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Shen D, Xia Y, Fu Y, Cao Q, Chen W, Zhu Y, Guo K, Sun L. Hedgehog pathway and cancer: A new area (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 52:116. [PMID: 38994763 PMCID: PMC11267502 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8775] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In years of research on classical pathways, the composition, information transmission mechanism, crosstalk with other pathways, and physiological and pathological effects of hedgehog (HH) pathway have been gradually clarified. HH also plays a critical role in tumor formation and development. According to the update of interpretation of tumor phenotypes, the latest relevant studies have been sorted out, to explore the specific mechanism of HH pathway in regulating different tumor phenotypes through gene mutation and signal regulation. The drugs and natural ingredients involved in regulating HH pathway were also reviewed; five approved drugs and drugs under research exert efficacy by blocking HH pathway, and at least 22 natural components have potential to treat tumors by HH pathway. Nevertheless, there is a deficiency of existing studies. The present review confirmed the great potential of HH pathway in future cancer treatment with factual basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyi Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Yuwei Xia
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yuhan Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Qiaochang Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Wenqian Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Kaibo Guo
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Leitao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
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Wright T, Turnis ME, Grace CR, Li X, Brakefield LA, Wang YD, Xu H, Kaminska E, Climer LK, Mukiza TO, Chang CL, Moldoveanu T, Opferman JT. Anti-apoptotic MCL-1 promotes long-chain fatty acid oxidation through interaction with ACSL1. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1338-1353.e8. [PMID: 38503284 PMCID: PMC11017322 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.035] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
MCL-1 is essential for promoting the survival of many normal cell lineages and confers survival and chemoresistance in cancer. Beyond apoptosis regulation, MCL-1 has been linked to modulating mitochondrial metabolism, but the mechanism(s) by which it does so are unclear. Here, we show in tissues and cells that MCL-1 supports essential steps in long-chain (but not short-chain) fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) through its binding to specific long-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetases of the ACSL family. ACSL1 binds to the BH3-binding hydrophobic groove of MCL-1 through a non-conventional BH3-domain. Perturbation of this interaction, via genetic loss of Mcl1, mutagenesis, or use of selective BH3-mimetic MCL-1 inhibitors, represses long-chain FAO in cells and in mouse livers and hearts. Our findings reveal how anti-apoptotic MCL-1 facilitates mitochondrial metabolism and indicate that disruption of this function may be associated with unanticipated cardiac toxicities of MCL-1 inhibitors in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristen Wright
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Meghan E Turnis
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Christy R Grace
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lauren A Brakefield
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yong-Dong Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ewa Kaminska
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Leslie K Climer
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Tresor O Mukiza
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Chi-Lun Chang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Tudor Moldoveanu
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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Wang J, Cui B, Li X, Zhao X, Huang T, Ding X. The emerging roles of Hedgehog signaling in tumor immune microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1171418. [PMID: 37213270 PMCID: PMC10196179 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1171418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is pervasively involved in human malignancies, making it an effective target for cancer treatment for decades. In addition to its direct role in regulating cancer cell attributes, recent work indicates that it has an immunoregulatory effect on tumor microenvironments. An integrated understanding of these actions of Hh signaling pathway in tumor cells and tumor microenvironments will pave the way for novel tumor treatments and further advances in anti-tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the most recent research about Hh signaling pathway transduction, with a particular emphasis on its role in modulating tumor immune/stroma cell phenotype and function, such as macrophage polarity, T cell response, and fibroblast activation, as well as their mutual interactions between tumor cells and nonneoplastic cells. We also summarize the recent advances in the development of Hh pathway inhibitors and nanoparticle formulation for Hh pathway modulation. We suggest that targeting Hh signaling effects on both tumor cells and tumor immune microenvironments could be more synergistic for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baiping Cui
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Taomin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Taomin Huang, ; Xiaolei Ding,
| | - Xiaolei Ding
- Institute of Geriatrics, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People’s Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Taomin Huang, ; Xiaolei Ding,
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Bardwell AJ, Wu B, Sarin KY, Waterman ML, Atwood SX, Bardwell L. ERK2 MAP kinase regulates SUFU binding by multisite phosphorylation of GLI1. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:e202101353. [PMID: 35831023 PMCID: PMC9279676 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between the Hedgehog and MAPK signaling pathways occurs in several types of cancer and contributes to clinical resistance to Hedgehog pathway inhibitors. Here we show that MAP kinase-mediated phosphorylation weakens the binding of the GLI1 transcription factor to its negative regulator SUFU. ERK2 phosphorylates GLI1 on three evolutionarily conserved target sites (S102, S116, and S130) located near the high-affinity binding site for SUFU; these phosphorylations cooperate to weaken the affinity of GLI1-SUFU binding by over 25-fold. Phosphorylation of any one, or even any two, of the three sites does not result in the level of SUFU release seen when all three sites are phosphorylated. Tumor-derived mutations in R100 and S105, residues bordering S102, also diminish SUFU binding, collectively defining a novel evolutionarily conserved SUFU affinity-modulating region. In cultured mammalian cells, GLI1 variants containing phosphomimetic substitutions of S102, S116, and S130 displayed an increased ability to drive transcription. We conclude that multisite phosphorylation of GLI1 by ERK2 or other MAP kinases weakens GLI1-SUFU binding, thereby facilitating GLI1 activation and contributing to both physiological and pathological crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jane Bardwell
