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Subburayan K, Thayyullathil F, Pallichankandy S, Cheratta AR, Alakkal A, Sultana M, Drou N, Arshad M, Palanikumar L, Magzoub M, Rangnekar VM, Galadari S. Tumor suppressor Par-4 activates autophagy-dependent ferroptosis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:732. [PMID: 38886572 PMCID: PMC11183062 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06430-z] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a unique iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death characterized by devastating lipid peroxidation. Whilst growing evidence suggests that ferroptosis is a type of autophagy-dependent cell death, the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating ferroptosis are largely unknown. In this study, through an unbiased RNA-sequencing screening, we demonstrate the activation of a multi-faceted tumor-suppressor protein Par-4/PAWR during ferroptosis. Functional studies reveal that genetic depletion of Par-4 effectively blocks ferroptosis, whereas Par-4 overexpression sensitizes cells to undergo ferroptosis. More importantly, we have determined that Par-4-triggered ferroptosis is mechanistically driven by the autophagic machinery. Upregulation of Par-4 promotes activation of ferritinophagy (autophagic degradation of ferritin) via the nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4), resulting in excessive release of free labile iron and, hence, enhanced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Inhibition of Par-4 dramatically suppresses the NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy signaling axis. Our results also establish that Par-4 activation positively correlates with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is critical for ferritinophagy-mediated ferroptosis. Furthermore, Par-4 knockdown effectively blocked ferroptosis-mediated tumor suppression in the mouse xenograft models. Collectively, these findings reveal that Par-4 has a crucial role in ferroptosis, which could be further exploited for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Subburayan
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anees Rahman Cheratta
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ameer Alakkal
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mehar Sultana
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (CGSB), Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nizar Drou
- CGSB Core Bioinformatics, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- CGSB Core Bioinformatics, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - L Palanikumar
- Biology Program, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mazin Magzoub
- Biology Program, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vivek M Rangnekar
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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2
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Pandey S, Raut KK, Clark AM, Baudin A, Djemri L, Libich DS, Ponniah K, Pascal SM. Enhancing the Conformational Stability of the cl-Par-4 Tumor Suppressor via Site-Directed Mutagenesis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040667. [PMID: 37189414 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins play important roles in cell signaling, and dysregulation of these proteins is associated with several diseases. Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), an approximately 40 kilodalton proapoptotic tumor suppressor, is a predominantly intrinsically disordered protein whose downregulation has been observed in various cancers. The caspase-cleaved fragment of Par-4 (cl-Par-4) is active and plays a role in tumor suppression by inhibiting cell survival pathways. Here, we employed site-directed mutagenesis to create a cl-Par-4 point mutant (D313K). The expressed and purified D313K protein was characterized using biophysical techniques, and the results were compared to that of the wild-type (WT). We have previously demonstrated that WT cl-Par-4 attains a stable, compact, and helical conformation in the presence of a high level of salt at physiological pH. Here, we show that the D313K protein attains a similar conformation as the WT in the presence of salt, but at an approximately two times lower salt concentration. This establishes that the substitution of a basic residue for an acidic residue at position 313 alleviates inter-helical charge repulsion between dimer partners and helps to stabilize the structural conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samjhana Pandey
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Krishna K Raut
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Andrea M Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Antoine Baudin
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lamya Djemri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - David S Libich
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Komala Ponniah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Steven M Pascal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
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3
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Burikhanov R, Ganguly S, Ellingson S, Sviripa VM, Araujo N, Li S, Venkatraman P, Rao M, Choughule A, Brainson CF, Zhan CG, Spielmann HP, Watt DS, Govindan R, Rangnekar VM. Crizotinib induces Par-4 secretion from normal cells and GRP78 expression on the cancer cell surface for selective tumor growth inhibition. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:976-991. [PMID: 37034206 PMCID: PMC10077052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung cancer cells develop resistance to apoptosis by suppressing the secretion of the tumor suppressor Par-4 protein (also known as PAWR) and/or down-modulating the Par-4 receptor GRP78 on the cell surface (csGRP78). We sought to identify FDA-approved drugs that elevate csGRP78 on the surface of lung cancer cells and induce Par-4 secretion from the cancer cells and/or normal cells in order to inhibit cancer growth in an autocrine or paracrine manner. In an unbiased screen, we identified crizotinib (CZT), an inhibitor of activated ALK/MET/ROS1 receptor tyrosine kinase, as an inducer of csGRP78 expression in ALK-negative, KRAS or EGFR mutant lung cancer cells. Elevation of csGRP78 in the lung cancer cells was dependent on activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase SRC by CZT. Inhibition of SRC activation in the cancer cells prevented csGRP78 translocation but promoted Par-4 secretion by CZT, implying that activated SRC prevented Par-4 secretion. In normal cells, CZT did not activate SRC and csGRP78 elevation but induced Par-4 secretion. Consequently, CZT induced Par-4 secretion from normal cells and elevated csGRP78 in the ALK-negative tumor cells to cause paracrine apoptosis in cancer cell cultures and growth inhibition of tumor xenografts in mice. Thus, CZT induces differential activation of SRC in normal and cancer cells to trigger the pro-apoptotic Par-4-GRP78 axis. As csGRP78 is a targetable receptor, CZT can be repurposed to elevate csGRP78 for inhibition of ALK-negative lung tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravshan Burikhanov
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Saptadwipa Ganguly
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sally Ellingson
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Vitaliy M Sviripa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nathalia Araujo
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Shunqiang Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington UniversitySt. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Prasanna Venkatraman
- Tata Memorial Centre-Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in CancerNavi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mahadev Rao
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Center for Translational Research, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher EducationManipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Anuradha Choughule
- Tata Memorial Centre-Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in CancerNavi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Christine F Brainson
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - H Peter Spielmann
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - David S Watt
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ramaswamy Govindan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington UniversitySt. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Vivek M Rangnekar
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Medicine, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of KentuckyLexington, Kentucky, USA
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4
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Pervaiz A, Saleem T, Kanwal K, Raza SM, Iqbal S, Zepp M, Georges RB, Berger MR. Expression profiling of anticancer genes in colorectal cancer patients and their in vitro induction by riproximin, a ribosomal inactivating plant protein. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04410-6. [PMID: 36251065 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04410-6] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectopic expression of anticancer genes (ACGs) imposes antineoplastic effects on transformed cells. Clinically, reduced expression of these genes has been linked with poor prognosis, metastasis and chemo/radiotherapy resistance in cancers. Identifying expression pattern of ACGs is crucial to establish their prognostic and therapeutic relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC). In addition to the clinical perspective, naturally occurring compounds can be explored in parallel for inducing ACGs to achieve cancer cell-specific death. METHODOLOGY Expression profiles of three ACGs (NOXA, PAR-4, TRAIL) were identified via real-time PCR in CRC clinical isolates. Time lapse-based expression modifications in ACGs were studied in a CRC liver metastasis animal model using microarray methodology. Effects of a purified plant protein (riproximin) on selected ACGs were identified in three primary and metastatic CRC cell lines by real-time PCR. Lastly, importance of the ACGs in a cellular environment was highlighted via bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS ACGs (except NOXA) were persistently downregulated in clinical isolates when comparing the overall mean expression values with normal mucosa levels. In vivo studies showed a prominent inhibition of NOXA and PAR-4 genes in implanted CRC cells during rat liver colonization. TRAIL showed deviation from this theme while showing marked induction during the early period of liver colonization (days 3 and 6 after CRC cell implantation). Riproximin exhibited substantial potential of inducing ACGs at transcriptome levels in selected CRC cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis showed that vital molecular/functional aspects of a cell are associated with the presence of ACGs. CONCLUSION ACGs are downregulated in primary and metastatic phase of CRC. Riproximin effectively induces ACGs in CRC cells and can be exploited for clinical investigations over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Pervaiz
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Talha Saleem
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kinzah Kanwal
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syed Mohsin Raza
- Institute of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sana Iqbal
- Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Michael Zepp
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Immundiagnostik, Bensheim, Germany
| | - Rania B Georges
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Coordination Centre for Clinical Trials, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Immundiagnostik, Bensheim, Germany
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5
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Prostate Apoptosis Response-4 (Par-4): A Novel Target in Pyronaridine-Induced Apoptosis in Glioblastoma (GBM) Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133198. [PMID: 35804970 PMCID: PMC9264948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary GBM treatment is an area of high unmet need due to the heterogeneous and anaplastic character of this cancer in turn leading to an extremely poor prognosis. Finding new molecular entities by traditional or de novo approaches to drug discovery is lengthy and expensive. Repurposing existing drugs can be attractive as the process is often less risky, more cost, and time-effective. Amongst potential drug-repurposing candidates, Pyronaridine (PYR), an antimalarial drug has shown anti-cancer effects against several cancers, however, its potential for the treatment of GBM has not been explored. In this study, we have identified a unique mechanism of action of PYR against GBM by upregulating a tumor suppressor protein, Par-4 along with the elucidation of the complex network of pathways mediated through Par-4 leading to GBM cell death. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain tumor with a median survival of approximately 12 months. With no new drugs in the last few decades and limited success in clinics for known therapies, drug repurposing is an attractive choice for its treatment. Here, we examined the efficacy of pyronaridine (PYR), an anti-malarial drug in GBM cells. PYR induced anti-proliferative activity in GBM cells with IC50 ranging from 1.16 to 6.82 µM. Synergistic activity was observed when PYR was combined with Doxorubicin and Ritonavir. Mechanistically, PYR triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and enhanced the ROS levels causing caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. PYR significantly decreased markers associated with proliferation, EMT, hypoxia, and stemness and upregulated the expression of E-cadherin. Interestingly, PYR induced the expression of intracellular as well as secretory Par-4, a tumor suppressor in GBM cells, which was confirmed using siRNA. Notably, Par-4 levels in plasma samples of GBM patients were significantly lower than normal healthy volunteers. Thus, our study demonstrates for the first time that PYR can be repurposed against GBM with a novel mechanism of action involving Par-4. Herewith, we discuss the role of upregulated Par-4 in a highly interconnected signaling network thereby advocating its importance as a therapeutic target.
