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Tabnak P, Hasanzade Bashkandi A, Ebrahimnezhad M, Soleimani M. Forkhead box transcription factors (FOXOs and FOXM1) in glioma: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutics. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:238. [PMID: 37821870 PMCID: PMC10568859 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03090-7] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most aggressive and malignant type of primary brain tumor, comprises the majority of central nervous system deaths, and is categorized into different subgroups according to its histological characteristics, including astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and mixed tumors. The forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors comprise a collection of proteins that play various roles in numerous complex molecular cascades and have been discovered to be differentially expressed in distinct glioma subtypes. FOXM1 and FOXOs have been recognized as crucial transcription factors in tumor cells, including glioma cells. Accumulating data indicates that FOXM1 acts as an oncogene in various types of cancers, and a significant part of studies has investigated its function in glioma. Although recent studies considered FOXO subgroups as tumor suppressors, there are pieces of evidence that they may have an oncogenic role. This review will discuss the subtle functions of FOXOs and FOXM1 in gliomas, dissecting their regulatory network with other proteins, microRNAs and their role in glioma progression, including stem cell differentiation and therapy resistance/sensitivity, alongside highlighting recent pharmacological progress for modulating their expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Tabnak
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | - Mohammad Ebrahimnezhad
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Soleimani
- Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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2
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Junaid M, Akter Y, Afrose SS, Tania M, Khan MA. Biological Role of AKT and Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathway by Thymoquinone: Perspectives in Cancer Therapeutics. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:288-301. [PMID: 33019927 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666201005143818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKT/PKB is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions, and its overexpression is related to carcinogenesis. AKT stimulates different signaling pathways that are downstream of activated tyrosine kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, hence functions as an important target for anti-cancer drugs. OBJECTIVE In this review article, we have interpreted the role of AKT signaling pathway in cancer and the natural inhibitory effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) in AKT and its possible mechanisms. METHOD We have collected the updated information and data on AKT, its role in cancer and the inhibitory effect of TQ in AKT signaling pathway from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, Scopus, and many more. RESULTS Many drugs are already developed, which can target AKT, but very few among them have passed clinical trials. TQ is a natural compound, mainly found in black cumin, which has been found to have potential anti-cancer activities. TQ targets numerous signaling pathways, including AKT, in different cancers. In fact, many studies revealed that AKT is one of the major targets of TQ. The preclinical success of TQ suggests its clinical studies on cancer. CONCLUSION This review article summarizes the role of AKT in carcinogenesis, its potent inhibitors in clinical trials, and how TQ acts as an inhibitor of AKT and TQ's future as a cancer therapeutic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Junaid
- Molecular Modeling Drug-design and Discovery Laboratory, Pharmacology Research Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Yeasmin Akter
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Molecular Cancer, Red Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- The research center for preclinical medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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3
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Kaleağasıoğlu F, Zaharieva MM, Konstantinov SM, Berger MR. Alkylphospholipids are Signal Transduction Modulators with Potential for Anticancer Therapy. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 19:66-91. [PMID: 30318001 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666181012093056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkylphospholipids (APLs) are synthetically derived from cell membrane components, which they target and thus modify cellular signalling and cause diverse effects. This study reviews the mechanism of action of anticancer, antiprotozoal, antibacterial and antiviral activities of ALPs, as well as their clinical use. METHODS A literature search was used as the basis of this review. RESULTS ALPs target lipid rafts and alter phospholipase D and C signalling cascades, which in turn will modulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathways. By feedback coupling, the SAPK/JNK signalling chain is also affected. These changes lead to a G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and subsequently induce programmed cell death. The available knowledge on inhibition of AKT phosphorylation, mTOR phosphorylation and Raf down-regulation renders ALPs as attractive candidates for modern medical treatment, which is based on individualized diagnosis and therapy. Corresponding to their unusual profile of activities, their side effects result from cholinomimetic activity mainly and focus on the gastrointestinal tract. These aspects together with their bone marrow sparing features render APCs well suited for modern combination therapy. Although the clinical success has been limited in cancer diseases so far, the use of miltefosine against leishmaniosis is leading the way to better understanding their optimized use. CONCLUSION Recent synthetic programs generate congeners with the increased therapeutic ratio, liposomal formulations, as well as diapeutic (or theranostic) derivatives with optimized properties. It is anticipated that these innovative modifications will pave the way for the further successful development of ALPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Kaleağasıoğlu
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Mersin 10, Turkey
| | - Maya M Zaharieva
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Infectious Microbiology, The "Stephan Angeloff" Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Spiro M Konstantinov
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacotherapy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Szymonowicz K, Oeck S, Malewicz NM, Jendrossek V. New Insights into Protein Kinase B/Akt Signaling: Role of Localized Akt Activation and Compartment-Specific Target Proteins for the Cellular Radiation Response. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10030078. [PMID: 29562639 PMCID: PMC5876653 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10030078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations driving aberrant activation of the survival kinase Protein Kinase B (Akt) are observed with high frequency during malignant transformation and cancer progression. Oncogenic gene mutations coding for the upstream regulators or Akt, e.g., growth factor receptors, RAS and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), or for one of the three Akt isoforms as well as loss of the tumor suppressor Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog on Chromosome Ten (PTEN) lead to constitutive activation of Akt. By activating Akt, these genetic alterations not only promote growth, proliferation and malignant behavior of cancer cells by phosphorylation of various downstream signaling molecules and signaling nodes but can also contribute to chemo- and radioresistance in many types of tumors. Here we review current knowledge on the mechanisms dictating Akt’s activation and target selection including the involvement of miRNAs and with focus on compartmentalization of the signaling network. Moreover, we discuss recent advances in the cross-talk with DNA damage response highlighting nuclear Akt target proteins with potential involvement in the regulation of DNA double strand break repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Szymonowicz
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Oeck
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany.
