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De Wilt L, Sobocki BK, Jansen G, Tabeian H, de Jong S, Peters GJ, Kruyt F. Mechanisms underlying reversed TRAIL sensitivity in acquired bortezomib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:12. [PMID: 38835345 PMCID: PMC11149110 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2024.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Aim: The therapeutic targeting of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptors in cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a widely studied approach for tumor selective apoptotic cell death therapy. However, apoptosis resistance is often encountered. The main aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic mechanism underlying TRAIL sensitivity in three bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant NSCLC variants, combining induction of both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Methods: Sensitivity to TRAIL in BTZ-resistant variants was determined using a tetrazolium (MTT) and a clonogenic assay. A RT-qPCR profiling mRNA array was used to determine apoptosis pathway-specific gene expression. The expression of these proteins was determined through ELISA assays and western Blotting, while apoptosis (sub-G1) and cytokine expression were determined using flow cytometry. Apoptotic genes were silenced by specific siRNAs. Lipid rafts were isolated with fractional ultracentrifugation. Results: A549BTZR (BTZ-resistant) cells were sensitive to TRAIL in contrast to parental A549 cells, which are resistant to TRAIL. TRAIL-sensitive H460 cells remained equally sensitive for TRAIL as H460BTZR. In A549BTZR cells, we identified an increased mRNA expression of TNFRSF11B [osteoprotegerin (OPG)] and caspase-1, -4 and -5 mRNAs involved in cytokine activation and immunogenic cell death. Although the OPG, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) protein levels were markedly enhanced (122-, 103-, and 11-fold, respectively) in the A549BTZR cells, this was not sufficient to trigger TRAIL-induced apoptosis in the parental A549 cells. Regarding the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, the A549BTZR cells showed TRAIL-R1-dependent TRAIL sensitivity. The shift of TRAIL-R1 from non-lipid into lipid rafts enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, a strong increase in the mRNA and protein levels of the anti-apoptotic myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (Mcl-1) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) was found, whereas the B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) expression was reduced. However, the stable overexpression of Bcl-xL in the A549BTZR cells did not reverse the TRAIL sensitivity in the A549BTZR cells, but silencing of the BH3 Interacting Domain Death Agonist (BID) protein demonstrated the importance of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, regardless of Bcl-xL. Conclusion: In summary, increased sensitivity to TRAIL-R1 seems predominantly related to the relocalization into lipid rafts and increased extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie De Wilt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1007MB, the Netherlands
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Bartosz Kamil Sobocki
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk 80-210, Poland
- Authors contributed equally
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Hessan Tabeian
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1007MB, the Netherlands
| | - Steven de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location VUMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1007MB, the Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk 80-210, Poland
| | - Frank Kruyt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, the Netherlands
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Chen F, Zhong X, Dai Q, Li K, Zhang W, Wang J, Zhao Y, Shen J, Xiao Z, Xing H, Li J. Human Umbilical Cord MSC Delivered-Soluble TRAIL Inhibits the Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis of B-ALL Cell In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1391. [PMID: 36422522 PMCID: PMC9693801 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) could induce apoptosis of leukemic cells, while showed no cytotoxic effect on normal cells. One of the limitations for application of recombinant TRAIL (rhTRAIL) in leukemia treatment is that the serum half-life of this protein is short. Gene delivery is a good strategy to prolong the half-life of TRAIL. In this study, we genetically engineered umbilical cord-MSCs to continuously express and secrete soluble TRAIL (MSC-sTRAIL), to investigate the effects of MSC-sTRAIL on B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) cells. In vitro, MSC-sTRAIL significantly inhibited the proliferation of B-ALL cells by suppressing PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways, and induced apoptosis of B-ALL cells via the caspase cascade-mediated pathway and mitochondrial-mediated pathway. In vivo, MSC-sTRAIL dramatically inhibited B-ALL cell growth. Meanwhile, B-ALL-induced splenic and renal injuries were significantly alleviated after MSC-sTRAIL treatment. Moreover, the serum levels of MSC-secreted sTRAIL were still high in MSC-sTRAIL treated mice, indicating an extended half-life of sTRAIL. Our study suggests that MSC delivered-TRAIL secretion is a potential therapeutic strategy for B-ALL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangshan Chen
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xianmei Zhong
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
- Department of Pharmacy, People’s Hospital of Nanbu County, Nanchong 637300, China
| | - Qian Dai
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Kuo Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Hongyun Xing
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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Mathieu NA, Levin RH, Spratt DE. Exploring the Roles of HERC2 and the NEDD4L HECT E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Subfamily in p53 Signaling and the DNA Damage Response. Front Oncol 2021; 11:659049. [PMID: 33869064 PMCID: PMC8044464 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.659049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular homeostasis is governed by the precise expression of genes that control the translation, localization, and termination of proteins. Oftentimes, environmental and biological factors can introduce mutations into the genetic framework of cells during their growth and division, and these genetic abnormalities can result in malignant transformations caused by protein malfunction. For example, p53 is a prominent tumor suppressor protein that is capable of undergoing more than 300 posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and is involved with controlling apoptotic signaling, transcription, and the DNA damage response (DDR). In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms and interactions that occur between p53, the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligases WWP1, SMURF1, HECW1 and HERC2, and other oncogenic proteins in the cell to explore how irregular HECT-p53 interactions can induce tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Mathieu
- Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Rafael H Levin
- Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Donald E Spratt
- Gustaf H. Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, Worcester, MA, United States
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4
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Usman S, Jamal A, Teh MT, Waseem A. Major Molecular Signaling Pathways in Oral Cancer Associated With Therapeutic Resistance. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2021; 1:603160. [PMID: 35047986 PMCID: PMC8757854 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2020.603160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a sub-category of head and neck cancers that primarily initiates in the oral cavity. The primary treatment option for oral cancer remains surgery but it is associated with massive disfigurement, inability to carry out normal oral functions, psycho-social stress and exhaustive rehabilitation. Other treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have their own limitations in terms of toxicity, intolerance and therapeutic resistance. Immunological treatments to enhance the body's ability to recognize cancer tissue as a foreign entity are also being used but they are new and underdeveloped. Although substantial progress has been made in the treatment of oral cancer, its complex heterogeneous nature still needs to be explored, to elucidate the molecular basis for developing resistance to therapeutic agents and how to overcome it, with the aim of improving the chances of patients' survival and their quality of life. This review provides an overview of up-to-date information on the complex role of the major molecules and associated signaling, epigenetic changes, DNA damage repair systems, cancer stem cells and micro RNAs in the development of therapeutic resistance and treatment failure in oral cancer. We have also summarized the current strategies being developed to overcome these therapeutic challenges. This review will help not only researchers but also oral oncologists in the management of the disease and in developing new therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ahmad Waseem
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Hassanzadeh A, Naimi A, Hagh MF, Saraei R, Marofi F, Solali S. Kaempferol Improves TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis in Leukemia MOLT-4 Cells by the Inhibition of Anti-apoptotic Proteins and Promotion of Death Receptors Expression. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 19:1835-1845. [PMID: 31364517 DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666190731155859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL or Apo2L) is a member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) superfamily, which stimulates apoptosis in a wide range of cancer cells through binding to Death Receptors 4 and 5 (DR4/5). Nevertheless, TRAIL has noticeable anti-cancer abilities; some cancer cells acquire resistance to TRAIL, and consequently, its potential for inducing apoptosis in target cells is strongly diminished. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia MOLT-4 cell line is one of the most resistant cells to TRAIL that developed resistance to TRAIL through different pathways. TRAIL plus kaempferol was used to eliminate the resistance of the MOLT-4 cells to TRAIL. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, IC50 for kaempferol (95μM) was determined by using the MTT assay. Secondly, the viability of the MOLT-4 cells was assayed by FACS after Annexin V/PI staining, following treatment with TRAIL (50 and 100nM) and kaempferol (95μM) alone and in combination. Finally, the expression levels of the candidate genes involved in resistance to TRAIL were assayed by real-time PCR technique. RESULTS Kaempferol plus TRAIL induced apoptosis robustly in MOLT-4 cells at 12, 24 and 48 hours after treatment. Additionally, it was found that kaempferol could inhibit the expression of c-FLIP, X-IAP, cIAP1/2, FGF-8 and VEGF-beta, and conversely augment the expression of DR4/5 in MOLT-4 cells. CONCLUSION It is suggested that co-treatment of MOLT-4 cells with TRAIL plus kaempferol is a practical and attractive approach to eliminate cancers' resistance to TRAIL by inhibition of the intracellular anti-apoptotic proteins, upregulation of DR4/5 and also by suppression of the VEGF-beta (VEGFB) and FGF-8 expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hassanzadeh
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Adel Naimi
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid F Hagh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Raedeh Saraei
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Solali
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Brands RC, Scheurer MJJ, Hartmann S, Seher A, Freudlsperger C, Moratin J, Linz C, Kübler AC, Müller-Richter UDA. Sensitization of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to apoptosis by combinational SMAC mimetic and Fas ligand-Fc treatment in vitro. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2020; 48:685-693. [PMID: 32507671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2020.05.007] [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: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the in vitro efficacy of three different SMAC mimetics for pro-apoptotic sensitization of HNSCC cells. We evaluated BV-6 in comparison to Birinapant and LCL161, for which pro-apoptotic sensitization effects have been demonstrated. Concentration-dependent response was measured for BV-6 in each cell line with an average IC50 value 8-fold lower than of aforementioned SMAC mimetics. Combination treatment of FasL (log2) and BV-6 (IC10) showed highly significant cell count reductions even in the lowest applied concentration in five cell lines (PCI-1: p = 0.0002, PCI-13: p = 0.0002, Detroit 562: p: p < 0.0001, FaDu: p < 0.0001, SCC-25: p = 0.0047). Synergistic effects (y < 1) were evident in eight out of 10 cell lines (PCI-1, PCI-9, PCI-13, PCI-68, Detroit 562, FaDu, SCC-25 and HaCaT). Annexin V assays revealed in nine cell lines very highly significant (p < 0.001) pro-apoptotic effects of BV-6. Western blots showed a heterogeneous IAP expression following SMAC mimetic treatment. Except for two cell lines, at least the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) was degraded in response to BV-6. For prospective targeted HNSCC therapy, this study identifies SMAC mimetics, particularly BV-6 as the compound with the highest pro-apoptotic potency, as promising antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman C Brands
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: A.C. Kübler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken (Head: R.C. Bargou), University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 6, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Mario J J Scheurer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: A.C. Kübler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hartmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: A.C. Kübler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (Head: M. Goebeler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axel Seher
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: A.C. Kübler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Freudlsperger