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Beibei Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marian L Waterman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Scott X Atwood
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lee Bardwell
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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Jiang J. Hedgehog signaling mechanism and role in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:107-122. [PMID: 33836254 PMCID: PMC8492792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication through evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Deregulation of these signaling pathways has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases including cancer. One such pathway is the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which was originally discovered in Drosophila and later found to play a fundamental role in human development and diseases. Abnormal Hh pathway activation is a major driver of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and medulloblastoma. Hh exerts it biological influence through a largely conserved signal transduction pathway from the activation of the GPCR family transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) to the conversion of latent Zn-finger transcription factors Gli/Ci proteins from their repressor (GliR/CiR) to activator (GliA/CiA) forms. Studies from model organisms and human patients have provided deep insight into the Hh signal transduction mechanisms, revealed roles of Hh signaling in a wide range of human cancers, and suggested multiple strategies for targeting this pathway in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Zhu J, Patel R, Trofka A, Harfe BD, Mackem S. Sonic hedgehog is not a limb morphogen but acts as a trigger to specify all digits in mice. Dev Cell 2022; 57:2048-2062.e4. [PMID: 35977544 PMCID: PMC9709693 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Limb patterning by Sonic hedgehog (Shh), via either graded spatial or temporal signal integration, is a paradigm for "morphogen" function, yet how Shh instructs distinct digit identities remains controversial. Here, we bypass the Shh requirement in cell survival during outgrowth and demonstrate that a transient, early Shh pulse is both necessary and sufficient for normal mouse limb development. Shh response is only short range and is limited to the Shh-expressing zone during this time window. Shh patterns digits 1-3, anterior to this zone, by an indirect mechanism rather than direct spatial or temporal signal integration. Using a genetic relay-signaling assay, we discover that Shh also specifies digit 1/thumb (thought to be exclusively Shh independent) indirectly, and this finding implicates Shh in a unique regulatory hierarchy for digit 1 evolutionary adaptations such as opposable thumbs. This study illuminates Shh as a trigger for an indirect downstream network that becomes rapidly self-sustaining, with mechanistic relevance for limb development, regeneration, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zhu
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Rashmi Patel
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Anna Trofka
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Brian D Harfe
- College of Medicine, Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Susan Mackem
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Frederick, MD, USA.
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ABT-737 suppresses aberrant Hedgehog pathway and overcomes resistance to smoothened antagonists by blocking Gli. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:188. [PMID: 36071246 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Abnormally activated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been linked to multiple types of cancers including medulloblastoma (MB). Current Hh-targeted drug development projects mainly focus on antagonizing the upstream oncoprotein Smoothened (Smo). However, the effectiveness of Smo inhibitors is compromised by primary and acquired resistance, which is caused by mutations of Smo or other downstream components. Here, we conducted a cellular screening of small-molecule compounds and identified ABT-737 as a selective Hh inhibitor resulting in active suppression of human Hh-dependent MB cells. Mechanistically, ABT-737 suppressed Hh signals far-downstream of Smo and Sufu at Gli transcriptional effector level. In line with this, ABT-737 potentially inhibited wild-type and drug-resistant mutant Smo. More importantly, ABT-737 also delayed the growth of drug-refractory Hh-dependent MB xenografts derived from genetically engineered mouse model in vivo. These findings identify ABT-737 as a therapeutical substance for cancers with excessive Hh signaling activity, especially for those with primary or acquired resistance to Smo inhibitors in clinic.
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Zhou X, Wang W, Li Z, Chen L, Wen C, Ruan Q, Xu Z, Liu R, Xu J, Bai Y, Deng J. Rosmarinic Acid Decreases the Malignancy of Pancreatic Cancer Through Inhibiting Gli1 Signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:153861. [PMID: 34864627 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rosmarinic acid (RA) has been shown to exert anti-tumor effects on various types of cancer. However, its roles in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. PURPOSE The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of RA on PDAC as well as the underlying mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN Evaluation of the effects of RA on PDAC malignancy both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) incorporation assay, cell cycle analysis, and apoptosis assay were conducted to assess the inhibitory effect of RA on PDAC cell proliferation. Meanwhile, western blotting and RT-qPCR assay were performed to detect the target gene expression at protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Moreover, the in vivo anti-tumor activities of RA were assayed in an xenograft mouse model of PDAC. RESULTS RA dramatically down-regulated Gli1 and its downstream targets. Further studies showed that RA prevents the nuclear translocation of Gli1, while promoting the degradation of cytosolic Gli1 via the proteasome pathway. Moreover, we observed that RA induced G1/S cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the PDAC cells through regulating the expression of P21, P27, CDK2, Cyclin E, Bax, and Bcl-2, it inhibited the PDAC cell migration and invasion via E-cadherin and MMP-9. Notably, Gli1 overexpression markedly reversed the above RA-induced effects on PDAC cells, whereas Gli1 knockdown enhanced the effects. Additionally, the in vivo assays demonstrated that RA suppresses the tumor growth of PDAC presumably by inhibiting Gli1. CONCLUSION We provided evidence that RA restrained the nuclear translocation of Gli1 and facilitates Gli1 degradation via proteasome pathway, reducing the malignancy of PDAC cells. These findings implicated RA as a therapeutic agent for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Weiming Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhaofeng Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lin Chen
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chunmei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Qingqing Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Rongdiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jinzhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling 317500, China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; Center for Health Assessment, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; Center for Health Assessment, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Lu Y, Zhang M, Wei Q, Chen Z, Xing G, Yao J, Cao X. Disruption of Gprasp2 down-regulates Hedgehog signaling and leads to apoptosis in auditory cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 574:1-7. [PMID: 34418635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
