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Palominos C, Fuentes-Retamal S, Salazar JP, Guzmán-Rivera D, Correa P, Mellado M, Araya-Maturana R, Urra FA. Mitochondrial bioenergetics as a cell fate rheostat for responsive to Bcl-2 drugs: New cues for cancer chemotherapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 594:216965. [PMID: 38788967 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216965] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Pro-survival BCL-2 proteins prevent the initiation of intrinsic apoptosis (mitochondria-dependent pathway) by inhibiting the pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BAK, while BH3-only proteins promote apoptosis by blocking pro-survival BCL-2 proteins. Disruptions in this delicate balance contribute to cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. Recent advances in cancer therapeutics involve a new generation of drugs known as BH3-mimetics, which are small molecules designed to mimic the action of BH3-only proteins. Promising effects have been observed in patients with hematological and solid tumors undergoing treatment with these agents. However, the rapid emergence of mitochondria-dependent resistance to BH3-mimetics has been reported. This resistance involves increased mitochondrial respiration, altered mitophagy, and mitochondria with higher and tighter cristae. Conversely, mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2, catalyzing R-2-hydroxyglutarate production, promote sensitivity to venetoclax. This evidence underscores the urgency for comprehensive studies on bioenergetics-based adaptive responses in both BH3 mimetics-sensitive and -resistant cancer cells. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating BH3-mimetics in combination with standard chemotherapeutics. In this article, we discuss the role of mitochondrial bioenergetics in response to BH3-mimetics and explore potential therapeutic opportunities through metabolism-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Palominos
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile
| | - Sebastián Fuentes-Retamal
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile; Universidad Andrés Bello. Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, 8320000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Salazar
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile
| | - Daniela Guzmán-Rivera
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Universidad Andrés Bello. Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, 8320000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Correa
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile
| | - Mathias Mellado
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile
| | - Ramiro Araya-Maturana
- Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile; Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Chile
| | - Félix A Urra
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile; Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging (CIES), Consortium of Universities of the State of Chile (CUECH), Santiago, 8320216, Chile.
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2
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Kim SH, Chun C, Yoon TY. Profiling of BCLxL Protein Complexes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via Multiplexed Single-Molecule Pull-Down and Co-Immunoprecipitation. Anal Chem 2024; 96:8932-8941. [PMID: 38728439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c05801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
We introduce multiplexed single-molecule pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation, named m-SMPC, an analysis tool for profiling multiple protein complexes within a single reaction chamber using single-molecule fluorescence imaging. We employed site-selective conjugation of biotin and fluorescent dye directly onto the monoclonal antibodies, which completed an independent sandwich immunoassay without the issue of host cross-reactivity. We applied this technique to profile endogenous B-cell lymphoma extra-large (BCLxL) complexes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Up to three distinct BCLxL complexes were successfully detected simultaneously within a single reaction chamber without fluorescence signal crosstalk. Notably, the NSCLC cell line EBC-1 exhibited high BCLxL-BAX and BCLxL-BAK levels, which closely paralleled a strong response to the BCLxL inhibitor A-1331852. This streamlined method offers the potential for quantitative biomarkers derived from protein complex profiling, paving the way for their application in protein complex-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Ho Kim
- Department of Biomarker Discovery, PROTEINA Co., Ltd, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Changju Chun
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Tae-Young Yoon
- Department of Biomarker Discovery, PROTEINA Co., Ltd, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
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3
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Korelin K, Oostveen M, Wahbi W, Ianevski F, Cavalcante B, Turunen L, Belevich I, Al-Samadi A, Salo T. Evaluation of BH3 mimetics as a combination therapy with irradiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116719. [PMID: 38749173 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116719] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer with a five-year survival rate around 60%, indicating a need for new treatments. BH3 mimetics are small molecules that inhibit anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, resulting in apoptosis induction. METHODS We performed a high-throughput screen using a Myogel matrix to identify the synergy between irradiation and the novel BH3 mimetics A-1155463, A-1331852, and navitoclax in 12 HNSCC cell lines, normal (NOF) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and dysplastic keratinocytes (ODA). Next, we examined synergy in an apoptosis assay, followed by a clonogenic assay and a Myogel spheroid on selected HNSCC cell lines. Finally, we applied zebrafish larvae xenograft to validate the effects of navitoclax and A-1331852. RESULTS All three BH3 mimetics exhibited a strong synergy with irradiation in eight HNSCC cell lines and ODAs, but not in NOFs and CAFs. A-1155463 and A-1331852 induced apoptosis and reduced proliferation, and together with irradiation, significantly increased apoptosis and arrested proliferation. A-1331852 and navitoclax significantly decreased the clonogenicity compared with the control, and combination treatment led to a decreased clonogenicity compared with monotherapy or irradiation. However, unlike navitoclax or A-1155463, only A-1331852 significantly reduced cancer cell invasion. Furthermore, in spheroid and zebrafish, irradiation appeared ineffective and failed to significantly increase the drug effect. In the zebrafish, A-1331852 and navitoclax significantly reduced the tumor area and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings encourage the further preclinical investigation of BH3 mimetics, particularly A-1331852, as a single agent or combined with irradiation as a treatment for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Korelin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Mayke Oostveen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Wafa Wahbi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Filipp Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Bruno Cavalcante
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Laura Turunen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Ilya Belevich
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Ahmed Al-Samadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Dentistry, School of Medicine, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland; Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90220, Finland; Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki 00029, Finland
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4
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Emery-Corbin SJ, Yousef JM, Adhikari S, Sumardy F, Nhu D, van Delft MF, Lessene G, Dziekan J, Webb AI, Dagley LF. Improved drug target deconvolution with PISA-DIA using an extended, overlapping temperature gradient. Proteomics 2024:e2300644. [PMID: 38766901 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300644] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Thermal proteome profiling (TPP) is a powerful tool for drug target deconvolution. Recently, data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) approaches have demonstrated significant improvements to depth and missingness in proteome data, but traditional TPP (a.k.a. CEllular Thermal Shift Assay "CETSA") workflows typically employ multiplexing reagents reliant on data-dependent acquisition (DDA). Herein, we introduce a new experimental design for the Proteome Integral Solubility Alteration via label-free DIA approach (PISA-DIA). We highlight the proteome coverage and sensitivity achieved by using multiple overlapping thermal gradients alongside DIA-MS, which maximizes efficiencies in PISA sample concatenation and safeguards against missing protein targets that exist at high melting temperatures. We demonstrate our extended PISA-DIA design has superior proteome coverage as compared to using tandem-mass tags (TMT) necessitating DDA-MS analysis. Importantly, we demonstrate our PISA-DIA approach has the quantitative and statistical rigor using A-1331852, a specific inhibitor of BCL-xL. Due to the high melt temperature of this protein target, we utilized our extended multiple gradient PISA-DIA workflow to identify BCL-xL. We assert our novel overlapping gradient PISA-DIA-MS approach is ideal for unbiased drug target deconvolution, spanning a large temperature range whilst minimizing target dropout between gradients, increasing the likelihood of resolving the protein targets of novel compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Emery-Corbin
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jumana M Yousef
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Subash Adhikari
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fransisca Sumardy
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ACRF Chemical Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Duong Nhu
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ACRF Chemical Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark F van Delft
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ACRF Chemical Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jerzy Dziekan
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Infection and Immunity Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew I Webb
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura F Dagley
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Yuan Z, van Delft MF, Li MX, Sumardy F, Smith BJ, Huang DCS, Lessene G, Khakam Y, Jin R, He S, Smith NA, Birkinshaw RW, Czabotar PE, Dewson G. Key residues in the VDAC2-BAK complex can be targeted to modulate apoptosis. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002617. [PMID: 38696533 PMCID: PMC11098506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BAK and BAX execute intrinsic apoptosis by permeabilising the mitochondrial outer membrane. Their activity is regulated through interactions with pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins and with non-BCL-2 proteins including the mitochondrial channel protein VDAC2. VDAC2 is important for bringing both BAK and BAX to mitochondria where they execute their apoptotic function. Despite this important function in apoptosis, while interactions with pro-survival family members are well characterised and have culminated in the development of drugs that target these interfaces to induce cancer cell apoptosis, the interaction between BAK and VDAC2 remains largely undefined. Deep scanning mutagenesis coupled with cysteine linkage identified key residues in the interaction between BAK and VDAC2. Obstructive labelling of specific residues in the BH3 domain or hydrophobic groove of BAK disrupted this interaction. Conversely, mutating specific residues in a cytosol-exposed region of VDAC2 stabilised the interaction with BAK and inhibited BAK apoptotic activity. Thus, this VDAC2-BAK interaction site can potentially be targeted to either inhibit BAK-mediated apoptosis in scenarios where excessive apoptosis contributes to disease or to promote BAK-mediated apoptosis for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yuan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark F. van Delft
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Xiang Li
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fransisca Sumardy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brian J. Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C. S. Huang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yelena Khakam
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruitao Jin
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sitong He
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard W. Birkinshaw
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter E. Czabotar
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
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Yin L, Hu X, Pei G, Tang M, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Huang M, Li S, Zhang J, Citu C, Zhao Z, Debeb BG, Feng X, Chen J. Genome-wide CRISPR screen reveals the synthetic lethality between BCL2L1 inhibition and radiotherapy. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302353. [PMID: 38316463 PMCID: PMC10844523 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the most commonly used anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cellular response to irradiation, especially to a single high-dose irradiation, remains largely unknown. In this study, we performed a whole-genome CRISPR loss-of-function screen and revealed temporal inherent and acquired responses to RT. Specifically, we found that loss of the IL1R1 pathway led to cellular resistance to RT. This is in part because of the involvement of radiation-induced IL1R1-dependent transcriptional regulation, which relies on the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the mitochondrial anti-apoptotic pathway, particularly the BCL2L1 gene, is crucially important for cell survival after radiation. BCL2L1 inhibition combined with RT dramatically impeded tumor growth in several breast cancer cell lines and syngeneic models. Taken together, our results suggest that the combination of an apoptosis inhibitor such as a BCL2L1 inhibitor with RT may represent a promising anticancer strategy for solid cancers including breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yin
