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Sovilj D, Kelemen CD, Dvorakova S, Zobalova R, Raabova H, Kriska J, Hermanova Z, Knotek T, Anderova M, Klener P, Filimonenko V, Neuzil J, Andera L. Cell-specific modulation of mitochondrial respiration and metabolism by the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members Bax and Bak. Apoptosis 2024; 29:424-438. [PMID: 38001340 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01917-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Proteins from the Bcl-2 family play an essential role in the regulation of apoptosis. However, they also possess cell death-unrelated activities that are less well understood. This prompted us to study apoptosis-unrelated activities of the Bax and Bak, pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. We prepared Bax/Bak-deficient human cancer cells of different origin and found that while respiration in the glioblastoma U87 Bax/Bak-deficient cells was greatly enhanced, respiration of Bax/Bak-deficient B lymphoma HBL-2 cells was slightly suppressed. Bax/Bak-deficient U87 cells also proliferated faster in culture, formed tumours more rapidly in mice, and showed modulation of metabolism with a considerably increased NAD+/NADH ratio. Follow-up analyses documented increased/decreased expression of mitochondria-encoded subunits of respiratory complexes and stabilization/destabilization of the mitochondrial transcription elongation factor TEFM in Bax/Bak-deficient U87 and HBL-2 cells, respectively. TEFM downregulation using shRNAs attenuated mitochondrial respiration in Bax/Bak-deficient U87 as well as in parental HBL-2 cells. We propose that (post)translational regulation of TEFM levels in Bax/Bak-deficient cells modulates levels of subunits of mitochondrial respiratory complexes that, in turn, contribute to respiration and the accompanying changes in metabolism and proliferation in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Sovilj
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cristina Daniela Kelemen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Dvorakova
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Zobalova
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Raabova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kriska
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Hermanova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Knotek
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Anderova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Klener
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathological Physiology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vlada Filimonenko
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Ladislav Andera
- Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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2
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Panjeta A, Kaur K, Sharma R, Verma I, Preet S. Human Intestinal Defensin 5 Ameliorates the Sensitization of Colonic Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:102966. [PMID: 38330831 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.102966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The increasing dilemma of multidrug-resistant cancer cells in response to currently available chemotherapeutic drugs and their associated side effect(s), calls for the investigation of alternative anticancer advances and molecules. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the combinatorial potential against colon cancer of human defensin 5 in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and against 5-FU resistant colon tumor cells. METHODS The in vivo combinatorial potential of HD-5 with 5-FU was elucidated in terms of tumor morphometrics, apoptosis assay, surface morphology histology of the colon(s), and transcriptional alterations. Changes in membrane dynamics with mucin expression were evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and histochemistry. The in vitro activity of the peptide/drug conjunction was explored by phase contrast microscopy, MTT, LDH assay, and AO/EtBr staining. Chemoresistance to 5-FU was determined by phase contrast microscopy, MTT assay, annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry, and MDR-1, Bak, and Bax expression. RESULTS In vivo decreases in tumor parameters, with a marked increase in apoptosis and neutrophil infiltrations indicated restoration of normal architecture with improved mucin content in the treated colons. This happened with substantial changes in key molecular markers of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. Membrane dynamics revealed that peptides and chemotherapeutic drugs could bind to cancerous cells by taking advantage of altered levels of membrane fluidity. CONCLUSION Peptide treatment of drug-resistant Caco-2 cells promotes enhanced 5-FU uptake, in contrast to when cells were treated with 5-FU alone. Hence, HD-5 as an adjunct to 5-FU, exhibited strong cancer cell killing even against 5-FU-resistant tumorigenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshul Panjeta
- Department of Biophysics, BMS Block II, South Campus, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Khushpreet Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Block-A, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rinkle Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Block-A, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Indu Verma
- Department of Biochemistry, Research Block-A, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Simran Preet
- Department of Biophysics, BMS Block II, South Campus, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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3
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Adhikary U, Paulo JA, Godes M, Roychoudhury S, Prew MS, Ben-Nun Y, Yu EW, Budhraja A, Opferman JT, Chowdhury D, Gygi SP, Walensky LD. Targeting MCL-1 triggers DNA damage and an anti-proliferative response independent from apoptosis induction. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113176. [PMID: 37773750 PMCID: PMC10787359 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MCL-1 is a high-priority target due to its dominant role in the pathogenesis and chemoresistance of cancer, yet clinical trials of MCL-1 inhibitors are revealing toxic side effects. MCL-1 biology is complex, extending beyond apoptotic regulation and confounded by its multiple isoforms, its domains of unresolved structure and function, and challenges in distinguishing noncanonical activities from the apoptotic response. We find that, in the presence or absence of an intact mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, genetic deletion or pharmacologic targeting of MCL-1 induces DNA damage and retards cell proliferation. Indeed, the cancer cell susceptibility profile of MCL-1 inhibitors better matches that of anti-proliferative than pro-apoptotic drugs, expanding their potential therapeutic applications, including synergistic combinations, but heightening therapeutic window concerns. Proteomic profiling provides a resource for mechanistic dissection and reveals the minichromosome maintenance DNA helicase as an interacting nuclear protein complex that links MCL-1 to the regulation of DNA integrity and cell-cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsarga Adhikary
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marina Godes
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Michelle S Prew
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yael Ben-Nun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ellen W Yu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Dipanjan Chowdhury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Loren D Walensky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Pathak U, Pal RB, Malik N. The Viral Knock: Ameliorating Cancer Treatment with Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1626. [PMID: 37629483 PMCID: PMC10455894 DOI: 10.3390/life13081626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The prospect of cancer treatment has drastically transformed over the last four decades. The side effects caused by the traditional methods of cancer treatment like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy through the years highlight the prospect for a novel, complementary, and alternative cancer therapy. Oncolytic virotherapy is an evolving treatment modality that utilizes oncolytic viruses (OVs) to selectively attack cancer cells by direct lysis and can also elicit a strong anti-cancer immune response. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) provides a very high safety profile compared to other oncolytic viruses. Extensive research worldwide concentrates on experimenting with and better understanding the underlying mechanisms by which oncolytic NDV can be effectively applied to intercept cancer. This review encapsulates the potential of NDV to be explored as an oncolytic agent and discusses current preclinical and clinical research scenarios involving various NDV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Pathak
- Sir H.N. Medical Research Society, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai 400004, Maharashtra, India
- Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Chembur, Mumbai 400071, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ramprasad B. Pal
- Sir H.N. Medical Research Society, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai 400004, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nagesh Malik
- Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Chembur, Mumbai 400071, Maharashtra, India
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Quarato G, Mari L, Barrows NJ, Yang M, Ruehl S, Chen MJ, Guy CS, Low J, Chen T, Green DR. Mitophagy restricts BAX/BAK-independent, Parkin-mediated apoptosis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg8156. [PMID: 37224250 PMCID: PMC10208567 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg8156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Degradation of defective mitochondria is an essential process to maintain cellular homeostasis and it is strictly regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and lysosomal activities. Here, using genome-wide CRISPR and small interference RNA screens, we identified a critical contribution of the lysosomal system in controlling aberrant induction of apoptosis following mitochondrial damage. After treatment with mitochondrial toxins, activation of the PINK1-Parkin axis triggered a BAX- and BAK-independent process of cytochrome c release from mitochondria followed by APAF1 and caspase 9-dependent apoptosis. This phenomenon was mediated by UPS-dependent outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) degradation and was reversed using proteasome inhibitors. We found that the subsequent recruitment of the autophagy machinery to the OMM protected cells from apoptosis, mediating the lysosomal degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria. Our results underscore a major role of the autophagy machinery in counteracting aberrant noncanonical apoptosis and identified autophagy receptors as key elements in the regulation of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Quarato
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Luigi Mari
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Barrows
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mao Yang
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Sebastian Ruehl
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mark J. Chen
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cliff S. Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jonathan Low
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Taosheng Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Douglas R. Green
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Dai H, Peterson KL, Flatten KS, Meng XW, Venkatachalam A, Correia C, Ramirez-Alvarado M, Pang YP, Kaufmann SH. A BAK subdomain that binds mitochondrial lipids selectively and releases cytochrome C. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:794-808. [PMID: 36376382 PMCID: PMC9984382 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01083-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
How BAK and BAX induce mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) permeabilization (MOMP) during apoptosis is incompletely understood. Here we have used molecular dynamics simulations, surface plasmon resonance, and assays for membrane permeabilization in vitro and in vivo to assess the structure and function of selected BAK subdomains and their derivatives. Results of these studies demonstrate that BAK helical regions α5 and α6 bind the MOM lipid cardiolipin. While individual peptides corresponding to these helical regions lack the full biological activity of BAK, tandem peptides corresponding to α4-α5, α5-α6, or α6-α7/8 can localize exogenous proteins to mitochondria, permeabilize liposomes composed of MOM lipids, and cause MOMP in the absence of the remainder of the BAK protein. Importantly, the ability of these tandem helices to induce MOMP under cell-free conditions is diminished by mutations that disrupt the U-shaped helix-turn-helix structure of the tandem peptides or decrease their lipid binding. Likewise, BAK-induced apoptosis in intact cells is diminished by CLS1 gene interruption, which decreases mitochondrial cardiolipin content, or by BAK mutations that disrupt the U-shaped tandem peptide structure or diminish lipid binding. Collectively, these results suggest that BAK structural rearrangements during apoptosis might mobilize helices involved in specific protein-lipid interactions that are critical for MOMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiming Dai
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China.