GPRASP2 is implicated in nervous system diseases, tumors and immune inflammation. In our previous study, G protein-coupled receptor associated sorting protein 2 (GPRASP2) was identified as a novel causal gene for X-linked recessive syndromic hearing loss (SHL). However, the role of GPRASP2 in auditory function has not been elucidated. The Gprasp2-knockout (KO) mouse HEI-OC1 auditory cells were constructed using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to investigate the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and DEGs-enriched signaling pathways, which was verified by Western blot. Flow cytometry assay was used to examine cell apoptosis. The cytological pathology was evaluated by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mitochondrial damage was observed in Gprasp2-KO HEI-OC1 cells. RNA-seq analysis suggested that Gprasp2-KO was implicated in the apoptosis process, which could be mediated by Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. The key molecules in Hh signaling pathway (Smo, Gli1, Gli2) were detected to be down-regulated in Gprasp2-KO HEI-OC1 cells. The differential expression of apoptosis molecules (Bcl2, Bax, Caspase-3/cleaved-Caspase-3) indicated that Gprasp2-KO induced apoptosis in HEI-OC1 cells. The treatment of smoothened agonist (Purmorphamine, PUR) activated the Hh-Gli signaling pathway and reduced apoptosis in Gprasp2-KO HEI-OC1 cells. This study revealed that Gprasp2-disruption inhibited Hh signaling pathway and led to cell apoptosis in HEI-OC1 cells, which might provide the potential molecular mechanism of GPRASP2 mutation associated with human SHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Lu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Xenotransplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qinjun Wei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Xenotransplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Guangqian Xing
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Xenotransplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xin Cao
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Xenotransplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Lin M, Kowolik CM, Xie J, Yadav S, Overman LE, Horne DA. Potent Anticancer Effects of Epidithiodiketopiperazine NT1721 in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133367. [PMID: 34282785 PMCID: PMC8268131 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of blood cancers that cannot be cured with current chemotherapeutical or biological drugs. Patients with advanced disease are severely immunocompromised due to the unchecked expansion of malignant T cells and have low survival rates of less than four years. Hence, new treatment options for CTCLs are urgently needed. In this study the anti-CTCL activity of a new compound, NT1721, was determined in vitro and in two CTCL mouse models. We found that NT1721 increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the malignant T cells and reduced tumor growth better than two drugs that are currently clinically used for CTCL treatment (i.e., gemcitabine, romidepsin). These results suggest that NT1721 may represent a potent new agent for the treatment of advanced CTCL. Abstract Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of debilitating, incurable malignancies. Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common subtypes, accounting for ~65% of CTCL cases. Patients with advanced disease have a poor prognosis and low median survival rates of four years. CTCLs develop from malignant skin-homing CD4+ T cells that spread to lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow and viscera in advanced stages. Current treatments options for refractory or advanced CTCL, including chemotherapeutic and biological approaches, rarely lead to durable responses. The exact molecular mechanisms of CTCL pathology remain unclear despite numerous genomic and gene expression profile studies. However, apoptosis resistance is thought to play a major role in the accumulation of malignant T cells. Here we show that NT1721, a synthetic epidithiodiketopiperazine based on a natural product, reduced cell viability at nanomolar concentrations in CTCL cell lines, while largely sparing normal CD4+ cells. Treatment of CTCL cells with NT1721 reduced proliferation and potently induced apoptosis. NT1721 mediated the downregulation of GLI1 transcription factor, which was associated with decreased STAT3 activation and the reduced expression of downstream antiapoptotic proteins (BCL2 and BCL-xL). Importantly, NT1721, which is orally available, reduced tumor growth in two CTCL mouse models significantly better than two clinically used drugs (romidepsin, gemcitabine). Moreover, a combination of NT1721 with gemcitabine reduced the tumor growth significantly better than the single drugs. Taken together, these results suggest that NT1721 may be a promising new agent for the treatment of CTCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
| | - Claudia M. Kowolik
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (C.M.K.); (D.A.H.)
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
| | - Sushma Yadav
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
- Department of Translational Research and Cellular Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Larry E. Overman
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2025, USA;
| | - David A. Horne
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.L.); (J.X.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (C.M.K.); (D.A.H.)
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Wang J, Zhang Y, Huang WJ, Yang J, Tang WG, Huang TM, Tan WF. ABT-199 inhibits Hedgehog pathway by acting as a competitive inhibitor of oxysterol, rather as a BH3 mimetic. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1005-1013. [PMID: 32855528 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00504-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrantly activated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is critical for driving the initiation and progression of multiple types of cancers, including medulloblastoma (MB) and basal cellular carcinoma (BCC). The majority of current Hh antagonist function by targeting the transmembrane domain of the oncoprotein Smoothened (Smo), a G-protein-coupled receptor-like receptor of Hh pathway. However, the primary and acquired resistance to current Smo inhibitors raise a critical need to develop next-generation of Smo inhibitors to improve their clinical efficacy. In this study, we identify that FDA approved drug ABT-199 significantly and selectively inhibits the Hh pathway. Mechanistically, ABT-199 acts as a competitive inhibitor of oxysterol by potentially targeting the cysteine rich domain (CRD) of Smo, rather as a BH3 mimetic. ABT-199 obviously inhibits the growth of Hh-driven tumors and possesses capacity of combating the primary and acquired resistance to Smo inhibitors caused by Smo mutations. Our data reposition ABT-199 as a Smo inhibitor for treating Hh-driven tumors, especially for those bearing Smo mutations and resistant to current Smo inhibitors. Meanwhile, our findings strengthen the argument that the CRD of Smo is a promising target for developing novel Smo inhibitors with capacity of combating the resistance to Smo inhibitors.
