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Nocquet L, Roul J, Lefebvre CC, Duarte L, Campone M, Juin PP, Souazé F. Low BCL-xL expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells favors chemotherapy efficacy, and this effect is limited by cancer-associated fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14177. [PMID: 38898061 PMCID: PMC11187150 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) present a poor prognosis primarily due to their resistance to chemotherapy. This resistance is known to be associated with elevated expression of certain anti-apoptotic members within the proteins of the BCL-2 family (namely BCL-xL, MCL-1 and BCL-2). These regulate cell death by inhibiting pro-apoptotic protein activation through binding and sequestration and they can be selectively antagonized by BH3 mimetics. Yet the individual influences of BCL-xL, MCL-1, and BCL-2 on the sensitivity of TNBC cells to chemotherapy, and their regulation by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), major components of the tumor stroma and key contributors to therapy resistance remain to be delineated. Using gene editing or BH3 mimetics to inhibit anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in TNBC line MDA-MB-231, we show that BCL-xL and MCL-1 promote cancer cell survival through compensatory mechanisms. This cell line shows limited sensitivity to chemotherapy, in line with the clinical resistance observed in TNBC patients. We elucidate that BCL-xL plays a pivotal role in therapy response, as its depletion or pharmacological inhibition heightened chemotherapy effectiveness. Moreover, BCL-xL expression is associated with chemotherapy resistance in patient-derived tumoroids where its pharmacological inhibition enhances ex vivo response to chemotherapy. In a co-culture model of cancer cells and CAFs, we observe that even in a context where BCL-xL reduced expression renders cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, those in contact with CAFs display reduced sensitivity to chemotherapy. Thus CAFs exert a profound pro-survival effect in breast cancer cells, even in a setting highly favoring cell death through combined chemotherapy and absence of the main actor of chemoresistance, BCL-xL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Nocquet
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Julie Roul
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Chloé C Lefebvre
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Laurine Duarte
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Mario Campone
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Philippe P Juin
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France.
- ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France.
| | - Frédérique Souazé
- INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Université de Nantes, 44000, Nantes, France.
- Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Paris, France.
- SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France.
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2
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Kaplan HG, Dowdell AK, Berry AB, Shimol RB, Robinson FL, Carney CA, Piening BD. Multi-omic profiling of simultaneous ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 205:451-464. [PMID: 38523186 PMCID: PMC11101558 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07270-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The progression of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) in humans is highly variable. To better understand the relationship between them, we performed a multi-omic characterization of co-occurring DCIS and IBC lesions in a cohort of individuals. METHODS Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 50 patients with co-occurring DCIS and IBC lesions were subjected to DNA-seq and whole transcriptome RNA-seq. Paired DCIS and IBC multi-omics profiles were then interrogated for DNA mutations, gene expression profiles and pathway analysis. RESULTS Most small variants and copy number variations were shared between co-occurring DCIS and IBC lesions, with IBC exhibiting on average a higher degree of additional mutations. However, 36% of co-occurring lesions shared no common mutations and 49% shared no common copy number variations. The most frequent genomic variants in both DCIS and IBC were PIK3CA, TP53, KMT2C, MAP3K1, GATA3 and SF3B1, with KMT2C being more frequent in DCIS and TP53 and MAP3K1 more frequent in IBC, though the numbers are too small for definitive conclusions. The most frequent copy number variations were seen in MCL1, CKSB1 and ERBB2. ERBB2 changes were not seen in IBC unless present in the corresponding DCIS. Transcriptional profiles were highly distinct between DCIS and IBC, with DCIS exhibiting upregulation of immune-related signatures, while IBC showed significant overexpression in genes and pathways associated with cell division and proliferation. Interestingly, DCIS and IBC exhibited significant differential expression of different components of extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and regulation, with DCIS showing overexpression of ECM-membrane interaction components while IBC showed upregulation of genes associated with fibronectin and invadopodia. CONCLUSION While most co-occurring DCIS and IBC were mutationally similar and suggestive of a common clonal progenitor, transcriptionally the lesions are highly distinct, with IBC expressing key pathways that facilitate invasion and proliferation. These results are suggestive of additional levels of regulation, epigenetic or other, that facilitate the acquisition of invasive properties during tumor evolution.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Female
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/genetics
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Mutation
- DNA Copy Number Variations
- Gene Expression Profiling/methods
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Transcriptome
- Aged
- Adult
- Genomics/methods
- Multiomics
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry G Kaplan