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6
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Araujo N, Sledziona J, Noothi SK, Burikhanov R, Hebbar N, Ganguly S, Shrestha-Bhattarai T, Zhu B, Katz WS, Zhang Y, Taylor BS, Liu J, Chen L, Weiss HL, He D, Wang C, Morris AJ, Cassis LA, Nikolova-Karakashian M, Nagareddy PR, Melander O, Evers BM, Kern PA, Rangnekar VM. Tumor Suppressor Par-4 Regulates Complement Factor C3 and Obesity. Front Oncol 2022; 12:860446. [PMID: 35425699 PMCID: PMC9004617 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.860446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a tumor suppressor that induces apoptosis in cancer cells. However, the physiological function of Par-4 remains unknown. Here we show that conventional Par-4 knockout (Par-4-/-) mice and adipocyte-specific Par-4 knockout (AKO) mice, but not hepatocyte-specific Par-4 knockout mice, are obese with standard chow diet. Par-4-/- and AKO mice exhibit increased absorption and storage of fat in adipocytes. Mechanistically, Par-4 loss is associated with mdm2 downregulation and activation of p53. We identified complement factor c3 as a p53-regulated gene linked to fat storage in adipocytes. Par-4 re-expression in adipocytes or c3 deletion reversed the obese mouse phenotype. Moreover, obese human subjects showed lower expression of Par-4 relative to lean subjects, and in longitudinal studies, low baseline Par-4 levels denoted an increased risk of developing obesity later in life. These findings indicate that Par-4 suppresses p53 and its target c3 to regulate obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Araujo
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - James Sledziona
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Sunil K Noothi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Ravshan Burikhanov
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Nikhil Hebbar
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Saptadwipa Ganguly
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Tripti Shrestha-Bhattarai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Beibei Zhu
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Wendy S Katz
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Li Chen
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Heidi L Weiss
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Daheng He
- Department of Statistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Chi Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Andrew J Morris
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Lisa A Cassis
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Mariana Nikolova-Karakashian
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - Olle Melander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - B Mark Evers
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Philip A Kern
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Vivek M Rangnekar
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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7
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Zhang J, Dong W, Ren Y, Wei D. SAC-TRAIL, a novel anticancer fusion protein: expression, purification, and functional characterization. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:1511-1520. [PMID: 35133472 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11807-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant protein pharmaceutical agents have been widely used for cancer treatment. Although tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has broad-spectrum antitumor activity, its clinical applications are limited because most tumor cells eventually develop resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through various pathways. Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells after binding to the cell surface receptor, GRP78. In this study, TRAIL was fused with the core domain of Par-4 (SAC) to produce a novel recombinant fusion protein. To obtain solubly expressed fusion protein, a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) was added to the N-terminus of the target protein. Cytotoxicity assays showed that the purified fusion protein exhibited more significant antitumor activity on cancer cells than that by native TRAIL. The connection order and linker sequence of the fusion proteins were optimized. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the SAC-TRAIL fusion protein, which contained a flexible linker (G4S)3, optimally inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells. Immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that SAC-TRAIL could efficiently and specifically bind to cancer cells. Additionally, circular dichroism assays showed that the secondary structure of the recombinant protein with a flexible linker (G4S)3 has both a lower α-helix and higher random coiling, which facilitates the specific binding of SAC-TRAIL to the receptor. Collectively, these results suggest that the novel recombinant fusion protein SAC-(G4S)3-TRAIL is a potential therapeutic agent for cancer. KEY POINTS: • Improved tumor growth suppression and apoptosis induction potency of SAC-TRAIL. • Enhanced targeting selectivity of SAC-TRAIL in cancer cells. • Lower α-helix and higher random coiling in SAC-TRAIL with flexible linker (G4S)3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wanyuan Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongzhi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, People's Republic of China
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8
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Structural Analysis of the cl-Par-4 Tumor Suppressor as a Function of Ionic Environment. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030386. [PMID: 33807852 PMCID: PMC7998163 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a proapoptotic tumor suppressor protein that has been linked to a large number of cancers. This 38 kilodalton (kDa) protein has been shown to be predominantly intrinsically disordered in vitro. In vivo, Par-4 is cleaved by caspase-3 at Asp-131 to generate the 25 kDa functionally active cleaved Par-4 protein (cl-Par-4) that inhibits NF-κB-mediated cell survival pathways and causes selective apoptosis in tumor cells. Here, we have employed circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess the effects of various monovalent and divalent salts upon the conformation of cl-Par-4 in vitro. We have previously shown that high levels of sodium can induce the cl-Par-4 fragment to form highly compact, highly helical tetramers in vitro. Spectral characteristics suggest that most or at least much of the helical content in these tetramers are non-coiled coils. Here, we have shown that potassium produces a similar effect as was previously reported for sodium and that magnesium salts also produce a similar conformation effect, but at an approximately five times lower ionic concentration. We have also shown that anion identity has far less influence than does cation identity. The degree of helicity induced by each of these salts suggests that the "Selective for Apoptosis in Cancer cells" (SAC) domain-the region of Par-4 that is most indispensable for its apoptotic function-is likely to be helical in cl-Par-4 under the studied high salt conditions. Furthermore, we have shown that under medium-strength ionic conditions, a combination of high molecular weight aggregates and smaller particles form and that the smaller particles are also highly helical, resembling at least in secondary structure, the tetramers found at high salt.
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9
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Cheratta AR, Thayyullathil F, Pallichankandy S, Subburayan K, Alakkal A, Galadari S. Prostate apoptosis response-4 and tumor suppression: it's not just about apoptosis anymore. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:47. [PMID: 33414404 PMCID: PMC7790818 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) has recently turned ‘twenty-five’. Beyond its indisputable role as an apoptosis inducer, an increasing and sometimes bewildering, new roles for Par-4 are being reported. These roles include its ability to regulate autophagy, senescence, and metastasis. This growing range of responses to Par-4 is reflected by our increasing understanding of the various mechanisms through which Par-4 can function. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge on Par-4 tumor suppressive mechanisms, and discuss how the interaction of Par-4 with different regulators influence cell fate. This review also highlights the new secretory pathway that has emerged and the likely discussion on its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Rahman Cheratta
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Karthikeyan Subburayan
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ameer Alakkal
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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10
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Natural Agents Targeting Mitochondria in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21196992. [PMID: 32977472 PMCID: PMC7582837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21196992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the key energy provider to highly proliferating cancer cells, and are subsequently considered one of the critical targets in cancer therapeutics. Several compounds have been studied for their mitochondria-targeting ability in cancer cells. These studies’ outcomes have led to the invention of “mitocans”, a category of drug known to precisely target the cancer cells’ mitochondria. Based upon their mode of action, mitocans have been divided into eight classes. To date, different synthetic compounds have been suggested to be potential mitocans, but unfortunately, they are observed to exert adverse effects. Many studies have been published justifying the medicinal significance of large numbers of natural agents for their mitochondria-targeting ability and anticancer activities with minimal or no side effects. However, these natural agents have never been critically analyzed for their mitochondria-targeting activity. This review aims to evaluate the various natural agents affecting mitochondria and categorize them in different classes. Henceforth, our study may further support the potential mitocan behavior of various natural agents and highlight their significance in formulating novel potential anticancer therapeutics.
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11
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Thayyullathil F, Cheratta AR, Pallichankandy S, Subburayan K, Tariq S, Rangnekar VM, Galadari S. Par-4 regulates autophagic cell death in human cancer cells via upregulating p53 and BNIP3. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118692. [PMID: 32135176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a tumor suppressor protein that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Although the mechanism of Par-4-mediated induction of apoptosis has been well studied, the involvement of Par-4 in other mechanisms of cell death such as autophagy is unclear. We investigated the mechanism involved in Par-4-mediated autophagic cell death in human malignant glioma. We demonstrate for the first time that the tumor suppressor lipid, ceramide (Cer), causes Par-4 induction, leading to autophagic cell death in human malignant glioma. Furthermore, we identified the tumor suppressor protein p53 and BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) as downstream targets of Par-4 during Cer-mediated autophagic cell death. RNAi-mediated down-regulation of Par-4 blocks Cer-induced p53-BNIP3 activation and autophagic cell death, while upregulation of Par-4 augmented p53-BNIP3 activation and autophagic cell death. Remarkably, in many instances, Par-4 overexpression alone was sufficient to induce cell death which is associated with features of autophagy. Interestingly, similar results were seen when glioma cells were exposed to classical autophagy inducers such as serum starvation, arsenic trioxide, and curcumin. Collectively, the novel Par-4-p53-BNIP3 axis plays a crucial role in autophagy-mediated cell death in human malignant glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University, Abu Dhabi, P. O. Box. 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anees Rahman Cheratta
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University, Abu Dhabi, P. O. Box. 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University, Abu Dhabi, P. O. Box. 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karthikeyan Subburayan
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University, Abu Dhabi, P. O. Box. 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saeed Tariq
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vivek M Rangnekar
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science (Biology), Experimental Research Building, New York University, Abu Dhabi, P. O. Box. 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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12
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Nguyen C, Pandey S. Exploiting Mitochondrial Vulnerabilities to Trigger Apoptosis Selectively in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E916. [PMID: 31261935 PMCID: PMC6678564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The transformation of normal cells to the cancerous stage involves multiple genetic changes or mutations leading to hyperproliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and evasion of the host immune system. However, to accomplish hyperproliferation, cancer cells undergo profound metabolic reprogramming including oxidative glycolysis and acidification of the cytoplasm, leading to hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. The majority of drug development research in the past has focused on targeting DNA replication, repair, and tubulin polymerization to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Unfortunately, these are not cancer-selective targets. Recently, researchers have started focusing on metabolic, mitochondrial, and oxidative stress vulnerabilities of cancer cells that can be exploited as selective targets for inducing cancer cell death. Indeed, the hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membranes in cancer cells can lead to selective importing of mitocans that can induce apoptotic effects. Herein, we will discuss recent mitochondrial-selective anticancer compounds (mitocans) that have shown selective toxicity against cancer cells. Increased oxidative stress has also been shown to be very effective in selectively inducing cell death in cancer cells. This oxidative stress could lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn will produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS). This creates a vicious cycle of mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production, irreversibly leading to cell suicide. We will also explore the possibility of combining these compounds to sensitize cancer cells to the conventional anticancer agents. Mitocans in combination with selective oxidative-stress producing agents could be very effective anticancer treatments with minimal effect on healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9E 3P4, Canada
| | - Siyaram Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9E 3P4, Canada.