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12
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Walker KL, Rinella SP, Hess NJ, Turicek DP, Kabakov SA, Zhu F, Bouchlaka MN, Olson SL, Cho MM, Quamine AE, Feils AS, Gavcovich TB, Rui L, Capitini CM. CXCR4 allows T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia to escape from JAK1/2 and BCL2 inhibition through CNS infiltration. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:1167-1177. [PMID: 33843403 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1910684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the JAK/STAT and BCL2 pathways in patients with relapsed/refractory T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) may provide an alternative approach to achieve clinical remissions. Ruxolitinib and venetoclax show a dose-dependent effect on T-ALL individually, but combination treatment reduces survival and proliferation of T-ALL in vitro. Using a xenograft model, the combination treatment fails to improve survival, with death from hind limb paralysis. Despite on-target inhibition by the drugs, histopathology demonstrates increased leukemic infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) as compared to liver or bone marrow. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy shows that ruxolitinib and venetoclax insufficiently cross into the CNS. The addition of the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor with ruxolitinib and venetoclax reduces clinical scores and enhances survival. While combination therapy with ruxolitinib and venetoclax shows promise for treating T-ALL, additional inhibition of the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis may be needed to maximize the possibility of complete remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsti L Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean P Rinella
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicholas J Hess
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David P Turicek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sabrina A Kabakov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Fen Zhu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Myriam N Bouchlaka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sydney L Olson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Monica M Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Aicha E Quamine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Arika S Feils
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tara B Gavcovich
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lixin Rui
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.,Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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Bcl-2 Family of Proteins in the Control of Mitochondrial Calcium Signalling: An Old Chap with New Roles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073730. [PMID: 33918511 PMCID: PMC8038216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bcl-2 family proteins are considered as one of the major regulators of apoptosis. Indeed, this family is known to control the mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP): a central step in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. However, in recent years Bcl-2 family members began to emerge as a new class of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) regulators. At mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs) these proteins are able to interact with major Ca2+ transporters, thus controlling mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and downstream Ca2+ signalling pathways. Beyond the regulation of cell survival, this Bcl-2-dependent control over the mitochondrial Ca2+ dynamics has far-reaching consequences on the physiology of the cell. Here, we review how the Bcl-2 family of proteins mechanistically regulate mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and how this regulation orchestrates cell death/survival decisions as well as the non-apoptotic process of cell migration.
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14
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Di Martile M, Farini V, Consonni FM, Trisciuoglio D, Desideri M, Valentini E, D'Aguanno S, Tupone MG, Buglioni S, Ercolani C, Gallo E, Amadio B, Terrenato I, Foddai ML, Sica A, Del Bufalo D. Melanoma-specific bcl-2 promotes a protumoral M2-like phenotype by tumor-associated macrophages. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000489. [PMID: 32269145 PMCID: PMC7254128 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A bidirectional crosstalk between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment contributes to tumor progression and response to therapy. Our previous studies have demonstrated that bcl-2 affects melanoma progression and regulates the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells could influence tumor-promoting functions of tumor-associated macrophages, a major constituent of the tumor microenvironment that affects anticancer immunity favoring tumor progression. Methods THP-1 monocytic cells, monocyte-derived macrophages and melanoma cells expressing different levels of bcl-2 protein were used. ELISA, qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate macrophage polarization markers and protein expression levels. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to evaluate transcription factor recruitment at specific promoters. Boyden chamber was used for migration experiments. Cytofluorimetric and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out to evaluate infiltrating macrophages and T cells in melanoma specimens from patients or mice. Results Higher production of tumor-promoting and chemotactic factors, and M2-polarized activation was observed when macrophages were exposed to culture media from melanoma cells overexpressing bcl-2, while bcl-2 silencing in melanoma cells inhibited the M2 macrophage polarization. In agreement, the number of melanoma-infiltrating macrophages in vivo was increased, in parallel with a greater expression of bcl-2 in tumor cells. Tumor-derived interleukin-1β has been identified as the effector cytokine of bcl-2-dependent macrophage reprogramming, according to reduced tumor growth, decreased number of M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages and increased number of infiltrating CD4+IFNγ+ and CD8+IFNγ+ effector T lymphocytes, which we observed in response to in vivo treatment with the IL-1 receptor antagonist kineret. Finally, in tumor specimens from patients with melanoma, high bcl-2 expression correlated with increased infiltration of M2-polarized CD163+ macrophages, hence supporting the clinical relevance of the crosstalk between tumor cells and microenvironment. Conclusions Taken together, our results show that melanoma-specific bcl-2 controls an IL-1β-driven axis of macrophage diversion that establishes tumor microenvironmental conditions favoring melanoma development. Interfering with this pathway might provide novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Farini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Desideri
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Valentini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona D'Aguanno
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Tupone
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Simonetta Buglioni
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Ercolani
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Gallo
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Amadio
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Terrenato
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatic Unit-Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Foddai
- Immunohematology and Transfusional Medicine Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Sica
- Molecular Immunology Lab, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy .,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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15