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Nathalie M Malewicz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Verena Jendrossek
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, 45122 Essen, Germany.
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Kostadinova A, Topouzova-Hristova T, Momchilova A, Tzoneva R, Berger MR. Antitumor Lipids--Structure, Functions, and Medical Applications. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2015; 101:27-66. [PMID: 26572975 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell proliferation and metastasis are considered hallmarks of tumor progression. Therefore, efforts have been made to develop novel anticancer drugs that inhibit both the proliferation and the motility of tumor cells. Synthetic antitumor lipids (ATLs), which are chemically divided into two main classes, comprise (i) alkylphospholipids (APLs) and (ii) alkylphosphocholines (APCs). They represent a new entity of drugs with distinct antiproliferative properties in tumor cells. These compounds do not interfere with the DNA or mitotic spindle apparatus of the cell, instead, they incorporate into cell membranes, where they accumulate and interfere with lipid metabolism and lipid-dependent signaling pathways. Recently, it has been shown that the most commonly studied APLs inhibit proliferation by inducing apoptosis in malignant cells while leaving normal cells unaffected and are potent sensitizers of conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, as well as of electrical field therapy. APLs resist catabolic degradation to a large extent, therefore accumulate in the cell and interfere with lipid-dependent survival signaling pathways, notably PI3K-Akt and Raf-Erk1/2, and de novo phospholipid biosynthesis. They are internalized in the cell membrane via raft domains and cause downstream reactions as inhibition of cell growth and migration, cell cycle arrest, actin stress fibers collapse, and apoptosis. This review summarizes the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials of most common ATLs and their mode of action at molecular and biochemical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneliya Kostadinova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | | | - Albena Momchilova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Rumiana Tzoneva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Martin R Berger
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
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McCubrey JA, Steelman LS, Chappell WH, Abrams SL, Franklin RA, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Candido S, Malaponte G, Mazzarino MC, Fagone P, Nicoletti F, Bäsecke J, Mijatovic S, Maksimovic-Ivanic D, Milella M, Tafuri A, Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, Cocco L, Martelli AM. Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR cascade inhibitors: how mutations can result in therapy resistance and how to overcome resistance. Oncotarget 2013; 3:1068-111. [PMID: 23085539 PMCID: PMC3717945 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR cascades are often activated by genetic alterations in upstream signaling molecules such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Targeting these pathways is often complex and can result in pathway activation depending on the presence of upstream mutations (e.g., Raf inhibitors induce Raf activation in cells with wild type (WT) RAF in the presence of mutant, activated RAS) and rapamycin can induce Akt activation. Targeting with inhibitors directed at two constituents of the same pathway or two different signaling pathways may be a more effective approach. This review will first evaluate potential uses of Raf, MEK, PI3K, Akt and mTOR inhibitors that have been investigated in pre-clinical and clinical investigations and then discuss how cancers can become insensitive to various inhibitors and potential strategies to overcome this resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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Anticancer mechanisms and clinical application of alkylphospholipids. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2012; 1831:663-74. [PMID: 23137567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2012.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 10/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic alkylphospholipids (ALPs), such as edelfosine, miltefosine, perifosine, erucylphosphocholine and erufosine, represent a relatively new class of structurally related antitumor agents that act on cell membranes rather than on DNA. They selectively target proliferating (tumor) cells, inducing growth arrest and apoptosis, and are potent sensitizers of conventional chemo- and radiotherapy. ALPs easily insert in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and cross the membrane via an ATP-dependent CDC50a-containing 'flippase' complex (in carcinoma cells), or are internalized by lipid raft-dependent endocytosis (in lymphoma/leukemic cells). ALPs resist catabolic degradation, therefore accumulate in the cell and interfere with lipid-dependent survival signaling pathways, notably PI3K-Akt and Raf-Erk1/2, and de novo phospholipid biosynthesis. At the same time, stress pathways (e.g. stress-activated protein kinase/JNK) are activated to promote apoptosis. In many preclinical and clinical studies, perifosine was the most effective ALP, mainly because it inhibits Akt activity potently and consistently, also in vivo. This property is successfully exploited clinically in highly malignant tumors, such as multiple myeloma and neuroblastoma, in which a tyrosine kinase receptor/Akt pathway is amplified. In such cases, perifosine therapy is most effective in combination with conventional anticancer regimens or with rapamycin-type mTOR inhibitors, and may overcome resistance to these agents. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Phospholipids and Phospholipid Metabolism.