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: J. Hoffmann), University Hospital of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julius Moratin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: J. Hoffmann), University Hospital of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Linz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: A.C. Kübler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander C Kübler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: A.C. Kübler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Urs D A Müller-Richter
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery (Head: A.C. Kübler), University Hospital of Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
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7
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Lim B, Greer Y, Lipkowitz S, Takebe N. Novel Apoptosis-Inducing Agents for the Treatment of Cancer, a New Arsenal in the Toolbox. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081087. [PMID: 31370269 PMCID: PMC6721450 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasion from apoptosis is an important hallmark of cancer cells. Alterations of apoptosis pathways are especially critical as they confer resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapeutics, e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapeutics. Thus, successful induction of apoptosis using novel therapeutics may be a key strategy for preventing recurrence and metastasis. Inhibitors of anti-apoptotic molecules and enhancers of pro-apoptotic molecules are being actively developed for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors in particular over the last decade. However, due to the complicated apoptosis process caused by a multifaceted connection with cross-talk pathways, protein–protein interaction, and diverse resistance mechanisms, drug development within the category has been extremely challenging. Careful design and development of clinical trials incorporating predictive biomarkers along with novel apoptosis-inducing agents based on rational combination strategies are needed to ensure the successful development of these molecules. Here, we review the landscape of currently available direct apoptosis-targeting agents in clinical development for cancer treatment and update the related biomarker advancement to detect and validate the efficacy of apoptosis-targeted therapies, along with strategies to combine them with other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Lim
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yoshimi Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Early Clinical Trials Development, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Xiao R, An Y, Ye W, Derakhshan A, Cheng H, Yang X, Allen C, Chen Z, Schmitt NC, Van Waes C. Dual Antagonist of cIAP/XIAP ASTX660 Sensitizes HPV - and HPV + Head and Neck Cancers to TNFα, TRAIL, and Radiation Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:6463-6474. [PMID: 31266830 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) harbor frequent genomic amplification of Fas-associated death domain, with or without concurrent amplification of Baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing (BIRC2/3) genes encoding cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins 1/2 (cIAP1/2). Antagonists targeting cIAP1 have been reported to enhance sensitivity of HPV-, but not HPV+ tumors, to TNF family death ligands (TNF and TRAIL) and radiation.Experimental Design: We tested a novel dual cIAP/XIAP antagonist ASTX660 in HPV+ and HPV- cell lines in combination with death ligands TNFα and TRAIL, and in preclinical xenograft models with radiation, an inducer of death ligands. The dependence of activity on TNF was examined by antibody depletion. RESULTS ASTX660 sensitized subsets of HPV- and HPV+ HNSCC cell lines to TNFα and TRAIL. These antitumor effects of ASTX660 are the result of both apoptosis and/or necroptosis among HPV- cells, and primarily by apoptosis (caspase 3 and caspase 8 cleavage) in HPV+ cells. ASTX660 enhanced restoration of protein expression and inhibitory activity of proapoptotic tumor suppressor TP53 in HPV+ HNSCC. Furthermore, ASTX660 combined with radiotherapy, an inducer of death ligands, significantly delayed growth of both HPV- and HPV+ human tumor xenografts, an effect attenuated by anti-TNFα pretreatment blockade. CONCLUSIONS IAP1/XIAP antagonist, ASTX660, sensitizes HPV+ HNSCC to TNFα via a mechanism involving restoration of TP53. These findings serve to motivate further studies of dual cIAP/XIAP antagonists and future clinical trials combining these antagonists with radiotherapy to treat both HPV+ and HPV- HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Xiao
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Medical Research Scholars Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yi An
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wenda Ye
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Medical Research Scholars Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Adeeb Derakhshan
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Medical Research Scholars Program, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hui Cheng
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xinping Yang
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Clint Allen
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Targeting the BIR Domains of Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) Proteins in Cancer Treatment. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:142-150. [PMID: 30766663 PMCID: PMC6360406 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins are characterized by the presence of the conserved baculoviral IAP repeat (BIR) domain that is involved in protein-protein interactions. IAPs were initially thought to be mainly responsible for caspase inhibition, acting as negative regulators of apoptosis, but later works have shown that IAPs also control a plethora of other different cellular pathways. As X-linked IAP (XIAP), and other IAP, levels are often deregulated in cancer cells and have been shown to correlate with patients' prognosis, several approaches have been pursued to inhibit their activity in order to restore apoptosis. Many small molecules have been designed to target the BIR domains, the vast majority being inspired by the N-terminal tetrapeptide of Second Mitochondria-derived Activator of Caspases/Direct IAp Binding with Low pI (Smac/Diablo), which is the natural XIAP antagonist. These compounds are therefore usually referred to as Smac mimetics (SMs). Despite the fact that SMs were intended to specifically target XIAP, it has been shown that they also interact with cellular IAP-1 (cIAP1) and cIAP2, promoting their proteasome-dependent degradation. SMs have been tested in combination with several cytotoxic compounds and are now considered promising immune modulators which can be exploited in cancer therapy, especially in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we give an overview of the structural hot-spots of BIRs, focusing on their fold and on the peculiar structural patches which characterize the diverse BIRs. These structures are exploited/exploitable for the development of specific and active IAP inhibitors.