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Yan Z, Cheng M, Hu G, Wang Y, Zeng S, Huang A, Xu L, Liu Y, Shi C, Deng L, Lu Q, Rao H, Lu H, Chen YG, Luo S. Positive feedback of SuFu negating protein 1 on Hedgehog signaling promotes colorectal tumor growth. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:199. [PMID: 33608498 PMCID: PMC7896051 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a critical role in embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis, and its deregulation has been associated with tumor growth. The tumor suppressor SuFu inhibits Hh signaling by preventing the nuclear translocation of Gli and suppressing cell proliferation. Regulation of SuFu activity and stability is key to controlling Hh signaling. Here, we unveil SuFu Negating Protein 1 (SNEP1) as a novel Hh target, that enhances the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of SuFu and thus promotes Hh signaling. We further show that the E3 ubiquitin ligase LNX1 plays a critical role in the SNEP1-mediated degradation of SuFu. Accordingly, SNEP1 promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation and tumor growth. High levels of SNEP1 are detected in CRC tissues and are well correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. Moreover, SNEP1 overexpression reduces sensitivity to anti-Hh inhibitor in CRC cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that SNEP1 acts as a novel feedback regulator of Hh signaling by destabilizing SuFu and promoting tumor growth and anti-Hh resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Yan
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Minzhang Cheng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guohui Hu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Guangzhou Jinan Biomedicine Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaopeng Zeng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Aidi Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Linlin Xu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Shi
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Libin Deng
- Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Quqin Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hai Rao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Ye-Guang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Shiwen Luo
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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16
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Veleta KA, Cleveland AH, Babcock BR, He YW, Hwang D, Sokolsky-Papkov M, Gershon TR. Antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins BCL-xL and MCL-1 integrate neural progenitor survival and proliferation during postnatal cerebellar neurogenesis. Cell Death Differ 2020; 28:1579-1592. [PMID: 33293647 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The tendency of brain cells to undergo apoptosis in response to exogenous events varies across neural development, with apoptotic threshold dependent on proliferation state. Proliferative neural progenitors show a low threshold for apoptosis, while terminally differentiated neurons are relatively refractory. To define the mechanisms linking proliferation and apoptotic threshold, we examined the effect of conditionally deleting Bcl2l1, the gene that codes the antiapoptotic protein BCL-xL, in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs), and of co-deleting Bcl2l1 homologs, antiapoptotic Mcl-1, or pro-apoptotic Bax. We found that cerebella in conditional Bcl2l1-deleted (Bcl-xLcKO) mice were severely hypoplastic due to the increased apoptosis of CGNPs and their differentiated progeny, the cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Apoptosis was highest as Bcl-xLcKO CGNPs exited the cell cycle to initiate differentiation, with proliferating Bcl-xLcKO CGNPs relatively less affected. Despite the overall reduction in cerebellar growth, SHH-dependent proliferation was prolonged in Bcl-xLcKO mice, as more CGNPs remained proliferative in the second postnatal week. Co-deletion of Bax rescued the Bcl-xLcKO phenotype, while co-deletion of Mcl-1 enhanced the phenotype. These findings show that CGNPs require BCL-xL to regulate BAX-dependent apoptosis, and that this role can be partially compensated by MCL-1. Our data further show that BCL-xL expression regulates MCL-1 abundance in CGNPs, and suggest that excessive MCL-1 in Bcl-xLcKO mice prolongs CGNP proliferation by binding SUFU, resulting in increased SHH pathway activation. Accordingly, we propose that BCL-xL and MCL-1 interact with each other and with developmental mechanisms that regulate proliferation, to adjust the apoptotic threshold as CGNPs progress through postnatal neurogenesis to CGNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Veleta
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Abigail H Cleveland
- UNC Cancer Cell Biology Training Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin R Babcock
- Department of Neurology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - You-Wen He
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Duhyeong Hwang
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Marina Sokolsky-Papkov
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Timothy R Gershon
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Department of Neurology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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17
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Wu X, Luo Q, Liu Z. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination of MCL1 in cancer: deciphering chemoresistance mechanisms and providing potential therapeutic options. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:556. [PMID: 32699213 PMCID: PMC7376237 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02760-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MCL1 is an important antiapoptotic member of the BCL-2 family that is distinguishable from other family members based on its relatively short half-life. Emerging studies have revealed the crucial role of MCL1 in the chemoresistance of cancer cells. The antiapoptotic function of MCL1 makes it a popular therapeutic target, although specific inhibitors have begun to emerge only recently. Notably, emerging studies have reported that several E3 ligases and deubiquitinases modulate MCL1 stability, providing an alternate means of targeting MCL1 activity. In addition, the emergence and development of proteolysis-targeting chimeras, the function of which is based on ubiquitination-mediated degradation, has shown great potential. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies investigating the ubiquitination and deubiquitination of MCL1, summarize the latest evidence regarding the development of therapeutic strategies targeting MCL1 in cancer treatment, and discuss the promising future of targeting MCL1 via the ubiquitin–proteasome system in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyu Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
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18
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Pawlak A, Henklewska M. The Role of Bcl-xL Protein Research in Veterinary Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072511. [PMID: 32260403 PMCID: PMC7177433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their significant impact on human and animal health, cancer diseases are an area of considerable concern for both human and veterinary medicine. Research on the cancer pathogenesis in companion animals, such as dogs, allows not only for improving canine cancer treatment, but also for translating the results into human oncology. Disruption of apoptosis in tumor-transformed cells is a well-known mechanism leading to the development of cancer. One of the main factors involved in this process are proteins belonging to the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family, and the imbalance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members of this family contributes to the development of cancer. Studies on the function of these proteins, including B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), have also been intensively conducted in companion animals. The Bcl-xL gene was sequenced and found to share over 99% homology with the human protein. Research showed that the Bcl-2 family plays the same role in human and canine cells, and data from studies in dogs are fully translatable to other species, including humans. The role of this protein family in cancer development was also confirmed. The article presents the current state of knowledge on the importance of the Bcl-xL protein in veterinary oncology.
