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Palominos C, Fuentes-Retamal S, Salazar JP, Guzmán-Rivera D, Correa P, Mellado M, Araya-Maturana R, Urra FA. Mitochondrial bioenergetics as a cell fate rheostat for responsive to Bcl-2 drugs: New cues for cancer chemotherapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 594:216965. [PMID: 38788967 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Pro-survival BCL-2 proteins prevent the initiation of intrinsic apoptosis (mitochondria-dependent pathway) by inhibiting the pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BAK, while BH3-only proteins promote apoptosis by blocking pro-survival BCL-2 proteins. Disruptions in this delicate balance contribute to cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. Recent advances in cancer therapeutics involve a new generation of drugs known as BH3-mimetics, which are small molecules designed to mimic the action of BH3-only proteins. Promising effects have been observed in patients with hematological and solid tumors undergoing treatment with these agents. However, the rapid emergence of mitochondria-dependent resistance to BH3-mimetics has been reported. This resistance involves increased mitochondrial respiration, altered mitophagy, and mitochondria with higher and tighter cristae. Conversely, mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2, catalyzing R-2-hydroxyglutarate production, promote sensitivity to venetoclax. This evidence underscores the urgency for comprehensive studies on bioenergetics-based adaptive responses in both BH3 mimetics-sensitive and -resistant cancer cells. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating BH3-mimetics in combination with standard chemotherapeutics. In this article, we discuss the role of mitochondrial bioenergetics in response to BH3-mimetics and explore potential therapeutic opportunities through metabolism-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Palominos
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile
| | - Sebastián Fuentes-Retamal
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile; Universidad Andrés Bello. Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, 8320000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Salazar
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile
| | - Daniela Guzmán-Rivera
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Universidad Andrés Bello. Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, 8320000, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Correa
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile
| | - Mathias Mellado
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile
| | - Ramiro Araya-Maturana
- Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile; Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Chile
| | - Félix A Urra
- Metabolic Plasticity and Bioenergetics Laboratory, Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Network for Snake Venom Research and Drug Discovery, Santiago, 8380453, Chile; Interdisciplinary Group on Mitochondrial Targeting and Bioenergetics (MIBI), Talca, 3480094, Chile; Interuniversity Center for Healthy Aging (CIES), Consortium of Universities of the State of Chile (CUECH), Santiago, 8320216, Chile.
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2
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Plotnik JP, Richardson AE, Yang H, Rojas E, Bontcheva V, Dowell C, Parsons S, Wilson A, Ravanmehr V, Will C, Jung P, Zhu H, Partha SK, Panchal SC, Mali RS, Kohlhapp FJ, McClure RA, Ramathal CY, George MD, Jhala M, Elsen NL, Qiu W, Judge RA, Pan C, Mastracchio A, Henderson J, Meulbroek JA, Green MR, Pappano WN. Inhibition of MALT1 and BCL2 Induces Synergistic Antitumor Activity in Models of B-Cell Lymphoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:949-960. [PMID: 38507740 PMCID: PMC11217731 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The activated B cell (ABC) subset of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is characterized by chronic B-cell receptor signaling and associated with poor outcomes when treated with standard therapy. In ABC-DLBCL, MALT1 is a core enzyme that is constitutively activated by stimulation of the B-cell receptor or gain-of-function mutations in upstream components of the signaling pathway, making it an attractive therapeutic target. We discovered a novel small-molecule inhibitor, ABBV-MALT1, that potently shuts down B-cell signaling selectively in ABC-DLBCL preclinical models leading to potent cell growth and xenograft inhibition. We also identified a rational combination partner for ABBV-MALT1 in the BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax, which when combined significantly synergizes to elicit deep and durable responses in preclinical models. This work highlights the potential of ABBV-MALT1 monotherapy and combination with venetoclax as effective treatment options for patients with ABC-DLBCL.
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MESH Headings
- Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Translocation 1 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Translocation 1 Protein/metabolism
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Drug Synergism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haopeng Yang
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Estela Rojas
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | | | | | - Sydney Parsons
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Ashley Wilson
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Vida Ravanmehr
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | | | - Paul Jung
- AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Qiu
- AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois.
| | | | - Chin Pan
- AbbVie Bay Area, South San Francisco, California.
| | | | - Jared Henderson
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | | | - Michael R. Green
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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3
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Gong Q, Li C, Wang H, Cao J, Li Z, Zhou M, Li Y, Chu Y, Liu H, Wang R. Discovery of Phenylpyrazole Derivatives as a New Class of Selective Inhibitors of MCL-1 with Antitumor Activity. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27369-27396. [PMID: 38947842 PMCID: PMC11209699 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
MCL-1, an antiapoptotic member of the BCL-2 family, is dysregulated and overexpressed in various tumors. In tumors with MCL-1 overexpression, selective inhibitors of MCL-1 are expected to overcome the drug resistance caused by BCL-2 inhibitors currently used in clinical treatment. Here, we employed docking-based virtual screening to identify an active hit, LC126, with binding affinity around 10 μM for MCL-1 and BCL-2. Under the guidance of structure-based design, we obtained a few selective inhibitors of MCL-1 after three rounds of structural optimization. The representative compound GQN-B37-E exhibited binding affinity for MCL-1 at the submicromolar range (K i = 0.6 μM) without apparent binding to BCL-2 or BCL-XL. 15N-heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR spectra suggested that this compound binds to the BH3-domain-binding pocket in the MCL-1 surface. Cellular assays revealed that GQN-B37-Me, the precursor of GQN-B37-E, is effective particularly on leukemia cells (such as H929 and MV-4-11) to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis. Its interaction with MCL-1 in cells was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation. Administration of GQN-B37-Me to MV-4-11 xenograft mice at 50 mg/kg every 2 days for 20 days led to 43% tumor growth inhibition. GQN-B37-Me also exhibited reasonable in vitro stability in GSH and liver microsomes from several species. This new class of MCL-1 inhibitor may have potential to be further developed into a preclinical candidate for treating leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qineng Gong
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Chunpu Li
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Jinrui Cao
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Zuo Li
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Yong Chu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
| | - Hong Liu
- State
Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Renxiao Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, People’s Republic
of China
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4
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Zhu H, Jiang J, Yang M, Zhao M, He Z, Tang C, Song C, Zhao M, Akbar AN, Reddy V, Pan W, Li S, Tan Y, Wu H, Lu Q. Topical application of a BCL-2 inhibitor ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasiform dermatitis by eliminating senescent cells. J Dermatol Sci 2024:S0923-1811(24)00132-4. [PMID: 38960840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2024.06.002] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease with unclear pathogenesis and unmet therapeutic needs. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of senescent CD4+ T cells in psoriatic lesion formation and explore the application of senolytics in treating psoriasis. METHODS We explored the expression levels of p16INK4a and p21, classical markers of cellular senescence, in CD4+ T cells from human psoriatic lesions and imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic lesions. We prepared a senolytic gel using B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor ABT-737 and evaluated its therapeutic efficacy in treating psoriasis. RESULTS Using multispectrum immunohistochemistry (mIHC) staining, we detected increased expression levels of p16INK4a and p21 in CD4+ T cells from psoriatic lesions. After topical application of ABT-737 gel, significant alleviation of IMQ-induced psoriatic lesions was observed, with milder pathological alterations. Mechanistically, ABT-737 gel significantly decreased the percentage of senescent cells, expression of T cell receptor (TCR) α and β chains, and expression of Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (Tet2) in IMQ-induced psoriatic lesions, as determined by mIHC, high-throughput sequencing of the TCR repertoire, and RT-qPCR, respectively. Furthermore, the severity of psoriatic lesions in CD4creTet2f/f mice was milder than that in Tet2f/f mice in the IMQ-induced psoriasis model. CONCLUSION We revealed the roles of senescent CD4+ T cells in developing psoriasis and highlighted the therapeutic potential of topical ABT-737 gel in treating psoriasis through the elimination of senescent cells, modulation of the TCR αβ repertoire, and regulation of the TET2-Th17 cell pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiao Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenghao He
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Congli Tang
- Nanjing ARP Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Cailing Song
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Arne N Akbar
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Venkat Reddy
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wenjing Pan
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Matemal and Child Health Care Hospital, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical school, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Song Li
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Matemal and Child Health Care Hospital, school of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical school, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Yixin Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haijing Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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5
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Nwosu GO, Ross DM, Powell JA, Pitson SM. Venetoclax therapy and emerging resistance mechanisms in acute myeloid leukaemia. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:413. [PMID: 38866760 PMCID: PMC11169396 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06810-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly aggressive and devastating malignancy of the bone marrow and blood. For decades, intensive chemotherapy has been the frontline treatment for AML but has yielded only poor patient outcomes as exemplified by a 5-year survival rate of < 30%, even in younger adults. As knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of AML has advanced, so too has the development new strategies with potential to improve the treatment of AML patients. To date the most promising of these targeted agents is the BH3-mimetic venetoclax which in combination with standard of care therapies, has manageable non-haematological toxicity and exhibits impressive efficacy. However, approximately 30% of AML patients fail to respond to venetoclax-based regimens and almost all treatment responders eventually relapse. Here, we review the emerging mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired venetoclax resistance in AML and highlight recent efforts to identify novel strategies to overcome resistance to venetoclax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gus O Nwosu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David M Ross
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Flinders University and Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jason A Powell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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6
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Zhang Z, Hou L, Liu D, Luan S, Huang M, Zhao L. Directly targeting BAX for drug discovery: Therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2378-2401. [PMID: 38828138 PMCID: PMC11143528 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
For over two decades, the development of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family therapeutics has primarily focused on anti-apoptotic proteins, resulting in the first-in-class drugs called BH3 mimetics, especially for Bcl-2 inhibitor Venetoclax. The pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) plays a crucial role as the executioner protein of the mitochondrial regulated cell death, contributing to organismal development, tissue homeostasis, and immunity. The dysregulation of BAX is closely associated with the onset and progression of diseases characterized by pathologic cell survival or death, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and heart failure. In addition to conducting thorough investigations into the physiological modulation of BAX, research on the regulatory mechanisms of small molecules identified through biochemical screening approaches has prompted the identification of functional and potentially druggable binding sites on BAX, as well as diverse all-molecule BAX modulators. This review presents recent advancements in elucidating the physiological and pharmacological modulation of BAX and in identifying potentially druggable binding sites on BAX. Furthermore, it highlights the structural and mechanistic insights into small-molecule modulators targeting diverse binding surfaces or conformations of BAX, offering a promising avenue for developing next-generation apoptosis modulators to treat a wide range of diseases associated with dysregulated cell death by directly targeting BAX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linghui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shenglin Luan
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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7