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Henke G, Meier V, Lindner LH, Eibl H, Bamberg M, Belka C, Budach W, Jendrossek V. Effects of ionizing radiation in combination with Erufosine on T98G glioblastoma xenograft tumours: a study in NMRI nu/nu mice. Radiat Oncol 2012; 7:172. [PMID: 23078969 PMCID: PMC3539870 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-7-172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Erufosine is a promising anticancer drug that increases the efficacy of radiotherapy in glioblastoma cell lines in vitro. Moreover, treatment of nude mice with repeated intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections of Erufosine is well tolerated and yields drug concentrations in the brain tissue that are higher than the concentrations required for cytotoxic drug effects on glioblastoma cell lines in vitro. Methods In the present study we aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined treatment with radiotherapy and Erufosine on growth and local control of T98G subcutaneous glioblastoma xenograft-tumours in NMRI nu/nu mice. Results We show that repeated intraperitoneal injections of Erufosine resulted in a significant drug accumulation in T98G xenograft tumours on NMRI nu/nu mice. Moreover, short-term treatment with 5 intraperitoneal Erufosine injections caused a transient decrease in the growth of T98G tumours without radiotherapy. Furthermore, an increased radiation-induced growth delay of T98G xenograft tumours was observed when fractionated irradiation was combined with short-term Erufosine-treatment. However, no beneficial drug effects on fractionated radiotherapy in terms of local tumour control were observed. Conclusions We conclude that short-term treatment with Erufosine is not sufficient to significantly improve local control in combination with radiotherapy in T98G glioblastoma xenograft tumours. Further studies are needed to evaluate efficacy of extended drug treatment schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Henke
- Department of Radiooncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str, 3, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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Bagley RG, Kurtzberg L, Rouleau C, Yao M, Teicher BA. Erufosine, an alkylphosphocholine, with differential toxicity to human cancer cells and bone marrow cells. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2011; 68:1537-46. [PMID: 21526352 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-011-1658-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the activity and myeloprotective properties of erufosine, a novel alkylphosphocholine (APC), on human malignant cells and normal bone marrow cells. METHODS Human or mouse bone marrow cells were exposed to erufosine, miltefosine, perifosine, or edelfosine in CFU-GM assays. Human MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma, Panc-1 pancreatic carcinoma, and RPMI8226 multiple myeloma cells were exposed to erufosine in colony formation assays. Colony formation of Panc-1 tumor cells and mouse bone marrow cells ex vivo were quantified following intravenous administration of erufosine to tumor-bearing mice. Western blotting methods were applied to human U87 glioblastoma cells exposed to erufosine to investigate Akt inhibition. RESULTS Erufosine was less toxic to human and mouse bone marrow cells than perifosine, miltefosine, and edelfosine and was equally toxic to human and mouse CFU-GM. The human cancer cells MDA-MB-231 breast, Panc-1 pancreatic, and RPMI8226 MM cells were more sensitive to erufosine in a colony formation assay than were human bone marrow cells generating an approximately tenfold differential in IC(90) values. Erufosine injected intravenously significantly reduced Panc-1 tumor cell colony formation ex vivo but not mouse bone marrow CFU-GM. Erufosine inhibited Akt phosphorylation in human U87 glioblastoma cells. CONCLUSIONS Erufosine offers potential as a novel therapeutic for cancer with a reduced toxicity profile to bone marrow cells compared with other agents in this class. Human cancer cells were more sensitive to erufosine than human or mouse bone marrow cells indicating a favorable therapeutic window for erufosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Bagley
- Genzyme Corporation, 49 New York Ave, Framingham, MA 01701-9322, USA.