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13
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Clark AM, Ponniah K, Warden MS, Raitt EM, Smith BG, Pascal SM. Tetramer formation by the caspase-activated fragment of the Par-4 tumor suppressor. FEBS J 2019; 286:4060-4073. [PMID: 31177609 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) tumor suppressor can selectively kill cancer cells via apoptosis while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Full length Par-4 has been shown to be predominantly intrinsically disordered in vitro under neutral conditions. As part of the apoptotic process, cellular Par-4 is cleaved at D131 by caspase-3, which generates a 24 kDa C-terminal activated fragment (cl-Par-4) that enters the nucleus and inhibits pro-survival genes, thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation. Here, the structure of cl-Par-4 was investigated using CD spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence, and size exclusion chromatography with mutli-angle light scattering. Biophysical characterization shows that cl-Par-4 aggregates and is disordered at low ionic strength. However, with increasing ionic strength, cl-Par-4 becomes progressively more helical and less aggregated, ultimately forming largely ordered tetramers at high NaCl concentration. These results, together with previous results showing induced folding at acidic pH, suggest that the in vivo structure and self-association state of cl-Par-4 may be strongly dependent upon cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Komala Ponniah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Meghan S Warden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Emily M Raitt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Benjamin G Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Steven M Pascal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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14
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da Silva GM, Saavedra V, Ianez RCF, de Sousa EA, Gomes ÁN, Kelner N, Nagai MA, Kowalski LP, Soares FA, Lourenço SV, Coutinho-Camillo CM. Apoptotic signaling in salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Head Neck 2019; 41:2904-2913. [PMID: 30968512 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of salivary glands. Apoptosis plays an important role in organogenesis of glandular structures, and aberrations of apoptotic mechanisms is associated with a wide array of pathologic conditions. METHODS The immunoexpression of proteins associated with apoptosis and proliferation was evaluated in 40 mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases. RESULTS Par-4, Survivin, MUC1, PHLDA1, Fas, and Ki-67 were predominantly expressed in mucoepidermoid carcinoma. FasL was rarely expressed, and Caspase-3 expression was observed in almost 50% of the cases. SPARC expression was associated with low-grade tumors, and Ki-67 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis. Expression of Fas and decreased expression of Ki-67 and Caspase-3 were associated with better overall cancer-specific survival rates. CONCLUSIONS The association of SPARC and Ki-67 expression with pathological features and the association of Fas, Caspase-3, and Ki-67 with survival probabilities suggest that these proteins may be useful prognostic markers for mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Saavedra
- International Research Center, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata C F Ianez
- International Research Center, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elen A de Sousa
- International Research Center, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ágatha N Gomes
- International Research Center, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natalie Kelner
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria A Nagai
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz P Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Soares
- Department of General Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Pathology Division, Rede D'Or Hospitals Network, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia V Lourenço
- Department of General Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Rahman A, Pallichankandy S, Thayyullathil F, Galadari S. Critical role of H 2O 2 in mediating sanguinarine-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cells via facilitating ceramide generation, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and Par-4 cleavage. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 134:527-544. [PMID: 30735839 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural products are a major source of potential anticancer agents, and in order to develop improved and more effective cancer treatments, there is an immense need in exploring and elucidating their mechanism of action. Sanguinarine (SNG), a quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloid, has been shown to induce cytotoxicity in various human cancers and suppresses various pro-tumorigenic processes such as invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis in different cancers. Lack of understanding the anticancer mechanism(s) of SNG has impeded the development of this molecule as a potential anticancer agent. Earlier, we have reported that SNG induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent ceramide (Cer) generation and Akt dephosphorylation, leading to the induction of apoptosis in human leukemic cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that SNG has potent anti-proliferative activity against prostate cancer cells. Our data suggest that SNG induces Cer generation via inhibiting acid ceramidase and glucosylceramide synthase, two important enzymes involved in Cer metabolism. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SNG induces ROS-depended extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) cleavage, leading to the induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells. Overall, our findings provide molecular insight into the role of ROS signaling in the anticancer mechanism(s) of SNG. This may provide the basis for its use as a nontoxic and an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Rahman
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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16
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de Mello Gomes ÁN, Nagai MA, Lourenço SV, Coutinho-Camillo CM. Apoptosis and proliferation during human salivary gland development. J Anat 2019; 234:830-838. [PMID: 30861119 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human salivary gland (SG) branching morphogenesis is an intricate mechanism divided into stages, prebud, initial bud, pseudoglandular, canalicular, and terminal bud, to form the final lobular structure of the organ. The coordination of molecular cascades, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, are fundamental to this process. The intrinsic apoptosis pathway appears to be important in the early phases of ductal cavitation and luminisation; however, the role of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway has still to be determined. Questions remain as to whether the latter mechanism participates in the maintenance of the ductal lumen; therefore, the present study investigated the expression of proteins Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), Fas cell surface death receptor (Fas), Fas ligand (FasL), pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 1 (PHLDA1), caspase-3, B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), survivin, Ki-67, mucin 1 (MUC1), and secreted protein acidic and cysteine-rich (SPARC) during distinct phases of human SG development (50 specimens). This strategy aimed to draw an immunomorphological map of the proteins involved in apoptosis, cell proliferation, and tissue maturation during the SG branching morphogenesis process. Par-4 was positive at all stages except the pre-acinar phase. Fas and FasL were expressed in few cells. PHLDA1 was expressed in all phases but not in the terminal bud. Bcl-2 expression was mainly negative (expressed in few cells). Survivin showed a cytoplasmic expression pattern in the early phases of development, which changed to a predominantly nuclear expression during development into more differentiated structures. Ki-67 was expressed mainly at the pseudoglandular stage. MUC1 was positive in the pseudoglandular stage with a cytoplasmic pattern in regions of early luminal opening. Immunostaining for SPARC and caspase-3 was negative. Our results suggest that proteins associated with the regulation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis contribute to apoptosis during specific phases of the early formation of SGs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Aparecida Nagai
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Silencing of type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase β stabilizes prostate apoptosis response-4 and induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Biochem J 2019; 476:405-419. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase β (PtdIns 4-kinase II β) is an enigma among the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase family. The role of PtdIns 4-kinase II β in MCF-7 cells was addressed with the help of short hairpin RNA (shRNA). PtdIns 4-kinase II β shRNA transfection increased pan-caspase activity and induced apoptosis in cancerous MCF-7 cells. Non-cancerous MCF-10A cells were resistant to PtdIns 4-kinase II β shRNA-induced apoptosis. Caspase 8 and 9 inhibitors rescued MCF-7 cells from apoptosis. Shotgun proteomic studies with Flag-tagged PtdIns 4-kinase II β immunoprecipitates showed tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) as one of the interacting proteins in HEK293 cells. In reciprocal experiments, Par-4 antibodies co-precipitated PtdIns 4-kinase II β from MCF-7 cells. Deletion of membrane localization motif (ΔCCPCC) or a mutation in ATP-binding region (D304A) of PtdIns 4-kinase II β did not affect its interaction with Par-4. Pull-down assays with GST-PtdIns 4-kinase II β-truncated mutants showed that the region between 101 and 215 amino acid residues is essential for interaction with Par-4. At molecular level, PtdIns 4-kinase II β shRNA transfection increased Par-4 stability, its nuclear localization and inhibition of NF-κB binding to target DNA. Knocking down of Par-4 with siRNA (small interfering RNA) rescued MCF-7 cells from PtdIns 4-kinase II β shRNA-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that PtdIns 4-kinase II β may be a novel regulator of Par-4 through protein–protein interactions. These studies have potential implications in cancer therapy.
