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Gao H, Chen Z, Zhao L, Ji C, Xing F. Cellular functions, molecular signalings and therapeutic applications: Translational potential of deubiquitylating enzyme USP9X as a drug target in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189099. [PMID: 38582329 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination, one of the most significant post-translational modifications, plays an important role in controlling the proteins activity in diverse cellular processes. The reversible process of protein ubiquitination, known as deubiquitination, has emerged as a critical mechanism for maintaining cellular homeostasis. The deubiquitinases (DUBs), which participate in deubiquitination process are increasingly recognized as potential candidates for drug discovery. Among these DUBs, ubiquitin-specific protease 9× (USP9X), a highly conserved member of the USP family, exhibits versatile functions in various cellular processes, including the regulation of cell cycle, protein endocytosis, apoptosis, cell polarity, immunological microenvironment, and stem cell characteristics. The dysregulation and abnormal activities of USP9X are influenced by intricate cellular signaling pathway crosstalk and upstream non-coding RNAs. The complex expression patterns and controversial clinical significance of USP9X in cancers suggest its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Furthermore, USP9X inhibitors has shown promising antitumor activity and holds the potential to overcome therapeutic resistance in preclinical models. However, a comprehensive summary of the role and molecular functions of USP9X in cancer progression is currently lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive delineation of USP9X participation in numerous critical cellular processes, complicated signaling pathways within the tumor microenvironment, and its potential translational applications to combat therapeutic resistance. By systematically summarizing the updated molecular mechanisms of USP9X in cancer biology, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of cancer therapeutics and provide essential insights for specialists and clinicians in the development of improved cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Zhiguang Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Ce Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
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2
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Wang R, Li X, Wang J. Butein inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma growth via promoting MCL-1 ubiquitination. J Cancer 2024; 15:3173-3182. [PMID: 38706892 PMCID: PMC11064257 DOI: 10.7150/jca.94546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant head and neck carcinoma type. Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1), an anti-apoptotic BCL-1 protein, has been verified to be among the most highly upregulated pathologic proteins in human cancers linked to tumor relapse, poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance. Herein, therapeutic targeting MCL-1 is an attractive focus for cancer treatment. The present study found that butein, a potential phytochemical compound, exerted profound antitumor effects on OSCC cells. Butein treatment significantly inhibited cell viability, proliferation capacity and colony formation ability, and activated cell apoptotic process. Further potential mechanism investigation showed that promoting MCL-1 ubiquitination and degradation is the major reason for butein-mediated OSCC cell cytotoxicity. Our results uncovered that butein could facilitate E3 ligase FBW7 combined with MCL-1, which contributed to an increase in the ubiquitination of MCL-1 Ub-K48 and degradation. The results of both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo xenograft models imply a critical antitumor function of butein with the well-tolerated feature, and it might be an attractive and promising agent for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jidong Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The first people's hospital of Changde City), Changde, Hunan 415000, China
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3
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Meng Y, Hong C, Yang S, Qin Z, Yang L, Huang Y. Roles of USP9X in cellular functions and tumorigenesis (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:506. [PMID: 37920433 PMCID: PMC10618932 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14093] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9X (USP9X) is involved in certain human diseases, including malignancies, atherosclerosis and certain diseases of the nervous system. USP9X promotes the deubiquitination and stabilization of diverse substrates, thereby exerting a versatile range of effects on pathological and physiological processes. USP9X serves vital roles in the processes of cell survival, invasion and migration in various types of cancer. The present review aims to highlight the current knowledge of USP9X in terms of its structure and the possible mediatory mechanisms involved in certain types of cancer, providing a thorough introduction to its biological functions in carcinogenesis and further outlining its oncogenic or suppressive properties in a diverse range of cancer types. Finally, several perspectives regarding USP9X-targeted pharmacological therapeutics in cancer development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimei Meng
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Chaojin Hong
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Sifu Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Zhiquan Qin
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Liu Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
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4
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Yang X, Ma H, Zhang M, Wang R, Li X. TRIM32 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by enhancing FBP2 ubiquitination and degradation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 678:165-172. [PMID: 37640002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant expression of TRIM32, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, has been identified in multiple malignant cancer types. Nevertheless, the functional roles and detailed mechanisms of TRIM32 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated TRIM32 expression and its functional role in OSCC. TRIM32 expression was consistently elevated in OSCC tissues, particularly in samples from patients with advanced clinical grades. Functionally, silencing TRIM32 dampened OSCC cell growth, migration and invasion. Additionally, a xenograft tumor model suggested that TRIM32 knockdown suppressed in vivo OSCC tumor growth and lung metastasis formation. Mechanistically, we discovered that TRIM32 directly bound to the FBP2 protein via mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation. TRIM32 could interact with FBP2 and accelerates its degradation, eventually enhancing glycolysis in OSCC cell lines. Importantly, rescue assays demonstrated that FBP2 silencing could at least partially offset the tumor-suppressive and aerobic glycolysis inhibition effect induced by TRIM32 knockdown. Thus, our findings demonstrate that TRIM32 plays a crucial role in promoting tumor growth and enhancing glycolysis through FBP2 inhibition. Given OSCC is associated with increased glycolysis levels, our study suggests potential therapeutic targets for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, No. 89, Guhuai Road, Jining, 272000, Shandong, China; Postdoctoral Mobile Station of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655, Daxue Road, Changqing District, Jinan, 250399, Shandong, China.