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Rudner J, Ruiner CE, Handrick R, Eibl HJ, Belka C, Jendrossek V. The Akt-inhibitor Erufosine induces apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cells and increases the short term effects of ionizing radiation. Radiat Oncol 2010; 5:108. [PMID: 21080918 PMCID: PMC2998511 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-5-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is frequently deregulated in prostate cancer and associated with neoplastic transformation, malignant progression, and enhanced resistance to classical chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, it is a promising target for therapeutic intervention. In the present study, the cytotoxic action of the Akt inhibitor Erufosine (ErPC3) was analyzed in prostate cancer cells and compared to the cytotoxicity of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Moreover, the efficacy of combined treatment with Akt inhibitors and ionizing radiation in prostate cancer cells was examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prostate cancer cell lines PC3, DU145, and LNCaP were treated with ErPC3 (1-100 µM), LY294002 (25-100 µM), irradiated (0-10 Gy), or subjected to combined treatments. Cell viability was determined by the WST-1 assay. Apoptosis induction was analyzed by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide in a hypotonic citrate buffer, and by Western blotting using antibodies against caspase-3 and its substrate PARP. Akt activity and regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 family members and key downstream effectors involved in apoptosis regulation were examined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS The Akt inhibitor ErPC3 exerted anti-neoplastic effects in prostate cancer cells, however with different potency. The anti-neoplastic action of ErPC3 was associated with reduced phosphoserine 473-Akt levels and induction of apoptosis. PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells were also sensitive to treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. However, the ErPC3-sensitive PC3-cells were less susceptible to LY294002 than the ErPC3-refractory LNCaP cells. Although both cell lines were largely resistant to radiation-induced apoptosis, both cell lines showed higher levels of apoptotic cell death when ErPC3 was combined with radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that constitutive Akt activation and survival are controlled by different different molecular mechanisms in the two prostate cancer cell lines - one which is sensitive to the Akt-inhibitor ErPC3 and one which is more sensitive to the PI3K-inhibitor LY294002. Our findings underline the importance for the definition of predictive biomarkers that allow the selection patients that may benefit from the treatment with a specific signal transduction modifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Rudner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 3, D-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Kumar Pal S, Reckamp K, Yu H, Figlin RA. Akt inhibitors in clinical development for the treatment of cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2010; 19:1355-66. [PMID: 20846000 PMCID: PMC3244346 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2010.520701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD The evolution of targeted therapies is dependent upon identification of cellular moieties that can be pharmacologically modulated. As one such example, the serine-threonine kinase Akt was identified nearly two decades ago. Since then, its role in mediating multiple signaling cascades (ultimately leading to cell growth and proliferation) has since been identified. More recently, several agents have been developed that antagonize Akt--these agents are in various stages of clinical testing. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Herein, we outline development of several promising Akt inhibitors, including perifosine, MK-2206, RX-0201, PBI-05204, GSK2141795 and others. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN The reader will gain insight into the current pipeline of Akt inhibitors, and the degree to which these agents have been examined both clinically and preclinically. TAKE HOME MESSAGE With an emerging pipeline of agents targeting Akt, it will be critical to decipher which amongst them holds the greatest promise. Herein, we explore this drug pipeline and provide strategies for determining the future clinical application of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumanta Kumar Pal
- Department of Medical Oncology & Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Phone: (626) 256-4673, Fax: (626) 301-8233,
| | - Karen Reckamp
- Department of Medical Oncology & Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Phone: (626) 256-4673,
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of Immunology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Phone: (626) 256-4673,
| | - Robert A. Figlin
- Department of Medical Oncology & Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Phone: (626) 256-4673, Fax: (626) 301-8233,
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Veenman L, Alten J, Linnemannstöns K, Shandalov Y, Zeno S, Lakomek M, Gavish M, Kugler W. Potential involvement of F0F1-ATP(synth)ase and reactive oxygen species in apoptosis induction by the antineoplastic agent erucylphosphohomocholine in glioblastoma cell lines : a mechanism for induction of apoptosis via the 18 kDa mitochondrial translocator protein. Apoptosis 2010; 15:753-68. [PMID: 20107899 PMCID: PMC3128697 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-010-0460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Erucylphosphohomocholine (ErPC3, Erufosine) was reported previously to induce apoptosis in otherwise highly apoptosis-resistant malignant glioma cell lines while sparing their non-tumorigenic counterparts. We also previously found that the mitochondrial 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO) is required for apoptosis induction by ErPC3. These previous studies also suggested involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study we further investigated the potential involvement of ROS generation, the participation of the mitochondrial respiration chain, and the role of the mitochondrial F(O)F(1)-ATP(synth)ase in the pro-apoptotic effects of ErPC3 on U87MG and U118MG human glioblastoma cell lines. For this purpose, cells were treated with the ROS chelator butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), the mitochondrial respiration chain inhibitors rotenone, antimycin A, myxothiazol, and the uncoupler CCCP. Also oligomycin and piceatannol were studied as inhibitors of the F(O) and F(1) subunits of the mitochondrial F(O)F(1)-ATP(synth)ase, respectively. BHA was able to attenuate apoptosis induction by ErPC3, including mitochondrial ROS generation as determined with cardiolipin oxidation, as well as collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)). Similarly, we found that oligomycin attenuated apoptosis and collapse of the Deltapsi(m), normally induced by ErPC3, including the accompanying reductions in cellular ATP levels. Other inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiration chain, as well as piceatannol, did not show such effects. Consequently, our findings strongly point to a role for the F(O) subunit of the mitochondrial F(O)F(1)-ATP(synth)ase in ErPC3-induced apoptosis and dissipation of Deltapsi(m) as well as ROS generation by ErPC3 and TSPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Veenman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 9649, Bat-Galim, 31096 Haifa, Israel
| | - Julia Alten
- Abteilung Pädiatrie I, Zentrum Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karen Linnemannstöns
- Abteilung Pädiatrie I, Zentrum Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yulia Shandalov
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 9649, Bat-Galim, 31096 Haifa, Israel
| | - Sivan Zeno
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 9649, Bat-Galim, 31096 Haifa, Israel
| | - Max Lakomek
- Abteilung Pädiatrie I, Zentrum Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Moshe Gavish
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 9649, Bat-Galim, 31096 Haifa, Israel
| | - Wilfried Kugler
- Abteilung Pädiatrie I, Zentrum Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Königs SK, Pallasch CP, Lindner LH, Schwamb J, Schulz A, Brinker R, Claasen J, Veldurthy A, Eibl H, Hallek M, Wendtner CM. Erufosine, a novel alkylphosphocholine, induces apoptosis in CLL through a caspase-dependent pathway. Leuk Res 2010; 34:1064-9. [PMID: 20092894 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The alkylphosphocholine (APC) erufosine is a synthetic phospholipid analogue with antineoplastic activity. APC are known to interact with lipid metabolism and modulate cellular signaling pathways, particularly the phosphorylation of Akt. Here, in primary CLL cells induction of apoptosis was detected with an IC50 of 22muM whereas healthy donor PBMC were less sensitive towards erufosine. Treatment with erufosine caused dose-dependent cleavage of PARP, co-incubation with caspase inhibitor z-VAD almost completely abrogated the cytotoxic effect of erufosine indicating a caspase-dependent mechanism of erufosine. Erufosine was shown to induce apoptosis in primary CLL cells and merits further investigation regarding therapeutic options in CLL.