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18
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Clark AM, Ponniah K, Warden MS, Raitt EM, Yawn AC, Pascal SM. pH-Induced Folding of the Caspase-Cleaved Par-4 Tumor Suppressor: Evidence of Structure Outside of the Coiled Coil Domain. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8040162. [PMID: 30518159 PMCID: PMC6316887 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a 38 kDa largely intrinsically disordered tumor suppressor protein that functions in cancer cell apoptosis. Par-4 down-regulation is often observed in cancer while up-regulation is characteristic of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Cleavage of Par-4 by caspase-3 activates tumor suppression via formation of an approximately 25 kDa fragment (cl-Par-4) that enters the nucleus and inhibits Bcl-2 and NF-ƙB, which function in pro-survival pathways. Here, we have investigated the structure of cl-Par-4 using biophysical techniques including circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence. The results demonstrate pH-dependent folding of cl-Par-4, with high disorder and aggregation at neutral pH, but a largely folded, non-aggregated conformation at acidic pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Komala Ponniah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Meghan S Warden
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Emily M Raitt
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Andrea C Yawn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
| | - Steven M Pascal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
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19
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Neoadjuvant administration of hydroxychloroquine in a phase 1 clinical trial induced plasma Par-4 levels and apoptosis in diverse tumors. Genes Cancer 2018; 9:190-197. [PMID: 30603055 PMCID: PMC6305107 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) are robust inducers of the tumor suppressor Par-4 secretion from normal cells. Secreted Par-4 causes paracrine apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibits metastasis in mice. We report the clinical results with pharmacodynamic analyses of our Phase I trial using neoadjuvant administration of HCQ in patients with surgically removable early stage solid tumors. This was a single-institution trial of oral HCQ (200 or 400 mg twice daily) given for 14 days prior to planned surgery. Dose escalation was based on isotonic regression to model safety and biological effect based on plasma Par-4 analysis. Eight of the nine patients treated with HCQ showed elevation in plasma Par-4 levels over basal levels. No toxicities were observed with these dose regimens. The resected tumors from the eight HCQ-treated patients with elevated plasma Par-4 levels, but not the resected tumor from the patient who failed to induce plasma Par-4 levels, exhibited TUNEL-positivity indicative of apoptosis. Resected tumors from all nine HCQ-treated patients showed p62/sequestosome-1 induction indicative of autophagy-inhibition by HCQ. Our findings indicate that both dose levels of HCQ were well-tolerated and that Par-4 secretion but not induction of the autophagy-inhibition marker p62 correlated with apoptosis induction in patients' tumors.
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20
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Kao C, Chandna R, Ghode A, Dsouza C, Chen M, Larsson A, Lim SH, Wang M, Cao Z, Zhu Y, Anand GS, Ge R. Proapoptotic Cyclic Peptide BC71 Targets Cell-Surface GRP78 and Functions as an Anticancer Therapeutic in Mice. EBioMedicine 2018; 33:22-32. [PMID: 29907328 PMCID: PMC6085501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78) is a recently emerged target for cancer therapy and a biomarker for cancer prognosis. Overexpression of GRP78 is observed in many types of cancers, with the cell-surface GRP78 being preferentially present in cancer cells and cancer blood vessel endothelial cells. Isthmin (ISM) is a secreted high-affinity proapoptotic protein ligand of cell-surface GRP78 that suppresses angiogenesis and tumor growth in mice. The C-terminal AMOP (adhesion-associated domain in MUC4 and other proteins) domain of ISM is critical in mediating its interaction with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In this work, we report novel cyclic peptides harboring the RKD motif in the ISM AMOP domain that function as proapoptotic ligands of cell-surface GRP78. The most potent peptide, BC71, binds to GRP78 and converge to tumor in mice. Intravenous administration of BC71 suppressed xenograft tumor growth in mice as a single agent, with significant reduction in tumor angiogenesis and upsurge in apoptosis. Fluorescent-labeled BC71 accumulates in tumor in mice by targeting cell-surface GRP78. We show that BC71 triggers apoptosis via cell-surface GRP78 and activates caspase-8 and p53 signaling pathways in HUVECs. Using amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDXMS), we identified that BC71 preferentially binds to ATP-bound GRP78 via amino acid residues 244-257 of GRP78. Hence, BC71 serves as a valuable prototype for further development of peptidomimetic anticancer drugs targeting cell-surface GRP78 as well as PET imaging agents for cancer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh Kao
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Ritu Chandna
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Abhijeet Ghode
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Charlotte Dsouza
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Andreas Larsson
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 639798, Singapore
| | - Siau Hoi Lim
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 639798, Singapore
| | - Minjun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Rd, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhonglian Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Rd, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Rd, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ganesh S Anand
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore
| | - Ruowen Ge
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, 117558, Singapore.
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21
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Katoch A, Suklabaidya S, Chakraborty S, Nayak D, Rasool RU, Sharma D, Mukherjee D, Faheem MM, Kumar A, Sharma PR, Senapati S, Kumar LD, Goswami A. Dual role of Par-4 in abrogation of EMT and switching on Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition (MET) in metastatic pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2018; 57:1102-1115. [PMID: 29672923 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical event that occurs during the invasion and metastatic spread of cancer cells. Here, we conceive a dual mechanism of Par-4-mediated inhibition of EMT and induction of MET in metastatic pancreatic cancer cells. First, we demonstrate that 1,1'-β-D-glucopyranosyl-3,3'-bis(5-bromoindolyl)-octyl methane (NGD16), an N-glycosylated derivative of medicinally important phytochemical 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) abrogates EMT by inducing pro-apoptotic protein Par-4. Induction of Par-4 (by NGD16 or ectopic overexpression) strongly impedes invasion with inhibition of major mesenchymal markers viz. Vimentin and Twist-1 epithelial marker- E-cadherin. Further, NGD16 triggers MET phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells by augmenting ALK2/Smad4 signaling in a Par-4-dependent manner. Conversely, siRNA-mediated silencing of endogenous Par-4 unveil reversal of MET with diminished E-cadherin expression and invasive phenotypes. Additionally, we demonstrate that intact Smad4 is essential for Par-4-mediated maintenance of E-cadherin level in MET induced cells. Notably, we imply that Par-4 induction regulates E-cadherin levels in the pancreatic cancer cells via modulating Twist-1 promoter activity. Finally, in vivo studies with syngenic mouse metastatic pancreatic cancer model reveal that NGD16 strongly suppresses metastatic burden, ascites formation, and prolongs the overall survival of animals effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Katoch
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Sujit Suklabaidya
- Tumor Microenvironment and Animal Models Lab, Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India
| | - Souneek Chakraborty
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Debasis Nayak
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Reyaz U Rasool
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Deepak Sharma
- Natural Product Chemistry, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Natural Product Chemistry, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mir M Faheem
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Anmol Kumar
- Cancer Biology Division, Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Parduman R Sharma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shantibhusan Senapati
- Tumor Microenvironment and Animal Models Lab, Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India
| | - Lekha D Kumar
- Cancer Biology Division, Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Anindya Goswami
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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22
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Novel role of prostate apoptosis response-4 tumor suppressor in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 2018; 131:2943-2954. [PMID: 29695515 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-10-813931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), a proapoptotic tumor suppressor protein, is downregulated in many cancers including renal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, endometrial, and breast cancer. Par-4 induces apoptosis selectively in various types of cancer cells but not normal cells. We found that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells from human patients and from Eµ-Tcl1 mice constitutively express Par-4 in greater amounts than normal B-1 or B-2 cells. Interestingly, knockdown of Par-4 in human CLL-derived Mec-1 cells results in a robust increase in p21/WAF1 expression and decreased growth due to delayed G1-to-S cell-cycle transition. Lack of Par-4 also increased the expression of p21 and delayed CLL growth in Eμ-Tcl1 mice. Par-4 expression in CLL cells required constitutively active B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling, as inhibition of BCR signaling with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs caused a decrease in Par-4 messenger RNA and protein, and an increase in apoptosis. In particular, activities of Lyn, a Src family kinase, spleen tyrosine kinase, and Bruton tyrosine kinase are required for Par-4 expression in CLL cells, suggesting a novel regulation of Par-4 through BCR signaling. Together, these results suggest that Par-4 may play a novel progrowth rather than proapoptotic role in CLL and could be targeted to enhance the therapeutic effects of BCR-signaling inhibitors.
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23
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Liu C, QiNan W, XiaoTian L, MengLiu Y, XiaGuang G, WeiLing L, ZiWen L, Ling Z, GangYi Y, Bing C. TERT and Akt Are Involved in the Par-4-Dependent Apoptosis of Islet β Cells in Type 2 Diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2018; 2018:7653904. [PMID: 30186877 PMCID: PMC6112224 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7653904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Islet β cell apoptosis plays an important role in type 2 diabetes. We previously reported that Par-4-mediated islet β cell apoptosis is induced by high-glucose/fatty acid levels. In the present study, we show that Par-4, which is induced by high-glucose/fatty acid levels, interacts with and inhibits TERT in the cytoplasm and then translocates to the nucleus. Par-4 also inhibited Akt phosphorylation, leading to islet β cell apoptosis. We inhibited Par-4 in islet β cells under high-glucose/fatty acid conditions and knocked out Par-4 in diabetic mice, which led to the up-regulation of TERT and an improvement in the apoptosis rate. We inhibited Akt phosphorylation in islet β cells and diabetic mice, which led to aggressive apoptosis. In addition, the biological film interference technique revealed that Par-4 bound to TERT via its NLS and leucine zipper domains. Our research suggests that Par-4 activation and binding to TERT are key steps required for inducing the apoptosis of islet β cells under high-glucose/fatty acid conditions. Inhibiting Akt phosphorylation aggravated apoptosis by activating Par-4 and inhibiting TERT, and Par-4 inhibition may be an attractive target for the treatment of islet β cell apoptosis.