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19
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Wang L, Bi R, Li L, Zhou K, Liu H. Functional characteristics of autophagy in pancreatic cancer induced by glutamate metabolism in pancreatic stellate cells. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060519865368. [PMID: 31856624 PMCID: PMC7607760 DOI: 10.1177/0300060519865368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of glutaminase (GLS) inhibitors on autophagy and proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells, and to explore their functions in pancreatic cancer. METHODS Pancreatic cancer cells were divided into two groups. Group A was the control untreated group, and group B cells were treated with GLS inhibitors. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Atg5, Bcl-2, Bax, and Bid proteins. The bromodeoxyuridine assay and scratch test were employed to investigate cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. The expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, cell adhesion molecule 2 (CADM2), and Snail protein was investigated by immunofluorescence. RESULTS The expression of Atg5, Bax, and Bid was higher in group A than in group B, while Bcl-2 expression was lower in group A than in group B. Group A cells demonstrated greater proliferation and invasion than group B cells. The expression of E-cadherin was lower in group A cells than group B cells, while vimentin, CADM2, and Snail were expressed at higher levels in group A than group B cells. CONCLUSION The inhibition of glutamine isozymes reduces autophagy and apoptosis in astrocytes, and inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, while reducing their invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - RongRong Bi
- Department of Pulmonary, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - HaiLin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Liu X, Ding C, Tan W, Zhang A. Medulloblastoma: Molecular understanding, treatment evolution, and new developments. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107516. [PMID: 32105673 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood malignant brain tumor, accounting for approximately 20% of all pediatric central nervous system tumors. Current standard treatments involving surgical interventions followed by craniospinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy have severe motor and cognitive defects. Therefore, individualized treatment regimens with reduced toxicity designed according to the presence of specific oncogenic 'driver' genes are urgently demanded. To this end, recent genetic and epigenetic findings have advanced the classification of MB into the international consensus of four distinct MB molecular subgroups (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4) based on their respective molecular and histopathological characteristics. More recent studies have indicated that up to seven molecular subgroups exist in childhood MB. Moreover, studies on the inter- and intra-tumoral features of the four subgroups revealed that each subgroup contains variant subtypes. These results have greatly helped risk stratification of MB patients at diagnosis and significantly improved clinical treatment options. Herein, we highlight the recent advances and challenges associated with MB classification, and the development of therapeutic treatments targeting novel subgroup-specific molecular and epigenetic factors, especially those in the SHH-driven MB tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liu
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Ao Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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21
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Antiproliferative Evaluation In Vitro of a New Chalcone Inducing Apoptosis by ROS Generation Against MGC-803 Cells. Pharm Chem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11094-019-02034-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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22
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CRISPR-Cas9-based mutagenesis frequently provokes on-target mRNA misregulation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4056. [PMID: 31492834 PMCID: PMC6731291 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of insertion-deletions (INDELs) by non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway underlies the mechanistic basis of CRISPR-Cas9-directed genome editing. Selective gene ablation using CRISPR-Cas9 is achieved by installation of a premature termination codon (PTC) from a frameshift-inducing INDEL that elicits nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) of the mutant mRNA. Here, by examining the mRNA and protein products of CRISPR targeted genes in a cell line panel with presumed gene knockouts, we detect the production of foreign mRNAs or proteins in ~50% of the cell lines. We demonstrate that these aberrant protein products stem from the introduction of INDELs that promote internal ribosomal entry, convert pseudo-mRNAs (alternatively spliced mRNAs with a PTC) into protein encoding molecules, or induce exon skipping by disruption of exon splicing enhancers (ESEs). Our results reveal challenges to manipulating gene expression outcomes using INDEL-based mutagenesis and strategies useful in mitigating their impact on intended genome-editing outcomes.
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α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor upregulation by anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2746. [PMID: 31227712 PMCID: PMC6588605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediate and modulate synaptic transmission throughout the brain, and contribute to learning, memory, and behavior. Dysregulation of α7-type nAChRs in neuropsychiatric as well as immunological and oncological diseases makes them attractive targets for pharmaceutical development. Recently, we identified NACHO as an essential chaperone for α7 nAChRs. Leveraging the robust recombinant expression of α7 nAChRs with NACHO, we utilized genome-wide cDNA library screening and discovered that several anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins further upregulate receptor assembly and cell surface expression. These effects are mediated by an intracellular motif on α7 that resembles the BH3 binding domain of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, and can be blocked by BH3 mimetic Bcl-2 inhibitors. Overexpression of Bcl-2 member Mcl-1 in neurons enhanced surface expression of endogenous α7 nAChRs, while a combination of chemotherapeutic Bcl2-inhibitors suppressed neuronal α7 receptor assembly. These results demonstrate that Bcl-2 proteins link α7 nAChR assembly to cell survival pathways. The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays a major role in shaping the activity of neuronal circuits and contributes to the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders. Following cDNA library screening, the authors identify anti-apoptotic, Bcl-2 family proteins as enhancers of α7 nAChR assembly, acting through an intracellular BH3-like domain during receptor biogenesis in the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Genomic testing, tumor microenvironment and targeted therapy of Hedgehog-related human cancers. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:953-970. [PMID: 31036756 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog signals are transduced through Patched receptors to the Smoothened (SMO)-SUFU-GLI and SMO-Gi-RhoA signaling cascades. MTOR-S6K1 and MEK-ERK signals are also transduced to GLI activators through post-translational modifications. The GLI transcription network up-regulates target genes, such as BCL2, FOXA2, FOXE1, FOXF1, FOXL1, FOXM1, GLI1, HHIP, PTCH1 and WNT2B, in a cellular context-dependent manner. Aberrant Hedgehog signaling in tumor cells leads to self-renewal, survival, proliferation and invasion. Paracrine Hedgehog signaling in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which harbors cancer-associated fibroblasts, leads to angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune evasion and neuropathic pain. Hedgehog-related genetic alterations occur frequently in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (85%) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)-subgroup medulloblastoma (87%) and less frequently in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ovarian cancer. Among investigational SMO inhibitors, vismodegib and sonidegib are approved for the treatment of patients with BCC, and glasdegib is approved for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Resistance to SMO inhibitors is caused by acquired SMO mutations, SUFU deletions, GLI2 amplification, other by-passing mechanisms of GLI activation and WNT/β-catenin signaling activation. GLI-DNA-interaction inhibitors (glabrescione B and GANT61), GLI2 destabilizers (arsenic trioxide and pirfenidone) and a GLI-deacetylation inhibitor (4SC-202) were shown to block GLI-dependent transcription and tumorigenesis in preclinical studies. By contrast, SMO inhibitors can remodel the immunosuppressive TME that is dominated by M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, and thus, a Phase I/II clinical trial of the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab with or without vismodegib in BCC patients is ongoing.
