluorescent dye, and ∼240 cells per 4 nL was injected in the subperidermal space of the yolk sac of AB zebrafish embryos (n = 80 ± 10). The cell area was measured with Noldus DanioScopeTM software. AbiAc absorption in AB zebrafish embryos was stage dependent. Abiraterone (Abi) concentration decreased, whereas its main metabolite, Δ4A, increased. Accordingly, we demonstrated that zebrafish expressed mRNA encoding the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts Abi in Δ4A. Furthermore, ABiAc reduced cortisol production and increased progesterone in zebrafish embryos. Three days after cell injection, the cortisol-secreting ACC cell area in solvent-treated embryos was significantly higher than that in 1 µM AbiAC‒treated embryos, whereas no AbiAc effect was observed in SW13 cells, which lack the Abi target enzyme CYP17A1.Zebrafish embryos xenografted with ACC tumor cells could be a useful, fast, and reproducible experimental model to preclinically test the activity of new drugs in human ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gianoncelli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Guarienti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martina Fragni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Bertuzzi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Rossini
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Abate
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ram Manohar Basnet
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Section of Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Bono
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Terzolo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Internal Medicine 1, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Kar A, Zhang Y, Yacob BW, Saeed J, Tompkins KD, Bagby SM, Pitts TM, Somerset H, Leong S, Wierman ME, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K. Targeting PDZ-binding kinase is anti-tumorigenic in novel preclinical models of ACC. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:765-778. [PMID: 31325906 PMCID: PMC6938568 DOI: 10.1530/erc-19-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive orphan malignancy with less than 35% 5-year survival and 75% recurrence. Surgery remains the primary therapy and mitotane, an adrenolytic, is the only FDA-approved drug with wide-range toxicities and poor tolerability. There are no targeted agents available to date. For the last three decades, H295R cell line and its xenograft were the only available preclinical models. We recently developed two new ACC patient-derived xenograft mouse models and corresponding cell lines (CU-ACC1 and CU-ACC2) to advance research in the field. Here, we have utilized these novel models along with H295R cells to establish the mitotic PDZ-binding kinase (PBK) as a promising therapeutic target. PBK is overexpressed in ACC samples and correlates with poor survival. We show that PBK is regulated by FOXM1 and targeting PBK via shRNA decreased cell proliferation, clonogenicity and anchorage-independent growth in ACC cell lines. PBK silencing inhibited pAkt, pp38MAPK and pHistone H3 altering the cell cycle. Therapeutically, targeting PBK with the small-molecule inhibitor HITOPK032 phenocopied PBK-specific modulation of pAkt and pHistone H3, but also induced apoptosis via activation of JNK. Consistent with in vitro findings, treatment of CU-ACC1 PDXs with HITOPK032 significantly reduced tumor growth by 5-fold (P < 0.01). Treated tumor tissues demonstrated increased rates of apoptosis and JNK activation, with decreased pAkt and Histone H3 phosphorylation, consistent with effects observed in ACC cell lines. Together these studies elucidate the mechanism of PBK in ACC tumorigenesis and establish the potential therapeutic potential of HITOPK032 in ACC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwitiya Kar
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Yu Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Betelehem W. Yacob
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Jordan Saeed
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Kenneth D. Tompkins
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Stacey M. Bagby
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Todd M. Pitts
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Hilary Somerset
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Stephen Leong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Margaret E. Wierman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
- Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, CO 80045
- Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045
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Rodríguez Castaño P, Parween S, Pandey AV. Bioactivity of Curcumin on the Cytochrome P450 Enzymes of the Steroidogenic Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184606. [PMID: 31533365 PMCID: PMC6770025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Turmeric, a popular ingredient in the cuisine of many Asian countries, comes from the roots of the Curcuma longa and is known for its use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is rich in curcuminoids, including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcuminoids have potent wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic activities. While curcuminoids have been studied for many years, not much is known about their effects on steroid metabolism. Since many anti-cancer drugs target enzymes from the steroidogenic pathway, we tested the effect of curcuminoids on cytochrome P450 CYP17A1, CYP21A2, and CYP19A1 enzyme activities. When using 10 µg/mL of curcuminoids, both the 17α-hydroxylase as well as 17,20 lyase activities of CYP17A1 were reduced significantly. On the other hand, only a mild reduction in CYP21A2 activity was observed. Furthermore, CYP19A1 activity was also reduced up to ~20% of control when using 1–100 µg/mL of curcuminoids in a dose-dependent manner. Molecular docking studies confirmed that curcumin could dock onto the active sites of CYP17A1, CYP19A1, as well as CYP21A2. In CYP17A1 and CYP19A1, curcumin docked within 2.5 Å of central heme while in CYP21A2 the distance from heme was 3.4 Å, which is still in the same range or lower than distances of bound steroid substrates. These studies suggest that curcuminoids may cause inhibition of steroid metabolism, especially at higher dosages. Also, the recent popularity of turmeric powder as a dilatory supplement needs further evaluation for the effect of curcuminoids on steroid metabolism. The molecular structure of curcuminoids could be modified to generate better lead compounds with inhibitory effects on CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 for potential drugs against prostate cancer and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rodríguez Castaño
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shaheena Parween
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Amit V Pandey
