MDM2 Inhibitor Nutlin-3a Induces Apoptosis and Senescence in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Role of p53

Ferroptosis as a therapeutic vulnerability in MDM2 inhibition in dedifferentiated liposarcoma

Ferroptosis is a form of necrotic cell death characterized by phospholipid oxidation. The cystine-glutamate antiporter (xCT), composed of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and SLC3A2, imports cystine for glutathione synthesis. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) requires glutathione to counteract lipid peroxidation and prevent ferroptosis. Erastin, an xCT inhibitor, and Ras-selective lethal small molecule 3 (RSL3), a GPX4 inhibitor, suppress GPX4 function and induce ferroptosis. Tumor protein p53 (TP53) has a paradoxical role in ferroptosis regulation. Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2), a negative regulator of TP53, is a key oncogene in well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS). Therefore, the present study explored the role of ferroptosis in DDLPS treatment response and resistance. Publicly available expression profiles of WDLPS, DDLPS and adipose tissue were analyzed, and the differential expression of ferroptosis-related genes regulated by the MDM2-TP53 pathway was identified in WDLPS and DDLPS. In vitro experiments were performed to assess the effects of erastin and RSL3 on the viability, lipid peroxidation and apoptosis of DDLPS cell lines. The results revealed that erastin and RSL3 induced lipid peroxidation and apoptosis, thereby exerting cytotoxic effects. In addition, nutlin-3, an MDM2 inhibitor, was demonstrated to increase lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity when applied prior to erastin treatment. Notably, nutlin-3 also upregulated SLC3A2 expression in DDLPS cell lines, thereby enhancing cystine uptake. This increase in cystine uptake was suppressed by erastin. In addition, nutlin-3-induced SLC3A2 upregulation was abolished by TP53 knockdown. Nutlin-3 combined with erastin or RSL3 reduced absolute p-4EBP-1 levels in NDDLS-1 cells and p-p70S6 levels in both cell lines, with no significant impact on the p-4EBP-1/4EBP-1 and p-p70S6/p70S6 ratios. These results indicate that ferroptosis is a therapeutic vulnerability in the response to MDM2 inhibition in DDLPS. Furthermore, combining MDM2 inhibitors with ferroptosis-inducing agents may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for DDLPS and the role of mTOR in the pro-apoptotic effect of these combinations deserve further investigation.

Impacts of Nutlin-3a and exercise on murine double minute 2-enriched glioma treatment

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202504000-00029/figure1/v/2024-07-06T104127Z/r/image-tiff Recent research has demonstrated the impact of physical activity on the prognosis of glioma patients, with evidence suggesting exercise may reduce mortality risks and aid neural regeneration. The role of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) protein, especially post-exercise, in cancer progression, is gaining attention, as are the potential anti-cancer effects of SUMOylation. We used machine learning to create the exercise and SUMO-related gene signature (ESLRS). This signature shows how physical activity might help improve the outlook for low-grade glioma and other cancers. We demonstrated the prognostic and immunotherapeutic significance of ESLRS markers, specifically highlighting how murine double minute 2 (MDM2), a component of the ESLRS, can be targeted by nutlin-3. This underscores the intricate relationship between natural compounds such as nutlin-3 and immune regulation. Using comprehensive CRISPR screening, we validated the effects of specific ESLRS genes on low-grade glioma progression. We also revealed insights into the effectiveness of Nutlin-3a as a potent MDM2 inhibitor through molecular docking and dynamic simulation. Nutlin-3a inhibited glioma cell proliferation and activated the p53 pathway. Its efficacy decreased with MDM2 overexpression, and this was reversed by Nutlin-3a or exercise. Experiments using a low-grade glioma mouse model highlighted the effect of physical activity on oxidative stress and molecular pathway regulation. Notably, both physical exercise and Nutlin-3a administration improved physical function in mice bearing tumors derived from MDM2-overexpressing cells. These results suggest the potential for Nutlin-3a, an MDM2 inhibitor, with physical exercise as a therapeutic approach for glioma management. Our research also supports the use of natural products for therapy and sheds light on the interaction of exercise, natural products, and immune regulation in cancer treatment.

Harnessing p53 for targeted cancer therapy: new advances and future directions

The transcription factor p53 is the most frequently impaired tumor suppressor in human cancers. In response to various stress stimuli, p53 activates transcription of genes that mediate its tumor-suppressive functions. Distinctive characteristics of p53 outlined here enable a well-defined program of genes involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence, differentiation, metabolism, autophagy, DNA repair, anti-viral response, and anti-metastatic functions, as well as facilitating autoregulation within the p53 network. This versatile, anti-cancer network governed chiefly by a single protein represents an immense opportunity for targeted cancer treatment, since about half of human tumors retain unmutated p53. During the last two decades, numerous compounds have been developed to block the interaction of p53 with the main negative regulator MDM2. However, small molecule inhibitors of MDM2 only induce a therapeutically desirable apoptotic response in a limited number of cancer types. Moreover, clinical trials of the MDM2 inhibitors as monotherapies have not met expectations and have revealed hematological toxicity as a characteristic adverse effect across this drug class. Currently, combination treatments are the leading strategy for enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse effects of MDM2 inhibitors. This review summarizes efforts to identify and test therapeutics that work synergistically with MDM2 inhibitors. Two main types of drugs have emerged among compounds used in the following combination treatments: first, modulators of the p53-regulated transcriptome (including chromatin modifiers), translatome, and proteome, and second, drugs targeting the downstream pathways such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, metabolic stress response, immune response, ferroptosis, and growth factor signaling. Here, we review the current literature in this field, while also highlighting overarching principles that could guide target selection in future combination treatments.