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10
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Del Mistro G, Lucarelli P, Müller I, De Landtsheer S, Zinoveva A, Hutt M, Siegemund M, Kontermann RE, Beissert S, Sauter T, Kulms D. Systemic network analysis identifies XIAP and IκBα as potential drug targets in TRAIL resistant BRAF mutated melanoma. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2018; 4:39. [PMID: 30416750 PMCID: PMC6218484 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-018-0075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma remains a life-threatening disease because most tumors develop resistance to targeted kinase inhibitors thereby regaining tumorigenic capacity. We show the 2nd generation hexavalent TRAIL receptor-targeted agonist IZI1551 to induce pronounced apoptotic cell death in mutBRAF melanoma cells. Aiming to identify molecular changes that may confer IZI1551 resistance we combined Dynamic Bayesian Network modelling with a sophisticated regularization strategy resulting in sparse and context-sensitive networks and show the performance of this strategy in the detection of cell line-specific deregulations of a signalling network. Comparing IZI1551-sensitive to IZI1551-resistant melanoma cells the model accurately and correctly predicted activation of NFκB in concert with upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein XIAP as the key mediator of IZI1551 resistance. Thus, the incorporation of multiple regularization functions in logical network optimization may provide a promising avenue to assess the effects of drug combinations and to identify responders to selected combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Del Mistro
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
- Center of Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
| | - Philippe Lucarelli
- Systems Biology, Life Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, 4367 Luxembourg
| | - Ines Müller
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
- Center of Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
| | - Sébastien De Landtsheer
- Systems Biology, Life Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, 4367 Luxembourg
| | - Anna Zinoveva
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
- Center of Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
| | - Meike Hutt
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, 70569 Germany
| | - Martin Siegemund
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, 70569 Germany
| | - Roland E. Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, 70569 Germany
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, 70569 Germany
| | - Stefan Beissert
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
| | - Thomas Sauter
- Systems Biology, Life Science Research Unit, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, 4367 Luxembourg
| | - Dagmar Kulms
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
- Center of Regenerative Therapies Dresden, TU-Dresden, Dresden, 01307 Germany
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11
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Hersi HM, Raulf N, Gaken J, Folarin N, Tavassoli M. MicroRNA-9 inhibits growth and invasion of head and neck cancer cells and is a predictive biomarker of response to plerixafor, an inhibitor of its target CXCR4. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:2023-2041. [PMID: 29959873 PMCID: PMC6275261 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are associated with poor morbidity and mortality. Current treatment strategies are highly toxic and do not benefit over 50% of patients. There is therefore a crucial need for predictive and/or prognostic biomarkers to allow treatment stratification for individual patients. One class of biomarkers that has recently gained importance are microRNA (miRNA). MiRNA are small, noncoding molecules which regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally. We performed miRNA expression profiling of a cohort of head and neck tumours with known clinical outcomes. The results showed miR‐9 to be significantly downregulated in patients with poor treatment outcome, indicating its role as a potential biomarker in HNSCC. Overexpression of miR‐9 in HNSCC cell lines significantly decreased cellular proliferation and inhibited colony formation in soft agar. Conversely, miR‐9 knockdown significantly increased both these features. Importantly, endogenous CXCR4 expression levels, a known target of miR‐9, inversely correlated with miR‐9 expression in a panel of HNSCC cell lines tested. Induced overexpression of CXCR4 in low expressing cells increased proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle progression. Moreover, CXCR4‐specific ligand, CXCL12, enhanced cellular proliferation, migration, colony formation and invasion in CXCR4‐overexpressing and similarly in miR‐9 knockdown cells. CXCR4‐specific inhibitor plerixafor abrogated the oncogenic phenotype of CXCR4 overexpression as well as miR‐9 knockdown. Our data demonstrate a clear role for miR‐9 as a tumour suppressor microRNA in HNSCC, and its role seems to be mediated through CXCR4 suppression. MiR‐9 knockdown, similar to CXCR4 overexpression, significantly promoted aggressive HNSCC tumour cell characteristics. Our results suggest CXCR4‐specific inhibitor plerixafor as a potential therapeutic agent, and miR‐9 as a possible predictive biomarker of treatment response in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Raulf
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King's College London, UK
| | - Joop Gaken
- Department of Haematological Medicine, The Rayne Institute, King's College London, UK
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12