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, University Children's Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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De Martino MC, Feelders RA, Pivonello C, Simeoli C, Papa F, Colao A, Pivonello R, Hofland LJ. The role of mTOR pathway as target for treatment in adrenocortical cancer. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:R144-R156. [PMID: 31398711 PMCID: PMC6733361 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rare tumors with scant treatment options for which new treatments are required. The mTOR pathway mediates the intracellular signals of several growth factors, including the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and therefore represents a potential attractive pathway for the treatment of several malignancies including ACCs. Several mTOR inhibitors, including sirolimus, temsirolimus and everolimus, have been clinically developed. This review summarizes the results of the studies evaluating the expression of the mTOR pathway components in ACCs, the effects of the mTOR inhibitors alone or in combination with other drugs in preclinical models of ACCs and the early experience with the use of these compounds in the clinical setting. The mTOR pathway seems a potential target for treatment of patients with ACC, but further investigation is still required to define the potential role of mTOR inhibitors alone or in combination with other drugs in the treatment of ACC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina De Martino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Richard A Feelders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Simeoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fortuna Papa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon and heterogeneous disease and may present differently in children and adults. Management of ACC is dependent on disease stage and complete surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment. The first and most extensively used adrenocortical cancer cell line, as model system to examine mechanisms controlling normal and pathologic function of adrenal cortex, was initially isolated in 1980. Although NCI-H295 maintained steroid capabilities and adrenocortical characteristics, the lack of new cell lines and animal models of ACC has hampered the progress and development of new therapies. In this review we provide description of cellular and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) models of ACC generated for the elucidation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms and preclinical functional studies for this aggressive disease.
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Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive, and frequently deadly cancer. Up to 75% of all patients will eventually develop metastatic disease, and our current medical therapies for ACC provide limited - if any - survival benefit. These statistics highlight a crucial need for novel approaches. Recent studies performing comprehensive molecular profiling on ACC have illuminated that ACC is comprised of three clinically distinct molecular subtypes, bearing differential regulation of cell cycle, epigenetics, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PKA signaling, steroidogenesis and immune cell biology. Furthermore, these studies have spurred the development of molecular subtype-based biomarkers, contextualized outcomes of recent clinical trials, and advanced our understanding of the underlying biology of adrenocortical homeostasis and cancer. In this review, we describe these findings and their implications for new strategies to apply targeted therapies to ACC.
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Creemers SG, Feelders RA, de Jong FH, Franssen GJH, de Rijke YB, van Koetsveld PM, Hofland LJ. Osilodrostat Is a Potential Novel Steroidogenesis Inhibitor for the Treatment of Cushing Syndrome: An In Vitro Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:3437-3449. [PMID: 31127821 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Metyrapone and ketoconazole, frequently used steroidogenesis inhibitors for treatment of Cushing syndrome, can be associated with side effects and limited efficacy. Osilodrostat is a CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 inhibitor, with unknown effects on other steroidogenic enzymes. OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of osilodrostat, metyrapone, and ketoconazole on adrenal steroidogenesis, and pituitary adenoma cells in vitro. METHODS HAC15 cells, 17 primary human adrenocortical cell cultures, and pituitary adenoma cells were incubated with osilodrostat, metyrapone, or ketoconazole (0.01 to 10 µM). Cortisol and ACTH were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassays, and steroid profiles by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS In HAC15 cells, osilodrostat inhibited cortisol production more potently (IC50: 0.035 µM) than metyrapone (0.068 µM; P < 0.0001), and ketoconazole (0.621 µM; P < 0.0001). IC50 values of osilodrostat and metyrapone for basal cortisol production varied with a 25- and 18-fold difference, respectively, with comparable potency. Aldosterone production was inhibited more potently by osilodrostat vs metyrapone and ketoconazole. Osilodrostat and metyrapone treatment resulted in strong inhibition of corticosterone and cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol accumulation, and modest effects on adrenal androgens. No pituitary-directed effects of osilodrostat were observed. CONCLUSIONS Under our study conditions, osilodrostat is a potent cortisol production inhibitor in human adrenocortical cells, comparable with metyrapone. All steroidogenesis inhibitors showed large variability in sensitivity between primary adrenocortical cultures. Osilodrostat might inhibit CYP11B1 and CYP11B2, in some conditions to a lesser extent CYP17A1 activity, and a proximal step in the steroidogenesis. Osilodrostat is a promising treatment option for Cushing syndrome, and in vivo differences with metyrapone are potentially driven by pharmacokinetic differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G Creemers
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, CA, Netherlands
| | - Richard A Feelders
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, CA, Netherlands
| | - Frank H de Jong
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, CA, Netherlands
| | - Gaston J H Franssen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, CA, Netherlands
| | - Yolanda B de Rijke
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, CA, Netherlands
| | - Peter M van Koetsveld
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, CA, Netherlands
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, CA, Netherlands