Fibronectin and vitronectin alleviate adipose-derived stem cells senescence during long-term culture through the AKT/MDM2/P53 pathway

Cellular senescence plays a role in the development of aging-associated degenerative diseases. Cell therapy is recognized as a candidate treatment for degenerative diseases. To achieve the goal of cell therapy, the quality and good characteristics of cells are concerned. Cell expansion relies on two-dimensional culture, which leads to replicative senescence of expanded cells. This study aimed to investigate the effect of cell culture surface modification using fibronectin (FN) and vitronectin (VN) in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) during long-term expansion. Our results showed that ADSCs cultured in FN and VN coatings significantly enhanced adhesion, proliferation, and slow progression of cellular senescence as indicated by lower SA-β-gal activities and decreased expression levels of genes including p16, p21, and p53. The upregulation of integrin α5 and αv genes influences phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K), and AKT proteins. FN and VN coatings upregulated AKT and MDM2 leading to p53 degradation. Additionally, MDM2 inhibition by Nutlin-3a markedly elevated p53 and p21 expression, increased cellular senescence, and induced the expression of inflammatory molecules including HMGB1 and IL-6. The understanding of FN and VN coating surface influencing ADSCs, especially senescence characteristics, offers a promising and practical point for the cultivation of ADSCs for future use in cell-based therapies.

The potential for senotherapy as a novel approach to extend life quality in veterinary medicine

Cellular senescence, a condition where cells undergo arrest and can assume an inflammatory phenotype, has been associated with initiation and perpetuation of inflammation driving multiple disease processes in rodent models and humans. Senescent cells secrete inflammatory cytokines, proteins, and matrix metalloproteinases, termed the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which accelerates the aging processes. In preclinical models, drug interventions termed "senotherapeutics" selectively clear senescent cells and represent a promising strategy to prevent or treat multiple age-related conditions in humans and veterinary species. In this review, we summarize the current available literature describing in vitro evidence for senotheraputic activity, preclinical models of disease, ongoing human clinical trials, and potential clinical applications in veterinary medicine. These promising data to date provide further justification for future studies identifying the most active senotherapeutic combinations, dosages, and routes of administration for use in veterinary medicine.

Nutlin-3 Loaded Ethosomes and Transethosomes to Prevent UV-Associated Skin Damage

The skin's protective mechanisms, in some cases, are not able to counteract the destructive effects induced by UV radiations, resulting in dermatological diseases, as well as skin aging. Nutlin-3, a potent drug with antiproliferative activity in keratinocytes, can block UV-induced apoptosis by activation of p53. In the present investigation, ethosomes and transethosomes were designed as delivery systems for nutlin-3, with the aim to protect the skin against UV damage. Vesicle size distribution was evaluated by photon correlation spectroscopy and morphology was investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, while nutlin-3 entrapment capacity was evaluated by ultrafiltration and HPLC. The in vitro diffusion kinetic of nutlin-3 from ethosomes and transethosomes was studied by Franz cell. Moreover, the efficiency of ethosomes and transethosomes in delivering nutlin-3 and its protective role were evaluated in ex vivo skin explants exposed to UV radiations. The results indicate that ethosomes and transethosomes efficaciously entrapped nutlin-3 (0.3% w/w). The ethosome vesicles were spherical and oligolamellar, with a 224 nm mean diameter, while in transethosome the presence of polysorbate 80 resulted in unilamellar vesicles with a 146 nm mean diameter. The fastest nutlin-3 kinetic was detected in the case of transethosomes, with permeability coefficients 7.4-fold higher, with respect to ethosomes and diffusion values 250-fold higher, with respect to the drug in solution. Ex vivo data suggest a better efficacy of transethosomes to promote nutlin-3 delivery within the skin, with respect to ethosomes. Indeed, nutlin-3 loaded transethosomes could prevent UV effect on cutaneous metalloproteinase activation and cell proliferative response.

Interruption of p53-MDM2 Interaction by Nutlin-3a in Human Lymphoma Cell Models Initiates a Cell-Dependent Global Effect on Transcriptome and Proteome Level

In most lymphomas, p53 signaling pathway is inactivated by various mechanisms independent to p53 gene mutations or deletions. In many cases, p53 function is largely regulated by alterations in the protein abundance levels by the action of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase MDM2, targeting p53 to proteasome-mediated degradation. In the present study, an integrating transcriptomics and proteomics analysis was employed to investigate the effect of p53 activation by a small-molecule MDM2-antagonist, nutlin-3a, on three lymphoma cell models following p53 activation. Our analysis revealed a system-wide nutlin-3a-associated effect in all examined lymphoma types, identifying in total of 4037 differentially affected proteins involved in a plethora of pathways, with significant heterogeneity among lymphomas. Our findings include known p53-targets and novel p53 activation effects, involving transcription, translation, or degradation of protein components of pathways, such as a decrease in key members of PI3K/mTOR pathway, heat-shock response, and glycolysis, and an increase in key members of oxidative phoshosphorylation, autophagy and mitochondrial translation. Combined inhibition of HSP90 or PI3K/mTOR pathway with nutlin-3a-mediated p53-activation enhanced the apoptotic effects suggesting a promising strategy against human lymphomas. Integrated omic profiling after p53 activation offered novel insights on the regulatory role specific proteins and pathways may have in lymphomagenesis.