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Henke G, Lindner LH, Vogeser M, Eibl HJ, Wörner J, Müller AC, Bamberg M, Wachholz K, Belka C, Jendrossek V. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of Erufosine in nude mice--implications for combination with radiotherapy. Radiat Oncol 2009; 4:46. [PMID: 19852786 PMCID: PMC2773776 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-4-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alkylphosphocholines represent promising antineoplastic drugs that induce cell death in tumor cells by primary interaction with the cell membrane. Recently we could show that a combination of radiotherapy with Erufosine, a paradigmatic intravenously applicable alkylphosphocholine, in vitro leads to a clear increase of irradiation-induced cell death. In view of a possible combination of Erufosine and radiotherapy in vivo we determined the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability as well as the tolerability of Erufosine in nude mice. METHODS NMRI (nu/nu) nude mice were treated by intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injections of 5 to 40 mg/kg body weight Erufosine every 48 h for one to three weeks. Erufosine-concentrations were measured in brain, lungs, liver, small intestine, colon, spleen, kidney, stomach, adipoid tissue, and muscle by tandem-mass spectroscopy. Weight course, blood cell count and clinical chemistry were analyzed to evaluate general toxicity. RESULTS Intraperitoneal injections were generally well tolerated in all dose groups but led to a transient loss of the bodyweight (<10%) in a dose dependent manner. Subcutaneous injections of high-dose Erufosine caused local reactions at the injection site. Therefore, this regimen at 40 mg/kg body weight Erufosine was stopped after 14 days. No gross changes were observed in organ weight, clinical chemistry and white blood cell count in treated compared to untreated controls except for a moderate increase in lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate-aminotransferase after intensive treatment. Repeated Erufosine injections resulted in drug-accumulation in different organs with maximum concentrations of about 1000 nmol/g in spleen, kidney and lungs. CONCLUSION Erufosine was well tolerated and organ-concentrations surpassed the cytotoxic drug concentrations in vitro. Our investigations establish the basis for a future efficacy testing of Erufosine in xenograft tumor models in nude mice alone and in combination with chemo- or radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Henke
- Department of Radiooncology, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str 3, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Liu H, Luo LL, Qian YS, Fu YC, Sui XX, Geng YJ, Huang DN, Gao ST, Zhang RL. FOXO3a is involved in the apoptosis of naked oocytes and oocytes of primordial follicles from neonatal rat ovaries. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 381:722-7. [PMID: 19258007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.02.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the forkhead transcription factor, FOXO3a, can promote the transition from primordial to primary follicle and subsequent follicle development in mammalian ovaries. Stem cell factor (SCF) initiates anti-apoptotic signaling from its membrane receptor, c-kit, to Bcl-2 family members through PI3K/AKT in oocytes of primordial follicles. However, whether FOXO3a mediates the apoptosis of naked oocytes and oocytes of primordial follicles remains unknown. In the present study, oocytes from nests and primordial follicles from neonatal rat ovaries were cultured, and oocyte apoptosis was examined using the TUNEL technique. The pro-apoptotic action of FOXO3a and the potential signal transduction pathways were investigated using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry. Culturing oocytes in the presence of SCF did not affect the level of total FOXO3a protein, but rapidly elevated the level of phosphorylated FOXO3a (indicating functional suppression). As phosphorylated FOXO3a increased, oocyte apoptosis was inhibited. The specific PI3K/Akt inhibitor, LY 294002, abolished the phosphorylation of FOXO3a and the anti-apoptotic action of SCF. SCF down-regulated the expression of p27KIP1 and pro-apoptotic factors such as Bim, Bad, and Bax, and this activity was reversed by LY 294002. SCF up-regulated the expression of MnSOD, which was also inhibited by LY 294002. However, SCF had no effect on Bcl-2 protein. These results suggest that FOXO3a is involved in oocyte apoptosis in the neonatal rat ovary, and the SCF-PI3K/Akt-FOXO3a signaling pathway mediates oocyte apoptosis and primordial follicle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
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16
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Differential activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases following high and low LET radiation in murine macrophage cell line. Mol Cell Biochem 2008; 324:85-91. [PMID: 19112558 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-008-9987-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases have been shown to respond to various stimuli including cytokines, mitogens and gamma irradiation, leading to cell proliferation, differentiation, or death. The duration of their activation determines the specificity of response to each stimulus in various cells. In this study, the crucial intracellular kinases, ERK, JNK, and p38 kinase involved in cell survival, death, or damage and repair were examined for their activity in RAW 264.7 cells at various time points after irradiation with 2 Gy doses of proton ions or X-rays. This is the first report that shows that the MAPK signaling induced after heavy ion or X-ray exposure is not the same. Unlike gamma irradiation, there was prolonged but marginal activation of prosurvival ERK pathway and significant activation of proapoptotic p38 pathway in response to high LET radiation.