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoding Hu
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic and Research Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guangsheng Pei
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mengfan Tang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - You Zhou
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Pediatrics Research, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huimin Zhang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Min Huang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Siting Li
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Citu Citu
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bisrat G Debeb
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic and Research Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xu Feng
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Pancreas Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Pancreas Institute, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Chen
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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Samia S, Sandeep Chary P, Khan O, Kumar Mehra N. Recent trends and advances in novel formulations as an armament in Bcl-2/Bax targeted breast cancer. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123889. [PMID: 38346605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123889] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health burden worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, Bcl-2 and Bax, play a crucial role in regulating apoptosis and thus are promising targets for BC therapy. We focus on the recent advancements in novel formulations that specifically target Bcl-2/Bax pathway to combat BC. It provides an overview on biological functions of Bcl-2/Bax in apoptosis regulation, emphasizing their significance in pathogenesis and progression of the disease while covering the numerous therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the Bcl-2/Bax pathway, including small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, gene-based therapies and other repurposed drugs harboured onto cutting-edge technologies and nanocarrier systems employed to enhance the targeted delivery of Bcl-2/Bax inhibitors tumor cells. These advanced formulations aim to improve therapeutic efficacy, minimize off-target effects, and overcome drug resistance, offering promising prospects in its treatment. In conclusion, it illuminates the diverse and evolving landscape of novel formulations as an essential armament in targeting these proteins while bridging and unravelling the obscurity of Bcl-2/Bax pathway-targeted drug delivery systems which are presently in their nascent stages of exploration for BC therapy which can benefit researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikh Samia
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Omar Khan
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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8
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Gong Q, Wang H, Zhou M, Zhou L, Wang R, Li Y. B-cell lymphoma-2 family proteins in the crosshairs: Small molecule inhibitors and activators for cancer therapy. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:707-737. [PMID: 37983840 DOI: 10.1002/med.21999] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family of proteins plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis, offering a dual mechanism for its control. Numerous studies have established a strong association between gene disorders of these proteins and the proliferation of diverse cancer cell types. Consequently, the identification and development of drugs targeting BCL-2 family proteins have emerged as a prominent area in antitumor therapy. Over the last two decades, several small-molecules have been designed to modulate the protein-protein interactions between anti- and proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, effectively suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. The primary focus of research has been on developing BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics to target antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, thereby competitively releasing proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins and restoring the blocked intrinsic apoptotic program. Additionally, for proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, exogenous small molecules have been explored to activate cell apoptosis by directly interacting with executioner proteins such as BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) or BCL-2 homologous antagonist/killer protein (BAK). In this comprehensive review, we summarize the inhibitors and activators (sensitizers) of BCL-2 family proteins developed over the past decades, highlighting their discovery, optimization, preclinical and clinical status, and providing an overall landscape of drug development targeting these proteins for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qineng Gong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Renxiao Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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9
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Bhatia K, Sandhu V, Wong MH, Iyer P, Bhatt S. Therapeutic biomarkers in acute myeloid leukemia: functional and genomic approaches. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1275251. [PMID: 38410111 PMCID: PMC10894932 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1275251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is clinically and genetically a heterogeneous disease characterized by clonal expansion of abnormal hematopoietic progenitors. Genomic approaches to precision medicine have been implemented to direct targeted therapy for subgroups of AML patients, for instance, IDH inhibitors for IDH1/2 mutated patients, and FLT3 inhibitors with FLT3 mutated patients. While next generation sequencing for genetic mutations has improved treatment outcomes, only a fraction of AML patients benefit due to the low prevalence of actionable targets. In recent years, the adoption of newer functional technologies for quantitative phenotypic analysis and patient-derived avatar models has strengthened the potential for generalized functional precision medicine approach. However, functional approach requires robust standardization for multiple variables such as functional parameters, time of drug exposure and drug concentration for making in vitro predictions. In this review, we first summarize genomic and functional therapeutic biomarkers adopted for AML therapy, followed by challenges associated with these approaches, and finally, the future strategies to enhance the implementation of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanpreet Bhatia
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vedant Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Hsuan Wong
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prasad Iyer
- Children's Blood and Cancer Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shruti Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Shareef U, Altaf A, Ahmed M, Akhtar N, Almuhayawi MS, Al Jaouni SK, Selim S, Abdelgawad MA, Nagshabandi MK. A comprehensive review of discovery and development of drugs discovered from 2020-2022. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101913. [PMID: 38204591 PMCID: PMC10777120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101913] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To fully evaluate and define the new drug molecule for its pharmacological characteristics and toxicity profile, pre-clinical and clinical studies are conducted as part of the drug research and development process. The average time required for all drug development processes to finish various regulatory evaluations ranges from 11.4 to 13.5 years, and the expense of drug development is rising quickly. The development in the discovery of newer novel treatments is, however, largely due to the growing need for new medications. Methods to identify Hits and discovery of lead compounds along with pre-clinical studies have advanced, and one example is the introduction of computer-aided drug design (CADD), which has greatly shortened the time needed for the drug to go through the drug discovery phases. The pharmaceutical industry will hopefully be able to address the present and future issues and will continue to produce novel molecular entities (NMEs) to satisfy the expanding unmet medical requirements of the patients as the success rate of the drug development processes is increasing. Several heterocyclic moieties have been developed and tested against many targets and proved to be very effective. In-depth discussion of the drug design approaches of newly found drugs from 2020 to 2022, including their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and in-vitro and in-vivo assessments, is the main goal of this review. Considering the many stages these drugs are going through in their clinical trials, this investigation is especially pertinent. It should be noted that synthetic strategies are not discussed in this review; instead, they will be in a future publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Shareef
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Aisha Altaf
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Madiha Ahmed
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Nosheen Akhtar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi 43600, Pakistan
| | - Mohammed S. Almuhayawi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Soad K. Al Jaouni
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Yousef Abdulatif Jameel Scientific Chair of Prophetic Medicine Application, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samy Selim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed K. Nagshabandi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Bodac A, Mayet A, Rana S, Pascual J, Bowler AD, Roh V, Fournier N, Craciun L, Demetter P, Radtke F, Meylan E. Bcl-xL targeting eliminates ageing tumor-promoting neutrophils and inhibits lung tumor growth. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:158-184. [PMID: 38177532 PMCID: PMC10897164 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-023-00013-x] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated peripheral blood and tumor-infiltrating neutrophils are often associated with a poor patient prognosis. However, therapeutic strategies to target these cells are difficult to implement due to the life-threatening risk of neutropenia. In a genetically engineered mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma, tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) demonstrate tumor-supportive capacities and have a prolonged lifespan compared to circulating neutrophils. Here, we show that tumor cell-derived GM-CSF triggers the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein and enhances neutrophil survival through JAK/STAT signaling. Targeting Bcl-xL activity with a specific BH3 mimetic, A-1331852, blocked the induced neutrophil survival without impacting their normal lifespan. Specifically, oral administration with A-1331852 decreased TAN survival and abundance, and reduced tumor growth without causing neutropenia. We also show that G-CSF, a drug used to combat neutropenia in patients receiving chemotherapy, increased the proportion of young TANs and augmented the anti-tumor effect resulting from Bcl-xL blockade. Finally, our human tumor data indicate the same role for Bcl-xL on pro-tumoral neutrophil survival. These results altogether provide preclinical evidence for safe neutrophil targeting based on their aberrant intra-tumor longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bodac
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Abdullah Mayet
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium
- Lung Cancer and Immuno-Oncology laboratory, Bordet Cancer Research Laboratories, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
- ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC) and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Sarika Rana
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium
- Lung Cancer and Immuno-Oncology laboratory, Bordet Cancer Research Laboratories, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
- ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC) and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Justine Pascual
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amber D Bowler
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Roh
- Translational Data Science - Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadine Fournier
- Translational Data Science - Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ligia Craciun
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Pieter Demetter
- Department of Pathology, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Freddy Radtke
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Etienne Meylan
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université libre de Bruxelles, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium.
- Lung Cancer and Immuno-Oncology laboratory, Bordet Cancer Research Laboratories, Institut Jules Bordet, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université libre de Bruxelles, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium.