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MESH Headings
- Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Blood Glucose/metabolism
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/enzymology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/enzymology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/pathology
- Humans
- Insulin-Secreting Cells/enzymology
- Insulin-Secreting Cells/pathology
- Leucine Zippers
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Phosphorylation
- Protein Binding
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Receptors, Thrombin/deficiency
- Receptors, Thrombin/genetics
- Receptors, Thrombin/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Telomerase/blood
- Telomerase/genetics
- Telomerase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liu
- Endocrine Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Wu QiNan
- Endocrine Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Lei XiaoTian
- Endocrine Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yang MengLiu
- Endocrine Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Gan XiaGuang
- Endocrine Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Leng WeiLing
- Endocrine Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Liang ZiWen
- Endocrine Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhang Ling
- Outpatient Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yang GangYi
- Endocrine Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Chen Bing
- Endocrine Department, First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
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24
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Wang SH, Yu J. Structure-based design for binding peptides in anti-cancer therapy. Biomaterials 2017; 156:1-15. [PMID: 29182932 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The conventional anticancer therapeutics usually lack cancer specificity, leading to damage of normal tissues that patients find hard to tolerate. Ideally, anticancer therapeutics carrying payloads of drugs equipped with cancer targeting peptides can act like "guided missiles" with the capacity of targeted delivery toward many types of cancers. Peptides are amenable for conjugation to nano drugs for functionalization, thereby improving drug delivery and cellular uptake in cancer-targeting therapies. Peptide drugs are often more difficult to design through molecular docking and in silico analysis than small molecules, because peptide structures are more flexible, possess intricate molecular conformations, and undergo complex interactions. In this review, the development and application of strategies for structure-based design of cancer-targeting peptides against GRP78 are discussed. This Review also covers topics related to peptide pharmacokinetics and targeting delivery, including molecular docking studies, features that provide advantages for in vivo use, and properties that influence the cancer-targeting ability. Some advanced technologies and special peptides that can overcome the pharmacokinetic challenges have also been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Hung Wang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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25
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Zhang J, Sun A, Dong Y, Wei D. Recombinant Production and Characterization of SAC, the Core Domain of Par-4, by SUMO Fusion System. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017; 184:1155-1167. [PMID: 28971310 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-017-2599-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4), an anticancer protein that interacts with cell surface receptor GRP78, can selectively suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. The core domain of Par-4 (aa 137-195), designated as SAC, is sufficient to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis without harming normal tissues and organs. Nevertheless, the anticancer effects of SAC have not been determined in ovarian cancer cells. Here, we developed a novel method for producing native SAC in Escherichia coli using a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) fusion system. This fusion system not only greatly improved the solubility of target protein but also enhanced the expression level of SUMO-SAC. After purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, SUMO tag was cleaved from SUMO-SAC fusion protein using SUMO protease to obtain recombinant SAC. Furthermore, we simplified the purification process by combining the SUMO-SAC purification and SUMO tag cleavage into one step. Finally, the purity of recombinant SAC reached as high as 95% and the yield was 25 mg/L. Our results demonstrated that recombinant SAC strongly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells SKOV-3. Immunofluorescence analysis and competitive binding reaction showed that recombinant SAC could specifically induce apoptosis of SKOV-3 cells through combination with cell surface receptor, GRP78. Therefore, we have developed an effective strategy for expressing bioactive SAC in prokaryotic cells, which supports the application of SAC in ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Aiyou Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Yuguo Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Dongzhi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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26
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Hebbar N, Burikhanov R, Shukla N, Qiu S, Zhao Y, Elenitoba-Johnson KSJ, Rangnekar VM. A Naturally Generated Decoy of the Prostate Apoptosis Response-4 Protein Overcomes Therapy Resistance in Tumors. Cancer Res 2017. [PMID: 28625975 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-1970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Primary tumors are often heterogeneous, composed of therapy-sensitive and emerging therapy-resistant cancer cells. Interestingly, treatment of therapy-sensitive tumors in heterogeneous tumor microenvironments results in apoptosis of therapy-resistant tumors. In this study, we identify a prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) amino-terminal fragment (PAF) that is released by diverse therapy-sensitive cancer cells following therapy-induced caspase cleavage of the tumor suppressor Par-4 protein. PAF caused apoptosis in cancer cells resistant to therapy and inhibited tumor growth. A VASA segment of Par-4 mediated its binding and degradation by the ubiquitin ligase Fbxo45, resulting in loss of Par-4 proapoptotic function. Conversely, PAF, which contains this VASA segment, competitively bound to Fbxo45 and rescued Par-4-mediated induction of cancer cell-specific apoptosis. Collectively, our findings identify a molecular decoy naturally generated during apoptosis that inhibits a ubiquitin ligase to overcome therapy resistance in tumors. Cancer Res; 77(15); 4039-50. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Hebbar
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Ravshan Burikhanov
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Nidhi Shukla
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Shirley Qiu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Yanming Zhao
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Vivek M Rangnekar
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. .,Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,L.P. Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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27
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Abstract
Par-4 is a unique proapoptotic protein with the ability to induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. The X-ray crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of Par-4 (Par-4CC), which regulates its apoptotic function, was obtained by MAD phasing. Par-4 homodimerizes by forming a parallel coiled-coil structure. The N-terminal half of Par-4CC contains the homodimerization subdomain. This structure includes a nuclear export signal (Par-4NES) sequence, which is masked upon dimerization indicating a potential mechanism for nuclear localization. The heteromeric-interaction models specifically showed that charge interaction is an important factor in the stability of heteromers of the C-terminal leucine zipper subdomain of Par-4 (Par-4LZ). These heteromer models also displayed NES masking capacity and therefore the ability to influence intracellular localization.
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28
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Brasseur K, Gévry N, Asselin E. Chemoresistance and targeted therapies in ovarian and endometrial cancers. Oncotarget 2017; 8:4008-4042. [PMID: 28008141 PMCID: PMC5354810 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological cancers are known for being very aggressive at their advanced stages. Indeed, the survival rate of both ovarian and endometrial cancers is very low when diagnosed lately and the success rate of current chemotherapy regimens is not very efficient. One of the main reasons for this low success rate is the acquired chemoresistance of these cancers during their progression. The mechanisms responsible for this acquired chemoresistance are numerous, including efflux pumps, repair mechanisms, survival pathways (PI3K/AKT, MAPK, EGFR, mTOR, estrogen signaling) and tumor suppressors (P53 and Par-4). To overcome these resistances, a new type of therapy has emerged named targeted therapy. The principle of targeted therapy is simple, taking advantage of changes acquired in malignant cancer cells (receptors, proteins, mechanisms) by using compounds specifically targeting these, thus limiting their action on healthy cells. Targeted therapies are emerging and many clinical trials targeting these pathways, frequently involved in chemoresistance, have been tested on gynecological cancers. Despite some targets being less efficient than expected as mono-therapies, the combination of compounds seems to be the promising avenue. For instance, we demonstrate using ChIP-seq analysis that estrogen downregulate tumor suppressor Par-4 in hormone-dependent cells by directly binding to its DNA regulatory elements and inhibiting estrogen signaling could reinstate Par-4 apoptosis-inducing abilities. This review will focus on the chemoresistance mechanisms and the clinical trials of targeted therapies associated with these, specifically for endometrial and ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Brasseur
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Gyneco-Oncology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gévry
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Eric Asselin
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Gyneco-Oncology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
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29
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Cernaj IE. Simultaneous dual targeting of Par-4 and G6PD: a promising new approach in cancer therapy? Quintessence of a literature review on survival requirements of tumor cells. Cancer Cell Int 2016; 16:87. [PMID: 27872579 PMCID: PMC5111342 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this hypothesis is to propose a new approach in targeted therapy of cancer: The simultaneous, dual targeting of two single molecules, Par-4 and G6PD, rather than inhibition of full-length signaling pathways. RATIONALE Targeted inhibition of especially two survival signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK) is frequently tried, however, a major breakthrough has not yet been reported. Inhibition of complete pathways naturally goes along with a variety of dose-limiting side effects thus contributing to poor efficacy of the administered drugs. This essay offers a synopsis of relevant studies to support the above mentioned idea-targeting of two single molecules which either are crucial for tumor growth and cancer-cell-survival: on one side, Par-4-activation selectively triggers apoptosis of tumor cells thus reversing their characteristic feature-immortality. On the other side inhibition of G6PD breaks the energy supply of tumor cells, weakens their defence against oxidative stress and thereby enhances the sensitivity of tumor cells to oxidative agents (e.g. chemotherapy). Advantage of the proposed dual Par-4/G6PD-therapy is good tolerability and-especially when administered along with conventional therapy-less frequent emergence of resistance.
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30
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A journey beyond apoptosis: new enigma of controlling metastasis by pro-apoptotic Par-4. Clin Exp Metastasis 2016; 33:757-764. [PMID: 27568374 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-016-9819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptotic response 4 (Par-4) is coined as a therapeutic protein since owing to its diverse physiologically relevant properties, especially in the cancer perspective. Albeit, Par-4 expression is not restricted to any specific tissue/organ, apart from cell death promotion (due to challenging threats), the other biological role of Par-4 is convincingly emerging. In the recent years, several laboratories have intended to dissect the signaling or mechanisms involved in Par-4 activation to augment apoptosis cascades but new developments in Par-4 research have widened its therapeutic potential. One of these important avenues is the prevention of metastasis by pro-apoptotic Par-4. In this review, we will focus on the therapeutic perspective of Par-4 with a special reference to its (Par-4) virgin prospect of devastating metastasis control.