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Feehan RP, Nelson AM, Shantz LM. Inhibition of mTORC2 enhances UVB-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes through a mechanism dependent on the FOXO3a transcriptional target NOXA but independent of TRAIL. Cell Signal 2018; 52:35-47. [PMID: 30172026 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The primary cause of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. We have shown previously that mTORC2 inhibition sensitizes keratinocytes to UVB-induced apoptosis mediated by the transcription factor FOXO3a. FOXO3a is a key regulator of apoptosis and a tumor suppressor in several cancer types. Activation of FOXO3a promotes apoptosis through the coordinated expression of a variety of target genes, including TRAIL and NOXA. We hypothesized that in the setting of mTORC2 inhibition, the UVB-induced expression of these factors would lead to apoptosis in a FOXO3a-dependent manner. Using spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), we observed that both TRAIL and NOXA expression increased in cells exposed to UVB and the TOR kinase inhibitor Torin 2. Similar to knockdown of FOXO3a, NOXA knockdown reversed the sensitization to UVB-induced apoptosis caused by mTORC2 inhibition. In contrast, loss of TRAIL by either knockdown or knockout actually enhanced expression of nuclear FOXO3a, which maintained apoptosis. These surprising results are not due to faulty death receptor signaling in HaCaT cells, as we found that the cells undergo extrinsic apoptosis in response to treatment with recombinant TRAIL. Even more striking, TRAIL knockout cells were sensitized to recombinant TRAIL-induced apoptosis compared to wild-type HaCaT cells, with the largest increase occurring in the presence of mTORC2 inhibition. Taken together, these studies provide strong evidence that mTORC2 controls UVB-induced apoptosis by regulating NOXA expression downstream of FOXO3a. Moreover, FOXO3a transcriptional activation by mTORC2 inhibitors may be a valuable target for prevention or therapy of NMSC, especially in cases with low endogenous TRAIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Feehan
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
| | - Amanda M Nelson
- Department of Dermatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
| | - Lisa M Shantz
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
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13
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Raulf N, Lucarelli P, Thavaraj S, Brown S, Vicencio JM, Sauter T, Tavassoli M. Annexin A1 regulates EGFR activity and alters EGFR-containing tumour-derived exosomes in head and neck cancers. Eur J Cancer 2018; 102:52-68. [PMID: 30142511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2018.07.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th most common cancer with approximately half a million cases diagnosed each year worldwide. HNSCC has a poor survival rate which has not improved for over 30 years. The molecular pathogenesis of HNSCCs remains largely unresolved; there is high prevalence of p53 mutations and EGFR overexpression; however, the contribution of these molecular changes to disease development and/or progression remains unknown. We have recently identified microRNA miR-196a to be highly overexpressed in HNSCC with poor prognosis. Oncogenic miR-196a directly targets Annexin A1 (ANXA1). Although increased ANXA1 expression levels have been associated with breast cancer development, its role in HNSCC is debatable and its functional contribution to HNSCC development remains unclear. METHODS ANXA1 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by RNA Seq analysis and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed to analyse the effects of ANXA1 modulation on cell proliferation, mechanism of activation of EGFR signalling as well as on exosome production and exosomal phospho-EGFR. RESULTS ANXA1 was found to be downregulated in head and neck cancer tissues, both at mRNA and protein level. Its anti-proliferative effects were mediated through the intracellular form of the protein. Importantly, ANXA1 downregulation resulted in increased phosphorylation and activity of EGFR and its downstream PI3K-AKT signalling. Additionally, ANXA1 modulation affected exosome production and influenced the release of exosomal phospho-EGFR. CONCLUSIONS ANXA1 acts as a tumour suppressor in HNSCC. It is involved in the regulation of EGFR activity and exosomal phospho-EGFR release and could be an important prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Raulf
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, Hodgkin Building, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - P Lucarelli
- Faculté des Sciences, de La Technologie et de La Communication, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue Du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - S Thavaraj
- Department of Head and Neck Pathology, Mucosal and Salivary Biology, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - S Brown
- DCT3 Oral and Maxillofacial Histopathology, Department of Head & Neck Pathology, Guy's Hospital Campus, King's College London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - J M Vicencio
- Research Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Institute, University College London, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - T Sauter
- Faculté des Sciences, de La Technologie et de La Communication, University of Luxembourg, 6, Avenue Du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - M Tavassoli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, Hodgkin Building, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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14
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Xiao R, Allen CT, Tran L, Patel P, Park SJ, Chen Z, Van Waes C, Schmitt NC. Antagonist of cIAP1/2 and XIAP enhances anti-tumor immunity when combined with radiation and PD-1 blockade in a syngeneic model of head and neck cancer. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1471440. [PMID: 30393585 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1471440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) frequently harbor genomic mutations in cell death pathways. Nearly 30% of HNSCCs overexpress Fas-Associated Death Domain (FADD), with or without BIRC2/3 genes encoding cellular Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins 1/2 (cIAP1/2), critical components of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Receptor signaling pathways. ASTX660 is a novel non-peptidomimetic antagonist of cIAP1/2 and XIAP under evaluation in a clinical trial for advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. Herein, we show that ASTX660, at nanomolar concentrations, sensitized Murine Oral Cancer (MOC1) cells to TNFα. Using syngeneic mouse models, ASTX660 showed additive anti-tumor activity with radiation therapy (XRT), cisplatin chemotherapy, and PD-1 blockade to significantly delay or eradicate MOC1 tumors. These combinations significantly increased CD8 + T cells and dendritic cells, as well as T cell activity. ASTX660 stimulated cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) killing of MOC1 cells expressing ovalbumin. Early stages of CTL killing were predominantly mediated by perforin/granzyme B, whereas later stages were mediated by death ligands TNFα, TRAIL, and FasL. Correspondingly, depletion of CD8 + T cells and NK cells in vivo revealed both types of immune cells to be important components of the complete anti-tumor response enhanced by ASTX660+XRT. These findings serve to inform future studies of IAP inhibitors and support the potential for future clinical trials investigating ASTX660 with XRT and immunotherapies like PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Xiao