- Swedish Cancer Institute, 1221 Madison St., Suite 920, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - Alexa K Dowdell
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Health, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Anna B Berry
- Swedish Cancer Institute, 1221 Madison St., Suite 920, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Racheli Ben Shimol
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Health, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Fred L Robinson
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Health, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | | | - Brian D Piening
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Health, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
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3
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Cauwelier C, de Ridder I, Bultynck G. Recent advances in canonical versus non-canonical Ca 2+-signaling-related anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 functions and prospects for cancer treatment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119713. [PMID: 38521468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Cell fate is tightly controlled by a continuous balance between cell survival and cell death inducing mechanisms. B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-family members, composed of effectors and regulators, not only control apoptosis at the level of the mitochondria but also by impacting the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and dynamics. On the one hand, anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, prevents mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) by scaffolding and neutralizing proapoptotic Bcl-2-family members via its hydrophobic cleft (region composed of BH-domain 1-3). On the other hand, Bcl-2 suppress pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signals by binding and inhibiting IP3 receptors via its BH4 domain, which is structurally exiled from the hydrophobic cleft by a flexible loop region (FLR). As such, Bcl-2 prevents excessive Ca2+ transfer from ER to mitochondria. Whereas regulation of both pathways requires different functional regions of Bcl-2, both seem to be connected in cancers that overexpress Bcl-2 in a life-promoting dependent manner. Here we discuss the anti-apoptotic canonical and non-canonical role, via calcium signaling, of Bcl-2 in health and cancer and evolving from this the proposed anti-cancer therapies with their shortcomings. We also argue how some cancers, with the major focus on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are difficult to treat, although theoretically prime marked for Bcl-2-targeting therapeutics. Further work is needed to understand the non-canonical functions of Bcl-2 also at organelles beyond the mitochondria, the interaction partners outside the Bcl-2 family as well as their ability to target or exploit these functions as therapeutic strategies in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Cauwelier
- KU Leuven, Lab. Molecular & Cellular Signaling, Dep. Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ian de Ridder
- KU Leuven, Lab. Molecular & Cellular Signaling, Dep. Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Bultynck
- KU Leuven, Lab. Molecular & Cellular Signaling, Dep. Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, BE-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Deng H, Han Y, Liu L, Zhang H, Liu D, Wen J, Huang M, Zhao L. Targeting Myeloid Leukemia-1 in Cancer Therapy: Advances and Directions. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5963-5998. [PMID: 38597264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
As a tripartite cell death switch, B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) family members precisely regulate the endogenous apoptosis pathway in response to various cell signal stresses through protein-protein interactions. Myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), a key anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, is positioned downstream in the endogenous apoptotic pathway and plays a central role in regulating mitochondrial function. Mcl-1 is highly expressed in a variety of hematological malignancies and solid tumors, contributing to tumorigenesis, poor prognosis, and chemoresistance, making it an attractive target for cancer treatment. This Perspective aims to discuss the mechanism by which Mcl-1 regulates apoptosis and non-apoptotic functions in cancer cells and to outline the discovery and optimization process of potent Mcl-1 modulators. In addition, we summarize the structural characteristics of potent inhibitors that bind to Mcl-1 through multiple co-crystal structures and analyze the cardiotoxicity caused by current Mcl-1 inhibitors, providing prospects for rational targeting of Mcl-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yu Han
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jiachen Wen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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Shi MY, Wang Y, Shi Y, Tian R, Chen X, Zhang H, Wang K, Chen Z, Chen R. SETDB1-mediated CD147-K71 di-methylation promotes cell apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer. Genes Dis 2024; 11:978-992. [PMID: 37692516 PMCID: PMC10491884 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) are at the heart status of cellular signaling events and broadly involved in tumor progression. CD147 is a tumor biomarker with various PTMs, promoting tumor metastasis and metabolism reprogramming. Nevertheless, the relationship between the PTMs of CD147 and apoptosis has not been reported. In our study, we produced a specific anti-CD147-K71 di-methylation (CD147-K71me2) antibody by immunizing with a di-methylated peptide and observed that the level of CD147-K71me2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues were lower than that in NSCLC adjacent tissues. SETDB1 was identified as the methyltransferase catalyzing CD147 to generate CD147-K71me2. RNA-seq showed that FOSB was the most significant differentially expressed gene (DEG) between wild-type CD147 (CD147-WT) and K71-mutant CD147 (CD147-K71R) groups. Subsequently, we found that CD147-K71me2 promoted the expression of FOSB by enhancing the phosphorylation of p38, leading to tumor cell apoptosis. In vivo experiments showed that CD147-K71me2 significantly inhibited tumor progression by promoting cell apoptosis. Taken together, our findings indicate the inhibitory role of CD147-K71me2 in tumor progression from the perspective of post-translational modification, which is distinct from the pro-cancer function of CD147 itself, broadening our perspective on tumor-associated antigen CD147.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ruofei Tian