One-Two Punch Therapy for the Treatment of T-Cell Malignancies Involving p53-Dependent Cellular Senescence

T-cell malignancies are still difficult to treat due to a paucity of plans that target critical dependencies. Drug-induced cellular senescence provides a permanent cell cycle arrest during tumorigenesis and cancer development, particularly when combined with senolytics to promote apoptosis of senescent cells, which is an innovation for cancer therapy. Here, our research found that wogonin, a well-known natural flavonoid compound, not only had a potential to inhibit cell growth and proliferation but also induced cellular senescence in T-cell malignancies with nonlethal concentration. Transcription activity of senescence-suppression human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and oncogenic C-MYC was suppressed in wogonin-induced senescent cells, resulting in the inhibition of telomerase activity. We also substantiated the occurrence of DNA damage during the wogonin-induced aging process. Results showed that wogonin increased the activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) and activated the DNA damage response pathway mediated by p53. In addition, we found the upregulated expression of BCL-2 in senescent T-cell malignancies because of the antiapoptotic properties of senescent cells. Following up this result, we identified a BCL-2 inhibitor Navitoclax (ABT-263), which was highly effective in decreasing cell viability and inducing apoptotic cell death in wogonin-induced senescent cells. Thus, the “one-two punch” approach increased the sensibility of T-cell malignancies with low expression of BCL-2 to Navitoclax. In conclusion, our research revealed that wogonin possesses potential antitumor effects based on senescence induction, offering a better insight into the development of novel therapeutic methods for T-cell malignancies.

Rigosertib elicits potent anti-tumor responses in colorectal cancer by inhibiting Ras signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic potency of Rigosertib (RGS) in the treatment of the myelodysplastic syndrome has been investigated previously, but little is known about its mechanisms of action.

METHODS

The present study integrates systems and molecular biology approaches to investigate the mechanisms of the anti-tumor effects of RGS, either alone or in combination with 5-FU in cellular and animal models of colorectal cancer (CRC).

RESULTS

The effects of RGS were more pronounced in dedifferentiated CRC cell types, compared to cell types that were epithelial-like. RGS inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in a cell-type specific manner, and that was dependent on the presence of mutations in KRAS, or its down-stream effectors. RGS increased both early and late apoptosis, by regulating the expression of p53, BAX and MDM2 in tumor model. We also found that RGS induced cell senescence in tumor tissues by increasing ROS generation, and impairing oxidant/anti-oxidant balance. RGS also inhibited angiogenesis and metastatic behavior of CRC cells, by regulating the expression of CD31, E-cadherin, and matrix metalloproteinases-2 and 9.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the therapeutic potential of this potent RAS signaling inhibitor either alone or in combination with standard regimens for the management of patients with CRC.

Dying to Survive-The p53 Paradox

The p53 tumour suppressor is best known for its canonical role as "guardian of the genome", activating cell cycle arrest and DNA repair in response to DNA damage which, if irreparable or sustained, triggers activation of cell death. However, despite an enormous amount of work identifying the breadth of the gene regulatory networks activated directly and indirectly in response to p53 activation, how p53 activation results in different cell fates in response to different stress signals in homeostasis and in response to p53 activating anti-cancer treatments remains relatively poorly understood. This is likely due to the complex interaction between cell death mechanisms in which p53 has been activated, their neighbouring stressed or unstressed cells and the local stromal and immune microenvironment in which they reside. In this review, we evaluate our understanding of the burgeoning number of cell death pathways affected by p53 activation and how these may paradoxically suppress cell death to ensure tissue integrity and organismal survival. We also discuss how these functions may be advantageous to tumours that maintain wild-type p53, the understanding of which may provide novel opportunity to enhance treatment efficacy.

Cell membrane permeability and defective G2/M block as factors potentially contributing to increased cell chemosensitivity. SeAx cell line as an example

Background

Immortalized mammalian cell lines are a valuable research tool, though they represent a highly simplified model. Due to accumulated mutations they may not reflect characteristics of the disease or even the tissue they derive from.

Objective

We aim to pinpoint factors distinguishing SeAx cells from two other cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cell lines, namely Hut78 and MyLa2000. Of note, these factors may influence cell sensitivity in an unspecific way and therefore should be taken under consideration.

Methods

We evaluated transcriptional levels of drug transporters across cell lines, cell membrane permeability, functionality of pathways related to DNA damage response and activation of G2/M block.

Results

Analysis of the transcriptional levels of genes coding drug efflux pumps indicated that they are not consistently down-regulated in SeAx. However, we noted that SeAx cell membrane is markedly more permeable than Hut78 and MyLa2000, which may contribute to increased chemosensitivity in an unspecific way.

Moreover, though DNA damage response seemed to be at least partly functional in SeAx cells, they fail to activate G2/M block in response to psoralen + UVA treatment. Any DNA damage should be repaired before cells enter mitosis, in order to uphold genome integrity. Thus, a defective cell cycle block may contribute to cell sensitivity.

Conclusions

We believe that factors such as increased membrane permeability or defective cell cycle block should be accounted for when comparing sensitivity of cell line panels to chemotherapeutics of interest. It is worth to exclude a simple, indiscriminative mechanisms of cell resistance or sensitivity before attempting comparisons. Cell lines that are indiscriminately sensitive to a broad range of chemicals may contribute to overestimating the cytotoxic potential of tested compounds if used in cytotoxicity studies.

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Mammalian cell lines are a valuable, but highly simplified model.

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Cell chemosensitivity and resistance may have specific or unspecific character.

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SeAx cell line exhibits higher chemosensitivity than other tested CTCL cell lines.

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SeAx chemosensitivity may result from high membrane permeability and/or defective G2/M block.

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Unspecific mechanisms of cell sensitivity or resistance may lead to false conclusions.