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Scott-McKean JJ, Matsuyama M, Guo CW, Ni L, Sassouni B, Kurup S, Nickells R, Matsuyama S. Cytoprotective Small Compound M109S Attenuated Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration Induced by Optic Nerve Crush in Mice. Cells 2024; 13:911. [PMID: 38891043 PMCID: PMC11172299 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BAX plays an essential role in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death induced by optic nerve injury. Recently, we developed M109S, an orally bioactive and cytoprotective small compound (CPSC) that inhibits BAX-mediated cell death. We examined whether M109S can protect RGC from optic nerve crush (ONC)-induced apoptosis. M109S was administered starting 5 h after ONC for 7 days. M109S was orally administered in two groups (5 mg/kg twice a day or 7.5 mg/kg once a day). The retina was stained with anti-BRN3A and cleaved Caspase-3 (active Caspase-3) that are the markers of RGC and apoptotic cells, respectively. ONC decreased the number of BRN3A-positive RGC and increased the number of active Caspase-3-expressing apoptotic cells. In ONC-treated retina, there were cells that were double stained with anti-BRN3A and ant-cleaved Caspase-3, indicating that apoptosis in BRN3A-positive RGCs occurred. M109S inhibited the decrease of BRN3A-positive cells whereas it inhibited the increase of active Caspase-3-positive cells in the retina of ONC-treated mice, suggesting that M109S inhibited apoptosis in RGCs. M109S did not induce detectable histological damage to the lungs or kidneys in mice, suggesting that M109S did not show toxicities in the lung or kidneys when the therapeutic dose was used. The present study suggests that M109S is effective in rescuing damaged RGCs. Since M109S is an orally bioactive small compound, M109S may become the basis for a portable patient-friendly medicine that can be used to prevent blindness by rescuing damaged optic nerve cells from death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah J. Scott-McKean
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.J.S.-M.); (C.W.G.); (B.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Mieko Matsuyama
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.J.S.-M.); (C.W.G.); (B.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Charles W. Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.J.S.-M.); (C.W.G.); (B.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Lin Ni
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.J.S.-M.); (C.W.G.); (B.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Brandon Sassouni
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.J.S.-M.); (C.W.G.); (B.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Shree Kurup
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.J.S.-M.); (C.W.G.); (B.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Robert Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Wisconsin (Madison), Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Shigemi Matsuyama
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (J.J.S.-M.); (C.W.G.); (B.S.); (S.K.)
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Departments of Medicine, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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8
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Del Bufalo D, Damia G. Overview of BH3 mimetics in ovarian cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102771. [PMID: 38875743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102771] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related death, still with a dismal five-year prognosis, mainly due to late diagnosis and the emergence of resistance to cytotoxic and targeted agents. Bcl-2 family proteins have a key role in apoptosis and are associated with tumor development/progression and response to therapy in different cancer types, including ovarian carcinoma. In tumors, evasion of apoptosis is a possible mechanism of resistance to therapy. BH3 mimetics are small molecules that occupy the hydrophobic pocket on pro-survival proteins, allowing the induction of apoptosis, and are currently under study as single agents and/or in combination with cytotoxic and targeted agents in solid tumors. Here, we discuss recent advances in targeting anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family for the treatment of ovarian cancer, focusing on BH3 mimetics, and how these approaches could potentially offer an alternative/complementary way to treat patients and overcome or delay resistance to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Experimental Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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9
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Guo Y, Xue H, Hu N, Liu Y, Sun H, Yu D, Qin L, Shi G, Wang F, Xin L, Sun W, Zhang F, Song X, Li S, Wei Q, Guo Y, Li Y, Liu X, Chen S, Zhang T, Wu Y, Su D, Zhu Y, Xu A, Xu H, Yang S, Zheng Z, Liu J, Yang X, Yuan X, Hong Y, Sun X, Guo Y, Zhou C, Liu X, Wang L, Wang Z. Discovery of the Clinical Candidate Sonrotoclax (BGB-11417), a Highly Potent and Selective Inhibitor for Both WT and G101V Mutant Bcl-2. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7836-7858. [PMID: 38695063 PMCID: PMC11129194 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
The approval of venetoclax, a B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) selective inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia demonstrated that the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 is a druggable target for B-cell malignancies. However, venetoclax's limited potency cannot produce a strong, durable clinical benefit in other Bcl-2-mediated malignancies (e.g., diffuse large B-cell lymphomas) and multiple recurrent Bcl-2 mutations (e.g., G101V) have been reported to mediate resistance to venetoclax after long-term treatment. Herein, we described novel Bcl-2 inhibitors with increased potency for both wild-type (WT) and mutant Bcl-2. Comprehensive structure optimization led to the clinical candidate BGB-11417 (compound 12e, sonrotoclax), which exhibits strong in vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity against both WT Bcl-2 and the G101V mutant, as well as excellent selectivity over Bcl-xL without obvious cytochrome P450 inhibition. Currently, BGB-11417 is undergoing phase II/III clinical assessments as monotherapy and combination treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhang Guo
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai Xue
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Hu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanzi Sun
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Desheng Yu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Qin
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gongyin Shi
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Xin
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weihua Sun
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Song
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuran Li
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Guo
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Li
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxin Liu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Chen
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Taichang Zhang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Su
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yutong Zhu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aiying Xu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haipeng Xu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shasha Yang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Zheng
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junhua Liu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuefei Yang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Yuan
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuebing Sun
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yin Guo
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changyou Zhou
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Liu
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lai Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Molecular Science, Department of Discovery
Biology, Department of In Vivo Pharmacology, and Department of DMPK-BA, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Zhou Y, Tao L, Qiu J, Xu J, Yang X, Zhang Y, Tian X, Guan X, Cen X, Zhao Y. Tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:132. [PMID: 38763973 PMCID: PMC11102923 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers, the substances which are produced by tumors or the body's responses to tumors during tumorigenesis and progression, have been demonstrated to possess critical and encouraging value in screening and early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, recurrence detection, and therapeutic efficacy monitoring of cancers. Over the past decades, continuous progress has been made in exploring and discovering novel, sensitive, specific, and accurate tumor biomarkers, which has significantly promoted personalized medicine and improved the outcomes of cancer patients, especially advances in molecular biology technologies developed for the detection of tumor biomarkers. Herein, we summarize the discovery and development of tumor biomarkers, including the history of tumor biomarkers, the conventional and innovative technologies used for biomarker discovery and detection, the classification of tumor biomarkers based on tissue origins, and the application of tumor biomarkers in clinical cancer management. In particular, we highlight the recent advancements in biomarker-based anticancer-targeted therapies which are emerging as breakthroughs and promising cancer therapeutic strategies. We also discuss limitations and challenges that need to be addressed and provide insights and perspectives to turn challenges into opportunities in this field. Collectively, the discovery and application of multiple tumor biomarkers emphasized in this review may provide guidance on improved precision medicine, broaden horizons in future research directions, and expedite the clinical classification of cancer patients according to their molecular biomarkers rather than organs of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Tao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Qiu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- School of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Xinyu Tian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinqi Guan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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11
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Somsen BA, Cossar PJ, Arkin MR, Brunsveld L, Ottmann C. 14-3-3 Protein-Protein Interactions: From Mechanistic Understanding to Their Small-Molecule Stabilization. Chembiochem 2024:e202400214. [PMID: 38738787 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400214] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are of utmost importance for maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Herein, a central role can be found for 14-3-3 proteins. These hub-proteins are known to bind hundreds of interaction partners, thereby regulating their activity, localization, and/or stabilization. Due to their ability to bind a large variety of client proteins, studies of 14-3-3 protein complexes flourished over the last decades, aiming to gain greater molecular understanding of these complexes and their role in health and disease. Because of their crucial role within the cell, 14-3-3 protein complexes are recognized as highly interesting therapeutic targets, encouraging the discovery of small molecule modulators of these PPIs. We discuss various examples of 14-3-3-mediated regulation of its binding partners on a mechanistic level, highlighting the versatile and multi-functional role of 14-3-3 within the cell. Furthermore, an overview is given on the development of stabilizers of 14-3-3 protein complexes, from initially used natural products to fragment-based approaches. These studies show the potential of 14-3-3 PPI stabilizers as novel agents in drug discovery and as tool compounds to gain greater molecular understanding of the role of 14-3-3-based protein regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente A Somsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, MB Eindhoven, 5600, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Cossar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, MB Eindhoven, 5600, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle R Arkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Small Molecule Discovery Center (SMDC), University of California, San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, MB Eindhoven, 5600, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, MB Eindhoven, 5600, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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12
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Dyer MJS, Walter HS. BCL2 inhibition: back to the future! Blood 2024; 143:1787-1788. [PMID: 38696193 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023023796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
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13
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Yuan Z, van Delft MF, Li MX, Sumardy F, Smith BJ, Huang DCS, Lessene G, Khakam Y, Jin R, He S, Smith NA, Birkinshaw RW, Czabotar PE, Dewson G. Key residues in the VDAC2-BAK complex can be targeted to modulate apoptosis. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002617. [PMID: 38696533 PMCID: PMC11098506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BAK and BAX execute intrinsic apoptosis by permeabilising the mitochondrial outer membrane. Their activity is regulated through interactions with pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins and with non-BCL-2 proteins including the mitochondrial channel protein VDAC2. VDAC2 is important for bringing both BAK and BAX to mitochondria where they execute their apoptotic function. Despite this important function in apoptosis, while interactions with pro-survival family members are well characterised and have culminated in the development of drugs that target these interfaces to induce cancer cell apoptosis, the interaction between BAK and VDAC2 remains largely undefined. Deep scanning mutagenesis coupled with cysteine linkage identified key residues in the interaction between BAK and VDAC2. Obstructive labelling of specific residues in the BH3 domain or hydrophobic groove of BAK disrupted this interaction. Conversely, mutating specific residues in a cytosol-exposed region of VDAC2 stabilised the interaction with BAK and inhibited BAK apoptotic activity. Thus, this VDAC2-BAK interaction site can potentially be targeted to either inhibit BAK-mediated apoptosis in scenarios where excessive apoptosis contributes to disease or to promote BAK-mediated apoptosis for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yuan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark F. van Delft
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Xiang Li
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Fransisca Sumardy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brian J. Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C. S. Huang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yelena Khakam
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruitao Jin
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Sitong He
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Smith
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard W. Birkinshaw
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter E. Czabotar