| | - Kevin L Peterson
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Karen S Flatten
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - X Wei Meng
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Cristina Correia
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | | | - Yuan-Ping Pang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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7
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Tie H, Yu D, Jiang Q, Yang F, Xu Y, Xia W. Research on apoptotic mechanism and related pathways involved in postmortem grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) muscle. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2023; 103:298-307. [PMID: 35861049 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apoptosis activation is an essential research to reveal the triggering mechanism of flesh quality deterioration. This study was aimed at explaining apoptotic mechanism of postmortem fish in terms of caspases activation, cytochrome c (cyt-c) release, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl2-associated X (Bax) protein levels, transcriptional levels of its molecules, and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) translocation at 4 °C for 5 days. RESULTS Activation of caspase-9, caspase-8, caspase-3 and the release of mitochondrial cyt-c were observed during storage. The decreased Bcl-2 protein levels, increased Bax protein expressions and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were major steps for inducing apoptosis. Collectively, transcriptional regulation of Fas ligand (FasL), apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) indicated that extrinsic apoptotic pathways (FasL/caspase-8/caspase-3) and intrinsic pathway [(JNK and p38 MAPK)/(Bcl-2, Bax and Mcl-1)/cyt-c/Apaf-1/caspase-9/caspase-3] were involved in apoptotic process. Mitochondrial AIF translocation to nuclear indicated that AIF mediated caspase-independent pathway. CONCLUSION Therefore, transcriptional and translational alterations of multiple signaling molecules acted important roles in regulating apoptosis activation in postmortem process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaimao Tie
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Dawei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qixing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Fang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yanshun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenshui Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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8
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Bonzerato CG, Keller KR, Schulman JJ, Gao X, Szczesniak LM, Wojcikiewicz RJH. Endogenous Bok is stable at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and does not mediate proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1094302. [PMID: 36601536 PMCID: PMC9806350 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1094302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversy surrounds the cellular role of the Bcl-2 family protein Bok. On one hand, it has been shown that all endogenous Bok is bound to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), while other data suggest that Bok can act as a pro-apoptotic mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization mediator, apparently kept at very low and non-apoptotic levels by efficient proteasome-mediated degradation. Here we show that 1) endogenous Bok is expressed at readily-detectable levels in key cultured cells (e.g., mouse embryonic fibroblasts and HCT116 cells) and is not constitutively degraded by the proteasome, 2) proteasome inhibitor-induced apoptosis is not mediated by Bok, 3) endogenous Bok expression level is critically dependent on the presence of IP3Rs, 4) endogenous Bok is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in the absence of IP3Rs at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and 5) charged residues in the transmembrane region of Bok affect its stability, ability to interact with Mcl-1, and pro-apoptotic activity when over-expressed. Overall, these data indicate that endogenous Bok levels are not governed by proteasomal activity (except when IP3Rs are deleted) and that while endogenous Bok plays little or no role in apoptotic signaling, exogenous Bok can mediate apoptosis in a manner dependent on its transmembrane domain.
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9
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Mitochondrial proteotoxicity: implications and ubiquitin-dependent quality control mechanisms. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:574. [DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04604-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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10
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Sancho M, Leiva D, Lucendo E, Orzáez M. Understanding MCL1: from cellular function and regulation to pharmacological inhibition. FEBS J 2022; 289:6209-6234. [PMID: 34310025 PMCID: PMC9787394 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1), an antiapoptotic member of the BCL2 family characterized by a short half-life, functions as a rapid sensor that regulates cell death and other relevant processes that include cell cycle progression and mitochondrial homeostasis. In cancer, MCL1 overexpression contributes to cell survival and resistance to diverse chemotherapeutic agents; for this reason, several MCL1 inhibitors are currently under preclinical and clinical development for cancer treatment. However, the nonapoptotic functions of MCL1 may influence their therapeutic potential. Overall, the complexity of MCL1 regulation and function represent challenges to the clinical application of MCL1 inhibitors. We now summarize the current knowledge regarding MCL1 structure, regulation, and function that could impact the clinical success of MCL1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Sancho
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Leiva
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
| | - Estefanía Lucendo
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
| | - Mar Orzáez
- Targeted Therapies on Cancer and Inflammation LaboratoryCentro de Investigación Príncipe FelipeValenciaSpain
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11
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Kalkavan H, Chen MJ, Crawford JC, Quarato G, Fitzgerald P, Tait SWG, Goding CR, Green DR. Sublethal cytochrome c release generates drug-tolerant persister cells. Cell 2022; 185:3356-3374.e22. [PMID: 36055199 PMCID: PMC9450215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Drug-tolerant persister cells (persisters) evade apoptosis upon targeted and conventional cancer therapies and represent a major non-genetic barrier to effective cancer treatment. Here, we show that cells that survive treatment with pro-apoptotic BH3 mimetics display a persister phenotype that includes colonization and metastasis in vivo and increased sensitivity toward ferroptosis by GPX4 inhibition. We found that sublethal mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and holocytochrome c release are key requirements for the generation of the persister phenotype. The generation of persisters is independent of apoptosome formation and caspase activation, but instead, cytosolic cytochrome c induces the activation of heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) kinase and engagement of the integrated stress response (ISR) with the consequent synthesis of ATF4, all of which are required for the persister phenotype. Our results reveal that sublethal cytochrome c release couples sublethal MOMP to caspase-independent initiation of an ATF4-dependent, drug-tolerant persister phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halime Kalkavan
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mark J Chen
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeremy C Crawford
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Giovanni Quarato
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Patrick Fitzgerald
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX37DQ, UK
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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12
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Zhu J, Gillissen B, Dang Tran DL, May S, Ulrich C, Stockfleth E, Eberle J. Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and Cell Viability by Sinecatechins in Cutaneous SCC Cells Is Related to an Imbalance of ROS and Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071416. [PMID: 35883905 PMCID: PMC9312260 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071416] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The term sinecatechins designates an extract containing a high percentage of catechins obtained from green tea, which is commercially registered as Veregen or Polyphenon E (PE) and may be considered for treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and actinic keratosis (AK). As shown here, treatment of four cSCC cell lines with 200 µg/mL of PE resulted in strong, dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation (20–30%) as well as strongly decreased cell viability (4–21% of controls, 48 h). Effects correlated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas early apoptosis was less pronounced. At the protein level, some activation of caspase-3 and enhanced expression of the CDK inhibitor p21 were found. Loss of MMP and induced cell death were, however, largely independent of caspases and of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins Bax and Bak, suggesting that sinecatechins induce also non-apoptotic, alternative cell death pathways, in addition to apoptosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were downregulated in response to PE at 4 h, followed by an increase at 24 h. The contributory role of initially reduced ROS was supported by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine, which in combination with PE further enhanced the negative effects on cell viability. Thus, sinecatechins inhibited cell proliferation and viability of cSCC cells, which could suggest the use of PE for AK treatment. The mechanisms appear as linked to an imbalance of ROS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhu
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (J.Z.); (D.L.D.T.); (S.M.); (C.U.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Jilin University, Changchun 130001, China
| | - Bernd Gillissen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13125 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Dieu Linh Dang Tran
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (J.Z.); (D.L.D.T.); (S.M.); (C.U.)
- Beuth-Hochschule für Technik Berlin–University of Applied Sciences, Luxemburger Str. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie May
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (J.Z.); (D.L.D.T.); (S.M.); (C.U.)
| | - Claas Ulrich
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (J.Z.); (D.L.D.T.); (S.M.); (C.U.)
| | - Eggert Stockfleth
- Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Klinikum Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Jürgen Eberle
- Skin Cancer Centre Charité, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (J.Z.); (D.L.D.T.); (S.M.); (C.U.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-30-450-518-383
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13
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JNK initiates Beclin-1 dependent autophagic cell death against Akt activation. Exp Cell Res 2022; 414:113105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Bozkurt E, Düssmann H, Salvucci M, Cavanagh BL, Van Schaeybroeck S, Longley DB, Martin SJ, Prehn JHM. TRAIL signaling promotes entosis in colorectal cancer. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212649. [PMID: 34546352 PMCID: PMC8563286 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Entosis is a form of nonphagocytic cell-in-cell (CIC) interaction where a living cell enters into another. Tumors show evidence of entosis; however, factors controlling entosis remain to be elucidated. Here, we find that besides inducing apoptosis, TRAIL signaling is a potent activator of entosis in colon cancer cells. Initiation of both apoptosis and entosis requires TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5; however, induction of apoptosis and entosis diverges at caspase-8 as its structural presence is sufficient for induction of entosis but not apoptosis. Although apoptosis and entosis are morphologically and biochemically distinct, knockout of Bax and Bak, or inhibition of caspases, also inhibits entotic cell death and promotes survival and release of inner cells. Analysis of colorectal cancer tumors reveals a significant association between TRAIL signaling and CIC structures. Finally, the presence of CIC structures in the invasive front regions of colorectal tumors shows a strong correlation with adverse patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emir Bozkurt
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Izmir University of Economics, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Heiko Düssmann
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Manuela Salvucci
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brenton L Cavanagh
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sandra Van Schaeybroeck
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Daniel B Longley
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Seamus J Martin
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Genetics, The Smurfit Institute, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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Alectinib treatment improves photodynamic therapy in cancer cell lines of different origin. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:971. [PMID: 34461853 PMCID: PMC8404354 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08667-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizer such as protoporphyrin-IX, a light sensitive metabolite of heme synthesis, is a highly selective treatment for various carcinomas. In previous studies, we found a significant down regulation of the relevant enzyme ferrochelatase in gastrointestinal carcinomas leading to an accumulation of protoporphyrin-IX within the tumor cells. Recent studies showed that a novel anti-cancer drug, Alectinib, an orally available, highly selective, potent second-generation inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma tyrosinkinase binds to ferrochelatase. Therefore, we were interested to see whether Alectinib treatment might lead to an accumulation of protoporphyrin IX. Methods Tumor cells of different origin were cultured, treated with LED-light and Alectinib. Results were gained by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometric analysis of Annexin V-FITC stained cells. In addition, cells were counterstained with propidium iodide to distinguish early apoptotic cells and late apoptotic/necrotic cells. Results Here, we report that photodynamic treatment of tumor cell lines of different origin in combination with Alectinib increased protoporphyrin-IX specific fluorescence and concomitantly cell death. Conclusions The usage of Alectinib could be another step for enhancing the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy. Further experiments will show whether photodynamic therapy in combination with Alectinib could be a new strategy for the treatment of e.g. peritoneal disseminated carcinomas. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08667-x.