- ULB Cancer Research Center (U-CRC) and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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12
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Stanland LJ, Ang HX, Hoj JP, Chu Y, Tan P, Wood KC, Luftig MA. CBF-Beta Mitigates PI3K-Alpha-Specific Inhibitor Killing through PIM1 in PIK3CA-Mutant Gastric Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1148-1162. [PMID: 37493631 PMCID: PMC10811747 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PIK3CA is the second most mutated gene in cancer leading to aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and increased translation, proliferation, and survival. Some 4%-25% of gastric cancers display activating PIK3CA mutations, including 80% of Epstein-Barr virus-associated GCs. Small molecules, including pan-PI3K and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, have shown moderate success clinically, due to broad on-target/off-tissue effects. Thus, isoform-specific and mutant selective inhibitors have been of significant interest. However, drug resistance is a problem and has affected success of new drugs. There has been a concerted effort to define mechanisms of resistance and identify potent combinations in many tumor types, though gastric cancer is comparatively understudied. In this study, we identified modulators of the response to the PI3Kα-specific inhibitor, BYL719, in PIK3CA-mutant GCs. We found that loss of NEDD9 or inhibition of BCL-XL conferred hypersensitivity to BYL719, through increased cell-cycle arrest and cell death, respectively. In addition, we discovered that loss of CBFB conferred resistance to BYL719. CBFB loss led to upregulation of the protein kinase PIM1, which can phosphorylate and activate several overlapping downstream substrates as AKT thereby maintaining pathway activity in the presence of PI3Kα inhibition. The addition of a pan-PIM inhibitor re-sensitized resistant cells to BYL719. Our data provide clear mechanistic insights into PI3Kα inhibitor response in PIK3CA-mutant gastric tumors and can inform future work as mutant-selective inhibitors are in development for diverse tumor types. IMPLICATIONS Loss of either NEDD9 or BCL-XL confers hypersensitivity to PI3K-alpha inhibition whereas loss of CBFB confers resistance through a CBFB/PIM1 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyla J. Stanland
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hazel X. Ang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jacob P. Hoj
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Patrick Tan
- Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore; Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore
| | - Kris C. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Micah A. Luftig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
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13
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Czabotar PE, Garcia-Saez AJ. Mechanisms of BCL-2 family proteins in mitochondrial apoptosis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:732-748. [PMID: 37438560 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00629-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The proteins of the BCL-2 family are key regulators of mitochondrial apoptosis, acting as either promoters or inhibitors of cell death. The functional interplay and balance between the opposing BCL-2 family members control permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, leading to the release of activators of the caspase cascade into the cytosol and ultimately resulting in cell death. Despite considerable research, our knowledge about the mechanisms of the BCL-2 family of proteins remains insufficient, which complicates cell fate predictions and does not allow us to fully exploit these proteins as targets for drug discovery. Detailed understanding of the formation and molecular architecture of the apoptotic pore in the outer mitochondrial membrane remains a holy grail in the field, but new studies allow us to begin constructing a structural model of its arrangement. Recent literature has also revealed unexpected activities for several BCL-2 family members that challenge established concepts of how they regulate mitochondrial permeabilization. In this Review, we revisit the most important advances in the field and integrate them into a new structure-function-based classification of the BCL-2 family members that intends to provide a comprehensive model for BCL-2 action in apoptosis. We close this Review by discussing the potential of drugging the BCL-2 family in diseases characterized by aberrant apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ana J Garcia-Saez
- Membrane Biophysics, Institute of Genetics, CECAD, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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14
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Chiou JT, Wu YY, Lee YC, Chang LS. BCL2L1 inhibitor A-1331852 inhibits MCL1 transcription and triggers apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115738. [PMID: 37562509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115738] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BH3 mimetics exert anticancer activity by inhibiting anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the off-target effects of these drugs tightly modulates their anticancer activities. In this study, we investigated whether the BCL2L1 inhibitor A-1331852 induced the death of U937 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells through a non-BCL2L1-targeted effect. A-1331852-induced apoptosis in U937 cells was characterized by increased ROS production, downregulation of MCL1, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Ectopic expression of MCL1 alleviated A-1331852-induced mitochondrial depolarization and cytotoxicity in U937 cells. A-1331852-induced ROS production increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and inhibited MCL1 transcription. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation restored MCL1 expression in A-1331852-treated cells. A-1331852 triggered p38 MAPK-mediated Cullin 3 downregulation, which in turn increased PP2Acα expression, thereby reducing CREB phosphorylation. A-1331852 reduced the binding of CREB to the MCL1 promoter, leading to the inhibition of CREB-mediated MCL1 transcription. Furthermore, A-1331852 acted synergistically with the BCL2 inhibitor ABT-199 to induce U937 and ABT-199-resistant U937 cell death by inhibiting MCL1 expression. A similar phenomenon caused A-1331852-induced MCL1 downregulation and cytotoxicity in AML HL-60 cells. Collectively, our data suggest that A-1331852 shows an off-target effect of inhibiting MCL1 transcription, ultimately leading to U937 and HL-60 cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ting Chiou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ying Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chin Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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15
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Morimoto Y, Takada K, Takeuchi O, Watanabe K, Hirohara M, Masuda Y. Simultaneous inhibition of Chk1 and Bcl-xL induces apoptosis in vitro and represses tumour growth in an in vivo xenograft model. J Chemother 2023; 35:435-447. [PMID: 36134604 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2022.2125749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
We previously showed that prexasertib, a checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitor, and navitoclax, a Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL inhibitor, induced a synergistic inhibitory effect on cell proliferation in vitro. Here, we investigated the effect of the simultaneous knockdown of Chk1 and each antiapoptotic protein of the Bcl-2 family (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, or Mcl-1) with small interfering RNAs on apoptosis in three pancreatic cancer cell lines. Only simultaneous knockdown of Chk1 and Bcl-xL induced significant apoptosis compared with single knockdown in all three cell lines. We evaluated the anti-tumour effects of combined prexasertib and navitoclax treatment in a mouse xenograft model. Treatment to control volume ratios were calculated as 63.2% for prexasertib, 79.4% for navitoclax, and 36.8% for prexasertib and navitoclax. These findings suggest that the simultaneous inhibition of Chk1 and Bcl-xL may be an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Morimoto
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Takada
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Takeuchi
- BioMedical Laboratory, Department of Research, Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Watanabe
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Hirohara
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Masuda
- Center for Education and Research on Clinical Pharmacy, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Oliveira RC, Gama J, Casanova J. B-cell lymphoma 2 family members and sarcomas: a promising target in a heterogeneous disease. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:583-599. [PMID: 37720343 PMCID: PMC10501895 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins has been the backbone for hematological malignancies with overall survival improvements. The Bcl-2 family is a major player in apoptosis regulation and, has captured the researcher's interest in the treatment of solid tumors. Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of diseases, comprising several entities, with high morbidity and mortality and with few specific therapies available. The treatment for sarcomas is based on platinum regimens, with variable results and poor outcomes, especially in advanced lesions. The high number of different sarcoma entities makes treatment standardization as well as the performance of clinical trials difficult. The use of Bcl-2 family members modifiers has revealed promising results in in vitro and in vivo models and may be a valid option, especially when used in combination with chemotherapy. In this article, a revision of these results and possibilities for the use of Bcl-2 family members inhibitors in sarcomas was performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Caetano Oliveira
- Centro de Anatomia Patológica Germano de Sousa, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre of Investigation on Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Gama
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Casanova
- Centre of Investigation on Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
- Orthopedic Oncology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal
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17
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Hurwitz J, Haggstrom LR, Lim E. Antibody-Drug Conjugates: Ushering in a New Era of Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2017. [PMID: 37631232 PMCID: PMC10458257 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082017] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have provided new therapeutic options and significant promise for patients with cancer, particularly where existing treatments are limited. Substantial effort in ADC development is underway globally, with 13 ADCs currently approved and many more in development. The therapeutic benefits of ADCs leverage the ability to selectively target cancer cells through antibody binding, resultant relative sparing of non-malignant tissues, and the targeted delivery of a cytotoxic payload. Consequently, this drug class has demonstrated activity in multiple malignancies refractory to standard therapeutic options. Despite this, limitations exist, including narrow therapeutic windows, unique toxicity profiles, development of therapeutic resistance, and appropriate biomarker selection. This review will describe the development of ADCs, their mechanisms of action, pivotal trials, and approved indications and identify common themes. Current challenges and opportunities will be discussed for this drug class in cancer therapeutics at a time when significant developments in antibody therapies, immunotherapy, and targeted agents are occurring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hurwitz
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2053, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | | | - Elgene Lim
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2053, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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18
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Huang G, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. 2-Aminobenzothiazoles in anticancer drug design and discovery. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106477. [PMID: 36989736 PMCID: PMC10718064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Substantial research efforts have been made to develop new chemical entities with improved anticancer efficacy. 2-Aminobenzothiazole is an important class of heterocycles containing one sulfur and two nitrogen atoms, which is associated with a broad spectrum of medical and pharmacological activities, including antitumor, antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. In recent years, an extraordinary collection of potent and low-toxicity 2-aminobenzothiazole compounds have been discovered as new anticancer agents. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of this class of compounds based on their activities against tumor-related proteins, including tyrosine kinases (CSF1R, EGFR, VEGFR-2, FAK, and MET), serine/threonine kinases (Aurora, CDK, CK, RAF, and DYRK2), PI3K kinase, BCL-XL, HSP90, mutant p53 protein, DNA topoisomerase, HDAC, NSD1, LSD1, FTO, mPGES-1, SCD, hCA IX/XII, and CXCR. In addition, the anticancer potentials of 2-aminobenzothiazole-derived chelators and metal complexes are also described here. Moreover, the design strategies, mechanism of actions, structure-activity relationships (SAR) and more advanced stages of pre-clinical development of 2-aminobenzothiazoles as new anticancer agents are extensively reviewed in this article. Finally, the examples that 2-aminobenzothiazoles showcase an advantage over other heterocyclic systems are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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19