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Fowler-Shorten DJ, Hellmich C, Markham M, Bowles KM, Rushworth SA. BCL-2 inhibition in haematological malignancies: Clinical application and complications. Blood Rev 2024; 65:101195. [PMID: 38523032 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2024.101195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins are fundamental regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway which modulate cellular fate. In many haematological malignancies, overexpression of anti-apoptotic factors (BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1) circumvent apoptosis. To address this cancer hallmark, a concerted effort has been made to induce apoptosis by inhibiting BCL-2 family proteins. A series of highly selective BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain mimetics are in clinical use and in ongoing clinical trials for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma (MM). These inhibitors serve as promising candidates, both as single agents or in combination therapy to improve patient outcomes. In other diseases such as follicular lymphoma, efficacy has been notably limited. There are also clinical problems with BCL-2 family inhibition, including drug resistance, disease relapse, tumour lysis syndrome, and clinically relevant cytopenias. Here, we provide a balanced view on both the clinical benefits of BCL-2 inhibition as well as the associated challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic J Fowler-Shorten
- Centre for Metabolic Health, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Charlotte Hellmich
- Centre for Metabolic Health, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; Department of Haematology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK
| | - Matthew Markham
- Centre for Metabolic Health, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Kristian M Bowles
- Centre for Metabolic Health, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; Department of Haematology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK
| | - Stuart A Rushworth
- Centre for Metabolic Health, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK.
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15
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Chan B, Dawson W, Nakajima T. Sorting drug conformers in enzyme active sites: the XTB way. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:12610-12618. [PMID: 38597505 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00930d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, we have used the MEI196 set of interaction energies to investigate low-cost computational chemistry approaches for the calculation of binding between a molecule and its environment. Density functional theory (DFT) methods, when used with the vDZP basis set, yield good agreement with the reference energies. On the other hand, semi-empirical methods are less accurate as expected. By examining different groups of systems within MEI196 that contain species of a similar nature, we find that chemical similarity leads to cancellation of errors in the calculation of relative binding energies. Importantly, the semi-empirical method GFN1-xTB (XTB1) yields reasonable results for this purpose. We have thus further assessed the performance of XTB1 for calculating relative energies of docking poses of substrates in enzyme active sites represented by cluster models or within the ONIOM protocol. The results support the observations on error cancellation. This paves the way for the use of XTB1 in parts of large-scale virtual screening workflows to accelerate the drug discovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bun Chan
- Graduate School of Engineering, Nagasaki University, Bunkyo 1-14, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan.
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science, 7-1-26, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - William Dawson
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science, 7-1-26, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takahito Nakajima
- RIKEN Center for Computational Science, 7-1-26, Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
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16
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Wang W, Wang S, Li Y, Zhu M, Xu Q, Luo B, Liu Y, Liu Y. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification of the mechanism of Guanxining in treating diabetic atherosclerosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117792. [PMID: 38290612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guanxinning(GXN) tablet is a patented traditional Chinese medicine widely used to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. However, its potential mechanism and target in anti-diabetic atherosclerosis have not been clarified. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying targets and mechanisms of action GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis, employing a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental verification. METHODS We predicted the core components and targets of GXN in the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis through various databases, and made analysis and molecular docking. In vitro, we induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells using glucose/palmitate and observed the effects of GXN on cellular damage high-glucose and high-fat conditions, subsequently elucidating its molecular mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 14 active components and 157 targets of GXN were identified. Using the PPI network, we selected 9 core active components and 20 targets of GXN. GO functional analysis revealed that these targets were primarily associated with apoptosis signaling pathways in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress and reactive oxygen species responses. Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinities of the primary active components of GXN with ERN1, MAPK1 and BECN1. In vitro experiments demonstrated the ability of GXN to restore endothelial cell activity, enhance cell migration and inhibit sICAM secretion, and upregulate the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins (IRE1, XBP1) and autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1, LC3A, and LC3B), while simultaneously inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis under high-glucose and high-fat conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that GXN can potentially safeguard endothelial cells from the adverse effects of high-glucose and high-fat by modulating the interactions between endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. Therefore, GXN is a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Sutong Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014 Shandong China
| | - Yiwen Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Qian Xu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Binyu Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China; The Second Department of Gerontology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
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17
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Graef J, Ehrt C, Reim T, Rarey M. Database-Driven Identification of Structurally Similar Protein-Protein Interfaces. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3332-3349. [PMID: 38470439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Analyzing the similarity of protein interfaces in protein-protein interactions gives new insights into protein function and assists in discovering new drugs. Usually, tools that assess the similarity focus on the interactions between two protein interfaces, while sometimes we only have one predicted interface. Herein, we present PiMine, a database-driven protein interface similarity search. It compares interface residues of one or two interacting chains by calculating and searching tetrahedral geometric patterns of α-carbon atoms and calculating physicochemical and shape-based similarity. On a dedicated, tailor-made dataset, we show that PiMine outperforms commonly used comparison tools in terms of early enrichment when considering interfaces of sequentially and structurally unrelated proteins. In an application example, we demonstrate its usability for protein interaction partner prediction by comparing predicted interfaces to known protein-protein interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Graef
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Ehrt
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorben Reim
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Rarey
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
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18
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Fűr GM, Nemes K, Magó É, Benő AÁ, Topolcsányi P, Moldvay J, Pongor LS. Applied models and molecular characteristics of small cell lung cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2024; 30:1611743. [PMID: 38711976 PMCID: PMC11070512 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2024.1611743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive type of cancer frequently diagnosed with metastatic spread, rendering it surgically unresectable for the majority of patients. Although initial responses to platinum-based therapies are often observed, SCLC invariably relapses within months, frequently developing drug-resistance ultimately contributing to short overall survival rates. Recently, SCLC research aimed to elucidate the dynamic changes in the genetic and epigenetic landscape. These have revealed distinct subtypes of SCLC, each characterized by unique molecular signatures. The recent understanding of the molecular heterogeneity of SCLC has opened up potential avenues for precision medicine, enabling the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. In this review, we delve into the applied models and computational approaches that have been instrumental in the identification of promising drug candidates. We also explore the emerging molecular diagnostic tools that hold the potential to transform clinical practice and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Mihalekné Fűr
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kolos Nemes
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Éva Magó
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
- Genome Integrity and DNA Repair Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Á. Benő
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Petronella Topolcsányi
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judit Moldvay
- Department of Pulmonology, Szeged University Szent-Gyorgyi Albert Medical School, Szeged, Hungary
- 1st Department of Pulmonology, National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lőrinc S. Pongor
- Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Core Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine (HCEMM), Szeged, Hungary
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19
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Sabile JMG, Swords R, Tyner JW. Evaluating targeted therapies in older patients with TP53-mutated AML. Leuk Lymphoma 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38646877 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2344057] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Mutation of thetumor suppressor gene, TP53 (tumor protein 53), occurs in up to 15% of all patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is enriched within specific clinical subsets, most notably in older adults, and including secondary AML cases arising from preceding myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), patients exposed to prior DNA-damaging, cytotoxic therapies. In all cases, these tumors have remained difficult to effectively treat with conventional therapeutic regimens. Newer approaches fortreatmentofTP53-mutated AML have shifted to interventions that maymodulateTP53 function, target downstream molecular vulnerabilities, target non-p53 dependent molecular pathways, and/or elicit immunogenic responses. This review will describe the basic biology of TP53, the clinical and biological patterns of TP53 within myeloid neoplasms with a focus on elderly AML patients and will summarize newer therapeutic strategies and current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M G Sabile
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ronan Swords
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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20
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El-Masry TA, El-Nagar MMF, El Mahdy NA, Alherz FA, Taher R, Osman EY. Potential Antitumor Activity of Combined Lycopene and Sorafenib against Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma via Targeting Autophagy and Apoptosis and Suppressing Proliferation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:527. [PMID: 38675487 PMCID: PMC11055160 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040527] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An FDA-approved kinase inhibitor called sorafenib (SOR) is used to treat primary kidney and liver cancer as well as to stop the spread of advanced breast cancer. Side effects from SOR, such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, can negatively impact an individual's quality of life. There are a lot of data supporting the importance of lycopene (LYC) in preventing cancer. The antitumor properties of the combination of sorafenib and lycopene were examined in this study. A viability test against MDA-MB-231 was used to assess the anticancer efficacy of sorafenib, lycopene, and their combination in vitro. Moreover, a cell cycle analysis and Annexin-V/PI double staining were performed by using flow cytometry. In addition, the protein level of JNK-1, ERK-1, Beclin-1, P38, and P53 of the MDA-MB-231 cell line was estimated using ELISA kits. In addition, mice with SEC were divided into four equal groups at random (n = 10) to investigate the possible processes underlying the in vivo antitumor effect. Group IV (SEC-SOR-LYC) received SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.); Group I received the SEC control; Group II received SEC-SOR (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.); and Group III received SEC-LYC (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The findings demonstrated that the combination of sorafenib and lycopene was superior to sorafenib and lycopene alone in causing early cell cycle arrest, suppressing the viability of cancer cells, and increasing cell apoptosis and autophagy. Likewise, the combination of sorafenib and lycopene demonstrated inhibition of the levels of Bcl-2, Ki-67, VEGF, IL-1β, and TNF-α protein. Otherwise, the quantities of the proteins BAX, P53, and caspase 3 were amplified. Furthermore, the combined treatment led to a substantial increase in TNF-α, caspase 3, and VEGF gene expression compared to the equivalent dosages of monotherapy. The combination of sorafenib and lycopene enhanced apoptosis and reduced inflammation, as seen by the tumor's decreased weight and volume, hence demonstrating its potential anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanaa A. El-Masry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Maysa M. F. El-Nagar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Nageh A. El Mahdy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Fatemah A. Alherz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Reham Taher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
| | - Enass Y. Osman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt; (N.A.E.M.); (R.T.); (E.Y.O.)