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16
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Hung CL, Chang HH, Lee SW, Chiang YW. Stepwise activation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bid at mitochondrial membranes. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:1910-1925. [PMID: 33462413 PMCID: PMC8184993 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00716-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Caspase-8-cleaved Bid (cBid) associates with mitochondria and promotes the activation of BAX, leading to mitochondria outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and apoptosis. However, current structural models of cBid are largely based on studies using membrane vesicles and detergent micelles. Here we employ spin-label ESR and site-directed PEGylation methods to identify conformations of cBid at real mitochondrial membranes, revealing stepwise mechanisms in the activation process. Upon the binding of cBid to mitochondria, its structure is reorganized to expose the BH3 domain while leaving the structural integrity only slightly altered. The mitochondria-bound cBid is in association with Mtch2 and it remains in the primed state until interacting with BAX. The interaction subsequently triggers the fragmentation of cBid, causes large conformational changes, and promotes BAX-mediated MOMP. Our results reveal structural differences of cBid between mitochondria and other lipid-like environments and, moreover, highlight the role of the membrane binding in modifying cBid structure and assisting the inactive-to-active transition in function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Lun Hung
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ho Chang
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Su Wei Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Wei Chiang
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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17
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Darweesh O, Al-Shehri E, Falquez H, Lauterwasser J, Edlich F, Patel R. Identification of a novel Bax-Cdk1 signalling complex that links activation of the mitotic checkpoint to apoptosis. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:237811. [PMID: 33722980 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.244152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotes, entry into and exit from mitosis is regulated, respectively, by the transient activation and inactivation of Cdk1. Taxol, an anti-microtubule anti-cancer drug, prevents microtubule-kinetochore attachments to induce spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC; also known as the mitotic checkpoint)-activated mitotic arrest. SAC activation causes mitotic arrest by chronically activating Cdk1. One consequence of prolonged Cdk1 activation is cell death. However, the cytoplasmic signal(s) that link SAC activation to the initiation of cell death remain unknown. We show here that activated Cdk1 forms a complex with the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak (also known as BAK1) during SAC-induced apoptosis. Bax- and Bak-mediated delivery of activated Cdk1 to the mitochondrion is essential for the phosphorylation of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL (encoded by BCL2L1) and the induction of cell death. The interactions between a key cell cycle control protein and key pro-apoptotic proteins identify the Cdk1-Bax and Cdk1-Bak complexes as the long-sought-after cytoplasmic signal that couples SAC activation to the induction of apoptotic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omeed Darweesh
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
| | - Eman Al-Shehri
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
| | - Hugo Falquez
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Lauterwasser
- Veterinary Physiology-Chemistry Institute, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Frank Edlich
- Veterinary Physiology-Chemistry Institute, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rajnikant Patel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,UK
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18
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Oshima Y, Cartier E, Boyman L, Verhoeven N, Polster BM, Huang W, Kane M, Lederer WJ, Karbowski M. Parkin-independent mitophagy via Drp1-mediated outer membrane severing and inner membrane ubiquitination. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:211984. [PMID: 33851959 PMCID: PMC8050842 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202006043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report that acute reduction in mitochondrial translation fidelity (MTF) causes ubiquitination of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) proteins, including TRAP1 and CPOX, which occurs selectively in mitochondria with a severed outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Ubiquitinated IMM recruits the autophagy machinery. Inhibiting autophagy leads to increased accumulation of mitochondria with severed OMM and ubiquitinated IMM. This process occurs downstream of the accumulation of cytochrome c/CPOX in a subset of mitochondria heterogeneously distributed throughout the cell (“mosaic distribution”). Formation of mosaic mitochondria, OMM severing, and IMM ubiquitination require active mitochondrial translation and mitochondrial fission, but not the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak. In contrast, in Parkin-overexpressing cells, MTF reduction does not lead to the severing of the OMM or IMM ubiquitination, but it does induce Drp1-independent ubiquitination of the OMM. Furthermore, high–cytochrome c/CPOX mitochondria are preferentially targeted by Parkin, indicating that in the context of reduced MTF, they are mitophagy intermediates regardless of Parkin expression. In sum, Parkin-deficient cells adapt to mitochondrial proteotoxicity through a Drp1-mediated mechanism that involves the severing of the OMM and autophagy targeting ubiquitinated IMM proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Oshima
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Etienne Cartier
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Liron Boyman
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nicolas Verhoeven
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Brian M Polster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Weiliang Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
| | - Maureen Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
| | - W Jonathan Lederer
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mariusz Karbowski
- Center for Biomedical Engineering and Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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19
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Knoll G, Ehrenschwender M. The non-peptidomimetic IAP antagonist ASTX660 sensitizes colorectal cancer cells for extrinsic apoptosis. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:714-723. [PMID: 33484626 PMCID: PMC7931242 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis resistance worsens treatment response in cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins can restore cell death and improve treatment efficacy. cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP belong to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family and block apoptosis. Targeting IAPs with peptides or peptidomimetics mimicking the IAP-antagonizing activity of the cell's endogenous IAP antagonist SMAC (SMAC mimetics) showed promising results and fueled development of novel compounds. ASTX660 belongs to the recently introduced class of non-peptidomimetic IAP antagonists and successfully completed phase I clinical trials. However, ASTX660 has thus far only been evaluated in few cancer entities. Here, we demonstrate that ASTX660 has cell death-promoting activity in colorectal cancer and provide a head-to-head comparison with birinapant, the clinically most advanced peptidomimetic IAP antagonist. ASTX660 facilitates activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway upon stimulation with the death ligands TNF and TRAIL and boosts effector caspase activation and subsequent apoptosis. Mechanistically, ASTX660 enhances amplification of death receptor-generated apoptotic signals in a mitochondria-dependent manner. Failure to activate the mitochondria-associated (intrinsic) apoptosis pathway attenuated the apoptosis-promoting effect of ASTX660. Further clinical studies are warranted to highlight the therapeutic potential of ASTX660 in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud Knoll
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and HygieneUniversity Hospital RegensburgGermany
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20
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The Mysteries around the BCL-2 Family Member BOK. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121638. [PMID: 33291826 PMCID: PMC7762061 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BOK is an evolutionarily conserved BCL-2 family member that resembles the apoptotic effectors BAK and BAX in sequence and structure. Based on these similarities, BOK has traditionally been classified as a BAX-like pro-apoptotic protein. However, the mechanism of action and cellular functions of BOK remains controversial. While some studies propose that BOK could replace BAK and BAX to elicit apoptosis, others attribute to this protein an indirect way of apoptosis regulation. Adding to the debate, BOK has been associated with a plethora of non-apoptotic functions that makes this protein unpredictable when dictating cell fate. Here, we compile the current knowledge and open questions about this paradoxical protein with a special focus on its structural features as the key aspect to understand BOK biological functions.