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Ke Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Zhinan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Ruo Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
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6
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McAloney CA, Makkawi R, Budhathoki Y, Cannon MV, Franz EM, Gross AC, Cam M, Vetter TA, Duhen R, Davies AE, Roberts RD. Host-derived growth factors drive ERK phosphorylation and MCL1 expression to promote osteosarcoma cell survival during metastatic lung colonization. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:259-282. [PMID: 37676378 PMCID: PMC10899530 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00867-w] [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: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE For patients with osteosarcoma, disease-related mortality most often results from lung metastasis-a phenomenon shared with many solid tumors. While established metastatic lesions behave aggressively, very few of the tumor cells that reach the lung will survive. By identifying mechanisms that facilitate survival of disseminated tumor cells, we can develop therapeutic strategies that prevent and treat metastasis. METHODS We analyzed single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) data from murine metastasis-bearing lungs to interrogate changes in both host and tumor cells during colonization. We used these data to elucidate pathways that become activated in cells that survive dissemination and identify candidate host-derived signals that drive activation. We validated these findings through live cell reporter systems, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. We then validated the functional relevance of key candidates using pharmacologic inhibition in models of metastatic osteosarcoma. RESULTS Expression patterns suggest that the MAPK pathway is significantly elevated in early and established metastases. MAPK activity correlates with expression of anti-apoptotic genes, especially MCL1. Niche cells produce growth factors that increase ERK phosphorylation and MCL1 expression in tumor cells. Both early and established metastases are vulnerable to MCL1 inhibition, but not MEK inhibition in vivo. Combining MCL1 inhibition with chemotherapy both prevented colonization and eliminated established metastases in murine models of osteosarcoma. CONCLUSION Niche-derived growth factors drive MAPK activity and MCL1 expression in osteosarcoma, promoting metastatic colonization. Although later metastases produce less MCL1, they remain dependent on it. MCL1 is a promising target for clinical trials in both human and canine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille A McAloney
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rawan Makkawi
- Knight Cancer Institute's, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Yogesh Budhathoki
- Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew V Cannon
- Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily M Franz
- Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy C Gross
- Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maren Cam
- Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tatyana A Vetter
- Center for Gene Therapy, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rebekka Duhen
- Knight Cancer Institute's, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Alexander E Davies
- Knight Cancer Institute's, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Ryan D Roberts
- Center for Childhood Cancers and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
- The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Shaikh N, Sivaram A, Vyas R. Screening of natural product libraries in MCF7 cell line reveals the pro-apoptotic properties of β tetralone. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:876-884. [PMID: 37014028 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2196697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the exponential increase in research toward better treatment options for breast cancer patients, developing an effective drug with fewer side effects continues to remain a challenge. Natural compounds have emerged as a viable option and several drugs have been derived or inspired from them. In this study, we screened a library of natural compounds with diverse chemical structures against selected kinase proteins using in silico methods such as molecular docking and dynamics simulation. The best results were obtained between β tetralone and MDM2 E3 ubiquitin ligase protein. In vitro experiments such as cytotoxicity, scratch assays and flow cytometry analysis using an MCF7 cell line were performed to determine the anti-cancer potential of the compound. As the treatment resulted in cell death and apoptosis, β tetralone was screened in silico against anti-apoptotic targets where the best results were obtained between Bcl-w and β tetralone. This comprehensive study suggests that the anti-cancer activity of β tetralone is probably through the dual targeting of MDM2 E3 ubiquitin kinase and Bcl-w anti-apoptotic protein.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilofer Shaikh
- MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Aruna Sivaram
- MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Renu Vyas
- MIT School of Bioengineering Sciences & Research, MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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8