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21
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Yildirim N, Sarojam L, Smith VM, Pieper NM, Anders M, Jackson RA, Fuhrmann DC, Särchen V, Brücher D, Weigert A, Dyer MJS, Vogler M. Identification of a novel form of caspase-independent cell death triggered by BH3-mimetics in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell lines. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:266. [PMID: 38622118 PMCID: PMC11018778 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06652-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BH3-mimetics represent promising anti-cancer agents in tumors that rely on the anti-apoptotic function of B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL2) proteins, particularly in leukemia and lymphoma cells primed for apoptosis. Mechanistically, BH3-mimetics may displace pro-apoptotic binding partners thus inducing BAX/BAK-mediated mitochondrial permeabilization followed by cytochrome c release, activation of the caspase cascade and apoptosis. Here, we describe a novel mode of caspase-independent cell death (CICD) induced by BH3-mimetics in a subset of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. Of note, rather than occurring via necroptosis, CICD induced immediately after mitochondrial permeabilization was associated with transcriptional reprogramming mediated by activation of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signaling and Activator Protein 1 (AP1). Thereby, CICD resulted in the JNK/AP1-mediated upregulation of inflammatory chemokines and increased migration of cytotoxic Natural Killer (NK) cells. Taken together, our study describes a novel mode of CICD triggered by BH3-mimetics that may alter the immune response towards dying cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahide Yildirim
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lakshmi Sarojam
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Victoria M Smith
- The Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nadja M Pieper
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marius Anders
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ross A Jackson
- The Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Dominik C Fuhrmann
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vinzenz Särchen
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniela Brücher
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, a partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin J S Dyer
- The Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, a partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
- University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
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22
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Döring M, Brux M, Paszkowski-Rogacz M, Guillem-Gloria PM, Buchholz F, Pisabarro MT, Theis M. Nucleolar protein TAAP1/ C22orf46 confers pro-survival signaling in non-small cell lung cancer. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302257. [PMID: 38228372 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells subvert immune surveillance or lytic stress by harnessing inhibitory signals. Hence, bispecific antibodies have been developed to direct CTLs to the tumor site and foster immune-dependent cytotoxicity. Although applied with success, T cell-based immunotherapies are not universally effective partially because of the expression of pro-survival factors by tumor cells protecting them from apoptosis. Here, we report a CRISPR/Cas9 screen in human non-small cell lung cancer cells designed to identify genes that confer tumors with the ability to evade the cytotoxic effects of CD8+ T lymphocytes engaged by bispecific antibodies. We show that the gene C22orf46 facilitates pro-survival signals and that tumor cells devoid of C22orf46 expression exhibit increased susceptibility to T cell-induced apoptosis and stress by genotoxic agents. Although annotated as a non-coding gene, we demonstrate that C22orf46 encodes a nucleolar protein, hereafter referred to as "Tumor Apoptosis Associated Protein 1," up-regulated in lung cancer, which displays remote homologies to the BH domain containing Bcl-2 family of apoptosis regulators. Collectively, the findings establish TAAP1/C22orf46 as a pro-survival oncogene with implications to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Döring
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Melanie Brux
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maciej Paszkowski-Rogacz
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pedro M Guillem-Gloria
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 Structural Bioinformatics, BIOTEC, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Frank Buchholz
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Dresden, Germany
| | - M Teresa Pisabarro
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 Structural Bioinformatics, BIOTEC, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko Theis
- https://ror.org/042aqky30 National Center for Tumor Diseases/University Cancer Center (NCT/UCC): German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- https://ror.org/00e7dfm13 Medical Systems Biologyhttps://ror.org/042aqky30 , Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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23
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Ahn IE, Davids MS. Therapeutic targeting of apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:109-118. [PMID: 38538512 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of apoptosis with small molecule B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibition with venetoclax is highly efficacious in CLL, leading to sustained deep responses, particularly among patients with treatment-naïve disease with favorable prognostic markers. Patients with unfavorable genetic characteristics such as TP53 aberration and unmutated IGHV may also derive durable benefits, but their remission duration after time-limited venetoclax-containing combination therapy is shorter, particularly in patients with relapsed/refractory disease. Emerging data indicate that the context of disease progression after initial treatment with venetoclax may define the success of re-treatment with venetoclax. Specifically, continuous venetoclax exposure may select for resistant disease due to genetic mechanisms such as BCL2 mutations and functional resistance mechanisms such as hyperphosphorylation of BCL-2 family proteins, which decrease the affinity of venetoclax binding to the target or lead to increased MCL-1 dependence and concomitant decrease in BCL-2 dependence. These patients may be best served by switching to a different class of targeted agents at the time of progression. In contrast, relapsed CLL that arises while being off therapy after a period of time-limited venetoclax-based regimens maintains sensitivity to re-treatment with venetoclax for the majority of patients. Novel strategies related to therapeutic targeting of apoptosis include next-generation BCL-2 inhibitors with improved potency and pharmacokinetic profiles, direct targeting of anti-apoptotic BH3 family proteins beyond BCL-2 such as MCL-1, and indirect targeting of MCL-1 through mechanisms such as small molecule cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitors.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Inhye E Ahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew S Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.