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21
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Lindenboim L, Grozki D, Amsalem-Zafran AR, Peña-Blanco A, Gundersen GG, Borner C, Hodzic D, Garcia-Sáez AJ, Worman HJ, Stein R. Apoptotic stress induces Bax-dependent, caspase-independent redistribution of LINC complex nesprins. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:90. [PMID: 33024575 PMCID: PMC7501853 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00327-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical function of Bcl-2 family proteins is to regulate mitochondrial membrane integrity. In response to apoptotic signals the multi-domain pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Bak are activated and perforate the mitochondrial outer membrane by a mechanism which is inhibited by their interaction with pro-survival members of the family. However, other studies have shown that Bax and Bak may have additional, non-canonical functions, which include stress-induced nuclear envelope rupture and discharge of nuclear proteins into the cytosol. We show here that the apoptotic stimuli cisplatin and staurosporine induce a Bax/Bak-dependent degradation and subcellular redistribution of nesprin-1 and nesprin-2 but not nesprin-3, of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. The degradation and redistribution were caspase-independent and did not occur in Bax/Bak double knockout (DKO) mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs). Re-expression of Bax in Bax/Bak DKO MEFs restored stress-induced redistribution of nesprin-2 by a mechanism which requires Bax membrane localization and integrity of the α helices 5/6, and the Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain. We found that nesprin-2 interacts with Bax in close proximity to perinuclear mitochondria in mouse and human cells. This interaction requires the mitochondrial targeting and N-terminal region but not the BH3 domain of Bax. Our results identify nesprin-2 as a Bax binding partner and also a new function of Bax in impairing the integrity of the LINC complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liora Lindenboim
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Dan Grozki
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Ayelet R. Amsalem-Zafran
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Israel
| | - Aida Peña-Blanco
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gregg G. Gundersen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Christoph Borner
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Stefan Meier Strasse 17, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 19a, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Didier Hodzic
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660S. Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Ana J. Garcia-Sáez
- Institute for Genetics and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 26, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Howard J. Worman
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
- Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Reuven Stein
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Israel
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22
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Lamb HM. Double agents of cell death: novel emerging functions of apoptotic regulators. FEBS J 2020; 287:2647-2663. [PMID: 32239637 PMCID: PMC8796856 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a highly regulated form of cell death that is required for many homeostatic and pathological processes. Recently, alternative cell death pathways have emerged whose regulation is dependent on proteins with canonical functions in apoptosis. Dysregulation of apoptotic signaling frequently underlies the pathogenesis of many cancers, reinforcing the need to develop therapies that initiate alternative cell death processes. This review outlines the convergence points between apoptosis and other death pathways with the purpose of identifying novel strategies for the treatment of apoptosis-refractory cancers. Apoptosis proteins can play key roles in the initiation, regulation, and execution of nonapoptotic death processes that include necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, mPTP-mediated necrosis, and ferroptosis. Notably, recent evidence illustrates that dying cells can exhibit biochemical and molecular characteristics of more than one different type of regulated cell death. Thus, this review highlights the amazing complexity and interconnectivity of cell death processes and also raises the idea that a top-to-bottom approach to describing cell death mechanisms may be inadequate for fully understanding the means by which cells die.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Lamb
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and
Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore,
MD 21205 USA
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23
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Funk K, Czauderna C, Klesse R, Becker D, Hajduk J, Oelgeklaus A, Reichenbach F, Fimm-Todt F, Lauterwasser J, Galle PR, Marquardt JU, Edlich F. BAX Redistribution Induces Apoptosis Resistance and Selective Stress Sensitivity in Human HCC. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061437. [PMID: 32486514 PMCID: PMC7352885 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapies induce differential cell responses, ranging from efficient cell death to complete stress resistance. The BCL-2 proteins BAX and BAK govern the cellular decision between survival and mitochondrial apoptosis. Therefore, the status of BAX/BAK regulation can predict the cellular apoptosis predisposition. Relative BAX/BAK localization was analyzed in tumor and corresponding non-tumor samples from 34 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Key transcriptome changes and gene expression profiles related to the status of BAX regulation were applied to two independent cohorts including over 500 HCC patients. The prediction of apoptotic response was tested using cell lines and polyclonal tumor isolates. Cellular protection from BAX was confirmed by challenging cells with mitochondrial BAX. We discovered a subgroup of HCC with selective protection from BAX-dependent apoptosis. BAX-protected tumors showed enrichment of signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress response and DNA repair as well as increased genetic heterogeneity. Gene expression profiles characteristic to BAX-specific protection are enriched in poorly differentiated HCCs and show significant association to the overall survival of HCC patients. Consistently, addiction to DNA repair of BAX-protected cancer cells caused selective sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Molecular characteristics of BAX-protected HCC were enriched in cells challenged with mitochondrial BAX. Our results demonstrate that predisposition to BAX activation impairs tumor biology in HCC. Selective BAX inhibition or lack thereof delineates distinct subgroups of HCC patients with molecular features and differential response pattern to apoptotic stimuli and inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Funk
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Czauderna
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Ramona Klesse
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Diana Becker
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Jovana Hajduk
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Aline Oelgeklaus
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Reichenbach
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Fimm-Todt
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
| | - Joachim Lauterwasser
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Medicine, Lichtenberg Research Group, University Mainz, 55116 Mainz, Germany; (C.C.); (D.B.); (J.H.); (P.R.G.)
| | - Jens U. Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.U.M.); (F.E.)
| | - Frank Edlich
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; (K.F.); (R.K.); (A.O.); (F.R.); (F.F.-T.); (J.L.)
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.U.M.); (F.E.)
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Knoll G, Riffelsberger P, Raats D, Kranenburg O, Ehrenschwender M. NOXA-dependent contextual synthetic lethality of BCL-XL inhibition and "osmotic reprogramming" in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:257. [PMID: 32312973 PMCID: PMC7171071 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2446-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A sophisticated network of BCL-2 family proteins regulates the mitochondria-associated (intrinsic) apoptosis pathway. Antiapoptotic members such as BCL-XL or MCL-1 safeguard the outer mitochondrial membrane and prevent accidental cell death in a functionally redundant and/or compensatory manner. However, BCL-XL/MCL-1-mediated “dual apoptosis protection” also impairs response of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Here, we show that hyperosmotic stress in the tumor environment abrogates dual BCL-XL/MCL-1 protection. Hypertonicity triggers upregulation of NOXA and loss of MCL-1 and thereby enforces exclusive BCL-XL addiction. Concomitant targeting of BCL-XL is sufficient to unlock the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in colorectal cancer cells. Functionally, “osmotic reprogramming” of the tumor environment grants contextual synthetic lethality to BCL-XL inhibitors in dually BCL-XL/MCL-1-protected cells. Generation of contextual synthetic lethality through modulation of the tumor environment could perspectively boost efficacy of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud Knoll
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Petra Riffelsberger
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Danielle Raats
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Centre, PO Box 85500, 3506 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Centre, PO Box 85500, 3506 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Ehrenschwender
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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25
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Separase-triggered apoptosis enforces minimal length of mitosis. Nature 2020; 580:542-547. [PMID: 32322059 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2187-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged mitosis often results in apoptosis1. Shortened mitosis causes tumorigenic aneuploidy, but it is unclear whether it also activates the apoptotic machinery2. Separase, a cysteine protease and trigger of all eukaryotic anaphases, has a caspase-like catalytic domain but has not previously been associated with cell death3,4. Here we show that human cells that enter mitosis with already active separase rapidly undergo death in mitosis owing to direct cleavage of anti-apoptotic MCL1 and BCL-XL by separase. Cleavage not only prevents MCL1 and BCL-XL from sequestering pro-apoptotic BAK, but also converts them into active promoters of death in mitosis. Our data strongly suggest that the deadliest cleavage fragment, the C-terminal half of MCL1, forms BAK/BAX-like pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane. MCL1 and BCL-XL are turned into separase substrates only upon phosphorylation by NEK2A. Early mitotic degradation of this kinase is therefore crucial for preventing apoptosis upon scheduled activation of separase in metaphase. Speeding up mitosis by abrogation of the spindle assembly checkpoint results in a temporal overlap of the enzymatic activities of NEK2A and separase and consequently in cell death. We propose that NEK2A and separase jointly check on spindle assembly checkpoint integrity and eliminate cells that are prone to chromosome missegregation owing to accelerated progression through early mitosis.
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Low expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicates prolonged progression-free survival in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:124. [PMID: 32054850 PMCID: PMC7018795 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2309-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the introduction of novel targeted therapies, chemotherapy still remains the primary treatment for metastatic melanoma in poorly funded healthcare environments or in case of disease relapse, with no reliable molecular markers for progression-free survival (PFS) available. As chemotherapy primarily eliminates cancer cells by apoptosis, we here evaluated if the expression of key apoptosis regulators (Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Smac, Procaspase-9, Apaf-1, Procaspase-3 and XIAP) allows prognosticating PFS in stage III/IV melanoma patients. Following antibody validation, marker expression was determined by automated and manual scoring of immunohistochemically stained tissue microarrays (TMAs) constructed from treatment-naive metastatic melanoma biopsies. Interestingly and counter-intuitively, low expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Smac indicated better prognosis (log-rank p < 0.0001, p = 0.0301 and p = 0.0227 for automated and p = 0.0422, p = 0.0410 and p = 0.0073 for manual scoring). These findings were independently validated in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) metastatic melanoma cohort (TCGA-SKCM) at transcript level (log-rank p = 0.0004, p = 0.0104 and p = 0.0377). Taking expression heterogeneity between the markers in individual tumour samples into account allowed defining combinatorial Bax, Bak, Smac signatures that were associated with significantly increased PFS (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0028 at protein and transcript level, respectively). Furthermore, combined low expression of Bax, Bak and Smac allowed predicting prolonged PFS (> 12 months) on a case-by-case basis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) = 0.79). Taken together, our results therefore suggest that Bax, Bak and Smac jointly define a signature with potential clinical utility in chemotherapy-treated metastatic melanoma.