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Zhu S, Evans S, Yan B, Povsic TJ, Tapson V, Goldschmidt-Clermont PJ, Dong C. Transcriptional regulation of Bim by FOXO3a and Akt mediates scleroderma serum-induced apoptosis in endothelial progenitor cells. Circulation 2008; 118:2156-65. [PMID: 18981303 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.108.787200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to vascular regeneration/repair and thus may protect against scleroderma vasculopathy. We aimed to determine whether circulating EPCs were reduced in scleroderma, whether scleroderma sera could induce EPC apoptosis, and, if so, what the underlying apoptotic signaling pathway was. METHODS AND RESULTS Circulating EPC levels were quantified in 54 patients with scleroderma and 18 healthy control subjects by colony-forming unit assay and flow cytometry, which revealed markedly decreased EPC levels in scleroderma patients relative to healthy subjects. Substantial apoptosis was detected in EPCs after culturing in the presence of scleroderma sera compared with normal sera. Intriguingly, depletion of the IgG fraction from scleroderma sera completely abolished the apoptotic effects. Furthermore, scleroderma sera inhibited the activation/phosphorylation of Akt, which in turn suppressed the phosphorylation and degradation of forkhead transcription factor FKHRL1 (FOXO3a), resulting in the upregulation of apoptotic protein Bim. siRNA-mediated FOXO3a and Bim knockdown substantially reduced scleroderma serum-induced EPC apoptosis. Importantly, Bim expression and baseline apoptosis were increased in EPCs freshly isolated from scleroderma patients relative to that obtained from healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS Scleroderma serum-induced EPC apoptosis is mediated chiefly by the Akt-FOXO3a-Bim pathway, which may account, at least in part, for the decreased circulating EPC levels in scleroderma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoukang Zhu
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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18
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Jendrossek V, Henkel M, Hennenlotter J, Vogel U, Ganswindt U, Müller I, Handrick R, Anastasiadis AG, Kuczyk M, Stenzl A, Belka C. Analysis of complex protein kinase B signalling pathways in human prostate cancer samples. BJU Int 2008; 102:371-82. [PMID: 18476967 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2008.07703.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a rational basis for targeted treatment approaches in prostate cancer deregulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) system was analysed. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 45 patients with primary localized prostate cancer that underwent radical prostatectomy were included in the present study. Upon scoring of the pathological grade, expression and phosphorylation levels of PKB/Akt and relevant downstream targets were determined in tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies against PTEN, PKB/Akt, its downstream targets, and the respective phosphorylated proteins. RESULTS Most patients (>90%) had up-regulated expression and/or phosphorylation of PKB/Akt in the malignant tissue compared with the surrounding benign tissue, with a higher prevalence of increased phosphorylated PKB/Akt in patients with Gleason scores of > or =6 (100%) compared with those with Gleason scores of 4-5 (five of 13 patients), and in particular in patients with clinical progression. Up-regulated phosphorylation of PKB/Akt occurred either in association with loss or inactivation of PTEN or in a PTEN-independent manner. Enhanced phosphorylation levels of the PKB/Akt substrates glycogen synthase kinase 3, the mammalian target of rapamycin or the forkhead transcription factor like 1 (FKHRL1) were found in 29%, 42% and 40% of the tumours, respectively. Of these, only increased phosphorylated-FKHRL1 levels correlated with clinical progression. Interestingly, 80% of patients had a notable overexpression but not phosphorylation of the eucaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein. CONCLUSION Deregulation of p-PKB/Akt is common in localized prostate cancer and has a putative value as predictive marker for disease progression and as therapeutic target. However, as a consequence of the substantial heterogeneity in the expression and phosphorylation levels of relevant PKB/Akt effector pathways, for a rational use of specified inhibitors of the PI3K/PKB system a complex pattern testing of expression and activity of the respective target proteins for prediction of efficacy and prognosis seems mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Jendrossek
- CCC Tübingen, Center of Urogenital Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Essen, Germany