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24
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Hoque MM, Iida Y, Kotani H, Harada M. Senolysis of gemcitabine-induced senescent human pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2075. [PMID: 38662379 PMCID: PMC11044911 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gemcitabine (GEM) is often used to treat pancreatic cancer. Many anti-cancer drugs induce cancer cell death, but some cells survive after cell cycle arrest. Such a response to DNA damage is termed cellular senescence. Certain drugs, including the Bcl-2-family inhibitor ABT-263, kill senescent cells; this is termed senolysis. In this study, we examined the therapeutic benefits of ABT-263 in GEM-induced senescence of human pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS AND RESULTS Of four pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1, AsPC-1, CFPAC-1, and PANC10.05), GEM induced senescent features in PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells, including increases in the cell sizes and expression levels of mRNAs encoding interleukin (IL)-6/IL-8 and induction of β-galactosidase. Successive treatment with GEM and ABT-263 triggered apoptosis in PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells and suppressed colony formation significantly. Senolysis of GEM-induced senescent pancreatic cancer cells by ABT-263 was triggered by a Bcl-xL inhibitor, but not by a Bcl-2 inhibitor, suggesting a central role for Bcl-xL in senolysis. In a xenograft mouse model, combined treatment with GEM and ABT-737 (an ABT-263 analog exhibiting the same specificity) suppressed in vivo growth of AsPC-1 significantly. CONCLUSION Together, our results indicate that sequential treatment with GEM and senolytic drugs effectively kill human pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuichi Iida
- Department of ImmunologyShimane University Faculty of MedicineIzumoShimaneJapan
| | - Hitoshi Kotani
- Department of ImmunologyShimane University Faculty of MedicineIzumoShimaneJapan
| | - Mamoru Harada
- Department of ImmunologyShimane University Faculty of MedicineIzumoShimaneJapan
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25
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Samia S, Sandeep Chary P, Khan O, Kumar Mehra N. Recent trends and advances in novel formulations as an armament in Bcl-2/Bax targeted breast cancer. Int J Pharm 2024; 653:123889. [PMID: 38346605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health burden worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins, Bcl-2 and Bax, play a crucial role in regulating apoptosis and thus are promising targets for BC therapy. We focus on the recent advancements in novel formulations that specifically target Bcl-2/Bax pathway to combat BC. It provides an overview on biological functions of Bcl-2/Bax in apoptosis regulation, emphasizing their significance in pathogenesis and progression of the disease while covering the numerous therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the Bcl-2/Bax pathway, including small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, gene-based therapies and other repurposed drugs harboured onto cutting-edge technologies and nanocarrier systems employed to enhance the targeted delivery of Bcl-2/Bax inhibitors tumor cells. These advanced formulations aim to improve therapeutic efficacy, minimize off-target effects, and overcome drug resistance, offering promising prospects in its treatment. In conclusion, it illuminates the diverse and evolving landscape of novel formulations as an essential armament in targeting these proteins while bridging and unravelling the obscurity of Bcl-2/Bax pathway-targeted drug delivery systems which are presently in their nascent stages of exploration for BC therapy which can benefit researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaikh Samia
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Padakanti Sandeep Chary
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Omar Khan
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Neelesh Kumar Mehra
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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26
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DeRatt LG, Pietsch EC, Cisar JS, Jacoby E, Kazmi F, Matico R, Shaffer P, Tanner A, Wang W, Attar R, Edwards JP, Kuduk SD. Discovery of Alternative Binding Poses through Fragment-Based Identification of DHODH Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:381-387. [PMID: 38505861 PMCID: PMC10945543 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a mitochondrial enzyme that affects many aspects essential to cell proliferation and survival. Recently, DHODH has been identified as a potential target for acute myeloid leukemia therapy. Herein, we describe the identification of potent DHODH inhibitors through a scaffold hopping approach emanating from a fragment screen followed by structure-based drug design to further improve the overall profile and reveal an unexpected novel binding mode. Additionally, these compounds had low P-gp efflux ratios, allowing for applications where exposure to the brain would be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey G. DeRatt
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - E. Christine Pietsch
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Justin S. Cisar
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Edgar Jacoby
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Faraz Kazmi
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Rosalie Matico
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Paul Shaffer
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Alexandra Tanner
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Weixue Wang
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Ricardo Attar
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - James P. Edwards
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Scott D. Kuduk
- Janssen
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 1400 McKean Rd., Spring
House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
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27
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Kopparapu PR, Pearce MC, Löhr CV, Duong C, Jang HS, Tyavanagimatt S, O'Donnell EF, Nakshatri H, Kolluri SK. Identification and Characterization of a Small Molecule Bcl-2 Functional Converter. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:634-644. [PMID: 38329389 PMCID: PMC10911799 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells exploit the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 to evade apoptosis and develop resistance to therapeutics. High levels of Bcl-2 leads to sequestration of pro-apoptotic proteins causing the apoptotic machinery to halt. In this study, we report discovery of a small molecule, BFC1108 (5-chloro-N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-2-[(4-methoxybenzyol)amino]benzamide), which targets Bcl-2 and converts it into a pro-apoptotic protein. The apoptotic effect of BFC1108 is not inhibited, but rather potentiated, by Bcl-2 overexpression. BFC1108 induces a conformational change in Bcl-2, resulting in the exposure of its BH3 domain both in vitro and in vivo. BFC1108 suppresses the growth of triple-negative breast cancer xenografts with high Bcl-2 expression and inhibits breast cancer lung metastasis. This study demonstrates a novel approach to targeting Bcl-2 using BFC1108, a small molecule Bcl-2 functional converter that effectively induces apoptosis in Bcl-2-expressing cancers. SIGNIFICANCE We report the identification of a small molecule that exposes the Bcl-2 killer conformation and induces death in Bcl-2-expressing cancer cells. Selective targeting of Bcl-2 and elimination of cancer cells expressing Bcl-2 opens up new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad R. Kopparapu
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Martin C. Pearce
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Christiane V. Löhr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Cathy Duong
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Hyo Sang Jang
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Shanthakumar Tyavanagimatt
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Edmond F. O'Donnell
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | | | - Siva K. Kolluri
- Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
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28
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Gong Q, Wang H, Zhou M, Zhou L, Wang R, Li Y. B-cell lymphoma-2 family proteins in the crosshairs: Small molecule inhibitors and activators for cancer therapy. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:707-737. [PMID: 37983840 DOI: 10.1002/med.21999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family of proteins plays a crucial role in the regulation of apoptosis, offering a dual mechanism for its control. Numerous studies have established a strong association between gene disorders of these proteins and the proliferation of diverse cancer cell types. Consequently, the identification and development of drugs targeting BCL-2 family proteins have emerged as a prominent area in antitumor therapy. Over the last two decades, several small-molecules have been designed to modulate the protein-protein interactions between anti- and proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, effectively suppressing tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. The primary focus of research has been on developing BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics to target antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, thereby competitively releasing proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins and restoring the blocked intrinsic apoptotic program. Additionally, for proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, exogenous small molecules have been explored to activate cell apoptosis by directly interacting with executioner proteins such as BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) or BCL-2 homologous antagonist/killer protein (BAK). In this comprehensive review, we summarize the inhibitors and activators (sensitizers) of BCL-2 family proteins developed over the past decades, highlighting their discovery, optimization, preclinical and clinical status, and providing an overall landscape of drug development targeting these proteins for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qineng Gong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Renxiao Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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29
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Möbitz H. Design Principles for Balancing Lipophilicity and Permeability in beyond Rule of 5 Space. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300395. [PMID: 37986275 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
An ab initio conformational analysis of oral beyond Rule of 5 (bRo5) drugs was complemented with measured permeability and logP(octanol) to derive design principles conferring oral bioavailability. 3D polar surface area (PSA) thresholds for oral bRo5 drugs coincided with those reported for Ro5 space. The majority of oral bRo5 drugs exceeded the Ro5 logP threshold of 5, reflecting a bias for permeability. Above 500 Da molecular weight (MW), oral drugs and highly permeable Novartis compounds occupy a narrow polarity range (topological or TPSA/MW) of 0.1-0.3 Å2 /Da, whose upper half coincides with the lower 90 percentiles of the Novartis logP set. This TPSA/MW range and 3D PSA below 100 Å2 define the "Rule of ~1 /₅" for balancing lipophilicity and permeability. Neutral TPSA, defined as TPSA minus 3D PSA occurs independent of conformation, intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IMHB) and MW, suggesting it is an intrinsic molecular property. Neutral TPSA increased in the lead optimization (LO) campaigns of three first in class de novo designed bRo5 drugs and may be a useful design parameter in bRo5 space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Möbitz
- Computer-Aided Drug Design, Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis BioMedical Research, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Aibinder P, Cohen-Erez I, Rapaport H. Rational Formulation of targeted ABT-737 nanoparticles by self-assembled polypeptides and designed peptides. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26095. [PMID: 38420433 PMCID: PMC10900936 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Here we present the development of nanoparticles (NPs) formulations specifically designed for targeting the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins on the outer membrane of mitochondria with the drug agent ABT-737. The NPs which are self-assembled by the natural polypeptide poly gamma glutamic acid (ϒPGA) and a designed cationic and amphiphilic peptide (PFK) have been shown to target drugs toward mitochondria. In this study we systematically developed the formulation of such NPs loaded with the ABT-737 and demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of the best identified formulation on MDA-MB-231 cells. Our findings emphasize the critical role of solutions pH and the charged state of the components throughout the formulation process as well as the concentrations of the co-components and their mixing sequence, in achieving the most stable and effective cytotoxic formulation. Our study highlights the potential versatility of designed peptides in combination with biopolymers for improving drug delivery formulations and enhance their targeting abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Aibinder
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Ifat Cohen-Erez
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Hanna Rapaport
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology (IKI), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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31
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Wittlinger F, Ogboo BC, Shevchenko E, Damghani T, Pham CD, Schaeffner IK, Oligny BT, Chitnis SP, Beyett TS, Rasch A, Buckley B, Urul DA, Shaurova T, May EW, Schaefer EM, Eck MJ, Hershberger PA, Poso A, Laufer SA, Heppner DE. Linking ATP and allosteric sites to achieve superadditive binding with bivalent EGFR kinase inhibitors. Commun Chem 2024; 7:38. [PMID: 38378740 PMCID: PMC10879502 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bivalent molecules consisting of groups connected through bridging linkers often exhibit strong target binding and unique biological effects. However, developing bivalent inhibitors with the desired activity is challenging due to the dual motif architecture of these molecules and the variability that can be introduced through differing linker structures and geometries. We report a set of alternatively linked bivalent EGFR inhibitors that simultaneously occupy the ATP substrate and allosteric pockets. Crystal structures show that initial and redesigned linkers bridging a trisubstituted imidazole ATP-site inhibitor and dibenzodiazepinone allosteric-site inhibitor proved successful in spanning these sites. The re-engineered linker yielded a compound that exhibited significantly higher potency (~60 pM) against the drug-resistant EGFR L858R/T790M and L858R/T790M/C797S, which was superadditive as compared with the parent molecules. The enhanced potency is attributed to factors stemming from the linker connection to the allosteric-site group and informs strategies to engineer linkers in bivalent agent design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Wittlinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Blessing C Ogboo
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Ekaterina Shevchenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies" Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tahereh Damghani
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Calvin D Pham
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Ilse K Schaeffner
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Brandon T Oligny
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Surbhi P Chitnis
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA
| | - Tyler S Beyett
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 5119 Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alexander Rasch
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Brian Buckley
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Daniel A Urul
- AssayQuant Technologies, Inc., Marlboro, MA, 01752, USA
| | - Tatiana Shaurova
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Earl W May
- AssayQuant Technologies, Inc., Marlboro, MA, 01752, USA
| | | | - Michael J Eck
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Pamela A Hershberger
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Antti Poso
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies" Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, 70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies" Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - David E Heppner
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
- Department of Structural Biology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14260, USA.