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27
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PEGylation-based strategy to identify pathways involved in the activation of apoptotic BAX protein. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129541. [PMID: 31987956 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BAX activation is a crucial step for commitment to apoptosis. Several activators, such as BimBH3-based therapeutic peptides and cleaved Bid (cBid) protein, can trigger BAX-mediated apoptosis, but it is unclear whether they proceed through the same pathway. METHODS Here we utilize PEGylation-based approach, which is shown to efficiently shield individual binding grooves in BAX from activators, to investigate and reveal that the activators take different routes to induce BAX-mediated apoptosis. Various spectroscopic/biochemical tools, including electron spin resonance, circular dichroism, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and label-transfer assay, were employed to reveal details in the processes. RESULTS We observe a key mutant BAX 164-PEG that acts differently in response to cBid and BimBH3 stimuli. While BimBH3 directly interacts with the trigger groove (TG) to induce the conformational changes in BAX that includes the release of α9 from the canonical groove (CG) and oligomerization, cBid engages with CG and works with mitochondrial lipids to fully activate BAX. CONCLUSION PEGylation-based approach is proven useful to shield individual binding grooves of BAX from apoptotic stimuli. Groove engagement in CG of BAX is required for a full cBid-induced BAX activation. This study has identified differences in the pathways involved during the initiation of BAX activation by full-length cBid protein versus synthetic BimBH3-based peptides. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our finding is potentially valuable for therapeutic application as the pore-forming activity of 164-PEG is independent from the cBid-mediated apoptotic pathways, but can be administrated by the synthetic short peptides.
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28
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Sale MJ, Minihane E, Monks NR, Gilley R, Richards FM, Schifferli KP, Andersen CL, Davies EJ, Vicente MA, Ozono E, Markovets A, Dry JR, Drew L, Flemington V, Proia T, Jodrell DI, Smith PD, Cook SJ. Targeting melanoma's MCL1 bias unleashes the apoptotic potential of BRAF and ERK1/2 pathway inhibitors. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5167. [PMID: 31727888 PMCID: PMC6856071 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12409-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibitors are effective in melanoma but resistance inevitably develops. Despite increasing the abundance of pro-apoptotic BIM and BMF, ERK1/2 pathway inhibition is predominantly cytostatic, reflecting residual pro-survival BCL2 family activity. Here, we show that uniquely low BCL-XL expression in melanoma biases the pro-survival pool towards MCL1. Consequently, BRAF or MEK1/2 inhibitors are synthetic lethal with the MCL1 inhibitor AZD5991, driving profound tumour cell death that requires BAK/BAX, BIM and BMF, and inhibiting tumour growth in vivo. Combination of ERK1/2 pathway inhibitors with BCL2/BCL-w/BCL-XL inhibitors is stronger in CRC, correlating with a low MCL1:BCL-XL ratio; indeed the MCL1:BCL-XL ratio is predictive of ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor synergy with MCL1 or BCL2/BCL-w/BCL-XL inhibitors. Finally, AZD5991 delays acquired BRAFi/MEKi resistance and enhances the efficacy of an ERK1/2 inhibitor in a model of acquired BRAFi + MEKi resistance. Thus combining ERK1/2 pathway inhibitors with MCL1 antagonists in melanoma could improve therapeutic index and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Sale
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Emma Minihane
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Noel R Monks
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Rebecca Gilley
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Frances M Richards
- Pharmacology and Drug Development Group, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Kevin P Schifferli
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, One Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | | | - Emma J Davies
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Mario Aladren Vicente
- CRUK Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories, Jonas Webb Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Eiko Ozono
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Jonathan R Dry
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Lisa Drew
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Vikki Flemington
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Theresa Proia
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, 35 Gatehouse Drive, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA
| | - Duncan I Jodrell
- Pharmacology and Drug Development Group, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Paul D Smith
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Simon J Cook
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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29
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Maes ME, Grosser JA, Fehrman RL, Schlamp CL, Nickells RW. Completion of BAX recruitment correlates with mitochondrial fission during apoptosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16565. [PMID: 31719602 PMCID: PMC6851089 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BAX, a member of the BCL2 gene family, controls the committed step of the intrinsic apoptotic program. Mitochondrial fragmentation is a commonly observed feature of apoptosis, which occurs through the process of mitochondrial fission. BAX has consistently been associated with mitochondrial fission, yet how BAX participates in the process of mitochondrial fragmentation during apoptosis remains to be tested. Time-lapse imaging of BAX recruitment and mitochondrial fragmentation demonstrates that rapid mitochondrial fragmentation during apoptosis occurs after the complete recruitment of BAX to the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM). The requirement of a fully functioning BAX protein for the fission process was demonstrated further in BAX/BAK-deficient HCT116 cells expressing a P168A mutant of BAX. The mutant performed fusion to restore the mitochondrial network. but was not demonstrably recruited to the MOM after apoptosis induction. Under these conditions, mitochondrial fragmentation was blocked. Additionally, we show that loss of the fission protein, dynamin-like protein 1 (DRP1), does not temporally affect the initiation time or rate of BAX recruitment, but does reduce the final level of BAX recruited to the MOM during the late phase of BAX recruitment. These correlative observations suggest a model where late-stage BAX oligomers play a functional part of the mitochondrial fragmentation machinery in apoptotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Maes
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - J A Grosser
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - R L Fehrman
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - C L Schlamp
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - R W Nickells
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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30
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Raptinal bypasses BAX, BAK, and BOK for mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and intrinsic apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31324752 PMCID: PMC6642130 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1790-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Most antineoplastic chemotherapies eliminate cancer cells through activation of the mitochondria-controlled intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Therein, BAX, BAK, and/or BOK function as the essential pore-forming executioners of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). The activation threshold of BAX and BAK also correlates inversely with the required strength of an apoptotic stimulus to induce MOMP and thereby effectively determines a cell’s readiness to undergo apoptosis. Consequently, the ‘gatekeepers’ BAX and BAK emerged as therapeutic targets, but functional or genetic loss renders BAX/BAK-targeting strategies prone to fail. Here, we show that the small molecule Raptinal overcomes this limitation by triggering cytochrome c release in a BAX/BAK/BOK-independent manner. Raptinal exerts a dual cytotoxic effect on cancer cells by rapid activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and simultaneous shutdown of mitochondrial function. Together with its efficacy to eliminate cancer cells in vivo, Raptinal could be useful in difficult-to-treat cancer entities harboring defects in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
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31
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Apogossypol-mediated reorganisation of the endoplasmic reticulum antagonises mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:521. [PMID: 31285422 PMCID: PMC6614446 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1759-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with its elaborate network of highly curved tubules and flat sheets interacts with several other organelles, including mitochondria, peroxisomes and endosomes, to play vital roles in their membrane dynamics and functions. Previously, we identified structurally diverse chemicals from different pharmacological classes, which induce a reversible reorganisation of ER membranes. Using apogossypol as a prototypic tool compound, we now show that ER membrane reorganisation occurs at the level of ER tubules but does not involve ER sheets. Reorganisation of ER membranes prevents DRP-1-mediated mitochondrial fission, thereby antagonising the functions of several mitochondrial fission-inducing agents. Previous reports have suggested that ER membranes mark the constriction sites of mitochondria by localising DRP-1, as well as BAX on mitochondrial membranes to facilitate both mitochondrial fission and outer membrane permeabilisation. Following ER membrane reorganisation and subsequent exposure to an apoptotic stimulus (BH3 mimetics), DRP-1 still colocalises with the reorganised ER membranes but BAX translocation and activation, cytochrome c release and phosphatidylserine externalisation are all inhibited, thereby diminishing the ability of BH3 mimetics to induce the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Strikingly, both ER membrane reorganisation and its resulting inhibition of apoptosis could be reversed by inhibitors of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), namely teriflunomide and its active metabolite, leflunomide. However, neither genetic inhibition of DHODH using RNA interference nor metabolic supplementation with orotate or uridine to circumvent the consequences of a loss of DHODH activity rescued the effects of DHODH inhibitors, suggesting that the effects of these inhibitors in preventing ER membrane reorganisation is most likely independent of their ability to antagonise DHODH activity. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that ER is fundamental for key mitochondrial functions, such as fusion-fission dynamics and apoptosis.
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32
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Senichkin VV, Streletskaia AY, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. Molecular Comprehension of Mcl-1: From Gene Structure to Cancer Therapy. Trends Cell Biol 2019; 29:549-562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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33
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Cao X, Wen P, Fu Y, Gao Y, Qi X, Chen B, Tao Y, Wu L, Xu A, Lu H, Zhao G. Radiation induces apoptosis primarily through the intrinsic pathway in mammalian cells. Cell Signal 2019; 62:109337. [PMID: 31173879 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-induced tumor cells death is the theoretical basis of tumor radiotherapy. Death signaling disorder is the most important factor for radioresistance. However, the signaling pathway(s) leading to radiation-triggered cell death is (are) still not completely known. To better understand the cell death signaling induced by radiation, the immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) deficient in "initiator" caspases, "effector" caspases or different Bcl-2 family proteins together with human colon carcinoma cell HCT116 were used. Our data indicated that radiation selectively induced the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3/7 but not caspase-8 by triggering mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Importantly, the role of radiation in MOMP is independent of the activation of both "initiator" and "effector" caspases. Furthermore, both proapoptotic and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins were involved in radiation-induced apoptotic signaling. Overall, our study indicated that radiation specifically triggered the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway through Bcl-2 family protein-dependent mitochondrial permeabilization, which indicates targeting mitochondria is a promising strategy for cancer radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbin Cao
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China
| | - Pengbo Wen
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China
| | - Yanfang Fu
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, Chizhou University, Chizhou, Anhui 247000, PR China
| | - Yang Gao
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China
| | - Xiaojing Qi
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China
| | - Bin Chen
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China
| | - Yinping Tao
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, PR China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China
| | - An Xu
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China
| | - Huayi Lu
- Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China.
| | - Guoping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, Hefei, PR China.