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Wei Y, Zhang L, Wang C, Li Z, Luo M, Xie G, Yang X, Li M, Ren S, Zhao D, Gao R, Gong J. Anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL as a therapeutic vulnerability in gastric cancer. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:245-254. [PMID: 37271936 PMCID: PMC10272913 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New therapeutic targets are needed to improve the outcomes for gastric cancer (GC) patients with advanced disease. Evasion of programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a hallmark of cancer cells and direct induction of apoptosis by targeting the pro-survival BCL2 family proteins represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning cancer cell survival could provide a molecular basis for potential therapeutic interventions. METHOD Here we explored the role of BCL2L1 and the encoded anti-apoptotic BCL-XL in GC. Using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology to investigate the DNA amplification of BCL2L1 in GC samples and GC cell lines, the sensitivity of GC cell lines to selective BCL-XL inhibitors A1155463 and A1331852, pan-inhibitor ABT-263, and VHL-based PROTAC-BCL-XL was analyzed using (CellTiter-Glo) CTG assay in vitro. Western Blot (WB) was used to detect the protein expression of BCL2 family members in GC cell lines and the manner in which PROTAC-BCL-XL kills GC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to investigate the mechanism of A1331852 and ABT-263 kills GC cell lines. DDPCR, WB, and real-time PCR (RTPCR) were used to investigate the correlation between DNA, RNA, protein levels, and drug activity. RESULTS The functional assay showed that a subset of GC cell lines relies on BCL-XL for survival. In gastric cancer cell lines, BCL-XL inhibitors A1155463 and A1331852 are more sensitive than the pan BCL2 family inhibitor ABT-263, indicating that ABT-263 is not an optimal inhibitor of BCL-XL. VHL-based PROTAC-BCL-XL DT2216 appears to be active in GC cells. DT2216 induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner through the proteasome pathway. Statistical analysis showed that the BCL-XL protein level predicts the response of GC cells to BCL-XL targeting therapy and BCL2L1 gene CNVs do not reliably predict BCL-XL expression. CONCLUSION We identified BCL-XL as a promising therapeutic target in a subset of GC cases with high levels of BCL-XL protein expression. Functionally, we demonstrated that both selective BCL-XL inhibitors and VHL-based PROTAC BCL-XL can potently kill GC cells that are reliant on BCL-XL for survival. However, we found that BCL2L1 copy number variations (CNVs) cannot reliably predict BCL-XL expression, but the BCL-XL protein level serves as a useful biomarker for predicting the sensitivity of GC cells to BCL-XL-targeting compounds. Taken together, our study pinpointed BCL-XL as potential druggable target for specific subsets of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wei
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Liping Zhang
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Chao Wang
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Zefeng Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Mingjie Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic CenterSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Guomin Xie
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Xingjiu Yang
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Mengyuan Li
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Shuyue Ren
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Dongbing Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic and Gastric Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ran Gao
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Jia‐Nan Gong
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, The Institute of Laboratory Animal ScienceChinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesBeijingChina
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20
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Wong F, Omori S, Donghia NM, Zheng EJ, Collins JJ. Discovering small-molecule senolytics with deep neural networks. NATURE AGING 2023:10.1038/s43587-023-00415-z. [PMID: 37142829 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of senescent cells is associated with aging, inflammation and cellular dysfunction. Senolytic drugs can alleviate age-related comorbidities by selectively killing senescent cells. Here we screened 2,352 compounds for senolytic activity in a model of etoposide-induced senescence and trained graph neural networks to predict the senolytic activities of >800,000 molecules. Our approach enriched for structurally diverse compounds with senolytic activity; of these, three drug-like compounds selectively target senescent cells across different senescence models, with more favorable medicinal chemistry properties than, and selectivity comparable to, those of a known senolytic, ABT-737. Molecular docking simulations of compound binding to several senolytic protein targets, combined with time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer experiments, indicate that these compounds act in part by inhibiting Bcl-2, a regulator of cellular apoptosis. We tested one compound, BRD-K56819078, in aged mice and found that it significantly decreased senescent cell burden and mRNA expression of senescence-associated genes in the kidneys. Our findings underscore the promise of leveraging deep learning to discover senotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Wong
- Institute for Medical Engineering & Science and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Integrated Biosciences, Inc, San Carlos, CA, USA
| | - Satotaka Omori
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Integrated Biosciences, Inc, San Carlos, CA, USA
- Division of Cancer Cell Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nina M Donghia
- Institute for Medical Engineering & Science and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erica J Zheng
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Program in Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James J Collins
- Institute for Medical Engineering & Science and Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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Moore LN, Holmes DL, Sharma A, Landazuri Vinueza J, Lagunoff M. Bcl-xL is required to protect endothelial cells latently infected with KSHV from virus induced intrinsic apoptosis. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011385. [PMID: 37163552 PMCID: PMC10202281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Kaposi's Sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), a highly vascularized tumor common in AIDS patients and many countries in Africa. KSHV is predominantly in the latent state in the main KS tumor cell, the spindle cell, a cell expressing endothelial cell markers. To identify host genes important for KSHV latent infection of endothelial cells we previously used a global CRISPR/Cas9 screen to identify genes necessary for the survival or proliferation of latently infected cells. In this study we rescreened top hits and found that the highest scoring gene necessary for infected cell survival is the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bcl-xL. Knockout of Bcl-xL or treatment with a Bcl-xL inhibitor leads to high levels of cell death in latently infected endothelial cells but not their mock counterparts. Cell death occurs through apoptosis as shown by increased PARP cleavage and activation of caspase-3/7. Knockout of the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, eliminates the requirement for Bcl-xL. Interestingly, neither Bcl-2 nor Mcl-1, related and often redundant anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 protein family, are necessary for the survival of latently infected endothelial cells, likely due to their lack of expression in all the endothelial cell types we have examined. Bcl-xL is not required for the survival of latently infected primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells or other cell types tested. Expression of the KSHV major latent locus alone in the absence of KSHV infection led to sensitivity to the absence of Bcl-xL, indicating that viral gene expression from the latent locus induces intrinsic apoptosis leading to the requirement for Bcl-xL in endothelial cells. The critical requirement of Bcl-xL during KSHV latency makes it an intriguing therapeutic target for KS tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey N. Moore
- University of Washington Department of Microbiology, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Daniel L. Holmes
- University of Washington Department of Microbiology, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Anjali Sharma
- University of Washington Department of Microbiology, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Michael Lagunoff
- University of Washington Department of Microbiology, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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22
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Jeong KB, Ryu M, Kim JS, Kim M, Yoo J, Chung M, Oh S, Jo G, Lee SG, Kim HM, Lee MK, Chi SW. Single-molecule fingerprinting of protein-drug interaction using a funneled biological nanopore. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1461. [PMID: 37015934 PMCID: PMC10073129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37098-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In drug discovery, efficient screening of protein-drug interactions (PDIs) is hampered by the limitations of current biophysical approaches. Here, we develop a biological nanopore sensor for single-molecule detection of proteins and PDIs using the pore-forming toxin YaxAB. Using this YaxAB nanopore, we demonstrate label-free, single-molecule detection of interactions between the anticancer Bcl-xL protein and small-molecule drugs as well as the Bak-BH3 peptide. The long funnel-shaped structure and nanofluidic characteristics of the YaxAB nanopore enable the electro-osmotic trapping of diverse folded proteins and high-resolution monitoring of PDIs. Distinctive nanopore event distributions observed in the two-dimensional (ΔI/Io-versus-IN) plot illustrate the ability of the YaxAB nanopore to discriminate individual small-molecule drugs bound to Bcl-xL from non-binders. Taken together, our results present the YaxAB nanopore as a robust platform for label-free, ultrasensitive, single-molecule detection of PDIs, opening up a possibility for low-cost, highly efficient drug discovery against diverse drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Baek Jeong
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Division of Biomedical Research, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minju Ryu
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Division of Biomedical Research, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Sik Kim
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Division of Biomedical Research, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsoo Kim
- Department of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jejoong Yoo
- Department of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Chung
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Division of Biomedical Research, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Oh
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Division of Biomedical Research, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyunghee Jo
- Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Structure, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Lee
- Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Structure, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Min Kim
- Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Structure, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyung Lee
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Division of Biomedical Research, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Critical Diseases Diagnostics Convergence Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung-Wook Chi
- Disease Target Structure Research Center, Division of Biomedical Research, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Proteome Structural Biology, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Barriuso D, Alvarez-Frutos L, Gonzalez-Gutierrez L, Motiño O, Kroemer G, Palacios-Ramirez R, Senovilla L. Involvement of Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Tetraploidization-Related Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076374. [PMID: 37047342 PMCID: PMC10094710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins is the main regulator of apoptosis. However, multiple emerging evidence has revealed that Bcl-2 family proteins are also involved in cellular senescence. On the one hand, the different expression of these proteins determines the entry into senescence. On the other hand, entry into senescence modulates the expression of these proteins, generally conferring resistance to apoptosis. With some exceptions, senescent cells are characterized by the upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins and downregulation of proapoptotic proteins. Under physiological conditions, freshly formed tetraploid cells die by apoptosis due to the tetraploidy checkpoint. However, suppression of Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax), as well as overexpression of Bcl-2, favors the appearance and survival of tetraploid cells. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that our laboratory has shown that the joint absence of Bax and Bcl-2 antagonist/killer (Bak) favors the entry into senescence of tetraploid cells. Certain microtubule inhibitory chemotherapies, such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids, induce the generation of tetraploid cells. Moreover, the combined use of inhibitors of antiapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family with microtubule inhibitors increases their efficacy. In this review, we aim to shed light on the involvement of the Bcl-2 family of proteins in the senescence program activated after tetraploidization and the possibility of using this knowledge to create a new therapeutic strategy targeting cancer cells.