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Medical Research Scholars Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clint T Allen
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda Tran
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Priya Patel
- Medical Research Scholars Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - So-Jin Park
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole C Schmitt
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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MicroRNA-21 inhibits mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in keloid. Oncotarget 2017; 8:92914-92925. [PMID: 29190966 PMCID: PMC5696232 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-21 acts as an oncogene by promoting cell proliferation and migration, whereas inhibiting apoptosis in majority of cancers. MicroRNA-21 is upregulated in human keloid fibroblasts. We hypothesized that microRNA-21 may contribute to pathogenesis of keloid fibroblasts. First, enhanced miR-21 but reduced mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis observed in keloid tissues indicated its importance in keloids development. Second, upregulation of microRNA-21 induced a decrease in the ratio of BAX to BCL-2 and suppressed mitochondrial fission in keloid fibroblasts. Third, by attenuating the decline in cellular mitochondrial membrane potential, overexpression of miR-21 suppressed cytochrome c release to the cytoplasm, followed by a decrease in the activity of intracellular caspase-9 and caspase-3, suggesting that mitochondrial-mediated proapoptotic pathway was impaired. Simultaneously, intracellular reactive oxygen species were decreased, indicating microRNA-21 undermined oxidative stress. This phenotype was reversed by miR-21 inhibition. Therefore, our study demonstrates that inhibition of microRNA-21 induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts, proposing microRNA-21 as a potential therapeutic target in keloid fibroblasts.
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16
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Derakhshan A, Chen Z, Van Waes C. Therapeutic Small Molecules Target Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins in Cancers with Deregulation of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Cell Death Pathways. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:1379-1387. [PMID: 28039268 PMCID: PMC5354945 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-2172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has unveiled genomic deregulation of various components of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways in different types of cancers. Such alterations are particularly common in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which frequently display amplification and overexpression of the Fas-associated via death domain (FADD) and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) that complex with members of the TNF receptor family. Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) mimetics, modeled after the endogenous IAP antagonist SMAC, and IAP inhibitors represent important classes of novel small molecules currently in phase I/II clinical trials. Here we review the physiologic roles of IAPs, FADD, and other components involved in cell death, cell survival, and NF-κB signaling pathways in cancers, including HNSCC. We summarize the results of targeting IAPs in preclinical models of HNSCC using SMAC mimetics. Synergistic activity of SMAC mimetics together with death agonists TNFα or TRAIL occurred in vitro, whereas their antitumor effects were augmented when combined with radiation and chemotherapeutic agents that induce TNFα in vivo In addition, clinical trials testing SMAC mimetics as single agents or together with chemo- or radiation therapies in patients with HNSCC and solid tumors are summarized. As we achieve a deeper understanding of the genomic alterations and molecular mechanisms underlying deregulated death and survival pathways in different cancers, the role of SMAC mimetics and IAP inhibitors in cancer treatment will be elucidated. Such developments could enhance precision therapeutics and improve outcomes for cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1379-87. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeeb Derakhshan
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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17
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Eytan DF, Snow GE, Carlson S, Derakhshan A, Saleh A, Schiltz S, Cheng H, Mohan S, Cornelius S, Coupar J, Sowers AL, Hernandez L, Mitchell JB, Annunziata CM, Chen Z, Van Waes C. SMAC Mimetic Birinapant plus Radiation Eradicates Human Head and Neck Cancers with Genomic Amplifications of Cell Death Genes FADD and BIRC2. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5442-5454. [PMID: 27469115 PMCID: PMC5026594 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Comparison of tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) reveals that head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) harbor the most frequent genomic amplifications of Fas-associated death domain (FADD), with or without Baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing BIRC2 (cIAP1), affecting about 30% of patients in association with worse prognosis. Here, we identified HNSCC cell lines harboring FADD/BIRC2 amplifications and overexpression by exome sequencing, RT-PCR, and Western blotting. In vitro, FADD or BIRC2 siRNA knockdown inhibited HNSCC displaying amplification and increased expression of these genes, supporting their functional importance in promoting proliferation. Birinapant, a novel SMAC mimetic, sensitized multiple HNSCC lines to cell death by agonists TNFα or TRAIL and inhibited cIAP1>XIAP>IAP2. Combination of birinapant and TNFα induced sub-G0 DNA fragmentation in sensitive lines and birinapant alone also induced significant G2-M cell-cycle arrest and cell death in UM-SCC-46 cells. Gene transfer and expression of FADD sensitized resistant UM-SCC-38 cells lacking FADD amplification to birinapant and TNFα, supporting a role for FADD in sensitization to IAP inhibitor and death ligands. HNSCC varied in mechanisms of cell death, as indicated by reversal by inhibitors or protein markers of caspase-dependent apoptosis and/or RIPK1/MLKL-mediated necroptosis. In vivo, birinapant inhibited tumor growth and enhanced radiation-induced TNFα, tumor responses, and host survival in UM-SCC-46 and -11B xenograft models displaying amplification and overexpression of FADD+/- BIRC2 These findings suggest that combination of SMAC mimetics such as birinapant plus radiation may be particularly active in HNSCC, which harbor frequent FADD/BIRC2 genomic alterations. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5442-54. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle F. Eytan
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- NIH Medical Research Scholars Program/HHMI-NIH Scholars Research Program, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Grace E. Snow
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- NIH Medical Research Scholars Program/HHMI-NIH Scholars Research Program, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sophie Carlson
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adeeb Derakhshan
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- NIH Medical Research Scholars Program/HHMI-NIH Scholars Research Program, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Anthony Saleh
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen Schiltz
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hui Cheng
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Suresh Mohan
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- NIH Medical Research Scholars Program/HHMI-NIH Scholars Research Program, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shaleeka Cornelius
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie Coupar
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anastasia L. Sowers
- Radiation Biology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lidia Hernandez
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James B. Mitchell
- Radiation Biology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina M. Annunziata
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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18
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Brands RC, Herbst F, Hartmann S, Seher A, Linz C, Kübler AC, Müller-Richter UDA. Cytotoxic effects of SMAC-mimetic compound LCL161 in head and neck cancer cell lines. Clin Oral Investig 2016; 20:2325-2332. [PMID: 26846923 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-016-1741-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common tumor entities worldwide. Unfortunately, recent drug developments in other fields of oncology have yielded no efficacy in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. As a new starting point, we investigated the impact of Fas ligand (FasL) and the SMAC-mimetic compound LCL161 in mono- and combination treatment in HNSCC cell lines. METHODS Five different cell lines of HNSCC were treated with FasL and LCL161 in mono- and combination treatment. Cytotoxicity was measured via a crystal violet assay. The cell lines were characterized for CD95 (FasL receptor) expression via flow cytometry. The degradation of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1) was detected via Western blot. RESULTS Incubation with FasL led to a significant decrease in three out of five cell lines. Combination treatment with LCL161 enhanced cytotoxicity significantly. Two cell lines were FasL resistant, but one of them could be resensitized with LCL161. In all cell lines, Western blot analysis showed degradation of cIAP1 after LCL161 application. However, one cell line showed only minor vulnerability to the FasL and LCL161 combination. CONCLUSION This is the first study investigating combination treatment of FasL and LCL161 in head and neck cancer cell lines. Pro-apoptotic effects of the combination were detected in the majority of the cell lines. Interestingly, one of two FasL-resistant cell lines was sensitive to the combination therapy with FasL and LCL161. CLINICAL RELEVANCE SMAC-mimetic compounds show promising results in the treatment of other tumor entities in vitro and might be useful drugs to improve HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman C Brands
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 6, 97070, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Herbst
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Hartmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axel Seher
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Linz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander C Kübler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Urs D A Müller-Richter
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Pleicherwall 2, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
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19