Nimbolide induces cell death in T lymphoma cells: Implication of altered apoptosis and glucose metabolism

Nimbolide is a tetranortriterpenoid derived from the leaves and flowers of Azadirachta indica (Neem). It exhibits anticancer activity against a variety of cancers by modulating various crucial features, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion and metastasis. More importantly, the cytotoxic effect of nimbolide has also been observed against T cell lymphoma, but the underlying mechanisms are still unexplored. So far, no study has been conducted to observe the effect of nimbolide on cancer cell metabolism. Therefore, the present investigation was designed to explore the molecular mechanisms of the antitumor potential of nimbolide against T cell lymphoma, a neoplastic disorder of thymic origin. In addition, we also unraveled the anti-glycolytic activity of nimbolide against T lymphoma cells with possible molecular mechanisms. Our results showed the cytotoxic action of nimbolide against three different cell lines of T cell lymphoma, namely Dalton's lymphoma, HuT-78, and J6. Nimbolide-induced apoptosis in T lymphoma cells by altering the level of reactive oxygen species, p53, Bcl2, Bax, and cytochrome c, with subsequent cleavage of caspase 3. Remarkably, nimbolide inhibited the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, glucose transporter 3, hexokinase II, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1, which led to the suppression of glycolysis with concomitant activation of oxidative phosphorylation. Hence, the results of the present investigation demonstrate that nimbolide exerts tumoricidal activity against T lymphoma cells via augmentation of apoptosis and reversal of altered cell metabolism. Thus, the present study provides a new insight for the therapeutic utilization of nimbolide against T cell lymphoma.

Cucurbitacin E and I target the JAK/STAT pathway and induce apoptosis in Sézary cells

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and leukemias (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. These are characterized by an accumulation of malignant CD4⁺ T-lymphocytes in the skin, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood. Novel treatment options are needed for patients who progress to advanced stage disease. Cucurbitacin I has previously shown promising results in Sézary syndrome (Sz). A plethora of cucurbitacins, however, have not yet been tested in CTCL. Herein, we investigated the effect of cucurbitacin E and I in two CTCL cell lines. We show that both cucurbitacins decrease viability and cause apoptosis in these cell lines, although HuT-78 was more affected than SeAx (IC₅₀ of 17.38 versus 22.01 μM for cucurbitacin E and 13.36 versus 24.47 μM for cucurbitacin I). Moreover, both cucurbitacins decrease viability of primary cells of a Sz patient (56.46% for cucurbitacin E and 59.07% for cucurbitacin I). Furthermore, while JAK2 inhibition leads to decreased viability in SeAx cells (IC₅₀ of 9.98 and 29.15 μM for AZD1480 and ruxolitinib respectively), both JAK1 and JAK3 do not. This suggests that JAK2 has a preferential role in promoting survival. Western blotting in SeAx cells revealed that both cucurbitacins inhibit STAT3 activation (P < 0.0001), while only cucurbitacin I inhibits STAT5 activation (P = 0.05). This suggests that STAT3 plays a preferential role in the mechanism of action of these cucurbitacins. Nevertheless, a role of STAT5 and JAK2 cannot be excluded and should be explored further. This knowledge could contribute to the development of effective therapies for CTCL and other malignancies involving dysfunction of the JAK/STAT pathway.

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Cucurbitacin E and I decrease viability and cause apoptosis in Sézary cell lines

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Both cucurbitacins decrease viability of primary cells of a Sézary patient

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STAT3 appears to play a role in the mechanism of action of cucurbitacin E and I

Discussion of some 'knowns' and some 'unknowns' about the tumour suppressor p53

Activation of the tumour suppressor p53 upon cellular stress can induce a number of different cellular processes. The diverse actions of these processes are critical for the protective function of p53 in preventing the development of cancer. However, it is still not fully understood which process(es) activated by p53 is/are critical for tumour suppression and how this might differ depending on the type of cells undergoing neoplastic transformation and the nature of the drivers of oncogenesis. Moreover, it is not clear why upon activation of p53 some cells undergo cell cycle arrest and senescence whereas others die by apoptosis. Here we discuss some of the cellular processes that are crucial for p53-mediated tumour suppression and the factors that could impact cell fate upon p53 activation. Finally, we describe therapies aimed either at activating wild-type p53 or at changing the behaviour of mutant p53 to unleash tumour growth suppressive processes for therapeutic benefit in malignant disease.

Cellular Senescence-Inducing Small Molecules for Cancer Treatment

Recently, the chemotherapeutic drug-induced cellular senescence has been considered a promising anti-cancer approach. The drug-induced senescence, which shows both similar and different hallmarks from replicative and oncogene-induced senescence, was regarded as a key determinant of tumor response to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. To date, an amount of effective chemotherapeutic drugs that can evoke senescence in cancer cells have been reported. The targets of these drugs differ substantially, including senescence signaling pathways, DNA replication process, DNA damage pathways, epigenetic modifications, microtubule polymerization, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and so on. By summarizing senescence-inducing small molecule drugs together with their specific traits and corresponding mechanisms, this review is devoted to inform scientists to develop novel therapeutic strategies against cancer through inducing senescence.