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Ahmed S, Khan H, Fratantonio D, Hasan MM, Sharifi S, Fathi N, Ullah H, Rastrelli L. Apoptosis induced by luteolin in breast cancer: Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives. PHYTOMEDICINE 2019; 59:152883. [PMID: 30986716 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is worldwide commonly found malignancy in women and effective treatment is regarded as a huge clinical challenge even in the presence of several options. Extensive literature is available that demonstrating polyphenols, the richly introduce phytopharmaceuticals as anticancer agents. Among these polyphenols, resveratrol, silibinin, quercetin, genistein, curcumin reported to have an awesome potential against breast cancer. However, till now no comprehensive survey found about the anticarcinogenic properties of luteolin against breast cancer. SCOPE AND APPROACH This review targeted the available literature on luteolin in the treatment of breast cancer, effects in combination with other anticancer drugs with possible mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION An outstanding therapeutic potential of luteolin in the treatment of breast cancer has been recorded not just as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent yet complemented by its synergistic effects with other anticancer therapies such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and NSAID such as celecoxib, and possible underlying mechanisms. Ideally, this review will open new dimensions for luteolin as an effective and safe therapeutic agent in diminishing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Deborah Fratantonio
- "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Research Laboratories, V.le di San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
| | - Muhammad Mohtasheemul Hasan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan
| | - Simin Sharifi
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazanin Fathi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali khan University Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Luca Rastrelli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
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35
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BCL-2 family isoforms in apoptosis and cancer. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:177. [PMID: 30792387 PMCID: PMC6384907 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 380] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The BCl-2 family has long been identified for its role in apoptosis. Following the initial discovery of BCL-2 in the context of B-cell lymphoma in the 1980s, a number of homologous proteins have since been identified. The members of the Bcl-2 family are designated as such due to their BCL-2 homology (BH) domains and involvement in apoptosis regulation. The BH domains facilitate the family members’ interactions with each other and can indicate pro- or anti-apoptotic function. Traditionally, these proteins are categorised into one of the three subfamilies; anti-apoptotic, BH3-only (pro-apoptotic), and pore-forming or ‘executioner’ (pro-apoptotic) proteins. Each of the BH3-only or anti-apoptotic proteins has a distinct pattern of activation, localisation and response to cell death or survival stimuli. All of these can vary across cell or stress types, or developmental stage, and this can cause the delineation of the roles of BCL-2 family members. Added to this complexity is the presence of relatively uncharacterised isoforms of many of the BCL-2 family members. There is a gap in our knowledge regarding the function of BCL-2 family isoforms. BH domain status is not always predictive or indicative of protein function, and several other important sequences, which can contribute to apoptotic activity have been identified. While therapeutic strategies targeting the BCL-2 family are constantly under development, it is imperative that we understand the molecules, which we are attempting to target. This review, discusses our current knowledge of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family isoforms. With significant improvements in the potential for splicing therapies, it is important that we begin to understand the distinctions of the BCL-2 family, not limited to just the mechanisms of apoptosis control, but in their roles outside of apoptosis.
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Anderson MW, Moss JJ, Szalai R, Lane JD. Mathematical Modeling Highlights the Complex Role of AKT in TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis of Colorectal Carcinoma Cells. iScience 2019; 12:182-193. [PMID: 30690394 PMCID: PMC6354781 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase B/AKT is a highly connected protein involved in a range of signaling pathways. Although it is known to regulate several proteins in the apoptotic pathway, its system-level effects remain poorly understood. We investigated the dynamic interactions between AKT and key apoptotic proteins and constructed a deterministic ordinary differential equation protein interaction model of extrinsic apoptosis. Incorporating AKT and its indirect inhibitor, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), this was used to generate predictions of system dynamics. Using eigen analysis, we identified AKT and cytochrome c as the protein species most sensitive to perturbations. Cell death assays in Type II HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells revealed a tendency toward Type I cell death behavior in the XIAP−/− background, with cells displaying accelerated TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Finally, AKT inhibition experiments implicated AKT and not PTEN in influencing apoptotic proteins during early phases of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. TRAIL-induced apoptosis model describes AKT protein interaction dynamics AKT and cytochrome c identified as the proteins most sensitive to perturbations HCT116 cells shift from Type II to Type I cell death behavior in XIAP−/− background AKT and not PTEN influences early phases of TRAIL-induced apoptosis
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Anderson
- Centre for Biomedical Modelling and Analysis, Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Joanna J Moss
- Cell Biology Laboratories, School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Robert Szalai
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Merchant Venturers Building, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UB, UK
| | - Jon D Lane
- Cell Biology Laboratories, School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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McDonald AJ, Curt KM, Patel RP, Kozlowski H, Sackett DL, Robey RW, Gottesman MM, Bates SE. Targeting mitochondrial hexokinases increases efficacy of histone deacetylase inhibitors in solid tumor models. Exp Cell Res 2018; 375:106-112. [PMID: 30579954 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hexokinase 1 and 2 have been shown to inhibit Bak- and Bax-mediated apoptosis, leading us to combine the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin with clotrimazole or bifonazole, two compounds that reportedly decrease mitochondrial localization of hexokinases. Cancer cell lines derived from breast, kidney, lung, colon or ovarian cancers were treated with a short-term exposure to 25 ng/ml romidepsin combined with either clotrimazole or bifonazole. The combination of romidepsin with 25 µM clotrimazole or bifonazole resulted in increased annexin staining compared to cells treated with any of the drugs alone. Cell death was caspase-mediated, as the pan-caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh was found to inhibit apoptosis induced by the combination. A549 lung cancer cells or HCT-116 cells deficient in Bak and Bax were also resistant to apoptosis with the combination implicating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. We found that a 24 h treatment with clotrimazole or bifonazole decreased total hexokinase 2 expression, resulting in a 76% or 60% decrease, respectively, of mitochondrial expression of hexokinase 2. Mitochondrial hexokinase 1 levels increased 2-fold or less. Our work suggests that the combination of a short-term romidepsin treatment with bifonazole or clotrimazole leads to increased apoptosis, most likely due to decreased mitochondrial expression of hexokinase 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J McDonald
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Katherine M Curt
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Ruchi P Patel
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Hanna Kozlowski
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Dan L Sackett
- Division of Basic and Translational Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Robert W Robey
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Michael M Gottesman
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Susan E Bates
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States; Columbia University Medical Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, New York, NY 10032, United States.
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38
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VDAC2 enables BAX to mediate apoptosis and limit tumor development. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4976. [PMID: 30478310 PMCID: PMC6255874 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic apoptosis is critical to prevent tumor formation and is engaged by many anti-cancer agents to eliminate tumor cells. BAX and BAK, the two essential mediators of apoptosis, are thought to be regulated through similar mechanisms and act redundantly to drive apoptotic cell death. From an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen, we identified VDAC2 (voltage-dependent anion channel 2) as important for BAX, but not BAK, to function. Genetic deletion of VDAC2 abrogated the association of BAX and BAK with mitochondrial complexes containing VDAC1, VDAC2, and VDAC3, but only inhibited BAX apoptotic function. Deleting VDAC2 phenocopied the loss of BAX in impairing both the killing of tumor cells by anti-cancer agents and the ability to suppress tumor formation. Together, our studies show that efficient BAX-mediated apoptosis depends on VDAC2, and reveal a striking difference in how BAX and BAK are functionally impacted by their interactions with VDAC2.