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Overgaard J, Baumann M. Translational research in radiotherapy - getting closer to the bedside. Radiother Oncol 2008; 83:217-9. [PMID: 17580242 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2007.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Energetic heavy ions overcome tumor radioresistance caused by overexpression of Bcl-2. Radiother Oncol 2008; 89:231-6. [PMID: 18336939 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2008.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 02/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Overexpression of Bcl-2 is frequent in human cancers and has been associated with radioresistance. Here we investigated the potential impact of heavy ions on Bcl-2 overexpressing tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bcl-2 cells (Bcl-2 overexpressing HeLa cells) and Neo cells (neomycin resistant gene-expressing HeLa cells) exposed to gamma-rays or heavy ions were assessed for the clonogenic survival, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. RESULTS Whereas Bcl-2 cells were more resistant to gamma-rays (0.2keV/microm) and helium ions (16.2keV/microm) than Neo cells, heavy ions (76.3-1610keV/microm) yielded similar survival regardless of Bcl-2 overexpression. Carbon ions (108keV/microm) decreased the difference in the apoptotic incidence between Bcl-2 and Neo cells, and prolonged G(2)/M arrest that occurred more extensively in Bcl-2 cells than in Neo cells. CONCLUSIONS High-LET heavy ions overcome tumor radioresistance caused by Bcl-2 overexpression, which may be explained at least in part by the enhanced apoptotic response and prolonged G(2)/M arrest. Thus, heavy-ion therapy may be a promising modality for Bcl-2 overexpressing radioresistant tumors.
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Begg A, van der Kogel A. Clinical radiobiology in 2008. Radiother Oncol 2008; 86:295-9. [PMID: 18313778 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2008] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Ho LH, Read SH, Dorstyn L, Lambrusco L, Kumar S. Caspase-2 is required for cell death induced by cytoskeletal disruption. Oncogene 2008; 27:3393-404. [PMID: 18193089 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1211005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-2 is one of the most conserved caspases, yet its biological function remains a matter of controversy. In the present article we analysed mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from caspase-2 knockout mice for their sensitivity to various apoptosis inducing agents. We found that cell death induced by drugs that disrupt cytoskeleton is significantly inhibited in Casp2(-/-) MEFs. These drugs included zoledronic acid, vincristine, cytochalasin D and paclitaxel. We demonstrate that MEFs lacking Casp2 show clonogenic survival following drug treatment, whereas all Casp2(+/+) MEFs die, indicating that caspase-2 is required for apoptosis induced by cytoskeletal disruption. We further found that caspase-2 mediates apoptosis via Piddosome, Bid and Bax activation, and cytochrome c release. In the absence of caspase-2, Bid and Bax activation, and cytochrome c release are significantly delayed following drug treatment. Our data provide strong support for a context-dependent function of caspase-2 in apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Ho
- 1Division of Haematology, Hanson Institute, IMVS, Adelaide, Australia
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23
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Lemeshko VV, Kugler W. Synergistic inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by anticancer agent erucylphosphohomocholine and cyclosporin A. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:37303-7. [PMID: 17993460 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.c700134200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkylphosphocholines are a new class of anticancer agents. The mechanisms by which these drugs display their antitumor activities are not known. In this work, we show that erucylphosphohomocholine, a new antineoplastic compound, significantly decreased ATP synthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria at a concentration of 50 microm or higher via permeabilization of the inner membrane. At a concentration of 25 microm, it induced a moderate swelling of mitochondria, a slight decrease of the inner membrane potential, and an increase in state 4 respiration without an essential influence on state 3 respiration or the outer membrane permeability to cytochrome c. We found that cyclosporin A did not prevent mitochondrial swelling induced by 25-100 microm erucylphosphohomocholine. Moreover, cyclosporin A induced a fast drop of the inner membrane potential in the presence of 25-50 microm erucylphosphohomocholine that seems to be due to a strong synergistic inhibition of the respiratory activity. The ratio of uncoupled to state 3 respiration rates increased from 1.3 +/- 0.1 with 25 microm erucylphosphohomocholine and from 1.5 +/- 0.1 with 1 microm cyclosporin A to 4.5 +/- 0.3 in the presence of both drugs. On the other hand, oligomycin or cyclosporin A protected certain cancer cell lines against erucylphosphohomocholine-induced apoptosis. This protection might be related to a prevention of cellular ATP hydrolysis by permeabilized mitochondria and to the inhibition of the classical permeability transition pore, respectively. Our findings provide new insight into the mechanisms by which these unusual alterations of mitochondria might be involved in anticancer activity of alkylphosphocholines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor V Lemeshko
- Escuela de Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, AA3840, Medellín, Colombia.
