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Zhang H, Zhang J, Luan S, Liu Z, Li X, Liu B, Yuan Y. Unraveling the Complexity of Regulated Cell Death in Esophageal Cancer: from Underlying Mechanisms to Targeted Therapeutics. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3831-3868. [PMID: 37564206 PMCID: PMC10411468 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth most common and the seventh most deadly malignancy of the digestive tract, representing a major global health challenge. Despite the availability of multimodal therapeutic strategies, the existing EC treatments continue to yield unsatisfactory results due to their limited efficacy and severe side effects. Recently, knowledge of the subroutines and molecular mechanisms of regulated cell death (RCD) has progressed rapidly, enhancing the understanding of key pathways related to the occurrence, progression, and treatment of many types of tumors, including EC. In this context, the use of small-molecule compounds to target such RCD subroutines has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with EC. Thus, in this review, we firstly discussed the risk factors and prevention of EC. We then outlined the established treatment regimens for patients with EC. Furthermore, we not only briefly summarized the mechanisms of five best studied subroutines of RCD related to EC, including apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis and autophagy, but also outlined the recent advances in the development of small-molecule compounds and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targeting the abovementioned RCD subroutines, which may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for patients with EC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Siyuan Luan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhiying Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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2
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Singh D, Tewari M, Singh S, Narayan G. Revisiting the role of TRAIL/TRAIL-R in cancer biology and therapy. Future Oncol 2021; 17:581-596. [PMID: 33401962 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF superfamily, can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, sparing normal cells when bound to its associated death receptors (DR4/DR5). This unique mechanism makes TRAIL a potential anticancer therapeutic agent. However, clinical trials of recombinant TRAIL protein and TRAIL receptor agonist monoclonal antibodies have shown disappointing results due to its short half-life, poor pharmacokinetics and the resistance of the cancer cells. This review summarizes TRAIL-induced apoptotic and survival pathways as well as mechanisms leading to apoptotic resistance. Recent development of methods to overcome cancer cell resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, such as protein modification, combination therapy and TRAIL-based gene therapy, appear promising. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the development of TRAIL-based therapies for the treatment of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Singh
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Mallika Tewari
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Sunita Singh
- Department of Zoology, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Gopeshwar Narayan
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
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3
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El-Shafey ES, Elsherbiny ES. Possible Selective Cytotoxicity of Vanadium Complex on Breast Cancer Cells Involving Pathophysiological Pathways. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 19:2130-2139. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520619666191024122117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Triple-Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) are among the most aggressive and therapyresistant
breast tumors. Development of new treatment strategies that target pathways involved in cancer cells
resistance is an attractive candidate to overcome therapeutic resistance.
Objective:
To clarify the antitumor activity of [VO (bpy)2 Cl] Cl complex as a new therapeutic agent through
studying the interplay between apoptosis, autophagy and notch signaling pathways.
Methods:
Proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells and IC50 value of the vanadium complex were assessed by MTT
assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect cell cycle distribution, apoptosis assay, LC3 levels and Acid
Vascular Organelles (AVOs). Caspase 3 levels were detected by ELISA. Changes in Notch1 gene expression
were assessed by real-time PCR. AVOs qualitative detection was assessed by a fluorescence microscope.
Results:
The growth of MDA-MB-231 cells was suppressed after treatment with [VO (bpy)2 Cl] Cl complex, in
a dose-dependent manner. The affinity for apoptotic cell death induction was shown through the increase in the
sub G0 peak, the percentage of early and late apoptotic phases, and the elevation in caspase 3 levels. The affinity
for autophagic cell death induction was observed through the increase in the G0/G1 phase, G2/M arrest, the
increase of AVOs red fluorescence and elevated LC3 levels. The affinity for notch pathway inhibition was
shown through the suppression of Notch 1 gene expression.