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Wagner HJ, Kemmer S, Engesser R, Timmer J, Weber W. Biofunctionalized Materials Featuring Feedforward and Feedback Circuits Exemplified by the Detection of Botulinum Toxin A. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1801320. [PMID: 30828524 PMCID: PMC6382303 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201801320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Feedforward and feedback loops are key regulatory elements in cellular signaling and information processing. Synthetic biology exploits these elements for the design of molecular circuits that enable the reprogramming and control of specific cellular functions. These circuits serve as a basis for the engineering of complex cellular networks, opening the door for numerous medical and biotechnological applications. Here, a similar principle is applied. Feedforward and positive feedback circuits are incorporated into biohybrid polymer materials in order to develop signal-sensing and signal-processing devices. This concept is exemplified by the detection of the proteolytic activity of the botulinum neurotoxin A. To this aim, site-specific proteases are incorporated into receiver, transmitter, and output materials, and their release, diffusion, and/or activation are wired according to a feedforward or a positive feedback circuit. The development of a quantitative mathematical model enables analysis and comparison of the performance of both systems. The flexible design could be easily adapted to detect other toxins or molecules of interest. Furthermore, cellular signaling or gene regulatory pathways could provide additional blueprints for the development of novel biohybrid circuits. Such information-processing, material-embedded biological circuits hold great promise for a variety of analytical, medical, or biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J. Wagner
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 179104FreiburgGermany
- BIOSS—Centre for Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1879104FreiburgGermany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM)University of FreiburgAlbertstraße 19a79104FreiburgGermany
| | - Svenja Kemmer
- BIOSS—Centre for Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1879104FreiburgGermany
- Institute of PhysicsUniversity of FreiburgHermann‐Herder Straße 379104FreiburgGermany
| | - Raphael Engesser
- BIOSS—Centre for Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1879104FreiburgGermany
- Institute of PhysicsUniversity of FreiburgHermann‐Herder Straße 379104FreiburgGermany
| | - Jens Timmer
- BIOSS—Centre for Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1879104FreiburgGermany
- Institute of PhysicsUniversity of FreiburgHermann‐Herder Straße 379104FreiburgGermany
| | - Wilfried Weber
- Faculty of BiologyUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 179104FreiburgGermany
- BIOSS—Centre for Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgSchänzlestraße 1879104FreiburgGermany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM)University of FreiburgAlbertstraße 19a79104FreiburgGermany
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26
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Zhang LS, Kang X, Lu J, Zhang Y, Wu X, Wu G, Zheng J, Tuladhar R, Shi H, Wang Q, Morlock L, Yao H, Huang LJS, Maire P, Kim J, Williams N, Xu J, Chen C, Zhang CC, Lum L. Installation of a cancer promoting WNT/SIX1 signaling axis by the oncofusion protein MLL-AF9. EBioMedicine 2019; 39:145-158. [PMID: 30528456 PMCID: PMC6354558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal translocation-induced expression of the chromatin modifying oncofusion protein MLL-AF9 promotes acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). Whereas WNT/β-catenin signaling has previously been shown to support MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. METHODS We used two novel small molecules targeting WNT signaling as well as a genetically modified mouse model that allow targeted deletion of the WNT protein chaperone Wntless (WLS) to evaluate the role of WNT signaling in AML progression. ATAC-seq and transcriptome profiling were deployed to understand the cellular consequences of disrupting a WNT signaling in leukemic initiating cells (LICs). FINDINGS We identified Six1 to be a WNT-controlled target gene in MLL-AF9-transformed leukemic initiating cells (LICs). MLL-AF9 alters the accessibility of Six1 DNA to the transcriptional effector TCF7L2, a transducer of WNT/β-catenin gene expression changes. Disruption of WNT/SIX1 signaling using inhibitors of the Wnt signaling delays the development of AML. INTERPRETATION By rendering TCF/LEF-binding elements controlling Six1 accessible to TCF7L2, MLL-AF9 promotes WNT/β-catenin-dependent growth of LICs. Small molecules disrupting WNT/β-catenin signaling block Six1 expression thereby disrupting leukemia driven by MLL fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xunlei Kang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jianming Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuannyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Guojin Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Junke Zheng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rubina Tuladhar
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heping Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qiaoling Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lorraine Morlock
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Huiyu Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lily Jun-Shen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Pascal Maire
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris-Descartes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR, 8104, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1016, Paris, France
| | - James Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Noelle Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chuo Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lawrence Lum
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Greaves G, Milani M, Butterworth M, Carter RJ, Byrne DP, Eyers PA, Luo X, Cohen GM, Varadarajan S. BH3-only proteins are dispensable for apoptosis induced by pharmacological inhibition of both MCL-1 and BCL-X L. Cell Death Differ 2018; 26:1037-1047. [PMID: 30185825 PMCID: PMC6748112 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The impressive selectivity and efficacy of BH3 mimetics for treating cancer has largely been limited to BCL-2 dependent hematological malignancies. Most solid tumors depend on other anti-apoptotic proteins, including MCL-1, for survival. The recent description of S63845 as the first specific and potent MCL-1 inhibitor represents an important therapeutic advance, since MCL-1 is not targeted by the currently available BH3 mimetics, Navitoclax or Venetoclax, and is commonly associated with chemoresistance. In this study, we confirm a high binding affinity and selectivity of S63845 to induce apoptosis in MCL-1-dependent cancer cell lines. Furthermore, S63845 synergizes with other BH3 mimetics to induce apoptosis in cell lines derived from both hematological and solid tumors. Although the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members in these cell lines interact with a spectrum of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins to regulate apoptosis, these interactions alone do not explain the relative sensitivities of these cell lines to BH3 mimetic-induced apoptosis. These findings necessitated further investigation into the requirement of BH3-only proteins in BH3 mimetic-mediated apoptosis. Concurrent inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1 by BH3 mimetics in colorectal HCT116 cells induced apoptosis in a BAX- but not BAK-dependent manner. Remarkably this apoptosis was independent of all known BH3-only proteins. Although BH3-only proteins were required for apoptosis induced as a result of BCL-XL inhibition, this requirement was overcome when both BCL-XL and MCL-1 were inhibited, implicating distinct mechanisms by which different anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members may regulate apoptosis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Greaves