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32
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Li F, Liu J, Liu C, Liu Z, Peng X, Huang Y, Chen X, Sun X, Wang S, Chen W, Xiong D, Diao X, Wang S, Zhuang J, Wu C, Wu D. Cyclic peptides discriminate BCL-2 and its clinical mutants from BCL-X L by engaging a single-residue discrepancy. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1476. [PMID: 38368459 PMCID: PMC10874388 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45848-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexpressed pro-survival B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins BCL-2 and BCL-XL can render tumor cells malignant. Leukemia drug venetoclax is currently the only approved selective BCL-2 inhibitor. However, its application has led to an emergence of resistant mutations, calling for drugs with an innovative mechanism of action. Herein we present cyclic peptides (CPs) with nanomolar-level binding affinities to BCL-2 or BCL-XL, and further reveal the structural and functional mechanisms of how these CPs target two proteins in a fashion that is remarkably different from traditional small-molecule inhibitors. In addition, these CPs can bind to the venetoclax-resistant clinical BCL-2 mutants with similar affinities as to the wild-type protein. Furthermore, we identify a single-residue discrepancy between BCL-2 D111 and BCL-XL A104 as a molecular "switch" that can differently engage CPs. Our study suggests that CPs may inhibit BCL-2 or BCL-XL by delicately modulating protein-protein interactions, potentially benefiting the development of next-generation therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwei Li
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Junjie Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiangda Peng
- Shanghai Zelixir Biotech Company Ltd., Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yinyue Huang
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xiangnan Sun
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Dan Xiong
- Xiamen Lifeint Technology Company Ltd., Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiaotong Diao
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Shanghai Zelixir Biotech Company Ltd., Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jingjing Zhuang
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China
| | - Chuanliu Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis and Instrumentation, State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Dalei Wu
- Helmholtz International Lab, State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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33
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Lin C, Zhang Y, Liao J, Cui S, Gao Z, Han W. Effect of photodynamic therapy mediated by hematoporphyrin derivatives on small cell lung cancer H446 cells and bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Lasers Med Sci 2024; 39:65. [PMID: 38368311 PMCID: PMC10874342 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) mediated by hematoporphyrin derivatives (HPD) on the proliferation of small cell lung cancer H446 cells and bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. H446 cells and BEAS-2B cells were cultured in vitro with different concentrations of HPD(0, 5, 10, 12, 15, 20 μg/mL) for 4 h, and then irradiated with 630 nm laser with different energy densities (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mW/cm2). Cell viability of H446 cells and BEAS-2B cells were detected by CCK8 assay. The cell apoptosis was observed with Annexin V-FTTC/PI double staining and Hoechst 33258. The RT-PCR examination was applied to detect the transcriptional changes of the mRNA of Bax、Bcl-2, and Caspase-9. The results of CCK8 showed that when the HPD was 15 μg/mL and the laser power density reached 50 mW/cm2, the cell viability was significantly decreased compared with the black control group. Hoechst 33258 staining showed that with the increase of HPD concentration, the cell density was reduced, and apoptotic cells increased. Flow cytometry assay revealed that the apoptotic rates of the HPD-PDT group of H446 cells and BEAS-2B cells were significantly different from those of the blank control group. The RT-PCR examination showed that the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-9 mRNA in the HPD-PDT group were up-regulated, while the expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA were down-regulated significantly. HPD-PDT can inhibit H446 cells and BEAS-2B cells growth. The mechanism may be related to up-regulating the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-9 mRNA and down-regulating the expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunzhi Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yan Tai, 264001, China
| | - Jiemei Liao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, 411199, China
| | - Shichao Cui
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Zhe Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Weizhong Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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34
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Bhatia K, Sandhu V, Wong MH, Iyer P, Bhatt S. Therapeutic biomarkers in acute myeloid leukemia: functional and genomic approaches. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1275251. [PMID: 38410111 PMCID: PMC10894932 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1275251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is clinically and genetically a heterogeneous disease characterized by clonal expansion of abnormal hematopoietic progenitors. Genomic approaches to precision medicine have been implemented to direct targeted therapy for subgroups of AML patients, for instance, IDH inhibitors for IDH1/2 mutated patients, and FLT3 inhibitors with FLT3 mutated patients. While next generation sequencing for genetic mutations has improved treatment outcomes, only a fraction of AML patients benefit due to the low prevalence of actionable targets. In recent years, the adoption of newer functional technologies for quantitative phenotypic analysis and patient-derived avatar models has strengthened the potential for generalized functional precision medicine approach. However, functional approach requires robust standardization for multiple variables such as functional parameters, time of drug exposure and drug concentration for making in vitro predictions. In this review, we first summarize genomic and functional therapeutic biomarkers adopted for AML therapy, followed by challenges associated with these approaches, and finally, the future strategies to enhance the implementation of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanpreet Bhatia
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vedant Sandhu
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mei Hsuan Wong
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Prasad Iyer
- Children's Blood and Cancer Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shruti Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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35
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Richardson M, Richardson DR. Pharmacological Targeting of Senescence with Senolytics as a New Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegeneration. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:64-74. [PMID: 38164616 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a state of permanent cell-cycle arrest. Early in life, senescence has a physiologic role in tumor suppression and wound healing. However, gradually, as these senescent cells accumulate over the lifespan of an organism, they contribute to inflammation and the progression of age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration. Targeting senescent cells using a class of drugs known as "senolytics" holds great promise for the management of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Already, several senolytic compounds have been shown to ameliorate cognitive deficits across several preclinical models of neurodegeneration. Most of these senolytics (e.g., dasatinib) are repurposed clinical or experimental anticancer drugs, which trigger apoptosis of senescent cells by interfering with pro-survival pathways. However, outside of their senolytic function, many first-generation senolytics also have other less appreciated neuroprotective effects, such as potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, some senolytic drugs may also have negative dose-limiting toxicities, including thrombocytopenia. In this review, we discuss the various biologic pathways targeted by the leading senolytic drugs, namely dasatinib, quercetin, fisetin, and navitoclax. We further evaluate the clinical transability of these compounds for neurodegeneration, assessing their adverse effects, pharmacokinetic properties, and chemical structure. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying treatments for the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Some of the drugs currently available for treating these diseases are associated with unwanted side-effects and/or become less efficacious with time. Therefore, researchers have begun to explore new innovative treatments for these belligerent diseases, including senolytic drugs. These agents lead to the apoptosis of senescent cells thereby preventing their deleterious role in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery (M.R., DR.R.), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses (D.R.R.), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery (M.R., DR.R.), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses (D.R.R.), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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36
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Wu Y, Zehnle PMA, Rajak J, Koleci N, Andrieux G, Gallego-Villar L, Aumann K, Boerries M, Niemeyer CM, Flotho C, Bohler S, Erlacher M. BH3 mimetics and azacitidine show synergistic effects on juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2024; 38:136-148. [PMID: 37945692 PMCID: PMC10776398 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02079-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is an aggressive hematopoietic disorder of infancy and early childhood driven by constitutively active RAS signaling and characterized by abnormal proliferation of the granulocytic-monocytic blood cell lineage. Most JMML patients require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for cure, but the risk of relapse is high for some JMML subtypes. Azacitidine was shown to effectively reduce leukemic burden in a subset of JMML patients. However, variable response rates to azacitidine and the risk of drug resistance highlight the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Since RAS signaling is known to interfere with the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, we combined various BH3 mimetic drugs with azacitidine in our previously established patient-derived xenograft model. We demonstrate that JMML cells require both MCL-1 and BCL-XL for survival, and that these proteins can be effectively targeted by azacitidine and BH3 mimetic combination treatment. In vivo azacitidine acts via downregulation of antiapoptotic MCL-1 and upregulation of proapoptotic BH3-only. The combination of azacitidine with BCL-XL inhibition was superior to BCL-2 inhibition in eliminating JMML cells. Our findings emphasize the need to develop clinically applicable MCL-1 or BCL-XL inhibitors in order to enable novel combination therapies in JMML refractory to standard therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wu
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai, China
| | - Patricia M A Zehnle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of General Pediatrics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jovana Rajak
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Naile Koleci
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lorena Gallego-Villar
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Konrad Aumann
- University Medical Center Freiburg, Institute of Surgical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg; and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotte M Niemeyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Flotho
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg; and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sheila Bohler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Erlacher
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Bahar ME, Kim HJ, Kim DR. Targeting the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway for cancer therapy: from mechanism to clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:455. [PMID: 38105263 PMCID: PMC10725898 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of solid tumors, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, underscores the urgent need for enhanced insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metastasis, chemoresistance, and the mechanistic backgrounds of individuals whose cancers are prone to migration. The most prevalent signaling cascade governed by multi-kinase inhibitors is the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, encompassing the RAS-RAF-MAPK kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. RAF kinase is a primary mediator of the MAPK pathway, responsible for the sequential activation of downstream targets, such as MEK and the transcription factor ERK, which control numerous cellular and physiological processes, including organism development, cell cycle control, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell survival, and death. Defects in this signaling cascade are associated with diseases such as cancer. RAF inhibitors (RAFi) combined with MEK blockers represent an FDA-approved therapeutic strategy for numerous RAF-mutant cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. However, the development of therapy resistance by cancer cells remains an important barrier. Autophagy, an intracellular lysosome-dependent catabolic recycling process, plays a critical role in the development of RAFi resistance in cancer. Thus, targeting RAF and autophagy could be novel treatment strategies for RAF-mutant cancers. In this review, we delve deeper into the mechanistic insights surrounding RAF kinase signaling in tumorigenesis and RAFi-resistance. Furthermore, we explore and discuss the ongoing development of next-generation RAF inhibitors with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Additionally, this review sheds light on the functional interplay between RAF-targeted therapies and autophagy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Entaz Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea.