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van der Luit AH, Vink SR, Klarenbeek JB, Perrissoud D, Solary E, Verheij M, van Blitterswijk WJ. A new class of anticancer alkylphospholipids uses lipid rafts as membrane gateways to induce apoptosis in lymphoma cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2007; 6:2337-45. [PMID: 17699729 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-07-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Single-chain alkylphospholipids, unlike conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, act on cell membranes to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. We tested four different alkylphospholipids, i.e., edelfosine, perifosine, erucylphosphocholine, and compound D-21805, as inducers of apoptosis in the mouse lymphoma cell line S49. We compared their mechanism of cellular entry and their potency to induce apoptosis through inhibition of de novo biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine at the endoplasmic reticulum. Alkylphospholipid potency closely correlated with the degree of phosphatidylcholine synthesis inhibition in the order edelfosine > D-21805 > erucylphosphocholine > perifosine. In all cases, exogenous lysophosphatidylcholine, an alternative source for cellular phosphatidylcholine production, could partly rescue cells from alkylphospholipid-induced apoptosis, suggesting that phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis is a direct target for apoptosis induction. Cellular uptake of each alkylphospholipid was dependent on lipid rafts because pretreatment of cells with the raft-disrupting agents, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, filipin, or bacterial sphingomyelinase, reduced alkylphospholipid uptake and/or apoptosis induction and alleviated the inhibition of phosphatidylcholine synthesis. Uptake of all alkylphospholipids was inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated blockage of sphingomyelin synthase (SMS1), which was previously shown to block raft-dependent endocytosis. Similar to edelfosine, perifosine accumulated in (isolated) lipid rafts independent on raft sphingomyelin content per se. However, perifosine was more susceptible than edelfosine to back-extraction by fatty acid-free serum albumin, suggesting a more peripheral location in the cell due to less effective internalization. Overall, our results suggest that lipid rafts are critical membrane portals for cellular entry of alkylphospholipids depending on SMS1 activity and, therefore, are potential targets for alkylphospholipid anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold H van der Luit
- Division of Cellular Biochemistry, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Vink SR, van der Luit AH, Klarenbeek JB, Verheij M, van Blitterswijk WJ. Lipid rafts and metabolic energy differentially determine uptake of anti-cancer alkylphospholipids in lymphoma versus carcinoma cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2007; 74:1456-65. [PMID: 17803969 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2007] [Revised: 07/26/2007] [Accepted: 07/27/2007] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Perifosine is a member of the class of synthetic alkylphospholipids (APLs) and is being evaluated as anti-cancer agent in several clinical trials. These single-chain APLs accumulate in cellular membranes and disturb lipid-dependent signal transduction, ultimately causing apoptosis in a variety of tumor cells. The APL prototype edelfosine was previously found to be endocytosed by S49 mouse lymphoma cells via lipid rafts. An edelfosine-resistant cell variant, S49(AR), was found to be cross-resistant to other APLs, including perifosine. This resistance was due to defective synthesis of the raft constituent sphingomyelin, which abrogated APL cellular uptake. Sensitivity of S49 cells to edelfosine was higher than perifosine, which correlated with a relatively higher uptake. Human KB epidermal carcinoma cells were much more sensitive to APLs than S49 cells. Their much higher APL uptake was highly dependent on intracellular ATP and ambient temperature, and was blocked by chlorpromazine, independent of canonical endocytic pathways. We found no prominent role of lipid rafts for APL uptake in these KB cells; contrary to S49(AR) cells, perifosine-resistant KBr cells display normal sphingomyelin synthesis, whereas APL uptake by the responsive KB cells was insensitive to treatment with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, a cholesterol-sequestrator and inhibitor of raft-mediated endocytosis. In conclusion, different mechanisms determine APL uptake and consequent apoptotic toxicity in lymphoma versus carcinoma cells. In the latter cells, APL uptake is mainly determined by a raft- and endocytosis-independent process, but metabolic energy-dependent process, possibly by a lipid transporter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan R Vink
- Division of Experimental Therapy, The Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Mollinedo F. Antitumour ether lipids: proapoptotic agents with multiple therapeutic indications. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2007. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.17.4.385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Rationale and clinical application of alkylphospholipid analogues in combination with radiotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2007; 33:191-202. [PMID: 17287087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2006.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2006] [Revised: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Concurrent treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy has emerged as an effective strategy to improve clinical outcome of cancer. In addition to combining radiation with classical anticancer agents, several new biological response modifiers are under investigation in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Synthetic alkylphospholipids are anticancer agents that in contrast to most anticancer drugs, do not target DNA, but insert in the plasma membrane and subsequently induce a broad range of biological effects, ultimately leading to cell death. Alkylphospholipids kill tumor cells directly by induction of both apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death, and indirectly by interference with critical signal transduction pathways involved in phospholipid metabolism and survival. Due to their distinct mode of action, these drugs are considered as attractive candidates to combine with radiotherapy. In this review, we will discuss several alkylphospholipids that reached clinical application. These include first-generation alkyl-lysophospholipids edelfosine and ilmofosine, second-generation alkylphosphocholine-prototype miltefosine and more recently developed analogues perifosine and erucylphosphocholine. We focus on mechanisms of action and the rationale to combine these agents with radiotherapy. The preclinical results on molecular targeting underlying this approach will be reviewed, concluded with first clinical data on combined treatment of radiotherapy with perifosine.
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