Antiangiogenic and antitumoral activity of LQFM126 prototype against B16F10 melanoma cells

Inhibition of mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2)-p53 interaction and reactivation of p53 signaling have been explored as effective anticancer therapeutic strategy. The potent and specific antitumor activity shown by Nutlins, first class of MDM2-p53 inhibitors discovered, has made these compounds potential antitumor candidates. To this end, we synthesized Nutlin-1 and Nutlin-2 analogs through molecular simplification and selected the compound with the most efficient antitumoral activity. Cytotoxicity of Nutlin-2 analog LQFM126 on B16F10 melanoma cells induced intense cytoplasmic vacuolization, reduction of cell size, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic degeneration and nuclear fragmentation. LQFM126 antiproliferative effects mediated cell cycle retention in G₀/G₁ phase and increased the levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins p21 and p27. This Nutlin analog increased mitochondrial membrane potential, activated caspase-8, -9 and -3/7 and reduced VEGF levels in B16F10 cells. Therefore, LQFM126 promoted alterations suggestive of apoptosis, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and suppression of angiogenesis through modulation of VEGF expression in B16F10 cells. Additionally, LQFM126 was classified as UN GHS category 4 (LD50 > 300-2000 mg/kg), suggesting it has low acute systemic toxicity. LQFM126 can be a promising prototype for anticancer therapy.

Involvement of p53 Acetylation in Growth Suppression of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas Induced by HDAC Inhibition

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) represent a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphomas characterized by an accumulation of malignant CD4⁺ T cells in the skin. TP53 genetic alteration is one of the most prevalent genetic abnormalities in CTCLs. Therefore, it is a promising target for innovative therapeutic approaches. We found that p53 could physically interact with histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and HDAC8, and was subsequently deacetylated to lose its function in CTCL cells, and the p53 downstream apoptosis-associated genes were repressed. Thus, the anti-CTCL activity displayed by HDAC inhibitors depends on p53 status. However, recent studies have reported that HDAC inhibitors could induce a wide variety of drug-resistant characteristics in cancer cells by regulating ATP-binding cassette transporters. Moreover, we discovered that Baicalein, a natural product, exhibited an inhibitory effect on HDAC1 and HDAC8. Though the inhibition of HDAC1 was mild, Baicalein could induce the degradation of HDAC1 through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, thereby markedly upregulating the acetylation of histone H3 without promoting ATP-binding cassette transporter gene expression. In terms of the mechanism, Baicalein showed better growth inhibition than traditional HDAC inhibitors in CTCLs. This study indicates a special mechanism of HDAC1 and HDAC8 and p53 in T-cell lymphoma cells and identifies a potential and safe natural HDAC inhibitor for the treatment of CTCLs.

Nutlin-loaded magnetic solid lipid nanoparticles for targeted glioblastoma treatment

Aim

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, and current treatments are limited to palliative cares. The present study proposes a nanotechnology-based solution able to improve both drug efficacy and its delivery efficiency.

Materials & methods

Nutlin-3a and superparamagnetic nanoparticles were encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles, and the obtained nanovectors (nutlin-loaded magnetic solid lipid nanoparticle [Nut-Mag-SLNs]) were characterized by analyzing both their physicochemical properties and their effects on U-87 MG glioblastoma cells.

Results

Nut-Mag-SLNs showed good colloidal stability, the ability to cross an in vitro blood–brain barrier model, and a superior pro-apoptotic activity toward glioblastoma cells with respect to the free drug.

Conclusion

Nut-Mag-SLNs represent a promising multifunctional nanoplatform for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 2 decreases p53-dependent apoptosis in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Treatment of advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) is challenging because they are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. USP2 has been shown to promote resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in several cancer models.We show here USP2 is expressed in quiescent and activated T-cells and its expression is 50% lower in CTCL cell lines (MyLa2000, SeAx and Hut-78) than in normal T-cells. USP2 is expressed in neoplastic cells in early, plaque-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) and is downregulated in advanced tumor stages. Upon treatment with psoralen with UVA (PUVA) or a p53 activator, nutlin3a, USP2 expression is significantly increased in MyLa2000 (p53wt/wt), but not in SeAx (p53mut) or Hut-78 (p53-/-). USP2 knockdown decreases MyLa2000 cell viability after PUVA by 50% but not Hut-78, suggesting that the function of USP2 in CTCL cells is p53-dependent. Furthermore, USP2 knockdown results in a decreased Mdm2 expression and upregulation of p53. Taken together, our findings suggest that USP2 stabilizes Mdm2 which antagonizes pro-apoptotic activity of p53 and possibly contributes to therapeutic resistance in CTCL.

Histone deacetylase inhibitors inhibit metastasis by restoring a tumor suppressive microRNA-150 in advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Tumor suppressive microRNA (miR)-150 inhibits metastasis by combining with the C-C chemokine receptor 6 (CCR6) “seed sequence” mRNA of the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) in advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Because the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI) vorinostat showed excellent outcomes for treating advanced CTCL, HDACIs may reduce the metastasis of CTCL by targeting miR-150 and/ or CCR6. To examine whether these candidate molecules are essential HDACI targets in advanced CTCL, we used the My-La, HH, and HUT78 CTCL cell lines for functional analysis because we previously demonstrated that their xenografts in NOD/Shi-scid IL-2γnul mice (CTCL mice) induced multiple metastases. We found that pan- HDACIs (vorinostat and panobinostat) inhibited the migration of CTCL cells and downregulated CCR6. The miRNA microarray analysis against CTCL cell lines demonstrated that these pan-HDACIs commonly upregulated 161 miRNAs, including 34 known tumor suppressive miRNAs such as miR-150. Although 35 miRNAs possessing the CCR6 “seed sequence” were included in these 161 miRNAs, miR-150 and miR-185-5p were downregulated in CTCL cells compared to in normal CD4+ T-cells. The transduction of 12 candidate miRNAs against CTCL cells revealed that miR-150 most efficiently inhibited their migration capabilities and downregulated CCR6. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that miR-150 was downregulated in advanced but not early CTCL primary cases. Finally, we injected miR-150 or siCCR6 into CTCL mice and found that mouse survival was significantly prolonged. These results indicate that miR-150 and its target, CCR6, are essential therapeutic targets of pan-HDACIs in advanced CTCL with metastatic potential.