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Yu H, Wang X, Kang F, Chen Z, Meng Y, Dai M. Neuroprotective effects of midazolam on focal cerebral ischemia in rats through anti‑apoptotic mechanisms. Int J Mol Med 2018; 43:443-451. [PMID: 30431057 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a cerebrovascular circulatory disorder and its high mortality rate represents a prominent threat to human health. Subsequent apoptosis and cytotoxicity are the main causes underlying the poor prognosis. Midazolam (MDZ) is a benzodiazepine drug that is clinically used during surgical procedures and for the treatment of insomnia, with a potential ability to treat stroke. The protective effect of MDZ was investigated on glutamate‑induced cortical neuronal injuries in vitro and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat models in vivo. Western blot analysis and semi quantitative RT‑PCR were used to evaluate the potential underlying mechanisms. In vitro studies revealed that MDZ regulated apoptosis‑associated gene expression and inhibited lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, protecting against neuronal damage. In vivo studies revealed that MDZ reduced LDH‑induced neuronal damage by reducing LDH release from the peripheral blood, and brain tissue staining revealed that MDZ protected neurons during tMCAO. MDZ protected neurons under an ischemic environment by inhibiting LDH release and regulating apoptosis‑associated gene expression to reduce cytotoxicity and apoptosis. These results provide a reliable basis for further studies on the effect of MDZ, to improve the prognosis of cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yu
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhi Wang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Fuxin Kang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Zhile Chen
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Yunxia Meng
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Mingming Dai
- Department of Internal Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
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40
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Greaves G, Milani M, Butterworth M, Carter RJ, Byrne DP, Eyers PA, Luo X, Cohen GM, Varadarajan S. BH3-only proteins are dispensable for apoptosis induced by pharmacological inhibition of both MCL-1 and BCL-X L. Cell Death Differ 2018; 26:1037-1047. [PMID: 30185825 PMCID: PMC6748112 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The impressive selectivity and efficacy of BH3 mimetics for treating cancer has largely been limited to BCL-2 dependent hematological malignancies. Most solid tumors depend on other anti-apoptotic proteins, including MCL-1, for survival. The recent description of S63845 as the first specific and potent MCL-1 inhibitor represents an important therapeutic advance, since MCL-1 is not targeted by the currently available BH3 mimetics, Navitoclax or Venetoclax, and is commonly associated with chemoresistance. In this study, we confirm a high binding affinity and selectivity of S63845 to induce apoptosis in MCL-1-dependent cancer cell lines. Furthermore, S63845 synergizes with other BH3 mimetics to induce apoptosis in cell lines derived from both hematological and solid tumors. Although the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members in these cell lines interact with a spectrum of pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins to regulate apoptosis, these interactions alone do not explain the relative sensitivities of these cell lines to BH3 mimetic-induced apoptosis. These findings necessitated further investigation into the requirement of BH3-only proteins in BH3 mimetic-mediated apoptosis. Concurrent inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1 by BH3 mimetics in colorectal HCT116 cells induced apoptosis in a BAX- but not BAK-dependent manner. Remarkably this apoptosis was independent of all known BH3-only proteins. Although BH3-only proteins were required for apoptosis induced as a result of BCL-XL inhibition, this requirement was overcome when both BCL-XL and MCL-1 were inhibited, implicating distinct mechanisms by which different anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members may regulate apoptosis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Greaves
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mateus Milani
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Michael Butterworth
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Rachel J Carter
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Dominic P Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Patrick A Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Xu Luo
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198, USA
| | - Gerald M Cohen
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.,Departments of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Shankar Varadarajan
- Departments of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK. .,Departments of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Ashton Street, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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41
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Stehle D, Grimm M, Einsele-Scholz S, Ladwig F, Johänning J, Fischer G, Gillissen B, Schulze-Osthoff K, Essmann F. Contribution of BH3-domain and Transmembrane-domain to the Activity and Interaction of the Pore-forming Bcl-2 Proteins Bok, Bak, and Bax. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12434. [PMID: 30127460 PMCID: PMC6102298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30603-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Central to intrinsic apoptosis signaling is the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, which depends on the pro-apoptotic effector proteins Bax, Bak or Bok. These pore-forming effector proteins share four Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains, a functionally essential and conserved sequence of hydrophobic amino acids in their BH3-domain and a C-terminal transmembrane-domain whose specific function remains rather unknown. To elucidate the molecular basis of Bok-mediated apoptosis we analyzed apoptosis induction by transmembrane-domain deficient BokΔTM compared to the respective Bax and Bak proteins and proteins in which the first leucine in the BH3-stretch was mutated to glutamic acid. We show that deletion of the C-terminal transmembrane-domain reduces the pro-apoptotic function of each protein. Mutation of the first leucine in the BH3-domain (L78E) blocks activity of Bak, while mutation of the homologue residues in Bax or Bok (L63E and L70E respectively) does not affect apoptosis induction. Unexpectedly, combined mutation of the BH3-domain and deletion of the transmembrane-domain enhances the pro-apoptotic activity of Bok(L70E)ΔTM by abolishing the interaction with anti-apoptotic proteins, especially the primary Bok-inhibitory protein Mcl-1. These results therefore suggest a specific contribution of the transmembrane-domain to the pro-apoptotic function and interaction of Bok.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Stehle
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Grimm
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Einsele-Scholz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friederike Ladwig
- Department of Plant Physiology, Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Janina Johänning
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology (IKP), 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gerd Fischer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Gillissen
- Clinical and Molecular Oncology, University Medical Center Charité, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Schulze-Osthoff
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Essmann
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Interfaculty Institute for Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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42
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Hypertonicity-imposed BCL-XL addiction primes colorectal cancer cells for death. Cancer Lett 2018; 435:23-31. [PMID: 30075205 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Induction of mitochondria-controlled (intrinsic) apoptosis is a mainstay of current anti-neoplastic chemotherapies. Activation of this death pathway is counteracted by BCL-2-like proteins, which functionally set the threshold for apoptosis and determine whether malignant cells are sensitive or resistant to anti-cancer treatments. Hence, unlocking the intrinsic apoptotic cascade and promoting the cell's commitment to undergo apoptosis concordantly promotes efficacy of anti-cancer treatments. Here, we show that hyperosmotic stress enforces addiction of colorectal cancer cells to BCL-XL, thereby exhausting the protective capacity of BCL-2-like proteins and priming mitochondria for death. Our work identifies osmotic pressure as a cell extrinsic factor that modulates responsiveness of colorectal cancer cells to therapy.
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43
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Sirtl S, Knoll G, Trinh DT, Lang I, Siegmund D, Gross S, Schuler-Thurner B, Neubert P, Jantsch J, Wajant H, Ehrenschwender M. Hypertonicity-enforced BCL-2 addiction unleashes the cytotoxic potential of death receptors. Oncogene 2018; 37:4122-4136. [PMID: 29706657 PMCID: PMC6062497 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0265-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Attempts to exploit the cytotoxic activity of death receptors (DR) for treating cancer have thus far been disappointing. DR activation in most malignant cells fails to trigger cell death and may even promote tumor growth by activating cell death-independent DR-associated signaling pathways. Overcoming apoptosis resistance is consequently a prerequisite for successful clinical exploitation of DR stimulation. Here we show that hyperosmotic stress in the tumor microenvironment unleashes the deadly potential of DRs by enforcing BCL-2 addiction of cancer cells. Hypertonicity robustly enhanced cytotoxicity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and other DR ligands in various cancer entities. Initial events in TRAIL DR signaling remained unaffected, but hypertonic conditions unlocked activation of the mitochondrial death pathway and thus amplified the apoptotic signal. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that hyperosmotic stress imposed a BCL-2-addiction on cancer cells to safeguard the integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), essentially exhausting the protective capacity of BCL-2-like pro-survival proteins. Deprivation of these mitochondrial safeguards licensed DR-generated truncated BH3-interacting domain death agonist (tBID) to activate BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) and initiated mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Our work highlights that hyperosmotic stress in the tumor environment primes mitochondria for death and lowers the threshold for DR-induced apoptosis. Beyond TRAIL-based therapies, our findings could help to strengthen the efficacy of other apoptosis-inducing cancer treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sirtl
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Gertrud Knoll
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Dieu Thuy Trinh
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Isabell Lang
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Daniela Siegmund
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gross
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Beatrice Schuler-Thurner
- Department of Dermatology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Patrick Neubert
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Jonathan Jantsch
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany
| | - Harald Wajant
- Division of Molecular Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, University Hospital Würzburg, Röntgenring 11, Würzburg, 97070, Germany
| | - Martin Ehrenschwender
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, Regensburg, 93053, Germany.