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31
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Han JY, Lim YJ, Choi JA, Lee JH, Jo SH, Oh SM, Song CH. The Role of Prostate Apoptosis Response-4 (Par-4) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infected Macrophages. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32079. [PMID: 27552917 PMCID: PMC4995434 DOI: 10.1038/srep32079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is a tumor suppressor protein that forms a complex with glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) to induce apoptosis. Previously, we reported that ER stress-induced apoptosis is a critical host defense mechanism against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We sought to understand the role of Par-4 during ER stress-induced apoptosis in response to mycobacterial infection. Par-4 and GRP78 protein levels increased in response Mtb (strain: H37Ra) infection. Furthermore, Par-4 and GRP78 translocate to the surface of Mtb H37Ra-infected macrophages and induce apoptosis via caspase activation. NF-κB activation, Mtb-mediated ER stress, and Par-4 production were significantly diminished in macrophages with inhibited ROS production. To test Par-4 function during mycobacterial infection, we analyzed intracellular survival of Mtb H37Ra in macrophages with Par-4 overexpression or knockdown. Mtb H37Ra growth was significantly reduced in Par-4 overexpressing macrophages and increased in knockdown macrophages. We also observed increased Par-4, GRP78, and caspases activation in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-infected prostate cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that Par-4 is associated with ER stress-induced apoptosis resulting in reduced intracellular survival of mycobacteria. BCG treatment increases Par-4-dependent caspase activation in prostate cancer cells. These results suggest ER stress-induced Par-4 acts as an important defense mechanism against mycobacterial infection and regulates cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ye Han
- Department of Medical Science, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Ji Lim
- Department of Medical Science, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Choi
- Department of Medical Science, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Medical Science, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Jo
- Department of Medical Science, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Man Oh
- Department of Medical Science, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hwa Song
- Department of Medical Science, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, 266 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
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32
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Brasseur K, Fabi F, Adam P, Parent S, Lessard L, Asselin E. Post-translational regulation of the cleaved fragment of Par-4 in ovarian and endometrial cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:36971-36987. [PMID: 27175591 PMCID: PMC5095052 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported the caspase3-dependent cleavage of Par-4 resulting in the accumulation of a 25kDa cleaved-Par-4 (cl-Par-4) fragment and we investigated in the present study the mechanisms regulating this fragment using cl-Par-4-expressing stable clones derived from ovarian and endometrial cancer cell lines.Cl-Par-4 protein was weakly express in all stable clones despite constitutive expression. However, upon cisplatin treatment, cl-Par-4 levels increased up to 50-fold relative to baseline conditions. Treatment of stable clones with proteasome and translation inhibitors revealed that cisplatin exposure might in fact protect cl-Par-4 from proteasome-dependent degradation. PI3K and MAPK pathways were also implicated as evidenced by an increase of cl-Par-4 in the presence of PI3K inhibitors and a decrease using MAPK inhibitors. Finally using bioinformatics resources, we found diverse datasets showing similar results to those we observed with the proteasome and cl-Par-4 further supporting our data.These new findings add to the complex mechanisms regulating Par-4 expression and activity, and justify further studies addressing the biological significance of this phenomenon in gynaecological cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Brasseur
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - François Fabi
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Pascal Adam
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Sophie Parent
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Laurent Lessard
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec G9A 5H7, Canada
| | - Eric Asselin
- Research Group in Cellular Signaling, Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec G9A 5H7, Canada
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33
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Wang SH, Lee ACL, Chen IJ, Chang NC, Wu HC, Yu HM, Chang YJ, Lee TW, Yu JC, Yu AL, Yu J. Structure-based optimization of GRP78-binding peptides that enhances efficacy in cancer imaging and therapy. Biomaterials 2016; 94:31-44. [PMID: 27088408 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
It is more challenging to design peptide drugs than small molecules through molecular docking and in silico analysis. Here, we developed a structure-based approach with various computational and analytical techniques to optimize cancer-targeting peptides for molecular imaging and therapy. We first utilized a peptide-binding protein database to identify GRP78, a specific cancer cell-surface marker, as a target protein for the lead, L-peptide. Subsequently, we used homologous modeling and molecular docking to identify a peptide-binding domain within GRP78 and optimized a series of peptides with a new protein-ligand scoring program, HotLig. Binding of these peptides to GRP78 was confirmed using an oriented immobilization technique for the Biacore system. We further examined the ability of the peptides to target cancer cells through in vitro binding studies with cell lines and clinical cancer specimens, and in vivo tumor imaging and targeted chemotherapeutic studies. MicroSPECT/CT imaging revealed significantly greater uptake of (188)Re-liposomes linked to these peptides as compared with non-targeting (188)Re-liposomes. Conjugation with these peptides also significantly increased the therapeutic efficacy of Lipo-Dox. Notably, peptide-conjugated Lipo-Dox significantly reduced stem-cell subpopulation in xenografts of breast cancer. The structure-based optimization strategy for peptides described here may be useful for developing peptide drugs for cancer imaging and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Hung Wang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Andy Chi-Lung Lee
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - I-Ju Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Chuan Chang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ming Yu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Jen Chang
- Isotope Application Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taiwan
| | - Te-Wei Lee
- Isotope Application Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Cherng Yu
- General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Alice L Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, University of California in San Diego, USA.
| | - John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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QiNan W, XiaGuang G, XiaoTian L, WuQuan D, Ling Z, Bing C. Par-4/NF-κB Mediates the Apoptosis of Islet β Cells Induced by Glucolipotoxicity. J Diabetes Res 2016; 2016:4692478. [PMID: 27340675 PMCID: PMC4906207 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4692478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis of islet β cells is a primary pathogenic feature of type 2 diabetes, and ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play important roles in this process. Previous research has shown that prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4)/NF-κB induces cancer cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanism by which Par-4/NF-κB induces islet β cell apoptosis remains unknown. We used a high glucose/palmitate intervention to mimic type 2 diabetes in vitro. We demonstrated that the high glucose/palmitate intervention induced the expression and secretion of Par-4. It also causes increased expression and activation of NF-κB, which induced NIT-1 cell apoptosis and dysfunction. Overexpression of Par-4 potentiates these effects, whereas downregulation of Par-4 attenuates them. Inhibition of NF-κB inhibited the Par-4-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, these effects occurred through the ER stress cell membrane and mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Our findings reveal a novel role for Par-4/NF-κB in islet β cell apoptosis and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu QiNan
- Endocrine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chong Qing 400038, China
| | - Gan XiaGuang
- Endocrine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chong Qing 400038, China
| | - Lei XiaoTian
- Endocrine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chong Qing 400038, China
| | - Deng WuQuan
- Endocrine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chong Qing 400038, China
| | - Zhang Ling
- Outpatient Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chong Qing 400038, China
- *Zhang Ling: and
| | - Chen Bing
- Endocrine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Chong Qing 400038, China
- *Chen Bing:
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Amin H, Nayak D, ur Rasool R, Chakraborty S, Kumar A, Yousuf K, Sharma PR, Ahmed Z, Sharma N, Magotra A, Mukherjee D, Kumar LD, Goswami A. Par-4 dependent modulation of cellular β-catenin by medicinal plant natural product derivative 3-azido Withaferin A. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:864-81. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hina Amin
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology; Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University; Rajouri Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Debasis Nayak
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Reyaz ur Rasool
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Souneek Chakraborty
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Anmol Kumar
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology; Uppal Road; Hyderabad Andra Pradesh India
| | - Khalid Yousuf
- Natural Product Chemistry; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Parduman Raj Sharma
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Zabeer Ahmed
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Asmita Magotra
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Natural Product Chemistry; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
| | - Lekha Dinesh Kumar
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology; Uppal Road; Hyderabad Andra Pradesh India
| | - Anindya Goswami
- Cancer Pharmacology Division; Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR), Canal Road; Jammu Tawi Jammu and Kashmir India
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Jagtap JC, Parveen D, Shah RD, Desai A, Bhosale D, Chugh A, Ranade D, Karnik S, Khedkar B, Mathur A, Natesh K, Chandrika G, Shastry P. Secretory prostate apoptosis response (Par)-4 sensitizes multicellular spheroids (MCS) of glioblastoma multiforme cells to tamoxifen-induced cell death. FEBS Open Bio 2014; 5:8-19. [PMID: 25685660 PMCID: PMC4309838 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant form of brain tumor and is associated with resistance to conventional therapy and poor patient survival. Prostate apoptosis response (Par)-4, a tumor suppressor, is expressed as both an intracellular and secretory/extracellular protein. Though secretory Par-4 induces apoptosis in cancer cells, its potential in drug-resistant tumors remains to be fully explored. Multicellular spheroids (MCS) of cancer cells often acquire multi-drug resistance and serve as ideal experimental models. We investigated the role of Par-4 in Tamoxifen (TAM)-induced cell death in MCS of human cell lines and primary cultures of GBM tumors. TCGA and REMBRANT data analysis revealed that low levels of Par-4 correlated with low survival period (21.85 ± 19.30 days) in GBM but not in astrocytomas (59.13 ± 47.26 days) and oligodendrogliomas (58.04 ± 59.80 days) suggesting low PAWR expression as a predictive risk factor in GBM. Consistently, MCS of human cell lines and primary cultures displayed low Par-4 expression, high level of chemo-resistance genes and were resistant to TAM-induced cytotoxicity. In monolayer cells, TAM-induced cytotoxicity was associated with enhanced expression of Par-4 and was alleviated by silencing of Par-4 using specific siRNA. TAM effectively induced secretory Par-4 in conditioned medium (CM) of cells cultured as monolayer but not in MCS. Moreover, MCS were rendered sensitive to TAM-induced cell death by exposure to conditioned medium (CM)-containing Par-4 (derived from TAM-treated monolayer cells). Also TAM reduced the expression of Akt and PKCζ in GBM cells cultured as monolayer but not in MCS. Importantly, combination of TAM with inhibitors to PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or PKCζ resulted in secretion of Par-4 and cell death in MCS. Since membrane GRP78 is overexpressed in most cancer cells but not normal cells, and secretory Par-4 induces apoptosis by binding to membrane GRP78, secretory Par-4 is an attractive candidate for potentially overcoming therapy-resistance not only in malignant glioma but in broad spectrum of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D. Parveen
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | | | | | | | - Ashish Chugh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cimet’s Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Deepak Ranade
- Department of Neurosurgery, D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Swapnil Karnik
- Department of Histopathology, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, India
| | | | | | - Kumar Natesh
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | | | - Padma Shastry
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
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The tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is regulated by mutant IDH1 and kills glioma stem cells. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 128:723-32. [PMID: 25135281 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) is an endogenous tumor suppressor that selectively induces apoptosis in a variety of cancers. Although it has been the subject of intensive research in other cancers, less is known about its significance in gliomas, including whether it is regulated by key driver mutations, has therapeutic potential against glioma stem cells (GSCs), and/or is a prognostic marker. We found that patient-derived gliomas with mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 have markedly lower Par-4 expression (P < 0.0001), which was validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (P = 2.0 E-13). The metabolic product of mutant IDH1, D-2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), can suppress Par-4 transcription in vitro via inhibition of promoter activity as well as enhanced mRNA degradation, but interestingly not by direct DNA promoter hypermethylation. The Selective for Apoptosis induction in Cancer cells (SAC) domain within Par-4 is highly active against glioma cells, including orthotopic xenografts of patient-derived primary GSCs (P < 0.0001). Among high-grade gliomas that are IDH1 wild type, those that express more Par-4 have significantly longer median survival (18.4 vs. 8.0 months, P = 0.002), a finding confirmed in two external GBM cohorts. Together, these data suggest that Par-4 is a significant component of the mutant IDH1 phenotype, that the activity of 2-HG is complex and can extend beyond direct DNA hypermethylation, and that Par-4 is a promising therapeutic strategy against GSCs. Furthermore, not every effect of mutant IDH1 necessarily contributes to the overall favorable prognosis seen in such tumors; inhibition of Par-4 may be one such effect.