Engaging Ly-6A/Sca-1 triggers lipid raft-dependent and -independent responses in CD4+ T-cell lines

INTRODUCTION

The lymphocyte antigen 6 (Ly-6) supergene family encodes proteins of 12-14 kda in molecular mass that are either secreted or anchored to the plasma membrane through a glycosyl-phosphatidylinisotol (GPI) lipid anchor at the carboxy-terminus. The lipidated GPI-anchor allows localization of Ly-6 proteins to the 10-100 nm cholesterol-rich nano-domains on the membrane, also known as lipid rafts. Ly-6A/Sca-1, a member of Ly-6 gene family is known to transduce signals despite the absence of transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. It is hypothesized that the localization of Ly-6A/Sca-1 with in lipid rafts allows this protein to transduce signals to the cell interior.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we found that cross-linking mouse Ly-6A/Sca-1 protein with a monoclonal antibody results in functionally distinct responses that occur simultaneously. Ly-6A/Sca-1 triggered a cell stimulatory response as gauged by cytokine production with a concurrent inhibitory response as indicated by growth inhibition and apoptosis. While production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) cytokine by CD4⁺ T cell line in response to cross-linking Ly-6A/Sca-1 was dependent on the integrity of lipid rafts, the observed cell death occurred independently of it. Growth inhibited CD4⁺ T cells showed up-regulated expression of the inhibitory cell cycle protein p27^kip but not of p53. In addition, Ly-6A/Sca-1 induced translocation of cytochrome C to the cytoplasm along with activated caspase 3 and caspase 9, thereby suggesting an intrinsic apoptotic cell death mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that opposing responses with differential dependence on the integrity of lipid rafts are triggered by engaging Ly-6A/Sca-1 protein on the membrane of transformed CD4⁺ T cells.

Reverting p53 activation after recovery of cellular stress to resume with cell cycle progression

The activation of p53 in response to different types of cellular stress induces several protective reactions including cell cycle arrest, senescence or cell death. These protective effects are a consequence of the activation of p53 by specific phosphorylation performed by several kinases. The reversion of the cell cycle arrest, induced by p53, is a consequence of the phosphorylated and activated p53, which triggers its own downregulation and that of its positive regulators. The different down-regulatory processes have a sequential and temporal order of events. The mechanisms implicated in p53 down-regulation include phosphatases, deacetylases, and protein degradation by the proteasome or autophagy, which also affect different p53 protein targets and functions. The necessary first step is the dephosphorylation of p53 to make it available for interaction with mdm2 ubiquitin-ligase, which requires the activation of phosphatases targeting both p53 and p53-activating kinases. In addition, deacetylation of p53 is required to make lysine residues accessible to ubiquitin ligases. The combined action of these downregulatory mechanisms brings p53 protein back to its basal levels, and cell cycle progression can resume if cells have overcome the stress or damage situation. The specific targeting of these down-regulatory mechanisms can be exploited for therapeutic purposes in cancers harbouring wild-type p53.

Role of Mdm2 and Mdmx in DNA repair

Mdm2 and Mdmx are critical regulators of the p53 tumour suppressor and are overexpressed in many human malignancies. However, in recent years, their impact on genome instability was shown to be at least, in part, independent of p53. Both Mdm2 and Mdmx inhibit DNA break repair through their association with the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 DNA repair complex. Recent evidence indicates that harnessing Mdm2 and/or Mdmx-mediated inhibition of DNA break repair in cancer cells could provide a therapeutic opportunity, particularly for those malignancies that have lost functional p53.

Apoptosis Induction and Gene Expression Profile Alterations of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Cells following Their Exposure to Bortezomib and Methotrexate

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and its leukemic variant Sézary syndrome (SS) comprise the majority of CTCL, a heterogenous group of non-Hodgkins lymphomas involving the skin. The CTCL’s resistance to chemotherapy and the lack of full understanding of their pathogenesis request further investigation. With the view of a more targeted therapy, we evaluated in vitro the effectiveness of bortezomib and methotrexate, as well as their combination in CTCL cell lines, regarding apoptosis induction. Our data are of clinical value and indicate that the bortezomib/methotrexate combinational therapy has an inferior impact on the apoptosis of CTCL compared to monotherapy, with bortezomib presenting as the most efficient treatment option for SS and methotrexate for MF. Using PCR arrays technology, we also investigated the alterations in the expression profile of genes related to DNA repair pathways in CTCL cell lines after treatment with bortezomib or methotrexate. We found that both agents, but mostly bortezomib, significantly deregulate a large number of genes in SS and MF cell lines, suggesting another pathway through which these agents could induce apoptosis in CTCL. Finally, we show that SS and MF respond differently to treatment, verifying their distinct nature and further emphasizing the need for discrete treatment approaches.

Small molecule compounds that induce cellular senescence

To date, dozens of stress‐induced cellular senescence phenotypes have been reported. These cellular senescence states may differ substantially from each other, as well as from replicative senescence through the presence of specific senescence features. Here, we attempted to catalog virtually all of the cellular senescence‐like states that can be induced by low molecular weight compounds. We summarized biological markers, molecular pathways involved in senescence establishment, and specific traits of cellular senescence states induced by more than fifty small molecule compounds.