| | - Haifeng Ma
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, No. 89, Guhuai Road, Jining, 272000, Shandong, China.
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, No. 89, Guhuai Road, Jining, 272000, Shandong, China.
| | - Renzhong Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 42, Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250011, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, No. 89, Guhuai Road, Jining, 272000, Shandong, China.
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Oak S, Karajgikar O, Teni T. Curcumin mediates selective aggregation of mutant p53 in cancer cells: A promising therapeutic strategy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 677:141-148. [PMID: 37586212 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The increased stability of mutant p53 (Mutp53) plays a crucial role in its gain of function, making proteins involved in its stabilization promising targets for drug intervention. Although curcumin is known to exhibit anti-cancer effects, its role as a deubiquitinase (DUB) inhibitor in Mutp53 destabilization remains poorly explored. Our study demonstrates that curcumin treatment induced ubiquitination and destabilization of Mutp53 but not Wild-type p53 (WTp53) in cancer cells. Furthermore, proteasome and lysosome inhibitors failed to reverse the effect of curcumin, indicating Mutp53 destabilization is possibly via an alternate mechanism. Intriguingly, curcumin treatment also resulted in the nuclear aggregation of the Mutp53 protein, which was rescued by combined Dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment. Similar to curcumin, a broad-spectrum deubiquitinase inhibitor induced Mutp53 aggregation implying curcumin possibly acts by inhibiting deubiquitinases. Additionally, curcumin treatment inhibited colony-forming abilities, induced cytoplasmic vacuolation, and cell death selectively in Mutp53-expressing cells. Collectively, our study highlights the potential of curcumin as a promising therapeutic agent for targeting Mutp53-expressing cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnil Oak
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Onkar Karajgikar
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India
| | - Tanuja Teni
- Teni Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India.
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6
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Li S, Song Y, Wang K, Liu G, Dong X, Yang F, Chen G, Cao C, Zhang H, Wang M, Li Y, Zeng T, Liu C, Li B. USP32 deubiquitinase: cellular functions, regulatory mechanisms, and potential as a cancer therapy target. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:338. [PMID: 37679322 PMCID: PMC10485055 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01629-1] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
An essential protein regulatory system in cells is the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The substrate is modified by the ubiquitin ligase system (E1-E2-E3) in this pathway, which is a dynamic protein bidirectional modification regulation system. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are tasked with specifically hydrolyzing ubiquitin molecules from ubiquitin-linked proteins or precursor proteins and inversely regulating protein degradation, which in turn affects protein function. The ubiquitin-specific peptidase 32 (USP32) protein level is associated with cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, invasion, and other cellular biological processes. It is an important member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family. It is thought that USP32, a unique enzyme that controls the ubiquitin process, is closely linked to the onset and progression of many cancers, including small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, glioblastoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, acute myeloid leukemia, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this review, we focus on the multiple mechanisms of USP32 in various tumor types and show that USP32 controls the stability of many distinct proteins. Therefore, USP32 is a key and promising therapeutic target for tumor therapy, which could provide important new insights and avenues for antitumor drug development. The therapeutic importance of USP32 in cancer treatment remains to be further proven. In conclusion, there are many options for the future direction of USP32 research.