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Salis O, Bedir A, Gulten S, Okuyucu A, Kulcu C, Alacam H. Cytotoxic effect of fluvastatin on MCF-7 cells possibly through a reduction of the mRNA expression levels of SGK1 and CAV1. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2014; 29:368-75. [PMID: 25347557 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2013.1593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluvastatin (FLU) prevents the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) to mevalonic acid by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and decreases cholesterol level. Although the effects of FLU treatment on several cancer types through many mechanisms have been identified, its relationship with unfolded protein response and apoptosis has not been clearly understood. In this recent study, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of Fluvastatin on MCF-7 cells and define the transcriptional regulation of specific genes during the occurrence of this cytotoxic effect. We administered 0.62, 2.5, 5, and 40 μM FLU on MCF-7 cells singly and in combination with 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), and we monitored cell viability and proliferation for 48 hours using real-time cell analyzer system (xCELLigence). At the same time, we measured the mRNA expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, homologous protein (CHOP), caveolin-1 (CAV1), NDRG1 Variant 1 and Variant 2, HMOX1, SGK1, and prostate apoptosis response-4 (PAR4) genes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (LightCycler 480 II). We accepted GAPDH gene and control groups as the reference gene and calibrator, respectively. We performed relative gene expression analyses of the study groups using the QIAGEN 2009 Relative Expression Software Tool (REST). FLU revealed an antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells, while causing the transcriptional regulation of many genes. Of these genes, the mRNA expressions of CHOP, heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) V1, and NDRG1 V2 increased. On the other hand, the mRNA expression levels of SGK1 and CAV1 decreased. The antiproliferative effects of FLU may be related to the decreased expression levels of SGK1 and CAV1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Salis
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University , Samsun, Turkey
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Green JE, Cooperwood JS, Taka E, Soliman KF, Goodman CB, Reams RR. Comparative proteomic analysis reveals growth inhibition by 3-N-alkyloxyestradiol derivative (SERM) in prostate cancer cells. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2014; 11:195-200. [PMID: 25048348 PMCID: PMC4135547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM In this study we evaluated the proteomic profile of PC-3 cells treated with novel, 3-N-alkyloxyestradiol derivative, 3-[2-diisopropylamino]-ethoxy-D1,3,5 (10)-estrien-17-one (DI) (USPTO #7,687,486). MATERIALS AND METHODS The growth inhibitory potential of DI was determined by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Developmental Therapeutics Program. 2-D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were employed to identify differentially expressed proteins after treatment with DI. RESULTS Growth inhibitory (GI(50)) results showed that DI inhibited the growth of PC-3 and DU-145 cells, at 13.9 μM and 30.8 μM, respectively. Out of the proteins differentially expressed, five were selected for identification with four of those being successfully identified. The identified proteins play a role in protein folding, cell motility, carbohydrate biosynthesis, and carbohydrate degradation. CONCLUSION Our studies resulted in the identification of targets associated with the glycolytic pathway and cell motility which have been implicated in the development and progression of many cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Green
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A
| | - John S Cooperwood
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A
| | - Equar Taka
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A
| | - Karam Fa Soliman
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A
| | - Carl B Goodman
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A
| | - Romonia Renee Reams
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S.A
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Apoptosis plays an important role in age-related disease, and prostate apoptosis response-4 (PAR-4) is a novel apoptosis-inducing factor that regulates apoptosis in most cells. Recent studies suggest that PAR-4 plays an important role in the progression of many age-related diseases. This review highlights the significance of PAR-4 and builds a strong case supporting its role as a possible therapeutic target in age-related disease. AREAS COVERED This review covers the advancements over the last 15 years with respect to PAR-4 and its significance in age-related disease. Additionally, it provides knowledge regarding the significance of PAR-4 in age-related disease as well as its role in apoptotic signaling pathways, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and other mechanisms that may induce age-related disease. EXPERT OPINION PAR-4 may be a potential therapeutic target that can trigger selective apoptosis in cancer cells. It is induced by ER stress and increased ER stress, and it is involved in the activity of the dopamine D2 receptor. Abnormal expression of PAR-4 may be associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. PAR-4 agonists and inhibitors must be identified before gene therapy can commence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Qinan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, Endocrine Department , Post number: 400038, Chongqing , China
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Jagtap JC, Dawood P, Shah RD, Chandrika G, Natesh K, Shiras A, Hegde AS, Ranade D, Shastry P. Expression and regulation of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) in human glioma stem cells in drug-induced apoptosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88505. [PMID: 24523904 PMCID: PMC3921173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common and aggressive of brain tumors in adults. Cancer stem cells (CSC) contribute to chemoresistance in many solid tumors including gliomas. The function of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) as a pro-apoptotic protein is well documented in many cancers; however, its role in CSC remains obscure. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of Par-4 in drug-induced cytotoxicity using human glioma stem cell line--HNGC-2 and primary culture (G1) derived from high grade glioma. We show that among the panel of drugs- lomustine, carmustine, UCN-01, oxaliplatin, temozolomide and tamoxifen (TAM) screened, only TAM induced cell death and up-regulated Par-4 levels significantly. TAM-induced apoptosis was confirmed by PARP cleavage, Annexin V and propidium iodide staining and caspase-3 activity. Knock down of Par-4 by siRNA inhibited cell death by TAM, suggesting the role of Par-4 in induction of apoptosis. We also demonstrate that the mechanism involves break down of mitochondrial membrane potential, down regulation of Bcl-2 and reduced activation of Akt and ERK 42/44. Secretory Par-4 and GRP-78 were significantly expressed in HNGC-2 cells on exposure to TAM and specific antibodies to these molecules inhibited cell death suggesting that extrinsic Par-4 is important in TAM-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, TAM decreased the expression of neural stem cell markers--Nestin, Bmi1, Vimentin, Sox2, and Musashi in HNGC-2 cell line and G1 cells implicating its potential as a stemness inhibiting drug. Based on these data and our findings that enhanced levels of Par-4 sensitize the resistant glioma stem cells to drug-induced apoptosis, we propose that Par-4 may be explored for evaluating anti-tumor agents in CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kumar Natesh
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | - Anjali Shiras
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | - Amba S. Hegde
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
| | - Deepak Ranade
- Department of Neurosurgery, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, India
| | - Padma Shastry
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, India
- * E-mail:
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Cohen M, Ribaux P, Epiney M, Irion O. Role of prostate apoptosis response 4 in translocation of GRP78 from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface of trophoblastic cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80231. [PMID: 24282526 PMCID: PMC3839917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular chaperone that belongs to the heat shock protein 70 family. GRP78 is also present on the cell surface membrane of trophoblastic cells, where it is associated with invasive or fusion properties of these cells. Impaired mechanism of GRP78 relocation from ER to the cell surface was observed in preeclamptic cytotrophoblastic cells (CTB) and could take part in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. In this study, we have investigated whether prostate apoptosis response 4 (Par-4), a protein identified as a partner of GRP78 relocation to the cell surface in prostate cancer cells, is present in trophoblastic cells and is involved in the translocation of GRP78 to the cell surface of CTB. Par-4 is indeed present in trophoblastic cells and its expression correlates with expression of membrane GRP78. Moreover, overexpression of Par-4 led to an increase of cell surface expression of GRP78 and decreased Par-4 gene expression reduced cell surface localization of GRP78 confirming a role of Par-4 in relocation of GRP78 from ER to the cell surface. Accordingly, invasive property was modified in these cells. In conclusion, we show that Par-4 is expressed in trophoblastic cells and is involved in transport of GRP78 to the cell surface and thus regulates invasive property of extravillous CTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Cohen
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Pascale Ribaux
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Switzerland
| | - Manuella Epiney
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Irion
- Department of Gynaecology Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Switzerland
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Hebbar N, Shrestha-Bhattarai T, Rangnekar VM. Par-4 prevents breast cancer recurrence. Breast Cancer Res 2013; 15:314. [PMID: 24164776 PMCID: PMC3978615 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy resistance and disease recurrence are two of the most challenging aspects in breast cancer treatment. A recent article in Cancer Cell makes a significant contribution toward a better understanding of this therapeutic problem by establishing downregulation of the tumor suppressor Par-4 as the primary determinant of breast cancer recurrence. This viewpoint brings forth the importance of their findings and its implications on future research and therapy.