TP53 Gene Status Affects Survival in Advanced Mycosis Fungoides

TP53 is frequently mutated in different types of neoplasms including leukemia and lymphomas. Mutations of TP53 have also been reported in mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma. However, little is known about the frequency, spectrum of mutations, and their prognostic significance in MF. In this study, we have optimized the protocol for Sanger sequencing of TP53 using DNA extracted from archival paraffin-embedded biopsies. Of 19 samples from patients with stage IIB MF or higher, 31% harbored mutations in TP53. Overall survival of the patients with mutated TP53 was significantly shorter than median survival in the age- and stage-matched patients treated in our Institution. Distribution of mutations was heterogenous in TP53 exons; however, C > T transitions were common suggesting the causal role of ultraviolet radiation. We propose that TP53 mutation status would be useful for risk stratification of patients with advanced MF.

MicroRNA-16 mediates the regulation of a senescence-apoptosis switch in cutaneous T-cell and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Multiple sequential genetic and epigenetic alterations underlie cancer development and progression. Overcoming cellular senescence is an early step in cancer pathogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that a noncoding regulatory RNA, microRNA-16 (miR-16), has the potential to induce cellular senescence. First, we examined the expression of miR-16 in primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and other non-Hodgkin T/natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas and found that miR-16 was downregulated than that in the corresponding normal cells. Notably, miR-16 expression was reduced as the primary CTCL progressed from the early stage to the advanced stage. Next, we transduced CTCL cells with miR-16 to examine whether this miRNA exhibited tumor-suppressive effects in CTCL cells. In CTCL cells expressing wild-type p53, forced expression of miR-16 enhanced p21 expression via downregulation of the polycomb group protein Bmi1, thereby inducing cellular senescence. Alternatively, in CTCL cells lacking functional p53, miR-16 induced compensatory apoptosis. The miR-16 transfection significantly decreased senescent cells and increased apoptotic cells in p21-knockdown CTCL cells expressing wild-type p53, suggesting that the presence or absence of p21 may be the most important condition in the senescence-apoptosis switch in CTCL lymphomagenesis. Furthermore, we found that the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) restored the expression of miR-16 and its essential targets, induced senescence in CTCL cells expressing wild-type p53 and promoted apoptosis in cells with nonfunctional p53. Moreover, we found that other T/NK-cell lymphoma cell lines showed similar tumor-suppressive effects in response to miR-16 and SAHA and that these effects were dependent on p53 status. These results suggested that epigenetic silencing of miR-16 may be a key step during lymphoma development. Elucidation of the essential targets of miR-16 and SAHA provides a basis for the clinical application of SAHA in the treatment of CTCL and other non-Hodgkin T/NK-cell lymphomas.

Methotrexate and Pralatrexate

This article reviews methotrexate and the more potent, related compound, pralatrexate, for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Although these folate antagonists are traditionally viewed as antiproliferative cell cycle inhibitors, it is recognized that they inhibit DNA methylation, providing a rationale for their use as epigenetic regulators and cell proliferation inhibitors. The underlying mechanisms are outlined, key supporting data presented, followed by brief mention of recent mathematical modeling supporting the general superiority of combination therapy. Several novel examples involving folate antagonists are proposed.

Aurora Kinase A Is Upregulated in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and Represents a Potential Therapeutic Target

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) form a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas characterized by only poor prognosis in advanced stage. Despite significant progress made in the identification of novel genes and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lymphoma, the therapeutic value of these findings has still to be proven. Here, we demonstrate by gene expression arrays that Aurora kinase A is one of the highly overexpressed genes of the serine/threonine kinase in CTCL. The finding was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in CTCL cell lines and primary patient samples. Moreover, treatment with a specific Aurora kinase A inhibitor blocks cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in G2 phase, as well as apoptosis in CTCL cell lines. These data provide a promising rationale for using Aurora kinase A inhibition as a therapeutic modality of CTCL.

High-throughput mutation profiling identifies novel molecular dysregulation in high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and early gastric cancers

BACKGROUND

There is still no widely accepted molecular marker available to distinguish between gastric high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HG-IEN) and invasive early gastric cancer (EGC).

METHODS

HG-IEN and EGC lesions coexisting in the same patient were manually microdissected from a series of 15 gastrectomies for EGC; 40 ng DNA was used for multiplex PCR amplification using the Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Panel, which explores the mutational status of hotspot regions in 50 cancer-associated genes.

RESULTS

Of the 15 EGCs, 12 presented at least one somatic mutation among the 50 investigated genes, and 6 of these showed multiple driver gene somatic mutations. TP53 mutations were observed in 9 cases; APC mutations were identified in 3 cases; and ATM and STK11 were mutated in 2 cases. Seven HG-IEN lesions shared an identical mutational profile with the EGC from the same patient; 13 mutations observed in APC, ATM, FGFR3, PIK3CA, RB1, STK11, and TP53 genes were shared by both HG-IEN and ECG lesions. CDKN2A, IDH2, MET, and RET mutations were observed only in EGC. TP53 deregulation was further investigated in an independent series of 75 biopsies corresponding to all the phenotypic lesions occurring in the EGC carcinogenetic cascade. p53 nuclear immunoreaction progressively increased along with the dedifferentiation of the lesions (P < 0.001). Overall, 18 of 20 p53-positive lesions showed a TP53 mutated gene.

DISCUSSION

Our results support the molecular similarity between HG-IEN and EGC and suggest a relevant role for TP53 in the progression to the invasive phenotype and the use of immunohistochemistry as a surrogate to detect TP53 gene mutations.