Conclusion:
[VO (bpy)2 Cl] Cl complex could be a promising candidate as therapeutic agent targeting different
therapeutic targets including apoptosis, autophagy and notch signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman S. El-Shafey
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Eslam S. Elsherbiny
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
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Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily that can initiate the apoptosis pathway by binding to its associated death receptors DR4 and DR5. The activation of the TRAIL pathway in inducing tumor-selective apoptosis leads to the development of TRAIL-based cancer therapies, which include recombinant forms of TRAIL, TRAIL receptor agonists, and other therapeutic agents. Importantly, TRAIL, DR4, and DR5 can all be induced by synthetic and natural agents that activate the TRAIL apoptosis pathway in cancer cells. Thus, understanding the regulation of the TRAIL apoptosis pathway can aid in the development of TRAIL-based therapies for the treatment of human cancer.
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Elucidation for modulation of death receptor (DR) 5 to strengthen apoptotic signals in cancer cells. Arch Pharm Res 2019; 42:88-100. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-018-01103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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6
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Kanabur P, Guo S, Simonds GR, Kelly DF, Gourdie RG, Verbridge SS, Sheng Z. Patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells respond differentially to targeted therapies. Oncotarget 2018; 7:86406-86419. [PMID: 27863440 PMCID: PMC5349922 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The dismal prognosis of glioblastoma is, at least in part, attributable to the difficulty in eradicating glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). However, whether this difficulty is caused by the differential responses of GSCs to drugs remains to be determined. To address this, we isolated and characterized ten GSC lines from established cell lines, xenografts, or patient specimens. Six lines formed spheres in a regular culture condition, whereas the remaining four lines grew as monolayer. These adherent lines formed spheres only in plates coated with poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The self-renewal capabilities of GSCs varied, with the cell density needed for sphere formation ranging from 4 to 23.8 cells/well. Moreover, a single non-adherent GSC either remained quiescent or divided into two cells in four-seven days. The stem cell identity of GSCs was further verified by the expression of nestin or glial fibrillary acidic protein. Of the two GSC lines that were injected in immunodeficient mice, only one line formed a tumor in two months. The protein levels of NOTCH1 and platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha positively correlated with the responsiveness of GSCs to γ-secretase inhibitor IX or imatinib, two compounds that inhibit these two proteins, respectively. Furthermore, a combination of temozolomide and a connexin 43 inhibitor robustly inhibited the growth of GSCs. Collectively, our results demonstrate that patient-derived GSCs exhibit different growth rates in culture, possess differential capabilities to form a tumor, and have varied responses to targeted therapies. Our findings underscore the importance of patient-derived GSCs in glioblastoma research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Kanabur
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States
| | - Sujuan Guo
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States
| | - Gary R Simonds
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States
| | - Deborah F Kelly
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States.,Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States.,Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.,Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States
| | - Scott S Verbridge
- Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Zhi Sheng
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, United States.,Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
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Holzberg M, Boergeling Y, Schräder T, Ludwig S, Ehrhardt C. Vemurafenib Limits Influenza A Virus Propagation by Targeting Multiple Signaling Pathways. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2426. [PMID: 29312159 PMCID: PMC5735105 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAV) can cause severe global pandemic outbreaks. The currently licensed antiviral drugs are not very effective and prone to viral resistance. Thus, novel effective and broadly active drugs are urgently needed. We have identified the cellular Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade as crucial for IAV replication and suitable target for an antiviral intervention. Since this signaling cascade is aberrantly activated in many human cancers, several clinically approved inhibitors of Raf and MEK are now available. Here we explored the anti-IAV action of the licensed B-RafV600E inhibitor Vemurafenib. Treatment of B-RafWT cells with Vemurafenib induced a hyperactivation of the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade rather than inhibiting its activation