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Milenkovic VM, Slim D, Bader S, Koch V, Heinl ES, Alvarez-Carbonell D, Nothdurfter C, Rupprecht R, Wetzel CH. CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated TSPO Gene Knockout alters Respiration and Cellular Metabolism in Human Primary Microglia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133359. [PMID: 31323920 PMCID: PMC6651328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is an evolutionary conserved cholesterol binding protein localized in the outer mitochondrial membrane. It has been implicated in the regulation of various cellular processes including oxidative stress, proliferation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Since the expression of TSPO in activated microglia is upregulated in various neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, we set out to examine the role of TSPO in an immortalized human microglia C20 cell line. To this end, we performed a dual approach and used (i) lentiviral shRNA silencing to reduce TSPO expression, and (ii) the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate complete TSPO knockout microglia cell lines. Functional characterization of control and TSPO knockdown as well as knockout cells, revealed only low de novo steroidogenesis in C20 cells, which was not dependent on the level of TSPO expression or influenced by the treatment with TSPO-specific ligands. In contrast to TSPO knockdown C20 cells, which did not show altered mitochondrial function, the TSPO deficient knockout cells displayed a significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and cytosolic Ca2+ levels, as well as reduced respiratory function. Performing the rescue experiment by lentiviral overexpression of TSPO in knockout cells, increased oxygen consumption and restored respiratory function. Our study provides further evidence for a significant role of TSPO in cellular and mitochondrial metabolism and demonstrates that different phenotypes of mitochondrial function are dependent on the level of TSPO expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir M Milenkovic
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dounia Slim
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Bader
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Victoria Koch
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Elena-Sofia Heinl
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Alvarez-Carbonell
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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Biological Effects of EF24, a Curcumin Derivative, Alone or Combined with Mitotane in Adrenocortical Tumor Cell Lines. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24122202. [PMID: 31212829 PMCID: PMC6630722 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24122202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Curcumin has numerous properties and is used in many preclinical conditions, including cancer. It has low bioavailability, while its derivative EF24 shows enhanced solubility. However, its effects have never been explored in adrenocortical tumor cell models. The efficacy of EF24 alone or combined with mitotane (reference drug for adrenocortical cancer) was evaluated in two adrenocortical tumor cell lines, SW13 and H295R. METHOD AND RESULTS EF24 reduced cell viability with an IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of 6.5 ± 2.4 μM and 4.9 ± 2.8 μM for SW13 and H295R cells, respectively. Combination index (EF24 associated with mitotane) suggested an additivity effect in both cell lines. Cell cycle analysis revealed an increase in subG0/G1 phase, while motility assay showed a decrease in migratory cell capacity, and similarly, clonogenic assay indicated that EF24 could reduce colony numbers. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3k/Akt pathways were modulated by Western blot analysis when treating cells with EF24 alone or combined with mitotane. In addition, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels increased in both cell lines. CONCLUSION This work analyzed EF24 in adrenocortical tumor cell lines for the first time. These results suggest that EF24 could potentially impact on adrenocortical tumors, laying the foundation for further research in animal models.
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De Martino MC, van Koetsveld PM, Feelders RA, de Herder WW, Dogan F, Janssen JAMJL, Hofste Op Bruinink D, Pivonello C, Waaijers AM, Colao A, de Krijger RR, Pivonello R, Hofland LJ. IGF and mTOR pathway expression and in vitro effects of linsitinib and mTOR inhibitors in adrenocortical cancer. Endocrine 2019; 64:673-684. [PMID: 30838516 PMCID: PMC6551351 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-01869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The IGF and mTOR-pathways are considered as potential targets for therapy in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). This study aims to describe the IGF pathway in ACC and to explore the response to the combined treatment with the IGF1R/IR inhibitor linsitinib, and mTOR inhibitors (sirolimus and everolimus) in in vitro models of ACC. METHODS The protein expression level of IGF2, IGF1R and IGF2R was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 17 human ACCs and the mRNA expression level of IGF1, IGF2, IGF1R, IR isoforms A and B, IGF2R, IGF-Binding-Proteins[IGFBP]-1, 2, 3 and 6 was evaluated by RT-qPCR in 12 samples. In H295R and HAC15 ACC cell lines the combined effects of linsitinib and sirolimus or everolimus on cell survival were evaluated. RESULTS A high protein expression of IGF2, IGF1R and IGF2R was observed in 82, 65 and 100% of samples, respectively. A high relative expression of IGF2 mRNA was found in the majority of samples. The mRNA levels of the IRA were higher than that of IRB and IGF1R in the majority of samples (75%). Linsitinib inhibits cell growth in the H295R and HAC15 cell lines and, combined with sirolimus or everolimus, linsitinib showed a significant additive effect. CONCLUSIONS In addition to IGF2 and IGF1R, ACC express IGF2R, IRA and several IGFBPs, suggesting that the interplay between the different components of the IGF pathway in ACC could be more complex than previously considered. The addition of mTOR inhibitors to linsitinib may have stronger antiproliferative effects than linsitinib alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina De Martino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Peter M van Koetsveld
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard A Feelders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter W de Herder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fadime Dogan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph A M J L Janssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Davine Hofste Op Bruinink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A Marlijn Waaijers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ronald R de Krijger
- Departments of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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