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24
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Leto SM, Ferri M, Sassi F, Zanella ER, Cottino F, Vurchio V, Catalano I, Ferrero A, Zingaretti CC, Marchiò C, Grassi E, Trusolino L, Bertotti A. Synthetic Lethal Interaction with BCL-XL Blockade Deepens Response to Cetuximab in Patient-Derived Models of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1102-1113. [PMID: 36622698 PMCID: PMC10011886 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 20% of patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) experience objective responses to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab, but disease eradication is seldom achieved. The extent of tumor shrinkage correlates with long-term outcome. We aimed to find rational combinations that potentiate cetuximab efficacy by disrupting adaptive dependencies on antiapoptotic molecules (BCL2, BCL-XL, MCL1). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Experiments were conducted in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and organoids (PDXO). Apoptotic priming was analyzed by BH3 profiling. Proapoptotic and antiapoptotic protein complexes were evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation and electroluminescence sandwich assays. The effect of combination therapies was assessed by caspase activation in PDXOs and by monitoring PDX growth. RESULTS A population trial in 314 PDX cohorts, established from as many patients, identified 46 models (14.6%) with appreciable (>50% tumor shrinkage) but incomplete response to cetuximab. From these models, 14 PDXOs were derived. Cetuximab primed cells for apoptosis, but only concomitant blockade of BCL-XL precipitated cell death. Mechanistically, exposure to cetuximab induced upregulation of the proapoptotic protein BIM and its sequestration by BCL-XL. Inhibition of BCL-XL resulted in displacement of BIM, which was not buffered by MCL1 and thereby became competent to induce apoptosis. In five PDX models, combination of cetuximab and a selective BCL-XL inhibitor triggered apoptosis and led to more pronounced tumor regressions and longer time to relapse after treatment discontinuation than cetuximab alone. CONCLUSIONS In mCRC tumors that respond to cetuximab, antibody treatment confers a synthetic-lethal dependency on BCL-XL. Targeting this dependency unleashes apoptosis and increases the depth of response to cetuximab.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Ferri
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentina Vurchio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Irene Catalano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Caterina Marchiò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Grassi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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25
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Peris I, Romero-Murillo S, Martínez-Balsalobre E, Farrington CC, Arriazu E, Marcotegui N, Jiménez-Muñoz M, Alburquerque-Prieto C, Torres-López A, Fresquet V, Martínez-Climent JA, Mateos MC, Cayuela ML, Narla G, Odero MD, Vicente C. Activation of the PP2A-B56α heterocomplex synergizes with venetoclax therapies in AML through BCL2 and MCL1 modulation. Blood 2023; 141:1047-1059. [PMID: 36455198 PMCID: PMC10023731 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax combination therapies are becoming the standard of care in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the therapeutic benefit of these drugs in older/unfit patients is limited to only a few months, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a tumor suppressor phosphatase with pleiotropic functions that becomes inactivated in ∼70% of AML cases. PP2A promotes cancer cell death by modulating the phosphorylation state in a variety of proteins along the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. We therefore hypothesized that pharmacological PP2A reactivation could increase BCL2 dependency in AML cells and, thus, potentiate venetoclax-induced cell death. Here, by using 3 structurally distinct PP2A-activating drugs, we show that PP2A reactivation synergistically enhances venetoclax activity in AML cell lines, primary cells, and xenograft models. Through the use of gene editing tools and pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that the observed therapeutic synergy relies on PP2A complexes containing the B56α regulatory subunit, of which expression dictates response to the combination therapy. Mechanistically, PP2A reactivation enhances venetoclax-driven apoptosis through simultaneous inhibition of antiapoptotic BCL2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling, with the latter decreasing MCL1 protein stability. Finally, PP2A targeting increases the efficacy of the clinically approved venetoclax and azacitidine combination in vitro, in primary cells, and in an AML patient-derived xenograft model. These preclinical results provide a scientific rationale for testing PP2A-activating drugs with venetoclax combinations in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Peris
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Silvia Romero-Murillo
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena Martínez-Balsalobre
- Cancer and Aging Group, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Murcia, Spain
| | - Caroline C. Farrington
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Elena Arriazu
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Marcotegui
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Jiménez-Muñoz
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | | | - Vicente Fresquet
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A. Martínez-Climent
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria C. Mateos
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Hematology Service, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria L. Cayuela
- Cancer and Aging Group, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, and Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria, Murcia, Spain
| | - Goutham Narla
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Maria D. Odero
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Vicente
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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26
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Grissenberger S, Sturtzel C, Wenninger-Weinzierl A, Radic-Sarikas B, Scheuringer E, Bierbaumer L, Etienne V, Némati F, Pascoal S, Tötzl M, Tomazou EM, Metzelder M, Putz EM, Decaudin D, Delattre O, Surdez D, Kovar H, Halbritter F, Distel M. High-content drug screening in zebrafish xenografts reveals high efficacy of dual MCL-1/BCL-X L inhibition against Ewing sarcoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216028. [PMID: 36462556 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a pediatric bone and soft tissue cancer with an urgent need for new therapies to improve disease outcome. To identify effective drugs, phenotypic drug screening has proven to be a powerful method, but achievable throughput in mouse xenografts, the preclinical Ewing sarcoma standard model, is limited. Here, we explored the use of xenografts in zebrafish for high-throughput drug screening to discover new combination therapies for Ewing sarcoma. We subjected xenografts in zebrafish larvae to high-content imaging and subsequent automated tumor size analysis to screen single agents and compound combinations. We identified three drug combinations effective against Ewing sarcoma cells: Irinotecan combined with either an MCL-1 or an BCL-XL inhibitor and in particular dual inhibition of the anti-apoptotic proteins MCL-1 and BCL-XL, which efficiently eradicated tumor cells in zebrafish xenografts. We confirmed enhanced efficacy of dual MCL-1/BCL-XL inhibition compared to single agents in a mouse PDX model. In conclusion, high-content screening of small compounds on Ewing sarcoma zebrafish xenografts identified dual MCL-1/BCL-XL targeting as a specific vulnerability and promising therapeutic strategy for Ewing sarcoma, which warrants further investigation towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caterina Sturtzel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria; Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Wenninger-Weinzierl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria; Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - Branka Radic-Sarikas
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Scheuringer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria; Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Bierbaumer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Vesnie Etienne
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Fariba Némati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Susana Pascoal
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria; Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Tötzl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Eleni M Tomazou
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Metzelder
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva M Putz
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie Research Centre, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Delattre
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie Research Centre, Paris, France
| | - Didier Surdez
- INSERM U830, Équipe Labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Centre, Institut Curie Research Centre, Paris, France; Balgrist University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Kovar
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria; Dept. Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Martin Distel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria; Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria.
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27
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Chen L, Chauhan J, Yap JL, Goodis CC, Wilder PT, Fletcher S. Discovery of N-sulfonylated aminosalicylic acids as dual MCL-1/BCL-xL inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:103-112. [PMID: 36760746 PMCID: PMC9890589 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00277a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1, which is overexpressed in multiple cancers, is presently a focus for the development of targeted drugs in oncology. We previously discovered inhibitors of MCL-1 based on 1-sulfonylated 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-6-carboxylic acids ("1,6-THQs"). However, with the nitrogen atom constrained in the bicyclic ring, we were unable to modify the alkyl portion of the tertiary sulfonamide functionality. Moreover, the introduction of additional functional groups onto the benzene ring portion of the THQ bicycle would not be trivial. Therefore, we elected to deconstruct the piperidine-type ring of the 6-carboxy-THQ lead to create a new 4-aminobenzoic acid scaffold. Given its simplicity, this permitted us to introduce diversity at the sulfonamide nitrogen, as well as vary the positions and substituents of the benzene ring. One of our most potent MCL-1 inhibitors, 6e-OH, exhibited a K i of 0.778 μM. Heteronuclear single quantum coherence experiments suggested 6e-OH bound in the canonical BH3-binding groove, with significant perturbations of R263, which forms a salt bridge with MCL-1's pro-apoptotic binding partners, as well as residues in the p2 pocket. Selectivity studies indicated that our compounds are dual inhibitors of MCL-1 and BCL-xL, with 17cd the most potent dual inhibitor: K i = 0.629 μM (MCL-1), 1.67 μM (BCL-xL). Whilst selective inhibitors may be more desirable in certain instances, polypharmacological agents whose additional target(s) address other pathways associated with the disease state, or serve to counter resistance mechanisms to the primary target, may prove particularly effective therapeutics. Since selective MCL-1 inhibition may be thwarted by overexpression of sister anti-apoptotic proteins, including BCL-xL and BCL-2, we believe our work lays a solid foundation towards the development of multi-targeting anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
| | - Jay Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
| | - Jeremy L Yap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
| | - Christopher C Goodis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
| | - Paul T Wilder
- University of Maryland School of Medicine 20 S. Greene St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center 20 S. Greene St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
| | - Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center 20 S. Greene St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
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Kaufmann T, Simon HU. Pharmacological Induction of Granulocyte Cell Death as Therapeutic Strategy. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:231-247. [PMID: 36028226 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-051921-115130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis is central for the maintenance of health. In the immune system, apoptosis guarantees proper development of immune cells and shutdown of immune reactions by the coordinated elimination of activated immune cells. Limitation of the life span of granulocytes is important, as overactivation of these cells is associated with chronic inflammation and collateral tissue damage. Consequently, targeted induction of granulocyte apoptosis may be beneficial in the course of respective immune disorders. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as glucocorticoids and monoclonal antibodies against IL-5Rα exert their function in part by triggering eosinophil apoptosis. Agonistic antibodies targeting Siglec-8 or death receptors are tested (pre)clinically. Moreover, a new class of inhibitors targeting antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins shows great promise for anticancer treatments. Because of their specificity and tolerable side effects, these so-called BH3 mimetics may be worthwhile to evaluate in inflammatory disorders. Here, we review past and recent data on pharmacological apoptosis induction of granulocytes and highlight respective therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kaufmann
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; ,
| | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; , .,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia.,Brandenburg Medical School, Neuruppin, Germany
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Parry N, Busch C, Aßmann V, Cassels J, Hair A, Helgason GV, Wheadon H, Copland M. BH3 mimetics in combination with nilotinib or ponatinib represent a promising therapeutic strategy in blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:457. [PMID: 36379918 PMCID: PMC9666353 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the BCL-2 family is implicated in protecting chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells from intracellular damage and BCR::ABL1-inhibition with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and may be a viable therapeutic target in blast phase (BP-)CML, for which treatment options are limited. BH3 mimetics, a class of small molecule inhibitors with high-specificity against the prosurvival members of the BCL-2 family, have displayed clinical promise in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic and acute myeloid leukemia as single agents and in combination with standard-of-care therapies. Here we present the first comparison of inhibition of BCL-2 prosurvival proteins BCL-2, BCL-xL and MCL-1 in combination with a second or third generation TKI, crucially with comparisons drawn between myeloid and lymphoid BP-CML samples. Co-treatment of four BP-CML cell lines with the TKIs nilotinib or ponatinib and either BCL-2 (venetoclax), MCL-1 (S63845) or BCL-xL (A-1331852) inhibitors resulted in a synergistic reduction in cell viability and increase in phosphatidylserine (PS) presentation. Nilotinib with BH3 mimetic combinations in myeloid BP-CML patient samples triggered increased induction of apoptosis over nilotinib alone, and a reduction in colony-forming capacity and CD34+ fraction, while this was not the case for lymphoid BP-CML samples tested. While some heterogeneity in apoptotic response was observed between cell lines and BP-CML patient samples, the combination of BCL-xL and BCR::ABL1 inhibition was consistently effective in inducing substantial apoptosis. Further, while BH3 mimetics showed little efficacy as single agents, dual-inhibition of BCL-2 prosurvival proteins dramatically induced apoptosis in all cell lines tested and in myeloid BP-CML patient samples compared to healthy donor samples. Gene expression and protein level analysis suggests a protective upregulation of alternative BCL-2 prosurvival proteins in response to BH3 mimetic single-treatment in BP-CML. Our results suggest that BH3 mimetics represent an interesting avenue for further exploration in myeloid BP-CML, for which alternative treatment options are desperately sought.