Ellipticine induces apoptosis in T-cell lymphoma via oxidative DNA damage

The tumor suppressor p53 is often mutated in human cancers. Restoring its antitumor activity has been shown to be a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Here we analyzed the activity and mechanism of a p53 reactivator, ellipticine, in a cellular model of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a disease that is progressive, chemoresistant and refractory to treatment. We tested the effect of ellipticine in three cell lines with different p53 status: MyLa2000 (p53(wt/wt)), SeAx ((G245S)p53) and Hut-78 ((R196Stop)p53). Ellipticine caused apoptosis in MyLa2000 and SeAx and restored the transcriptional activity of (G245S)p53 in SeAx. However, p53 siRNA knockdown experiments revealed that p53 was not required for ellipticine-induced apoptosis in CTCL. The lipophilic antioxidant α-tocopherol inhibited ellipticine-dependent apoptosis and we linked the apoptotic response to the oxidative DNA damage. Our results provide evidence that ellipticine-induced apoptosis is exerted through DNA damage and does not require p53 activation in T-cell lymphoma.

SATB1 overexpression promotes malignant T-cell proliferation in cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disease by repressing p21

Cutaneous CD30(+) lymphoproliferative disease (CD30(+)LPD), characterized by the presence of CD30(+) anaplastic large T cells, comprises the second most common group of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). However, little is known about the pathobiology of the CD30(+) lymphoma cells, as well as the mechanisms of disease progression. Here we report that Special AT-rich region binding protein 1 (SATB1), a thymocyte specific chromatin organizer, is over-expressed in CD30(+) lymphoma cells in most CD30(+)LPDs, and its expression is upregulated during disease progression. Our findings show that SATB1 silencing in CD30(+)LPD cells leads to G1 cell cycle arrest mediated by p21 activation. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase assays, and mutational analysis, we demonstrate that SATB1 directly regulates the transcription of p21 in a p53-independent manner. Moreover, DNA demethylation on a specific CpG-rich region of the SATB1 promoter is associated with the upregulation of SATB1 during disease progression. These experiments define a novel SATB1-p21 pathway in malignant CD30(+) T lymphocytes, which provides novel molecular insights into the pathogenesis of CD30(+)LPDs and possibly leads to new therapies.

Targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system in haematological malignancies

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in cellular protein homeostasis through the targeted destruction of damaged/misfolded proteins and regulatory proteins that control critical cellular functions. The UPS comprises a sequential series of enzymatic activities to covalently attach ubiquitin to proteins to target them for degradation through the proteasome. Aberrancies within this system have been associated with transformation and tumourigenesis and thus, the UPS represents an attractive target for the development of anti-cancer therapies. The use of the first-in-class proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, in the treatment of Plasma Cell Myeloma and Mantle Cell Lymphoma has validated the UPS as a therapeutic target. Following on its success, efforts are focused on the development of second-generation proteasome inhibitors and small molecule inhibitors of other components of the UPS. This review will provide an overview of the UPS and discuss current and novel therapies targeting the UPS.

Proteasome inhibition as a novel mechanism of the proapoptotic activity of γ-secretase inhibitor I in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

We have previously discovered that Notch1 is expressed on malignant T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and is required for survival of CTCL cell lines. Notch can be inhibited by γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), which differ widely in their ability to induce apoptosis in CTCL.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether GSI-I, in addition to inhibiting Notch, induces apoptosis in CTCL by proteasome inhibition, as GSI-I is very potent and has structural similarity to the proteasome inhibitor MG-132.

METHODS

Cell lines derived from CTCL (MyLa, SeAx, JK, Mac1 and Mac2a) were treated with GSI-I and two other proteasome inhibitors (MG-132 and bortezomib). The effects on cell viability, apoptosis and proteasome activity were measured, as was the impact on the prosurvival, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway.

RESULTS

In CTCL, GSI-I had proteasome-blocking activity with a potency comparable to the proteasome inhibitors MG-132 and bortezomib. Proteasome inhibition was the main mechanism responsible for GSI-I-induced cell death, as tiron, a compound known to reverse the effect of MG-132, restored proteasome activity and largely abrogated the cytotoxic effect of GSI-I. Although inactivation of NF-κB is an important mechanism of action for proteasome inhibitors, we demonstrated an apparent activation of NF-κB. Furthermore, we showed that while the tumour suppressor protein p53 was induced during proteasome inhibition, it was dispensable for CTCL apoptosis, as both SeAx cells, which harbour p53 mutations that attenuate the apoptotic capacity, and HuT-78 cells, which have a deleted p53 gene, demonstrated potent apoptotic response.

CONCLUSIONS

GSI-I represents an interesting drug with a dual mechanism of action comprising inhibition of both Notch and the proteasome.

Protecting the genome from mdm2 and mdmx

The contribution of Mdm2, and its recently identified family member Mdmx (Mdm4), to tumorigenesis has primarily focused on their negative regulation of the p53 tumor suppressor. Although Mdm2 and Mdmx clearly inhibit p53, which can lead to tumor development, both have also been shown to affect tumorigenesis independent of p53. Given that Mdm2 and/or Mdmx overexpression is common and likely underestimated in human cancers, understanding the functions of these proteins beyond p53 control is critical. In recent years, new functions of Mdm2 and Mdmx that lead to genome instability, a hallmark of malignancy, have emerged. Specifically, roles in the DNA damage response that are distinct from their regulation of p53 have been identified. Inhibition of p53 as well as other components of the DNA damage response by Mdm2 and Mdmx can result in delayed DNA repair and increased genome instability, making Mdm2 and Mdmx a danger to the genome when aberrantly expressed. However, the genome instability caused by altered levels of Mdm2 and Mdmx could be used therapeutically for the treatment of cancer. Specifically, drugs/small molecules that target the interaction between Mdm2 and p53 can stabilize Mdm2, resulting in negative consequences on the genome that could be exploited for cancer treatment, particularly malignancies lacking functional p53.