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44
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Lai YC, Li CC, Sung TC, Chang CW, Lan YJ, Chiang YW. The role of cardiolipin in promoting the membrane pore-forming activity of BAX oligomers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:268-280. [PMID: 29958826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BCL-2-associated X (BAX) protein acts as a gatekeeper in regulating mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Under cellular stress, BAX becomes activated and transforms into a lethal oligomer that causes mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). Previous studies have identified several structural features of the membrane-associated BAX oligomer; they include the formation of the BH3-in-groove dimer, the collapse of the helical hairpin α5-α6, and the membrane insertion of α9 helix. However, it remains unclear as to the role of lipid environment in determining the conformation and the pore-forming activity of the BAX oligomers. Here we study molecular details of the membrane-associated BAX in various lipid environments using fluorescence and ESR techniques. We identify the inactive versus active forms of membrane-associated BAX, only the latter of which can induce stable and large membrane pores that are sufficient in size to pass apoptogenic factors. We reveal that the presence of CL is crucial to promoting the association between BAX dimers, hence the active oligomers. Without the presence of CL, BAX dimers assemble into an inactive oligomer that lacks the ability to form stable pores in the membrane. This study suggests an important role of CL in determining the formation of active BAX oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yei-Chen Lai
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chin Li
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Ching Sung
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Chang
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jing Lan
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Wei Chiang
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
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45
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Amawi H, Hussein NA, Ashby CR, Alnafisah R, Sanglard LM, Manivannan E, Karthikeyan C, Trivedi P, Eisenmann KM, Robey RW, Tiwari AK. Bax/Tubulin/Epithelial-Mesenchymal Pathways Determine the Efficacy of Silybin Analog HM015k in Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:520. [PMID: 29875662 PMCID: PMC5974752 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of apoptosis, disruption of cellular microtubule dynamics, and over-activation of the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), are involved in the progression, metastasis, and resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) to chemotherapy. Therefore, the design of a molecule that can target these pathways could be an effective strategy to reverse CRC progression and metastasis. In this study, twelve novel silybin derivatives, HM015a-HM015k (15a−15k) and compound 17, were screened for cytotoxicity in CRC cell lines. Compounds HM015j and HM015k (15k and 15j) significantly decreased cell proliferation, inhibited colony formation, and produced cell cycle arrest in CRC cells. Furthermore, 15k significantly induced the formation of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis. It induced the cleavage of the intrinsic apoptotic protein (Bax p21) to its more efficacious fragment, p18. Compound 15k also inhibited tubulin expression and disrupted its structure. Compound 15k significantly decreased metastatic LOVO cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, 15k reversed mesenchymal morphology in HCT116 and LOVO cells. Additionally, 15k significantly inhibited the expression of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and upregulated the expression of the epithelial marker, E-cadherin. Compound 15k inhibited the expression of key proteins known to induce EMT (i.e., DVL3, β-catenin, c-Myc) and upregulated the anti-metastatic protein, cyclin B1. Overall, in vitro, 15k significantly inhibited CRC progression and metastasis by inhibiting apoptosis, tubulin activity and the EMT pathways. Overall, these data suggest that compound 15k should be tested in vivo in a CRC animal model for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneen Amawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Noor A Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, St. John's University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Rawan Alnafisah
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Leticia M Sanglard
- Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL, United States
| | | | | | - Piyush Trivedi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal, India
| | - Kathryn M Eisenmann
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Robert W Robey
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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46
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Souldouzi R, Razi M, Shalizar Jalali A, Jalilzadeh-Amin G, Amani S. Effect of (R)-(+) Pulegone on Ovarian Tissue; Correlation with Expression of Aromatase Cyp19 and Ovarian Selected Genes in Mice. CELL JOURNAL 2018; 20:231-243. [PMID: 29633601 PMCID: PMC5893295 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2018.4798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective Pulegone (PGN) is a monoterpene ketone, whose metabolites exert several cytotoxic effects in
various tissues. The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the (R)-(+) PGN-induced alterations in
ovarian aromatization, proto-oncogenes and estrogen receptorα (ERα) and ERβ receptors expressions.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, mature albino mice were divided into experimental (received
25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg PGN, orally for 35 days) and control (received 2% solution of Tween 80
as a PGN solvent, orally) groups. The mRNA levels of Erα, Erβ, p53, Bcl-2, and cytochrome p450 (Cyp19)
as well as ovarian angiogenesis were analyzed through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and
immunohistochemical techniques, respectively. Moreover, apoptosis of follicular cells, serum estrogen and
progesterone levels and mRNA damage were investigated via using terminal transferase and biotin-16-dUTP
staining, electrochemilunescence and fluorescent microscopy methods, respectively.
Results The PGN reduced Erα, Erβ and Cyp19 expression at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses, while significantly
elevating p53 and reducing Bcl-2 expression. Finally, PGN impaired ovarian angiogenesis, increased apoptosis,
elevated follicular atresia and reduced serum levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Conclusion Chronic exposure to PGN (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg), severely affects ovarian aromatization, proto-
oncogenes mRNA levels and expression of ERs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohiyeh Souldouzi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Shalizar Jalali
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Ghader Jalilzadeh-Amin
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Amani
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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47
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Pan-class I PI3-kinase inhibitor BKM120 induces MEK1/2-dependent mitotic catastrophe in non-Hodgkin lymphoma leading to apoptosis or polyploidy determined by Bax/Bak and p53. Cell Death Dis 2018. [PMID: 29515122 PMCID: PMC5841308 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive signaling of PI3K/Akt/mTOR plays a prominent role in malignant transformation and progression of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) underscoring the need for PI3K targeted therapies. The pan-class I PI3-kinase inhibitor BKM120 has shown preclinical activity in distinct malignancies and is currently tested in clinical trials. Intratumor heterogeneity is an intrinsic property of cancers that contributes to drug resistance and tumor recurrence. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of PI3-kinases by BKM120 attenuates growth and survival of B-NHL cell lines by inducing mitotic arrest with subsequent induction of intrinsic apoptosis. BKM120-mediated downregulation of Cyclin A and activation of the CDK1/Cyclin B1 complex facilitates mitotic entry. In addition, concomitant BKM120-mediated upregulation of Cyclin B1 expression attenuates completion of mitosis, which results in mitotic catastrophe and apoptotic cell death. In Bax and Bak deficient B-NHL, which are resistant to BKM120-induced apoptosis, BKM120-induced mitotic catastrophe results in polyploidy. Upon re-expression of wt p53 in these p53 mutated cells, BKM120-induced polyploidy is strongly reduced demonstrating that the genetic status of the cells determines the outcome of a BKM120-mediated pathway inhibition. Mitotic catastrophe and unfavorable induction of polyploidy can be prevented in this setting by additional inhibition of MEK1/2 signaling. Combining MEK1/2 inhibitors with BKM120 enhances the anti-tumor effects of BKM120, prevents prognostic unfavorable polyploidy and might be a potential strategy for the treatment of B-NHL.
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Crawford N, Salvucci M, Hellwig CT, Lincoln FA, Mooney RE, O'Connor CL, Prehn JH, Longley DB, Rehm M. Simulating and predicting cellular and in vivo responses of colon cancer to combined treatment with chemotherapy and IAP antagonist Birinapant/TL32711. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:1952-1966. [PMID: 29500433 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0082-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis resistance contributes to treatment failure in colorectal cancer (CRC). New treatments that reinstate apoptosis competency have potential to improve patient outcome but require predictive biomarkers to target them to responsive patient populations. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) suppress apoptosis, contributing to drug resistance; IAP antagonists such as TL32711 have therefore been developed. We developed a systems biology approach for predicting response of CRC cells to chemotherapy and TL32711 combinations in vitro and in vivo. CRC cells responded poorly to TL32711 monotherapy in vitro; however, co-treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin enhanced TL32711-induced apoptosis. Notably, cells from genetically identical populations responded highly heterogeneously, with caspases being activated both upstream and downstream of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation (MOMP). These data, combined with quantities of key apoptosis regulators were sufficient to replicate in vitro cell death profiles by mathematical modelling. In vivo, apoptosis protein expression was significantly altered, and mathematical modelling for these conditions predicted higher apoptosis resistance that could nevertheless be overcome by combination of chemotherapy and TL32711. Subsequent experimental observations agreed with these predictions, and the observed effects on tumour growth inhibition correlated robustly with apoptosis competency. We therefore obtained insights into intracellular signal transduction kinetics and their population-based heterogeneities for chemotherapy/TL32711 combinations and provide proof-of-concept that mathematical modelling of apoptosis competency can simulate and predict responsiveness in vivo. Being able to predict response to IAP antagonist-based treatments on the background of cell-to-cell heterogeneities in the future might assist in improving treatment stratification approaches for these emerging apoptosis-targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyree Crawford
- Cell Death & Drug Resistance Group, Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Manuela Salvucci
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Christian T Hellwig
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, D-70569, Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, D-70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Frank A Lincoln
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ruth E Mooney
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Carla L O'Connor
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen Hm Prehn
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Daniel B Longley
- Cell Death & Drug Resistance Group, Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Markus Rehm
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, D-70569, Stuttgart, Germany. .,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, D-70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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49
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Eastman A. Improving anticancer drug development begins with cell culture: misinformation perpetrated by the misuse of cytotoxicity assays. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8854-8866. [PMID: 27750219 PMCID: PMC5352448 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The high failure rate of anticancer drug discovery and development has consumed billions of dollars annually. While many explanations have been provided, I believe that misinformation arising from inappropriate cell-based screens has been completely over-looked. Most cell culture experiments are irrelevant to how drugs are subsequently administered to patients. Usually, drug development focuses on growth inhibition rather than cell killing. Drugs are selected based on continuous incubation of cells, then frequently administered to the patient as a bolus. Target identification and validation is often performed by gene suppression that inevitably mimics continuous target inhibition. Drug concentrations in vitro frequently far exceed in vivo concentrations. Studies of drug synergy are performed at sub-optimal concentrations. And the focus on a limited number of cell lines can misrepresent the potential efficacy in a patient population. The intent of this review is to encourage more appropriate experimental design and data interpretation, and to improve drug development in the area of cell-based assays. Application of these principles should greatly enhance the successful translation of novel drugs to the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Eastman
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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50
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Hockings C, Alsop AE, Fennell SC, Lee EF, Fairlie WD, Dewson G, Kluck RM. Mcl-1 and Bcl-x L sequestration of Bak confers differential resistance to BH3-only proteins. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:721-734. [PMID: 29459767 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0010-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The prosurvival Bcl-2 family proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL inhibit apoptosis by sequestering BH3-only proteins such as Bid and Bim (MODE 1) or the effector proteins Bak and Bax (MODE 2). To better understand the contributions of MODE 1 and MODE 2 in blocking cell death, and thus how to bypass resistance to cell death, we examined prescribed mixtures of Bcl-2 family proteins. In a Bim and Bak mixture, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 each sequestered not only Bim but also Bak as it became activated by Bim. In contrast, in a Bid and Bak mixture, Bcl-xL preferentially sequestered Bid while Mcl-1 preferentially sequestered Bak. Notably, Bcl-xL could sequester Bak in response to the BH3 mimetic ABT-737, despite this molecule targeting Bcl-xL. These findings highlight the importance of Bak sequestration in resistance to anti-cancer treatments, including BH3 mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Hockings
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Cambridge, CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Amber E Alsop
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephanie C Fennell
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Erinna F Lee
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - W Douglas Fairlie
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ruth M Kluck
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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