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Grubb T, Maganti S, Krill-Burger JM, Fraser C, Stransky L, Radivoyevitch T, Sarosiek KA, Vazquez F, Kaelin WG, Chakraborty AA. A Mesenchymal Tumor Cell State Confers Increased Dependency on the BCL-XL Antiapoptotic Protein in Kidney Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4689-4701. [PMID: 35776130 PMCID: PMC9633392 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Advanced/metastatic forms of clear-cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) have limited therapeutic options. Genome-wide genetic screens have identified cellular dependencies in many cancers. Using the Broad Institute/Novartis combined short hairpin RNA (shRNA) dataset, and cross-validation with the CRISPR/Cas9 DepMap (21Q3) dataset, we sought therapeutically actionable dependencies in kidney lineage cancers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We identified preferential genetic dependencies in kidney cancer cells versus other lineages. BCL2L1, which encodes the BCL-XL antiapoptotic protein, scored as the top actionable dependency. We validated this finding using genetic and pharmacologic tools in a panel of ccRCC cell lines. Select BCL-XL-dependent (versus independent) cell lines were then transcriptionally profiled to identify biomarkers and mechanistic drivers of BCL-XL dependence. Cell-based studies (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical validations were used to address physiologic relevance. RESULTS Inactivation of BCL-XL, but not BCL-2, led to fitness defects in renal cancer cells, and sensitized them to chemotherapeutics. Transcriptomic profiling identified a "BCL-XL dependency" signature, including an elevated mesenchymal gene signature. A mesenchymal state was both necessary and sufficient to confer increased BCL-XL dependence. The "BCL-XL dependency" signature was observed in approximately 30% of human ccRCCs, which were also associated with worse clinical outcomes. Finally, an orally bioavailable BCL-XL inhibitor, A-1331852, showed antitumor efficacy in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our studies uncovered an unexpected link between cell state and BCL-XL dependence in ccRCC. Therapeutic agents that specifically target BCL-XL are available. Our work justifies testing the utility of BCL-XL blockade to target, likely, a clinically aggressive subset of human kidney cancers. See related commentary by Wang et al., p. 4600.
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Affiliation(s)
- Treg Grubb
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Smruthi Maganti
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | | | - Cameron Fraser
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Molecular and Integrative Physiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura Stransky
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Tomas Radivoyevitch
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kristopher A. Sarosiek
- John B. Little Center for Radiation Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Molecular and Integrative Physiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - William G. Kaelin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.,Corresponding Authors: William G. Kaelin, Jr., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02115. . Phone: 617-632-3975; Abhishek A. Chakraborty, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195. . Phone: 216-445-6620
| | - Abhishek A. Chakraborty
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.,Corresponding Authors: William G. Kaelin, Jr., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02115. . Phone: 617-632-3975; Abhishek A. Chakraborty, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195. . Phone: 216-445-6620
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Rationale for Combining the BCL2 Inhibitor Venetoclax with the PI3K Inhibitor Bimiralisib in the Treatment of IDH2- and FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012587. [PMID: 36293442 PMCID: PMC9604078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In October 2020, the FDA granted regular approval to venetoclax (ABT-199) in combination with hypomethylating agents for newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults 75 years or older, or in patients with comorbidities precluding intensive chemotherapy. The treatment response to venetoclax combination treatment, however, may be short-lived, and leukemia relapse is the major cause of treatment failure. Multiple studies have confirmed the upregulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family and the activation of intracellular signaling pathways associated with resistance to venetoclax. To improve treatment outcome, compounds targeting anti-apoptotic proteins and signaling pathways have been evaluated in combination with venetoclax. In this study, the BCL-XL inhibitor A1331852, MCL1-inhibitor S63845, dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitor bimiralisib (PQR309), BMI-1 inhibitor unesbulin (PTC596), MEK-inhibitor trametinib (GSK1120212), and STAT3 inhibitor C-188-9 were assessed as single agents and in combination with venetoclax, for their ability to induce apoptosis and cell death in leukemic cells grown in the absence or presence of bone marrow stroma. Enhanced cytotoxic effects were present in all combination treatments with venetoclax in AML cell lines and AML patient samples. Elevated in vitro efficacies were observed for the combination treatment of venetoclax with A1331852, S63845 and bimiralisib, with differing response markers for each combination. For the venetoclax and bimiralisib combination treatment, responders were enriched for IDH2 and FLT3 mutations, whereas non-responders were associated with PTPN11 mutations. The combination of PI3K/mTOR dual pathway inhibition with bimiralisib and BCL2 inhibition with venetoclax has emerged as a candidate treatment in IDH2- and FLT3-mutated AML.
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Suleimenov M, Bekbayev S, Ten M, Suleimenova N, Tlegenova M, Nurmagambetova A, Kauanova S, Vorobjev I. Bcl-xL activity influences outcome of the mitotic arrest. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:933112. [PMID: 36188556 PMCID: PMC9520339 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.933112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-targeting (MT) drugs taxanes and vinca alkaloids are widely used as chemotherapeutic agents against different tumors for more than 30 years because of their ability to block mitotic progression by disrupting the mitotic spindle and activating the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) for a prolonged period of time. However, responses to mitotic arrest are different—some cells die during mitotic arrest, whereas others undergo mitotic slippage and survive becoming able for proliferation. Using normal fibroblasts and several cancer cell types we determined two critical doses, T1 and T2, of mitotic inhibitors (nocodazole, Taxol, and vinorelbine). T1 is the maximal dose cells can tolerate undergoing normal division, and T2 is the minimal mitostatic dose, wherein > 90% of mitotic cells are arrested in mitosis. In all studied cell lines after treatment with mitotic inhibitors in a dose above T2 cells had entered mitosis either die or undergo mitotic slippage. We show that for all three drugs used cell death during mitotic arrest and after slippage proceeded via mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. We determined two types of cancer cells: sensitive to mitotic arrest, that is, undergoing death in mitosis (DiM) frequently, and resistant to mitotic arrest, that is, undergoing mitotic slippage followed by prolonged survival. We then determined that inhibition of Bcl-xL, but not other anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 group that regulate MOMP, make resistant cells susceptible to DiM induced by mitotic inhibitors. Combined treatment with MT drugs and highly specific Bcl-xL inhibitors A-1155643 or A-1331852 allows achieving 100% DiM in a time significantly shorter than maximal duration of mitotic arrest in all types of cultured cells tested. We further examined efficacy of sequential treatment of cultured cells using mitotic inhibitors followed by inhibitors of Bcl-xL anti-apoptotic protein and for the first time show that sensitivity to Bcl-xL inhibitors rapidly declines after mitotic slippage. Thus sequential use of mitotic inhibitors and inhibitors of Bcl-xL anti-apoptotic protein will be efficient only if the Bcl-xL inhibitor will be added before mitotic slippage occurs or soon afterward. The combined treatment proposed might be an efficient approach to anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Suleimenov
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - S. Bekbayev
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - M. Ten
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - N. Suleimenova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - M. Tlegenova
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - A. Nurmagambetova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
- School of Engineering and Digital Science, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - S. Kauanova
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - I. Vorobjev
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
- *Correspondence: I. Vorobjev,
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Pal P, Zhang P, Poddar SK, Zheng G. Patent landscape of inhibitors and PROTACs of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:1003-1026. [PMID: 35993382 PMCID: PMC9942934 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2116311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, such as BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1, are excellent cancer therapeutic targets. The FDA approval of BCL-2 selective inhibitor venetoclax in 2016 validated the strategy of targeting these proteins with BH3 mimetic small molecule inhibitors. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the patent literature between 2016 and 2021 covering inhibitors and PROTACs of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. EXPERT OPINION Since the FDA approval of venetoclax, tremendous efforts have been made to develop its analogues with improved drug properties. These activities will likely result in new drugs in coming years. Significant progress on MCL-1 inhibitors has also been made, with multiple compounds entering clinical trials. However, MCL-1 inhibition could cause on-target toxicity to normal tissues especially the heart. Similar issue exists with BCL-XL inhibitors, which cause on-target platelet toxicity. To overcome this issue, several strategies have been applied, including prodrug, dendrimer-based drug delivery, antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), and proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC); and amazingly, each of these approaches has resulted in a drug candidate entering clinical trials. We envision technologies like ADC and PROTAC could also be utilized to increase the therapeutic index of MCL-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Pal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Saikat K Poddar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Wu G, Li X, Zhan Y, Fan X, Xu L, Chen T, Wang X. BID- and BAX-mediated mitochondrial pathway dominates A-1331852-induced apoptosis in senescent A549 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 627:160-167. [PMID: 36041325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.023] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Recovered senescent tumor cells harbor higher migration and invasion potential, owing to which they play a crucial role in tumor recurrence and drug resistance. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of BH3 mimetics in clearing senescent A549 cells and elucidate their underlying killing mechanism. Doxorubicin-induced cell senescence was determined using augmented senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining and increased P16 expression. CCK-8 and crystal violet staining demonstrated that A-1331852, BH3 mimetic, could kill senescent tumor cells without affecting the proliferating cells. A-1331852 induced caspase-dependent senescent cell death accompanied by nuclear concentration, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Most importantly, A-1331852 upregulated the expression of BID and BAX indicating their role in mediating A-1331852-induced apoptosis in senescent A549 cells. The results of fluorescence resonance energy transfer showed that A-1331852 loosened or even released the binding between BCL-xL and tBID, releasing tBID. In addition, A-1331852 also dissociated the binding between BCL-xL and BAX, eventually leading to BAX oligomerization in the mitochondria, and resulting in apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. In conclusion, our data demonstrate for the first time that A-1331852 promotes apoptosis of senescent A549 cells by influencing the interaction between BCL-xL and tBID and that between BCL-xL and BAX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihao Wu
- Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yongtong Zhan
- Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xuhong Fan
- Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lingjun Xu
- Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Tongsheng Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Drennen B, Goodis CC, Bowen N, Yu W, Vickers G, Wilder PT, MacKerell AD, Fletcher S. Scaffold hopping from indoles to indazoles yields dual MCL-1/BCL-2 inhibitors from MCL-1 selective leads. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:963-969. [PMID: 36092148 PMCID: PMC9384788 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00095d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins is associated with the development and progression of a range of cancers. Venetoclax, an FDA-approved BCL-2 inhibitor, is fast becoming the standard-of-care for acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, the median survival offered by venetoclax is only 18 months (as part of a combination therapy regimen), and one of the primary culprits for this is the concomitant upregulation of sister anti-apoptotic proteins, in particular MCL-1 (and BCL-xL), which provides an escape route that manifests as venetoclax resistance. Since inhibition of BCL-xL leads to thrombocytopenia, we believe that a dual MCL-1/BCL-2 inhibitor may provide an enhanced therapeutic effect relative to a selective BCL-2 inhibitor. Beginning with a carboxylic acid-containing literature compound that is a potent inhibitor of MCL-1 and a moderate inhibitor of BCL-2, we herein describe our efforts to develop dual inhibitors of MCL-1 and BCL-2 by scaffold hopping from an indole core to an indazole framework. Subsequently, further elaboration of our novel N2-substituted, indazole-3-carboxylic acid lead into a family of indazole-3-acylsulfonamides resulted in improved inhibition of both MCL-1 and BCL-2, possibly through occupation of the p4 pocket, with minimal or no inhibition of BCL-xL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Drennen
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
| | - Christopher C. Goodis
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences20 N. Pine St.BaltimoreMD 21201USA
| | - Nathan Bowen
- Department of Chemistry, Cardiff UniversityCF10 3ATUK
| | - Wenbo Yu
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
| | | | - Paul T. Wilder
- University of Maryland School of Medicine20 S. Greene St.BaltimoreMD 21201USA
| | - Alexander D. MacKerell
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences20 N. Pine St.BaltimoreMD 21201USA,University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center20 S. Greene St.BaltimoreMD 21201USA
| | - Steven Fletcher
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences 20 N. Pine St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA .,University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center 20 S. Greene St. Baltimore MD 21201 USA
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Poustforoosh A, Faramarz S, Nematollahi MH, Hashemipour H, Negahdaripour M, Pardakhty A. In silico SELEX screening and statistical analysis of newly designed 5mer peptide-aptamers as Bcl-xl inhibitors using the Taguchi method. Comput Biol Med 2022; 146:105632. [PMID: 35617726 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Drug development for cancer treatment is a complex process that requires special efforts. Targeting crucial proteins is the most essential purpose of drug design in cancers. Bcl-xl is an anti-apoptotic protein that binds to pro-apoptotic proteins and interrupts their signals. Pro-apoptotic Bcl-xl effectors are short BH3 sequences that form an alpha helix and bind to anti-apoptotic proteins to inhibit their activity. Computational systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is an exclusive approach for developing peptide aptamers as potential effectors. Here, the amino acids with a high tendency for constructing an alpha-helical structure were selected. Due to the enormous number of pentapeptides, Taguchi method was used to study a selected number of peptides. The binding affinity of the peptides to Bcl-xl was assessed using molecular docking, and after analysis of the obtained results, a final set of optimized peptides was arranged and constructed. For a better comparison, three chemical compounds with approved anti-Bcl-xl activity were selected for comparison with the top-ranked 5mer peptides. The optimized peptides showed considerable binding affinity to Bcl-xl. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation indicated that the designed peptide (PO5) could create considerable interactions with the BH3 domain of Bcl-xl. The MM/GBSA calculations revealed that these interactions were even stronger than those created by chemical compounds. In silico SELEX is a novel approach to design and evaluate peptide-aptamers. The experimental design improves the SELEX process considerably. Finally, PO5 could be considered a potential inhibitor of Bcl-xl and a potential candidate for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Poustforoosh
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Sanaz Faramarz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Nematollahi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hassan Hashemipour
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Manica Negahdaripour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Montero J, Haq R. Adapted to Survive: Targeting Cancer Cells with BH3 Mimetics. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1217-1232. [PMID: 35491624 PMCID: PMC9306285 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer is cell death evasion, underlying suboptimal responses to chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immunotherapies. The approval of the antiapoptotic BCL2 antagonist venetoclax has finally validated the potential of targeting apoptotic pathways in patients with cancer. Nevertheless, pharmacologic modulators of cell death have shown markedly varied responses in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we review emerging concepts in the use of this class of therapies. Building on these observations, we propose that treatment-induced changes in apoptotic dependency, rather than pretreatment dependencies, will need to be recognized and targeted to realize the precise deployment of these new pharmacologic agents. SIGNIFICANCE Targeting antiapoptotic family members has proven efficacious and tolerable in some cancers, but responses are infrequent, particularly for patients with solid tumors. Biomarkers to aid patient selection have been lacking. Precision functional approaches that overcome adaptive resistance to these compounds could drive durable responses to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Montero
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
| | - Rizwan Haq
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
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Osterlund EJ, Hirmiz N, Pemberton JM, Nougarède A, Liu Q, Leber B, Fang Q, Andrews DW. Efficacy and specificity of inhibitors of BCL-2 family protein interactions assessed by affinity measurements in live cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm7375. [PMID: 35442739 PMCID: PMC9020777 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm7375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic and membrane-bound BCL-2 family proteins regulate apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, via dozens of binary protein interactions confounding measurement of the effects of inhibitors in live cells. In cancer, apoptosis is frequently dysregulated, and cell survival depends on antiapoptotic proteins binding to and inhibiting proapoptotic BH3 proteins. The clinical success of BH3 mimetic inhibitors of antiapoptotic proteins has spawned major efforts by the pharmaceutical industry to develop molecules with different specificities and higher affinities. Here, quantitative fast fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy enabled comparison of BH3 mimetic drugs in trials and preclinical development by measuring drug effects on binding affinities of interacting protein pairs in live cells. Both selectivity and efficacy were assessed for 15 inhibitors of four antiapoptotic proteins for each of six BH3 protein ligands. While many drugs target the designed interaction, most also have unexpected selectivity and poor efficacy in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Osterlund
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J7, Canada
| | - Nehad Hirmiz
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - James M. Pemberton
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J7, Canada
| | - Adrien Nougarède
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Qian Liu
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Brian Leber
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Qiyin Fang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - David W. Andrews
- Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J7, Canada
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Astrike-Davis EM, Coryell P, Loeser RF. Targeting cellular senescence as a novel treatment for osteoarthritis. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 64:102213. [PMID: 35447516 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is associated with normal development and wound healing, but has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous aging-related diseases including osteoarthritis (OA). Treatment strategies for OA are being developed that target senescent cells and the paracrine and autocrine secretions of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The field of potential therapies continues to expand as new mechanistic targets of cell senescence and the SASP are identified. Ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies of drugs targeting cellular senescence yield significant promise, but have yet to demonstrate long-term efficacy. Therapeutic targeting of senescence is challenged by the diverse phenotypes of senescent cells, which can vary depending on age, species, tissue source, and type of physiologic stressor. Accordingly, there remains considerable demand for more studies to further develop and assess senotherapeutics as disease-modifying treatments for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Astrike-Davis
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, The Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Philip Coryell
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, The Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Richard F Loeser
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, The Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Removal of BFL-1 sensitises some melanoma cells to killing by BH3 mimetic drugs. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:301. [PMID: 35379799 PMCID: PMC8980089 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Wu Y, Shen S, Shi Y, Tian N, Zhou Y, Zhang X. Senolytics: Eliminating Senescent Cells and Alleviating Intervertebral Disc Degeneration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:823945. [PMID: 35309994 PMCID: PMC8924288 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.823945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the main cause of cervical and lumbar spondylosis. Over the past few years, the relevance between cellular senescence and IVDD has been widely studied, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) produced by senescent cells is found to remodel extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism and destruct homeostasis. Elimination of senescent cells by senolytics and suppression of SASP production by senomorphics/senostatics are effective strategies to alleviate degenerative diseases including IVDD. Here, we review the involvement of senescence in the process of IVDD; we also discuss the potential of senolytics on eliminating senescent disc cells and alleviating IVDD; finally, we provide a table listing senolytic drugs and small molecules, aiming to propose potential drugs for IVDD therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Naifeng Tian
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Naifeng Tian, ; Yifei Zhou, ; Xiaolei Zhang,
| | - Yifei Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Naifeng Tian, ; Yifei Zhou, ; Xiaolei Zhang,
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
- Chinese Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine Society, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Naifeng Tian, ; Yifei Zhou, ; Xiaolei Zhang,