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Grants
- Bing Li, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China Chunyan Liu, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guoxiang Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaolei Dong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fanghao Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Can Cao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huhu Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengjun Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Teng Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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7
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Ming H, Li B, Jiang J, Qin S, Nice EC, He W, Lang T, Huang C. Protein degradation: expanding the toolbox to restrain cancer drug resistance. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:6. [PMID: 36694209 PMCID: PMC9872387 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in clinical management, drug resistance remains a major obstacle. Recent research based on protein degradation to restrain drug resistance has attracted wide attention, and several therapeutic strategies such as inhibition of proteasome with bortezomib and proteolysis-targeting chimeric have been developed. Compared with intervention at the transcriptional level, targeting the degradation process seems to be a more rapid and direct strategy. Proteasomal proteolysis and lysosomal proteolysis are the most critical quality control systems responsible for the degradation of proteins or organelles. Although proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors (e.g., bortezomib and chloroquine) have achieved certain improvements in some clinical application scenarios, their routine application in practice is still a long way off, which is due to the lack of precise targeting capabilities and inevitable side effects. In-depth studies on the regulatory mechanism of critical protein degradation regulators, including E3 ubiquitin ligases, deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), and chaperones, are expected to provide precise clues for developing targeting strategies and reducing side effects. Here, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of protein degradation in regulating drug efflux, drug metabolism, DNA repair, drug target alteration, downstream bypass signaling, sustaining of stemness, and tumor microenvironment remodeling to delineate the functional roles of protein degradation in drug resistance. We also highlight specific E3 ligases, DUBs, and chaperones, discussing possible strategies modulating protein degradation to target cancer drug resistance. A systematic summary of the molecular basis by which protein degradation regulates tumor drug resistance will help facilitate the development of appropriate clinical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ming
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Weifeng He
- Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Tingyuan Lang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China. .,Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Li M, Gao F, Li X, Gan Y, Han S, Yu X, Liu H, Li W. Stabilization of MCL-1 by E3 ligase TRAF4 confers radioresistance. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1053. [PMID: 36535926 PMCID: PMC9763423 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The E3 ligase TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is frequently overexpressed and closely related to poor prognosis in human malignancies. However, its effect on carcinogenesis and radiosensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. The present study found that TRAF4 was significantly upregulated in primary and relapsed OSCC tumor tissues. Depletion of TRAF4 markedly improved the sensitivity of OSCC cells to irradiation (IR) treatment, showing that tumor cell proliferation, colony formation and xenograft tumor growth were reduced. Mechanistically, IR promoted the interaction between TRAF4 and Akt to induce Akt K63-mediated ubiquitination and activation. TRAF4 knockout inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and upregulated GSK3β activity, resulting in increased myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) S159 phosphorylation, which disrupted the interaction of MCL-1 with Josephin domain containing 1 (JOSD1), and ultimately induced MCL-1 ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, TRAF4 was positively correlated with MCL-1 in primary and in radiotherapy-treated, relapsed tumor tissues. An MCL-1 inhibitor overcame radioresistance in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, the present findings suggest that TRAF4 confers radioresistance in OSCC by stabilizing MCL-1 through Akt signaling, and that targeting TRAF4 may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome radioresistance in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.488482.a0000 0004 1765 5169School of Stomatology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Gao
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Ultrasonography, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Gan
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangze Han
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinfang Yu
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Haidan Liu
- grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People’s Republic of China ,grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
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Uthale A, Anantram A, Sulkshane P, Degani M, Teni T. Identification of bicyclic compounds that act as dual inhibitors of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Mol Divers 2022:10.1007/s11030-022-10494-6. [PMID: 35909144 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Elevated expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 contributes to poor prognosis and resistance to current treatment modalities in multiple cancers. Here, we report the design, synthesis and characterization of benzimidazole chalcone and flavonoid scaffold-derived bicyclic compounds targeting both Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 by optimizing the structural differences in the binding sites of both these proteins. Initial docking screen of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 with pro-apoptotic protein Bim revealed possible hits with optimal binding energies. All the optimized bicyclic compounds were screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against two oral cancer cell lines (AW8507 and AW13516) which express high levels of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Compound 4d from the benzimidazole chalcone series and compound 6d from the flavonoid series exhibited significant cytotoxic activity (IC50 7.12 μM and 17.18 μM, respectively) against AW13516 cell line. Time Resolved-Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) analysis further demonstrated that compound 4d and compound 6d could effectively inhibit the Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins by displacing their BH3 binding partners. Both compounds exhibited potent activation of canonical pathway of apoptosis evident from appearance of cleaved Caspase-3 and PARP. Further, treatment of oral cancer cells with the inhibitors induced dissociation of the BH3 only protein Bim from Mcl-1 and Bak from Bcl-2 but failed to release Bax from Bcl-xL thereby confirming the nature of compounds as BH3-mimetics selectively targeting Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. Our study thus identifies bicyclic compounds as promising candidates for anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/Mcl-1 dual inhibitors with a potential for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhay Uthale
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410 210, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Aarti Anantram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400 019, India
| | - Prasad Sulkshane
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410 210, India.,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Mariam Degani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 400 019, India.
| | - Tanuja Teni
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, 410 210, India. .,Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India.