upon IAV infection. Despite this hyperactivation, which has also been confirmed by others, Vemurafenib still strongly limited IAV-induced activation of other signaling cascades especially of p38 and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Most interestingly, Vemurafenib inhibited virus-induced apoptosis via impaired expression of apoptosis-inducing cytokines and led to hampered viral protein expression most likely due to the decreased activation of p38 and JNK MAPK. These multiple actions resulted in a profound and broadly active inhibition of viral replication, up to a titer reduction of three orders of a magnitude. Thus, while Vemurafenib did not act similar to MEK inhibitors, it displays strong antiviral properties via a distinct and multi-target mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Holzberg
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Yvonne Boergeling
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Cells in Motion, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Tobias Schräder
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Cells in Motion, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Christina Ehrhardt
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Cells in Motion, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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Karpel-Massler G, Banu MA, Shu C, Halatsch ME, Westhoff MA, Bruce JN, Canoll P, Siegelin MD. Inhibition of deubiquitinases primes glioblastoma cells to apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2017; 7:12791-805. [PMID: 26872380 PMCID: PMC4914322 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains a challenge in oncology to identify novel drug regimens to efficiently tackle glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Here, we target deubiquitinases for glioblastoma therapy by utilizing the small-molecule inhibitor WP1130 which has been characterized as a deubiquitinase inhibitor that interferes with the function of Usp9X. Expression analysis data confirm that Usp9X expression is increased in glioblastoma compared to normal brain tissue indicating its potential as a therapeutic. Consistently, increasing concentrations of WP1130 decrease the cellular viability of established, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and stem cell-like glioblastoma cells. Specific down-regulation of Usp9X reduces viability in glioblastoma cells mimicking the effects of WP1130. Mechanistically, WP1130 elicits apoptosis and increases activation of caspases. Moreover, WP1130 and siRNAs targeting Usp9X reduce the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members and Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins, XIAP and Survivin. Pharmacological and genetic interference with Usp9X efficiently sensitized glioblastoma cells to intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic stimuli. In addition, single treatment with WP1130 elicited anti-glioma activity in an orthotopic proneural murine model of glioblastoma. Finally, the combination treatment of WP1130 and ABT263 inhibited tumor growth more efficiently than each reagent by its own in vivo without detectable side effects or organ toxicity. Taken together, these results suggest that targeting deubiquitinases for glioma therapy is feasible and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Karpel-Massler
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matei A Banu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jeffrey N Bruce
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Markus D Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Paraquat induces extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in A549 cells by induction of DR5 and repression of anti-apoptotic proteins, DDX3 and GSK3 expression. Toxicol In Vitro 2017; 42:123-129. [PMID: 28414160 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Paraquat (PQ) is a bipyridyl derivative herbicide known to cause lung toxicity partly through induction of apoptosis. Here we demonstrated that PQ caused apoptosis in A549 cells. PQ increased cleavage of caspase-8 and Bid, indicating caspase-8 activation and truncated Bid, the two key mediators of extrinsic apoptosis. Additionally, PQ treatment caused an increase in DR5 (death receptor-5) and caspase-8 interaction, indicating formation of DISC (death-inducing signaling complex). These results indicate that PQ induces apoptosis through extrinsic pathway in A549 cells. Moreover, PQ drastically increased DR5 expression and membrane localization. Furthermore, PQ caused prominent concentration dependent reductions of DDX3 (the DEAD box protein-3) and GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) which can associate with DR5 and prevent DISC formation. Additionally, PQ decreased DR5-DDX3 interaction, suggesting a reduction of DDX3/GSK3 anti-apoptotic complex. Inhibition of GSK3, which is known to promote extrinsic apoptosis by its pharmacological inhibitor, BIO accentuated PQ-induced apoptosis. Moreover, GSK3 inhibition caused a further decrease in PQ-reduced DR5-DDX3 interaction. Taken together, these results suggest that PQ may induce extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in A549 cells through upregulation of DR5 and repression of anti-apoptotic proteins, DDX3/GSK3 leading to reduction of anti-apoptotic complex.
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