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Zhang L, Xu HG, Lu C. A novel long non-coding RNA T-ALL-R-LncR1 knockdown and Par-4 cooperate to induce cellular apoptosis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Leuk Lymphoma 2013; 55:1373-82. [PMID: 23906015 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.829574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis. It has been shown that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Here, we characterized a novel lncRNA, T-ALL-R-LncR1, with whole-transcriptome deep sequencing from the Jurkat leukemic T-cell line. T-ALL-R-LncR1 was not observed in human normal tissues. However, an obvious expression was observed in some tumor tissues. T-ALL-R-LncR1 was markedly expressed in neoplastic T lymphocytes of 11 cases out of 21 children with T-ALL, indicating that T-ALL-R-LncR1 might be associated with T-ALL. T-ALL-R-LncR1 knockdown predisposed Jurkat cells to undergo pro-apoptotic factor Par-4-induced apoptosis. Further studies revealed that T-ALL-R-LncR1 knockdown facilitated the formation of a Par-4/THAP1 protein complex, resulting in the activation of caspase-3 and an increase of pro-apoptotic Smac protein in T-ALL cells. Our studies indicate a potential role of suppressing the novel long non-coding RNA T-ALL-R-LncR1 in the therapy of human T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , China
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Pereira MC, de Bessa-Garcia SA, Burikhanov R, Pavanelli AC, Antunes L, Rangnekar VM, Nagai MA. Prostate apoptosis response-4 is involved in the apoptosis response to docetaxel in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2013; 43:531-8. [PMID: 23760770 PMCID: PMC4035780 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4, also known as PAWR) is a key regulator of cancer cell survival and may be a target for cancer-selective targeted therapeutics. Par-4 was first identified in prostate cancer cells undergoing apoptosis. Both intracellular and extracellular Par-4 have been implicated in apoptosis. Relatively little is known about the role of Par-4 in breast cancer cell apoptosis. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of Par-4 expression on cell proliferation, apoptosis and drug sensitivity in breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with expression vectors for Par-4, or transiently transfected with siRNA for Par-4 knockdown. Cell proliferation assays were performed using MTT and apoptosis was evaluated using acridine orange staining, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Par-4 overexpression reduced MCF-7 proliferation rates. Conversely, Par-4 knockdown led to increased MCF-7 proliferation. Par-4 downregulation also led to increased BCL-2 and reduced BID expression. Par-4 overexpression did not affect the cell cycle profile. However, MCF-7 cells with increased Par-4 expression showed reduced ERK phosphorylation, suggesting that the inhibition of cell proliferation promoted by Par-4 may be mediated by the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway. MCF-7 cells with increased Par-4 expression showed a marginal increase in early apoptotic cells. Importantly, we found that Par-4 expression modulates apoptosis in response to docetaxel in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Par-4 exerts growth inhibitory effects on breast cancer cells and chemosensitizes them to docetaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelly C Pereira
- Discipline of Oncology, Department of Radiology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, CEP 01246-903, São Paulo, Brazil
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Coutinho-Camillo CM, Lourenço SV, Nonogaki S, Vartanian JG, Nagai MA, Kowalski LP, Soares FA. Expression of PAR-4 and PHLDA1 is prognostic for overall and disease-free survival in oral squamous cell carcinomas. Virchows Arch 2013; 463:31-9. [PMID: 23748915 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-013-1438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PAR-4 is a tumor suppressor protein with a pro-apoptotic function and down-regulation of PAR-4 is seen in a variety of tumors. PHLDA1 gene overexpression has been shown to reduce cell proliferation and induce cell death in a variety of cell types. In this study, 229 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), arranged in a tissue microarray, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. PAR-4 expression was predominantly moderate to strong and expression of PHLDA1 was predominantly negative or weak. Cytoplasmic expression of PAR-4 was associated with advanced clinical stage. Expression of PHLDA1 was associated with advanced clinical stage of the tumour. Five-year overall and disease-free survival rates differed significantly between cases that did and cases that did not express PHLDA1, and by multivariate analysis, expression of PHLDA1 and PAR-4 were independent prognostic factors in OSCC patients. Expression of PAR-4 and PHLDA1 is altered in OSCC and might be a valuable prognostic indicator for this disease.
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Nakatsuka A, Wada J, Iseda I, Teshigawara S, Higashio K, Murakami K, Kanzaki M, Inoue K, Terami T, Katayama A, Hida K, Eguchi J, Ogawa D, Matsuki Y, Hiramatsu R, Yagita H, Kakuta S, Iwakura Y, Makino H. Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine proteinase inhibitor inhibits apoptosis of endothelial cells as a ligand for the cell-surface GRP78/voltage-dependent anion channel complex. Circ Res 2013; 112:771-80. [PMID: 23307819 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.111.300049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine proteinase inhibitor (vaspin) is an adipokine identified from visceral adipose tissues of genetically obese rats. OBJECTIVE The role of vaspin in the diabetic vascular complications remains elusive, and we investigated the effects of vaspin on the vascular function under the diabetic milieu. METHODS AND RESULTS Adenovirus carrying the full length of the vaspin gene (Vaspin-Ad) ameliorated intimal proliferation of balloon-injured carotid arteries in diabetic Wistar rats. The expression of Ccl2, Pdgfb, and Pdgfrb genes was significantly reduced by the treatment of Vaspin-Ad. In cuff-injured femoral arteries, the intimal proliferation was ameliorated in vaspin transgenic (Vaspin Tg) mice. The application of recombinant vaspin and Vaspin-Ad promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of human aortic endothelial cells. Adenovirus expressing vaspin with calmodulin and streptavidin-binding peptides was applied to human aortic endothelial cells, subjected to tandem tag purification and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and we identified GRP78 (78-kDa glucose-regulated protein) as an interacting molecule. The complex formation of vaspin, GRP78, and voltage-dependent anion channel on the plasma membrane was confirmed by the immunoprecipitation studies using aortas of Vaspin Tg mice. The binding assay using (125)I-vaspin in human aortic endothelial cells revealed high-affinity binding (dissociation constant = 0.565×10(-9) m) by the treatment of 5 μM thapsigargin, which recruited GRP78 from the endoplasmic reticulum to plasma membrane by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress. In human aortic endothelial cells, vaspin induced phosphorylation of Akt and inhibited the kringle 5-induced Ca(2+) influx and subsequent apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Vaspin is a novel ligand for the cell-surface GRP78/voltage-dependent anion channel complex in endothelial cells and promotes proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, and protects vascular injuries in diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Nakatsuka
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
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MacDonald JA, Moffat LD, Al-Ghabkari A, Sutherland C, Walsh MP. Prostate-apoptosis response-4 phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle. Arch Biochem Biophys 2012; 535:84-90. [PMID: 23219599 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The protein prostate-apoptosis response (Par)-4 has been implicated in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction, based largely on studies with the A7r5 cell line. A mechanism has been proposed whereby Par-4 binding to MYPT1 (the myosin-targeting subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase, MLCP) blocks access of zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) to Thr697 and Thr855 of MYPT1, whose phosphorylation is associated with MLCP inhibition. Phosphorylation of Par-4 at Thr155 disrupts its interaction with MYPT1, exposing the sites of phosphorylation in MYPT1 and leading to MLCP inhibition and contraction. We tested this "padlock" hypothesis in a well-characterized vascular smooth muscle system, the rat caudal artery. Par-4 was retained in Triton-skinned tissue, suggesting a tight association with the contractile machinery, and indeed Par-4 co-immunoprecipitated with MYPT1. Treatment of Triton-skinned tissue with the phosphatase inhibitor microcystin (MC) evoked phosphorylation of Par-4 at Thr155, but did not induce its dissociation from the contractile machinery. Furthermore, analysis of the time courses of MC-induced phosphorylation of MYPT1 and Par-4 revealed that MYPT1 phosphorylation at Thr697 or Thr855 preceded Par-4 phosphorylation. Par-4 phosphorylation was inhibited by the non-selective kinase inhibitor staurosporine, but not by inhibitors of ZIPK, Rho-associated kinase or protein kinase C. In addition, Par-4 phosphorylation did not occur upon addition of constitutively-active ZIPK to skinned tissue. We conclude that phosphorylation of Par-4 does not regulate contraction of this vascular smooth muscle tissue by inducing dissociation of Par-4 from MYPT1 to allow phosphorylation of MYPT1 and inhibition of MLCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A MacDonald
- Smooth Muscle Research Group and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4Z6.
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Hebbar N, Wang C, Rangnekar VM. Mechanisms of apoptosis by the tumor suppressor Par-4. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3715-21. [PMID: 22552839 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Par-4 is a pro-apoptotic, tumor suppressor protein that induces apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. Endoplasmic reticulum-stress and higher levels of protein kinase A in tumor cells confer the coveted feature of cancer selective response to extracellular and intracellular Par-4, respectively. Recent studies have shown that systemic Par-4 confers resistance to tumor growth in mice, and that tumor-resistance is transferable by bone-marrow transplantation. Moreover, recombinant Par-4 inhibits the growth of tumors in mice. As systemic Par-4 induces apoptosis via cell surface GRP78, strategies that promote GRP78 trafficking to the cell surface are expected sensitize cancer cells to circulating levels of Par-4. This review illustrates the domains and mechanisms by which Par-4 orchestrates the apoptotic process in both cell culture models and in physiological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Hebbar
- Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extensive research, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide and is expected to continue to rise as a result of an aging population. Therefore, new therapies are constantly being developed. Par-4 is a naturally occurring tumor suppressor protein that is capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer, but not normal cells. For this reason, Par-4 offers an attractive target for development of cancer therapy, particularly of difficult to treat cancers. AREAS COVERED The mechanisms by which Par-4 induces cell death are summarized. The ways that Par-4 is controlled in cancer cells are discussed. We discuss how different research groups have developed ways to overexpress and/or activate Par-4 in vitro and in vivo. The studies described demonstrate that when Par-4 levels and/or activity are increased, susceptibility to apoptosis is enhanced and tumor growth is inhibited. EXPERT OPINION Par-4 is a promising therapeutic protein that can be overexpressed and/or activated to induce apoptosis in a cancer-selective manner. This cancer selectivity is important given that the side-effects of chemotherapeutics can be as debilitating as cancer itself. However, there are key issues that need to be addressed to optimize the effects of Par-4 in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn B Irby
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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