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Kleber M, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Terpos E. The Role of t(11;14) in Tailoring Treatment Decisions in Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5829. [PMID: 38136374 PMCID: PMC10742268 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245829] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) represents a hematological neoplasia with an uncontrolled proliferation of malignant plasma cells and complex cytogenetic abnormalities. t(11;14) has emerged as a crucial genetic aberration and is one of the most common primary translocations in MM. Patients harboring t(11;14) represent a distinctive subgroup with a clinical profile that differs from t(11;14)-negative MM risk categories. One of the key features linked with t(11;14) is the BCL2 dependency, indicating vulnerability to BCL2 inhibition. BCL2 inhibitors, such as venetoclax, demonstrated impressive efficacy alone or in combination with other anti-myeloma drugs in patients with RRMM accompanied by t(11;14) and BCL2 overexpression. Therefore, t(11;14) plays a key role in both risk stratification and informed decision making towards a tailored therapy. In this review, we highlight the biology of t(11;14) in MM cells, summarize the current evolving role of t(11;14) in the era of novel agents and novel targeted therapies, illuminate current efficacy and safety data of BCL2-based treatment options and explore the future prospects of individualized precision medicine for this special subgroup of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Kleber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Hirslanden Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Liu P, Zhao L, Zitvogel L, Kepp O, Kroemer G. The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax mediates anticancer effects through dendritic cell activation. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2447-2451. [PMID: 37845384 PMCID: PMC10733328 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BCL2 is an apoptosis-inhibitory oncoprotein that also possesses apoptosis-unrelated activities. Pharmacological BCL2 inhibitors have been developed with the scope of driving BCL2-dependent cancer cells into apoptosis, and one BCL2 antagonist, venetoclax, has been clinically approved for the treatment of specific leukemias and lymphomas. Nonetheless, it appears that venetoclax, as well as genetic BCL2 inhibition, can mediate anticancer effects through an indirect action. Such an indirect effect relies on the enhancement of the immunostimulatory function of dendritic cells, hence increasing tumor immunosurveillance. Mechanistically, BCL2 inhibition involves improved antigen presentation by conventional type-1 dendritic cells (cDC1s) due to the activation of an interferon response, leading to a T cell-mediated anticancer immune response that can be further enhanced by PD-1 blockade. These findings support the emerging hypothesis that successful antineoplastic drugs generally mediate their effects indirectly, through the immune system, rather via merely cell-autonomous effects on malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Liwei Zhao
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR 1015, ClinicObiome, Equipe Labellisée-Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France
- Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer (BIOTHERIS) 1428, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France.
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France.
- Department of Biology, Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
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40
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Reisbeck L, Linder B, Tascher G, Bozkurt S, Weber KJ, Herold-Mende C, van Wijk SJL, Marschalek R, Schaefer L, Münch C, Kögel D. The iron chelator and OXPHOS inhibitor VLX600 induces mitophagy and an autophagy-dependent type of cell death in glioblastoma cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1451-C1469. [PMID: 37899749 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00293.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Induction of alternative, non-apoptotic cell death programs such as cell-lethal autophagy and mitophagy represent possible strategies to combat glioblastoma (GBM). Here we report that VLX600, a novel iron chelator and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) inhibitor, induces a caspase-independent type of cell death that is partially rescued in adherent U251 ATG5/7 (autophagy related 5/7) knockout (KO) GBM cells and NCH644 ATG5/7 knockdown (KD) glioma stem-like cells (GSCs), suggesting that VLX600 induces an autophagy-dependent cell death (ADCD) in GBM. This ADCD is accompanied by decreased oxygen consumption, increased expression/mitochondrial localization of BNIP3 (BCL2 interacting protein 3) and BNIP3L (BCL2 interacting protein 3 like), the induction of mitophagy as demonstrated by diminished levels of mitochondrial marker proteins [e.g., COX4I1 (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4I1)] and the mitoKeima assay as well as increased histone H3 and H4 lysine tri-methylation. Furthermore, the extracellular addition of iron is able to significantly rescue VLX600-induced cell death and mitophagy, pointing out an important role of iron metabolism for GBM cell homeostasis. Interestingly, VLX600 is also able to completely eliminate NCH644 GSC tumors in an organotypic brain slice transplantation model. Our data support the therapeutic concept of ADCD induction in GBM and suggest that VLX600 may be an interesting novel drug candidate for the treatment of this tumor.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Induction of cell-lethal autophagy represents a possible strategy to combat glioblastoma (GBM). Here, we demonstrate that the novel iron chelator and OXPHOS inhibitor VLX600 exerts pronounced tumor cell-killing effects in adherently cultured GBM cells and glioblastoma stem-like cell (GSC) spheroid cultures that depend on the iron-chelating function of VLX600 and on autophagy activation, underscoring the context-dependent role of autophagy in therapy responses. VLX600 represents an interesting novel drug candidate for the treatment of this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Reisbeck
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Benedikt Linder
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Tascher
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Süleyman Bozkurt
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katharina J Weber
- Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Frankfurt/Main, a partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christel Herold-Mende
- Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sjoerd J L van Wijk
- Institute for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Frankfurt/Main, a partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rolf Marschalek
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Diagnostic Center of Acute Leukemia, University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Münch
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Donat Kögel
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Frankfurt/Main, a partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
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Leśniak M, Lipniarska J, Majka P, Lejman M, Zawitkowska J. Recent Updates in Venetoclax Combination Therapies in Pediatric Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16708. [PMID: 38069030 PMCID: PMC10706781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316708] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a strongly effective B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibitor (BCL-2) with an ability to selectively restore the apoptotic potential of cancerous cells. It has been proven that in combination with immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and lower-intensity therapies such as hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC), the drug can improve overall outcomes for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma (MM), amongst other hematological malignancies, but its benefit in pediatric hematology remains unclear. With a number of preclinical and clinical trials emerging, the newest findings suggest that in many cases of younger patients, venetoclax combination treatment can be well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that in adults, despite often leading to severe infections. Studies aim to determine the activity of BCL-2 inhibitor in the treatment of both primary and refractory acute leukemias in combination with standard and high-dose chemotherapy. Although more research is required to identify the optimal venetoclax-based regimen for the pediatric population and its long-term effects on patients' outcomes, it can become a potential therapeutic agent for pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Leśniak
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Justyna Lipniarska
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrycja Majka
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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Fan Z, Wan LX, Jiang W, Liu B, Wu D. Targeting autophagy with small-molecule activators for potential therapeutic purposes. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115722. [PMID: 37595546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is well-known to be a lysosome-mediated catabolic process for maintaining cellular and organismal homeostasis, which has been established with many links to a variety of human diseases. Compared with the therapeutic strategy for inhibiting autophagy, activating autophagy seems to be another promising therapeutic strategy in several contexts. Hitherto, mounting efforts have been made to discover potent and selective small-molecule activators of autophagy to potentially treat human diseases. Thus, in this perspective, we focus on summarizing the complicated relationships between defective autophagy and human diseases, and further discuss the updated progress of a series of small-molecule activators targeting autophagy in human diseases. Taken together, these inspiring findings would provide a clue on discovering more small-molecule activators of autophagy as targeted candidate drugs for potential therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Fan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lin-Xi Wan
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Dongbo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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43
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Le Sénéchal R, Keruzoré M, Quillévéré A, Loaëc N, Dinh VT, Reznichenko O, Guixens-Gallardo P, Corcos L, Teulade-Fichou MP, Granzhan A, Blondel M. Alternative splicing of BCL-x is controlled by RBM25 binding to a G-quadruplex in BCL-x pre-mRNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:11239-11257. [PMID: 37811881 PMCID: PMC10639069 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BCL-x is a master regulator of apoptosis whose pre-mRNA is alternatively spliced into either a long (canonical) anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL isoform, or a short (alternative) pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS isoform. The balance between these two antagonistic isoforms is tightly regulated and overexpression of Bcl-xL has been linked to resistance to chemotherapy in several cancers, whereas overexpression of Bcl-xS is associated to some forms of diabetes and cardiac disorders. The splicing factor RBM25 controls alternative splicing of BCL-x: its overexpression favours the production of Bcl-xS, whereas its downregulation has the opposite effect. Here we show that RBM25 directly and specifically binds to GQ-2, an RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) of BCL-x pre-mRNA that forms at the vicinity of the alternative 5' splice site leading to the alternative Bcl-xS isoform. This RBM25/rG4 interaction is crucial for the production of Bcl-xS and depends on the RE (arginine-glutamate-rich) motif of RBM25, thus defining a new type of rG4-interacting domain. PhenDC3, a benchmark G4 ligand, enhances the binding of RBM25 to the GQ-2 rG4 of BCL-x pre-mRNA, thereby promoting the alternative pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS isoform and triggering apoptosis. Furthermore, the screening of a combinatorial library of 90 putative G4 ligands led to the identification of two original compounds, PhenDH8 and PhenDH9, superior to PhenDC3 in promoting the Bcl-xS isoform and apoptosis. Thus, favouring the interaction between RBM25 and the GQ-2 rG4 of BCL-x pre-mRNA represents a relevant intervention point to re-sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Le Sénéchal
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Marc Keruzoré
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Alicia Quillévéré
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Nadège Loaëc
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Van-Trang Dinh
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Oksana Reznichenko
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Pedro Guixens-Gallardo
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Laurent Corcos
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Marie-Paule Teulade-Fichou
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Anton Granzhan
- Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer (CMBC), CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Institut Curie, Université Paris Saclay, F-91405 Orsay, France
| | - Marc Blondel
- Univ Brest; Inserm UMR1078; Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne; CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins, F-29200 Brest, France
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Speir M, Tye H, Gottschalk TA, Simpson DS, Djajawi TM, Deo P, Ambrose RL, Conos SA, Emery J, Abraham G, Pascoe A, Hughes SA, Weir A, Hawkins ED, Kong I, Herold MJ, Pearson JS, Lalaoui N, Naderer T, Vince JE, Lawlor KE. A1 is induced by pathogen ligands to limit myeloid cell death and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56865. [PMID: 37846472 PMCID: PMC10626451 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202356865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death pathways play an important role in innate immune responses to infection. Activation of intrinsic apoptosis promotes infected cell clearance; however, comparatively little is known about how this mode of cell death is regulated during infections and whether it can induce inflammation. Here, we identify that the pro-survival BCL-2 family member, A1, controls activation of the essential intrinsic apoptotic effectors BAX/BAK in macrophages and monocytes following bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sensing. We show that, due to its tight transcriptional and post-translational regulation, A1 acts as a molecular rheostat to regulate BAX/BAK-dependent apoptosis and the subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent and inflammasome-independent maturation of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Furthermore, induction of A1 expression in inflammatory monocytes limits cell death modalities and IL-1β activation triggered by Neisseria gonorrhoeae-derived outer membrane vesicles (NOMVs). Consequently, A1-deficient mice exhibit heightened IL-1β production in response to NOMV injection. These findings reveal that bacteria can induce A1 expression to delay myeloid cell death and inflammatory responses, which has implications for the development of host-directed antimicrobial therapeutics.