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Zehnle PMA, Wu Y, Pommerening H, Erlacher M. Stayin‘ alive: BCL-2 proteins in the hematopoietic system. Exp Hematol 2022; 110:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Diepstraten ST, Anderson MA, Czabotar PE, Lessene G, Strasser A, Kelly GL. The manipulation of apoptosis for cancer therapy using BH3-mimetic drugs. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:45-64. [PMID: 34663943 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is regulated by the balance between prosurvival and proapoptotic BCL-2 protein family members. Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer that arises when this balance is tipped in favour of survival. One form of anticancer therapeutic, termed 'BH3-mimetic drugs', has been developed to directly activate the apoptosis machinery in malignant cells. These drugs bind to and inhibit specific prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins, thereby mimicking their interaction with the BH3 domains of proapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. The BCL-2-specific inhibitor venetoclax is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and many regulatory authorities worldwide for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia. BH3-mimetic drugs targeting other BCL-2 prosurvival proteins have been tested in preclinical models of cancer, and drugs targeting MCL-1 or BCL-XL have advanced into phase I clinical trials for certain cancers. As with all therapeutics, efficacy and tolerability need to be carefully balanced to achieve a therapeutic window whereby there is significant anticancer activity with an acceptable safety profile. In this Review, we outline the current state of BH3-mimetic drugs targeting various prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins and discuss emerging data regarding primary and acquired resistance to these agents and approaches that may overcome this. We highlight issues that need to be addressed to further advance the clinical application of BH3-mimetic drugs, both alone and in combination with additional anticancer agents (for example, standard chemotherapeutic drugs or inhibitors of oncogenic kinases), for improved responses in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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44
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Recent trends and tactics in facile functionalization of neutral icosahedral carboranes (C2B10H12) and nido-carborane (7,8-C2B9H12−). ADVANCES IN CATALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acat.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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45
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Targeting the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway: A Window of Opportunity for Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010051. [PMID: 35008216 PMCID: PMC8750516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer treatment has improved over the last 20 years; despite this, approximately 33,000 men died from the disease in the United States in 2020. In view of this, new treatment options are urgently needed for advanced prostate cancer. Eradicating cancer cells by triggering apoptosis (a form of cell death) is an attractive strategy, and a novel class of drugs, called BH3 mimetics, have been designed to do this. They have been shown to work for blood cancers and may also have a role in solid cancers. Herein, we discuss cell death, focusing on the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and consider how BH3 mimetics may be used to help treat prostate cancer. Abstract Despite major improvements in the management of advanced prostate cancer over the last 20 years, the disease remains invariably fatal, and new effective therapies are required. The development of novel hormonal agents and taxane chemotherapy has improved outcomes, although primary and acquired resistance remains problematic. Inducing cancer cell death via apoptosis has long been an attractive goal in the treatment of cancer. Apoptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is a highly controlled process, split into two main pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic), and is stimulated by a multitude of factors, including cellular and genotoxic stress. Numerous therapeutic strategies targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway are in clinical development, and BH3 mimetics have shown promising efficacy for hematological malignancies. Utilizing these agents for solid malignancies has proved more challenging, though efforts are ongoing. Molecular characterization and the development of predictive biomarkers is likely to be critical for patient selection, by identifying tumors with a vulnerability in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review provides an up-to-date overview of cell death and apoptosis, specifically focusing on the intrinsic pathway. It summarizes the latest approaches for targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway with BH3 mimetics and discusses how these strategies may be leveraged to treat prostate cancer.
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Karbon G, Haschka MD, Hackl H, Soratroi C, Rocamora-Reverte L, Parson W, Fiegl H, Villunger A. The BH3-only protein NOXA serves as an independent predictor of breast cancer patient survival and defines susceptibility to microtubule targeting agents. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1151. [PMID: 34903710 PMCID: PMC8668920 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04415-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) treatment frequently involves microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), such as paclitaxel, that arrest cells in mitosis. Sensitivity to MTAs is defined by a subset of pro- and anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins controlling mitochondrial apoptosis. Here, we aimed to determine their prognostic value in primary tumour samples from 92 BC patients. Our analysis identified high NOXA/PMAIP mRNA expression levels as an independent prognostic marker for improved relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis in BC patients, independent of their molecular subtype. Analysis of available TCGA datasets of 1060 BC patients confirmed our results and added a clear predictive value of NOXA mRNA levels for patients who received MTA-based therapy. In this TCGA cohort, 122 patients received MTA-treatment and high NOXA mRNA levels correlated with their progression-free interval (PFI) and OS. Our follow-up analyses in a panel of BC cell lines of different molecular subtypes identified NOXA protein expression as a key determinant of paclitaxel sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Moreover, we noted highest additive effects between paclitaxel and chemical inhibition of BCLX, but not BCL2 or MCL1, documenting dependence of TNBC cells on BCLX for survival and paclitaxel sensitivity defined by NOXA expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde Karbon
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel D Haschka
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Insitute for Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudia Soratroi
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lourdes Rocamora-Reverte
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heidelinde Fiegl
- Department for Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Institute for Developmental Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Discovery, development and application of drugs targeting BCL-2 pro-survival proteins in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2381-2395. [PMID: 34515749 PMCID: PMC8589430 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of a new class of small molecule compounds that target the BCL-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins is one of the great success stories of basic science leading to translational outcomes in the last 30 years. The eponymous BCL-2 protein was identified over 30 years ago due to its association with cancer. However, it was the unveiling of the biochemistry and structural biology behind it and its close relatives’ mechanism(s)-of-action that provided the inspiration for what are now known as ‘BH3-mimetics’, the first clinically approved drugs designed to specifically inhibit protein–protein interactions. Herein, we chart the history of how these drugs were discovered, their evolution and application in cancer treatment.
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Targeting the BCL-2-regulated apoptotic pathway for the treatment of solid cancers. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2397-2410. [PMID: 34581776 PMCID: PMC8589438 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deregulation of apoptosis is a key contributor to tumourigenesis as it can lead to the unwanted survival of rogue cells. Drugs known as the BH3-mimetics targeting the pro-survival members of the BCL-2 protein family to induce apoptosis in cancer cells have achieved clinical success for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, despite our increasing knowledge of the pro-survival factors mediating the unwanted survival of solid tumour cells, and our growing BH3-mimetics armamentarium, the application of BH3-mimetic therapy in solid cancers has not reached its full potential. This is mainly attributed to the need to identify clinically safe, yet effective, combination strategies to target the multiple pro-survival proteins that typically mediate the survival of solid tumours. In this review, we discuss current and exciting new developments in the field that has the potential to unleash the full power of BH3-mimetic therapy to treat currently recalcitrant solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Douglas Fairlie
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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49
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Subbaiah MAM, Meanwell NA. Bioisosteres of the Phenyl Ring: Recent Strategic Applications in Lead Optimization and Drug Design. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14046-14128. [PMID: 34591488 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The benzene moiety is the most prevalent ring system in marketed drugs, underscoring its historic popularity in drug design either as a pharmacophore or as a scaffold that projects pharmacophoric elements. However, introspective analyses of medicinal chemistry practices at the beginning of the 21st century highlighted the indiscriminate deployment of phenyl rings as an important contributor to the poor physicochemical properties of advanced molecules, which limited their prospects of being developed into effective drugs. This Perspective deliberates on the design and applications of bioisosteric replacements for a phenyl ring that have provided practical solutions to a range of developability problems frequently encountered in lead optimization campaigns. While the effect of phenyl ring replacements on compound properties is contextual in nature, bioisosteric substitution can lead to enhanced potency, solubility, and metabolic stability while reducing lipophilicity, plasma protein binding, phospholipidosis potential, and inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes and the hERG channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugaiah A M Subbaiah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Centre, Biocon Park, Bommasandra IV Phase, Jigani Link Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560099, India
| | - Nicholas A Meanwell
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United States
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50
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Lee S, Wang EY, Steinberg AB, Walton CC, Chinta SJ, Andersen JK. A guide to senolytic intervention in neurodegenerative disease. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 200:111585. [PMID: 34627838 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a potential tumor-suppressive mechanism that generally results in an irreversible cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells accumulate with age and actively secrete soluble factors, collectively termed the 'senescence-associated secretory phenotype' (SASP), which has both beneficial and detrimental effects. Although the contribution of senescent cells to age-related pathologies has been well-established outside the brain, emerging evidence indicates that brain cells also undergo cellular senescence and contribute to neuronal loss in the context of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Contribution of senescent cells in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders has led to the possibility of eliminating senescence cells via pharmacological compounds called senolytics. Recently several senolytics have been demonstrated to elicit improved cognitive performance and healthspan in mouse models of neurodegeneration. However, their translation for use in the clinic still holds several potential challenges. This review summarizes available senolytics, their purported mode of action, and possible off-target effects. We also discuss possible alternative strategies that may help minimize potential side-effects associated with the senolytics approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suckwon Lee
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Ellen Y Wang
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Alexandra B Steinberg
- University of Wisconsin Department of Biochemistry, 433 Babcock Drive., Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Chaska C Walton
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA, 94945, USA.
| | - Shankar J Chinta
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA, 94945, USA; Touro University California, College of Pharmacy, 1310 Club Dr., Vallejo, CA, 94592, USA.
| | - Julie K Andersen
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA, 94945, USA.
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