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10
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Sulkshane P, Teni T. Myeloid cell leukemia-1: a formidable barrier to anticancer therapeutics and the quest of targeting it. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:278-296. [PMID: 36045907 PMCID: PMC9400788 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members are apical regulators of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis that orchestrate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) through interactions with their proapoptotic counterparts. Overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins has been linked to therapy resistance and poor prognosis in diverse cancers. Among the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, predominant overexpression of the prosurvival myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) has been reported in a myriad of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to therapy resistance and poor outcomes, thus making it a potential druggable target. The unique structure of Mcl-1 and its complex regulatory mechanism makes it an adaptive prosurvival switch that ensures tumor cell survival despite therapeutic intervention. This review focusses on diverse mechanisms adopted by tumor cells to maintain sustained elevated levels of Mcl-1 and how high Mcl-1 levels contribute to resistance in conventional as well as targeted therapies. Moreover, recent developments in the Mcl-1-targeted therapeutics and the underlying challenges and considerations in designing novel Mcl-1 inhibitors are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Sulkshane
- Glickman Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Tanuja Teni
- Teni Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Mumbai 400094, India
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Myeloid cell leukemia-1 expression in cancers of the oral cavity: a scoping review. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:182. [PMID: 35524332 PMCID: PMC9074253 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02603-0] [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: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family members play important roles in cell survival as well as cell death. The role of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), an important member of the Bcl-2 family, is well established in hematopoietic malignancies. However, the association between Mcl-1 and oral cavity, cancers is not clearly defined. Methods A scoping review was conducted until June 30, 2021, using four major databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Medical subject headings keywords for Mcl-1, along with its other identifiers, and head and neck cancers (only oral cavity tumors) were used to evaluate the expression, function, molecular association, and therapeutic approach of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers and precancers. Findings Mcl-1 expression was associated with the progression of oral cavity cancers. The molecular mechanism and pathways of Mcl-1 in oral cavity cancers established via experimental results have been highlighted in this review. Moreover, the various synthetic and naturally derived therapeutic agents targeting Mcl-1 have been documented. Novelty/Improvement Based on our present review, Mcl-1 appears to be an effective anticancer target that can be used in the therapeutic management of oral cancers.
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Proliferation and Apoptosis Pathways and Factors in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031562. [PMID: 35163485 PMCID: PMC8836072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is the most common form of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and most frequently presents as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is associated with an alarmingly high mortality rate. Internationally, a plethora of research to further our understanding of the molecular pathways related to oral cancer is performed. This research is of value for early diagnosis, prognosis, and the investigation of new drugs that can ameliorate the harmful effects of oral cancer and provide optimal patient outcomes with minimal long-term complications. Two pathways on which the progression of OSCC depends on are those of proliferation and apoptosis, which overlap at many junctions. Herein, we aim to review these pathways and factors related to OSCC progression. Publicly available search engines, PubMed and Google Scholar, were used with the following keywords to identify relevant literature: oral cancer, proliferation, proliferation factors, genes, mutations, and tumor suppressor. We anticipate that the use of information provided through this review will further progress translational cancer research work in the field of oral cancer.
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Deldar Abad Paskeh M, Mirzaei S, Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Sethi G. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling as a Driver of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression: An Emphasis on Molecular Pathways. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1415-1444. [PMID: 34858888 PMCID: PMC8630469 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s336858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancers cause a high rate of death worldwide and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as the most common primary liver cancer. HCC remains a challenging disease to treat. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is considered a tumor-promoting factor in various cancers; hence, the present review focused on the role of Wnt signaling in HCC, and its association with progression and therapy response based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin enhances expression level of genes such as c-Myc and MMPs in increasing cancer progression. The mutation of CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin and its overexpression can lead to HCC progression. β-catenin signaling enhances cancer stem cell features of HCC and promotes their growth rate. Furthermore, β-catenin prevents apoptosis in HCC cells and increases their migration via triggering EMT and upregulating MMP levels. It is suggested that β-catenin signaling participates in mediating drug resistance and immuno-resistance in HCC. Upstream mediators including ncRNAs can regulate β-catenin signaling in HCC. Anti-cancer agents inhibit β-catenin signaling and mediate its proteasomal degradation in HCC therapy. Furthermore, clinical studies have revealed the role of β-catenin and its gene mutation (CTNBB1) in HCC progression. Based on these subjects, future experiments can focus on developing novel therapeutics targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
- Correspondence: Sepideh Mirzaei Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran Email
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Sariyer, Istanbul, 34396, Turkey
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Gautam Sethi Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Email
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