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mateus Milani
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Michael Butterworth
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Rachel J Carter
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Dominic P Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Patrick A Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Xu Luo
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA
| | - Gerald M Cohen
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.,Departments of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Shankar Varadarajan
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK. .,Departments of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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Low cleaved caspase-7 levels indicate unfavourable outcome across all breast cancers. J Mol Med (Berl) 2018; 96:1025-1037. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-1675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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29
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Zhu J, Sun Y, Lu Y, Jiang X, Ma B, Yu L, Zhang J, Dong X, Zhang Q. Glaucocalyxin A exerts anticancer effect on osteosarcoma by inhibiting GLI1 nuclear translocation via regulating PI3K/Akt pathway. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:708. [PMID: 29899333 PMCID: PMC5999605 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0684-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, the most common malignant bone tumor with recurring disease or lung metastases, has become one of the leading causes of death in humans. In the current study, we made an investigation on the anticancer effect of glaucocalyxin A, a bioactive ent-kauranoid diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia japonica var., and unraveled the underlying mechanisms. Here, we found that Glaucocalyxin A inhibited the cell viability of numerous osteosarcoma cells. Our results showed that Glaucocalyxin A exerted the pro-apoptotic effect on human osteosarcoma cells, MG-63 and HOS cells. Glaucocalyxin A induced apoptosis by mitochondrial apoptotic pathway through several steps including increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, triggering the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and inducing cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3. We demonstrated that Glaucocalyxin A induced apoptosis via inhibiting Five-zinc finger Glis 1 (GLI1) activation by overexpression and knockdown of GLI1 in vitro. We also found that Glaucocalyxin A inhibited GLI1 activation via regulating phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. We further confirmed our findings by using PI3K activator and inhibitor to verify the inhibitory effect of Glaucocalyxin A on PI3K/Akt/GLI1 pathway. Moreover, our in vivo study revealed that glaucocalyxin A possessed a remarkable antitumor effect with no toxicity in the xenograft model inoculated with HOS tumor through the same mechanisms as in vitro. In conclusion, our results suggested that Glaucocalyxin A induced apoptosis in osteosarcoma by inhibiting nuclear translocation of GLI1 via regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, Glaucocalyxin A might be a potential candidate for human osteosarcoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Yang Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Ying Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xiubo Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Lisha Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China
| | - Xiaochen Dong
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE) & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211816, China.
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Popgeorgiev N, Jabbour L, Gillet G. Subcellular Localization and Dynamics of the Bcl-2 Family of Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:13. [PMID: 29497611 PMCID: PMC5819560 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bcl-2 family proteins are recognized as major regulators of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. They control the mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) by directly localizing to this organelle. Further investigations demonstrated that Bcl-2 related proteins are also found in other intracellular compartments such as the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, the nucleus and the peroxisomes. At the level of these organelles, Bcl-2 family proteins not only regulate MOMP in a remote fashion but also participate in major cellular processes including calcium homeostasis, cell cycle control and cell migration. With the advances of live cell imaging techniques and the generation of fluorescent recombinant proteins, it became clear that the distribution of Bcl-2 proteins inside the cell is a dynamic process which is profoundly affected by changes in the cellular microenvironment. Here, we describe the current knowledge related to the subcellular distribution of the Bcl-2 family of proteins and further emphasize on the emerging concept that this highly dynamic process is critical for cell fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Popgeorgiev
- Université de Lyon, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, U1052 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 5286, Université Lyon I, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Lea Jabbour
- Université de Lyon, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, U1052 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 5286, Université Lyon I, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Germain Gillet
- Université de Lyon, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, U1052 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 5286, Université Lyon I, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Laboratoire d'anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
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Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Anti-Apoptotic BCL2 Family Members. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010308. [PMID: 29361709 PMCID: PMC5796252 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-apoptotic B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family members (BCL2, MCL1, BCLxL, BCLW, and BFL1) are key players in the regulation of intrinsic apoptosis. Dysregulation of these proteins not only impairs normal development, but also contributes to tumor progression and resistance to various anti-cancer therapies. Therefore, cells maintain strict control over the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members using multiple mechanisms. Over the past two decades, the importance of post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA in controlling gene expression and its impact on normal homeostasis and disease have begun to be appreciated. In this review, we discuss the RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) that mediate post-transcriptional regulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members. We describe their roles and impact on alternative splicing, mRNA turnover, and mRNA subcellular localization. We also point out the importance of future studies in characterizing the crosstalk between RBPs and miRNAs in regulating anti-apoptotic BCL2 family member expression and ultimately apoptosis.
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