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45
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Josefsson EC. Platelet intrinsic apoptosis. Thromb Res 2023; 231:206-213. [PMID: 36739256 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In a healthy individual, the lifespan of most platelets is tightly regulated by intrinsic, or mitochondrial, apoptosis. This is a special form of programmed cell death governed by the BCL-2 family of proteins, where the prosurvival protein BCL-XL maintains platelet viability by restraining the prodeath proteins BAK and BAX. Restriction of platelet lifespan by activation of BAK and BAX mediated intrinsic apoptosis is essential to maintain a functional, haemostatically reactive platelet population. This review focuses on the molecular regulation of intrinsic apoptosis in platelets, reviews conditions linked to enhanced platelet death, discusses ex vivo storage of platelets and describes caveats associated with the assessment of platelet apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Josefsson
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Gothenburg, Sweden; The University of Gothenburg, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, VIC 3052, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, 1G Royal Parade, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Bui I, Baritaki S, Libra M, Zaravinos A, Bonavida B. Cancer Resistance Is Mediated by the Upregulation of Several Anti-Apoptotic Gene Products via the Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase/Nitric Oxide Pathway: Therapeutic Implications. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:853-889. [PMID: 37466477 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Several therapeutic strategies for cancer treatments have been developed with time, and significant milestones have been achieved recently. However, with these novel therapies, not all cancer types respond and in the responding cancer types only a subset is affected. The failure to respond is principally the result that these cancers develop several mechanisms of resistance. Thus, a focus of current research investigations is to unravel the various mechanisms that regulate resistance and identify suitable targets for new therapeutics. Recent Advances: Hence, many human cancer types have been reported to overexpress the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and it has been suggested that iNOS/nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of resistance. We have postulated that iNOS overexpression or NO regulates the overexpression of pivotal anti-apoptotic gene products such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma extra large (Bcl-xL), myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), and survivin. In this report, we describe the various mechanisms, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational, by which iNOS/NO regulates the expression of the above anti-apoptotic gene products. Critical Issues: The iNOS/NO-mediated regulation of the four gene products is not the same with both specific and overlapping pathways. Our findings are, in large part, validated by bioinformatic analyses demonstrating, in several cancers, several direct correlations between the expression of iNOS and each of the four examined anti-apoptotic gene products. Future Directions: We have proposed that targeting iNOS may be highly efficient since it will result in the underexpression of multiple anti-apoptotic proteins and shifting the balance toward the proapoptotic gene products and reversal of resistance. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 853-889.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indy Bui
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Stavroula Baritaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Italian League Against Cancer, Catania, Italy
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cancer Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center (BTCRC), Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Romano F, Di Porzio A, Iaccarino N, Riccardi G, Di Lorenzo R, Laneri S, Pagano B, Amato J, Randazzo A. G-quadruplexes in cancer-related gene promoters: from identification to therapeutic targeting. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:745-773. [PMID: 37855085 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2271168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold into four-stranded noncanonical secondary structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s) which are widely distributed in functional regions of the human genome, such as telomeres and gene promoter regions. Compelling evidence suggests their involvement in key genome functions such as gene expression and genome stability. Notably, the abundance of G4-forming sequences near transcription start sites suggests their potential involvement in regulating oncogenes. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of current knowledge on G4s in human oncogene promoters. The most representative G4-binding ligands have also been documented. The objective of this work is to present a comprehensive overview of the most promising targets for the development of novel and highly specific anticancer drugs capable of selectively impacting the expression of individual or a limited number of genes. EXPERT OPINION Modulation of G4 formation by specific ligands has been proposed as a powerful new tool to treat cancer through the control of oncogene expression. Actually, most of G4-binding small molecules seem to simultaneously target a range of gene promoter G4s, potentially influencing several critical driver genes in cancer, thus producing significant therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Porzio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Iaccarino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Sonia Laneri
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Pagano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Saleem HN, Kousar S, Jiskani AH, Sohail I, Faisal A, Saeed M. Repurposing of investigational cancer drugs: Early phase discovery of dengue virus NS2B/NS3 protease inhibitors. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2300292. [PMID: 37582646 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Dengue fever is a neglected vector-borne disease and is more prevalent in Asia. Currently, no specific treatment is available. Given the time and cost of de novo drug discovery and development, an alternative option of drug repurposing is becoming an effective tool. We screened a library of 1127 pharmacologically active, metabolically stable, and structurally diverse small anticancer molecules to identify inhibitors of the dengue virus (DENV) NS2B/NS3 protease. Enzyme kinetics and inhibition data revealed four B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitors, that is, ABT263, ABT737, AT101, and TW37, as potent inhibitors of DENV NS2B/NS3 protease, with IC50 values of 0.86, 1.15, 0.81, and 0.89 µM, respectively. Mode of inhibition experiments and computational docking analyses indicated that ABT263 and ABT737 are competitive inhibitors, whereas AT101 and TW37 are noncompetitive inhibitors of the protease. With further evaluation, the identified inhibitors of the DENV NS2B/NS3 protease have the potential to be developed into specific anti-dengue therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiza N Saleem
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Summara Kousar
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ammar Hassan Jiskani
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Sohail
- Department of Life Sciences, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Amir Faisal
- Department of Life Sciences, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saeed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SBA School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan
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Genz LR, Mulvaney T, Nair S, Topf M. PICKLUSTER: a protein-interface clustering and analysis plug-in for UCSF ChimeraX. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:btad629. [PMID: 37846034 PMCID: PMC10629935 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY The identification and characterization of interfaces in protein complexes is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of molecular recognition. These interfaces are also attractive targets for protein inhibition. However, targeting protein interfaces can be challenging for large interfaces that consist of multiple interacting regions. We present PICKLUSTER [Protein Interface C(K)luster]-a program for identifying "sub-interfaces" in protein-protein complexes using distance clustering. The division of the interface into smaller "sub-interfaces" offers a more focused approach for targeting protein-protein interfaces. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION PICKLUSTER is implemented as a plug-in for the molecular visualization program UCSF ChimeraX 1.4 and subsequent versions. It is freely available for download in the ChimeraX Toolshed and https://gitlab.com/topf-lab/pickluster.git.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca R Genz
- Leibniz-Institut für Virologie (LIV), 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Mulvaney
- Leibniz-Institut für Virologie (LIV), 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sanjana Nair
- Leibniz-Institut für Virologie (LIV), 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maya Topf
- Leibniz-Institut für Virologie (LIV), 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Skwarska A, Konopleva M. BCL-xL Targeting to Induce Apoptosis and to Eliminate Chemotherapy-Induced Senescent Tumor Cells: From Navitoclax to Platelet-Sparing BCL-xL PROTACs. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3501-3503. [PMID: 37824434 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Restoring apoptotic cell death is a critical goal for cancer therapy. One of the primary mechanisms by which cancer cells evade death and maintain survival in the face of stress signals is by overexpression of prosurvival B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family members such as BCL2, BCL-xL, and MCL1, which suppress the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway of apoptosis through complex protein and membrane interactions. While these antiapoptotic proteins have been validated as potent therapeutic targets, synthesis of their inhibitors remained challenging for decades mainly due to the presence of a difficult to target, highly hydrophobic groove on the surface. The groove serves as a binding site for the BH3 domain of corresponding proapoptotic partners, which leads to their sequestration and prevents apoptosis. In 2008, a Cancer Research article by Tse and colleagues, led by Dr. Steven Elmore from Abbott Laboratories, reported the discovery of the first orally bioavailable BCL2/BCL-xL inhibitor, navitoclax (ABT-263), marking the onset of an era of "BH3 mimetics" in cancer therapeutics and changing the therapeutic landscape especially for leukemia. Here, we reflect on how this landmark study fueled development of small-molecule BH3 mimetics like venetoclax and seek to indicate new strategies and future directions for improving the clinical activity of navitoclax for hematologic malignancies. See related article by Tse and colleagues, Cancer Res 2008;68:3421-3428.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Skwarska
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Departmenf of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas
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