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Zhang Y, Huang F, Wang J, Luo H, Wang Z. 2-DG-Regulated RIP and c-FLIP Effect on Liver Cancer Cell Apoptosis Induced by TRAIL. Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:3442-8. [PMID: 26552967 PMCID: PMC4646230 DOI: 10.12659/msm.895034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells survival depends on glucose metabolism and ATP. Inhibiting glucose metabolism is a possible anticancer treatment. The phosphorylation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which is a glycogen analogue, seriously affects the normal glycometabolism phosphorylation process, leading to ATP consumption. Studies showed that 2-DG could regulate RIP and c-FLIP. This paper aimed to investigate the effect of 2-DG on RIP and c-FLIP expression in HepG2 and Hep3B cells, further illustrating the effect and mechanism of 2-DG regulating RIP and c-FLIP expression on liver cancer cell apoptosis induced by TRAIL. Material/Methods RIP and c-FLIP gene silencing HepG2 and Hep3B cell models were established by siRNA and detected by Western blot. Cell viability was determined by MTT and apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry. JC-1 fluorescent probe was used to test mitochondrial membrane potential. Results 2-DG or TRAIL alone significantly reduced HepG2 and Hep3B cell survival rate and promoted apoptosis. Compared with the single TRAIL treatment group, the combination of 2-DG and TRAIL could reduce cell survival rate, increase apoptosis rate, and decease mitochondrial membrane potential, which is dependent on Caspases. 2-DG can inhibit RIP and c-FLIP expression, leading to increased TRAIL-induced HepG2 and Hep3B cells apoptosis. Conclusions 2-DG can down-regulate RIP and c-FLIP expression, and change Caspases activities to increase the liver cancer cell apoptosis induced by TRAIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Zhang
- Department of Normal Surgical, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Feizhou Huang
- Department of Normal Surgical, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Normal Surgical, Genetics Research Room of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Hongwu Luo
- Department of Normal Surgical, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Department of Normal Surgical, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
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20
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Caspase-8 activation by TRAIL monotherapy predicts responses to IAPi and TRAIL combination treatment in breast cancer cell lines. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1893. [PMID: 26426685 PMCID: PMC4632282 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of cancer cell-selective tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis generated broad excitement and development of TRAIL receptor agonists (TRA) as potential cancer therapy. Studies demonstrating the synergistic combination effect of SMAC mimetics and TRA further suggested potentially effective treatment in multiple tumour settings. However, predictive biomarkers allowing identification of patients that could respond to treatment are lacking. Here, we described a high throughput combination screen conducted across a panel of 31 breast cancer cell lines in which we observed highly synergistic activity between TRAIL and the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) inhibitor (IAPi) AZD5582 in ~30% of cell lines. We detected no difference in the expression levels of the IAPi or TRAIL-targeted proteins or common modulators of the apoptotic pathway between the sensitive and resistant cell lines. Synergistic combination effect of AZD5582 and TRAIL correlated with sensitivity to TRAIL, but not to AZD5582 as a single agent. TRAIL treatment led to significantly greater activity of Caspase-8 in sensitive than in resistant cell lines (P=0.002). The majority (12/14) of AZD5582+TRAIL-resistant cell lines retained a functional cell death pathway, as they were sensitive to AZD5582+TNFα combination treatment. This suggested that failure of the TRAIL receptor complex to transduce the death signal to Caspase-8 underlies AZD5582+TRAIL resistance. We developed a 3D spheroid assay and demonstrated its suitability for the ex vivo analysis of the Caspase-8 activity as a predictive biomarker. Altogether, our study demonstrated a link between the functionality of the TRAIL receptor pathway and the synergistic activity of the IAPi+TRA combination treatment. It also provided a rationale for development of the Caspase-8 activity assay as a functional predictive biomarker that could allow better prediction of the response to IAPi+TRA-based therapies than the analysis of expression levels of protein biomarkers.
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Sun J, Luo H, Nie W, Xu X, Miao X, Huang F, Wu H, Jin X. Protective effect of RIP and c-FLIP in preventing liver cancer cell apoptosis induced by TRAIL. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:6519-6525. [PMID: 26261530 PMCID: PMC4525864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily that can induce tumor selective death by up-regulating death receptor 4 (DR4) and DR5 expression. The study aimed to explore the role of RIP and c-FLIP genes in TRAIL induced liver cancer cell HepG2 and Hep3B apoptosis and related mechanism. RIP and c-FLIP silenced HepG2 and Hep3B cell model were established through siRNA. Western blot was applied to test c-FLIP, RIP, DR4, DR5, FADD, Caspase-3/8/9, ERK1/2, and DFF45 protein expression. Caspase-8 kit was used to detect Caspase-8 expression. Flow cytometry was performed to measure cell apoptosis rate. Acid phosphatase method was applied to determine cell cycle. TRAIL had no significant effect on Caspase-3/8/9, DR4, DR5, ERK1/2, and DFF45 protein expression, but up-regulated c-FLIP and RIP protein expression and reduced FADD expression level. After treated by the chemotherapy drug mitomycin and adriamycin, c-FLIP and RIP expression decreased significantly, while FADD increased. After knockout c-FLIP and RIP gene, HepG2 and Hep3B cell apoptosis rate induced by TRAIL increased obviously. Meanwhile, cell subG1 percentage increased markedly and exhibited G1 phase growth retardation. In addition, after two kinds of gene knockout, Caspase-8 was activated and produce Caspase-3 P20 and P24, leading DFF45 appeared DNA fragment P17 and P25. c-FLIP and RIP can inhibit Caspase-8 activation and prompting HepG2 and Hep3B resistant to cell apoptosis induced by TRAIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichun Sun
- Department of Surgery, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hongwu Luo
- Department of Surgery, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wanpin Nie
- Department of Surgery, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xundi Xu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiongying Miao
- Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Feizhou Huang
- Department of Surgery, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- Department of Surgery, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaoxin Jin
- Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha, Hunan Province, China
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