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Xie Y, Han X, Yu J, Yuan M, Yan Y, Qin J, Lan L, Wang Y. EGR3 and estrone are involved in the tamoxifen resistance and progression of breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:18103-18117. [PMID: 37999751 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tamoxifen (Tam) is an effective treatment for estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. However, a significant proportion of patients develop resistance under treatment, presenting a therapeutic challenge. The study aims to determine the role of early growth response protein (EGR) 3 in tamoxifen resistance (TamR) and elucidate its molecular mechanism. METHODS TamR cell models were established and NGS was used to screening signaling alternation. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to analysis the expression of ERα, EGR3, MCL1 and factors associated with apoptosis. CCK8, colony formation and apoptosis assay were used to analysis resistance to Tam. Immunofluorescence, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase assays were used to investigate mechanism of regulation. RESULTS We observed that EGR3, a deeply rooted ERα response factor, showed increased upregulation in response to both estrone (E1) and Tam in TamR cells with elevated level of E1 and ERα expression, indicating a potential connection between EGR3 and TamR. Mechanically, manipulating EGR3 expression revealed that it imparted resistance to Tam through increased expression of the downstream molecule MCL1 (apoptosis suppressor gene) that it regulated. Mechanismly, EGR3 directly binds to the promoter of the anti-apoptotic factor MCL1 gene, facilitating its transcription. Furthermore, apoptosis assays revealed that E1 reduces Tam induced apoptosis by upregulating EGR3 expression. Importantly, clinical public database confirmed the high expression of EGR3 in breast cancer tissue and in Tam-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed light on the novel estrogen/EGR3/MCL1 axis and its role in inducing TamR in ER positive breast cancer. EGR3 emerges as a promising target to overcome TamR. The elucidation of this mechanism holds potential for the development of new therapeutic modalities to overcome endocrine therapy resistance in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xie
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mengci Yuan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Hospital of Stomatology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300041, China
| | - Junfang Qin
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lan Lan
- Department of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Function Reconstruction, Hospital of Stomatology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300041, China.
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9
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Wedam R, Greer YE, Wisniewski DJ, Weltz S, Kundu M, Voeller D, Lipkowitz S. Targeting Mitochondria with ClpP Agonists as a Novel Therapeutic Opportunity in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071936. [PMID: 37046596 PMCID: PMC10093243 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Despite the recent development of new therapeutics including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, triple-negative breast cancer remains an aggressive form of breast cancer, and thus improved treatments are needed. In recent decades, it has become increasingly clear that breast cancers harbor metabolic plasticity that is controlled by mitochondria. A myriad of studies provide evidence that mitochondria are essential to breast cancer progression. Mitochondria in breast cancers are widely reprogrammed to enhance energy production and biosynthesis of macromolecules required for tumor growth. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial roles in breast cancers and elucidate why mitochondria are a rational therapeutic target. We will then outline the status of the use of mitochondria-targeting drugs in breast cancers, and highlight ClpP agonists as emerging mitochondria-targeting drugs with a unique mechanism of action. We also illustrate possible drug combination strategies and challenges in the future breast cancer clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Wedam
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yoshimi Endo Greer
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David J Wisniewski
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sarah Weltz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Manjari Kundu
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Donna Voeller
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Jurj A, Zanoaga O, Raduly L, Morhan V, Papi Z, Ciocan C, Pop LA, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. Discovering the Biological Significance and Therapeutic Potential of miR-29b-3p in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5048. [PMID: 36902482 PMCID: PMC10003717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of estrogen or progesterone receptors and absence of HER2 amplification/overexpression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) restricts therapeutic options used in clinical management. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding transcripts which affect important cellular mechanisms by regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Among this class, attention was focused on miR-29b-3p with a high profile in TNBC and correlated with the overall survival rates, as TCGA data revealed. This study aims to investigate the implication of the miR-29b-3p inhibitor in TNBC cell lines by identifying a potential therapeutic transcript, improving the clinical outcomes of this disease. The experiments were performed on two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and BT549) as in vitro models. An established dose of 50 nM was used for all functional assays performed on the miR-29b-3p inhibitor. A decreased level of miR-29b-3p determined a significant reduction in cell proliferation and colony-forming capacity. At the same time, the changes occurring at the molecular and cellular levels were highlighted. We observed that, when inhibiting the expression level of miR-29b-3p, processes such as apoptosis and autophagy were activated. Further, microarray data revealed that the miRNA expression pattern was altered after miR-29b-3p inhibition, pointing out 8 overexpressed and 11 downregulated miRNAs specific for BT549 cells and 33 upregulated and 10 downregulated miRNAs that were specific for MDA-MB-231 cells. As a common signature for both cell lines, three transcripts were observed, two downregulated, miR-29b-3p and miR-29a, and one upregulated, miR-1229-5p. According to DIANA miRPath, the main predicted targets are related to ECM (extracellular matrix) receptor interaction and TP53 signaling. An additional validation step through qRT-PCR was performed, which showed an upregulation of MCL1 and TGFB1. By inhibiting the expression level of miR-29b-3p, it was shown that complex regulatory pathways targeted this transcript in TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Oana Zanoaga
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lajos Raduly
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Morhan
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zsofia Papi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Cristina Ciocan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Laura-Ancuta Pop
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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11
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Souza SDM, Souza LSD, Silva VR, Soares MBP, Bezerra DP, Gois RWDS, Silva HCD, Santiago GMP, Militao GCG. Natural Dibenzo[b,f]oxepines, Pacharin and Bauhiniastatin-1, Isolated from Bauhinia acuruana Induce Apoptosis on Breast Cancer Cells via MCL-1 Protein Reduction. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:286-294. [PMID: 35896509 DOI: 10.1055/a-1910-5776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we describe the antiproliferative effects of two natural dibenzo [b,f]oxepines, pacharin and bauhiniastatin-1, isolated from Bauhinia acuruana on a breast cancer cell line and the mode of action underlying the cytotoxicity. Both compounds were cytotoxic in a panel of six tumor lines analyzed by the MTT assay, and IC50 values ranged from 7.8 to 45.1 µM, including human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. In contrast, none of the compounds were cytotoxic on normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (IC50 > 100 µM). Human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells treated with pacharin or bauhiniastatin-1 20 µM for 24 h presented a reduction in cell volume and intensification of chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic cells. These findings became more evident after 48 h of exposure. Antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 family members, such as myeloid cell leukemia-1 and B-cell lymphoma-extra large, are important targets in cancer cells since their overexpression confers resistance to cancer treatments. A significant reduction of the myeloid cell leukemia-1 protein levels in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells after 24 h of treatment with pacharin or bauhiniastatin-1 at 20 µM was observed, while the B-cell lymphoma-extra large protein content was reduced in bauhiniastatin-1-treated cells at 40 µM only. The cytotoxic effects of pacharin and bauhiniastatin-1 are likely linked to myeloid cell leukemia-1 inhibition, which leads to the apoptosis of breast adenocarcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia de Maria Souza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife-Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | | | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador-Bahia, Brazil
- SENAI Institute for Innovation in Advanced Health Systems, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador-Bahia, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pereira Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador-Bahia, Brazil
| | - Roberto Wagner da Silva Gois
- Federal Institute of Ceara, Campus Acaraú, Acaraú-Ceara, Brazil
- Chemistry Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza-Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Gilvandete Maria Pinheiro Santiago
- Chemistry Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza-Ceara, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza-Ceara, Brazil
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12
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E3 Ubiquitin Ligase TRIP12 Controls Exit from Mitosis via Positive Regulation of MCL-1 in Response to Taxol. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020505. [PMID: 36672454 PMCID: PMC9856375 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020505] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance is a major hurdle in cancer treatment. Taxol-based chemotherapy is widely used in the treatment of cancers including breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. Loss of function of the tumor suppressor F-box WD-40 domain containing 7 (FBW7) mutations leads to the accumulation of its substrate MCL-1 which is associated with Taxol resistance in human cancers. We recently showed that E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12 is a negative regulator of FBW7 protein. In this study, we find that Taxol-induced mitotic block in cancer cells is partly controlled by TRIP12 via its positive regulation of MCL-1 protein. Genetic inhibition of TRIP12 accelerates MCL-1 protein degradation in mitosis. Notably, introducing double-point mutations in lysines 404/412 of FBW7 to arginine which makes it resistant to proteasomal degradation, leads to the sharp reduction of MCL-1 protein levels and sensitizes cancer cells to Taxol-induced cell death. Finally, TRIP12 deletion leads to enhanced mitotic arrest and cell death in an FBW7 and MCL-1 dependent manner in multiple cell lines including colorectal and ovarian cancer but not in breast cancer. Thus, the TRIP12/FBW7/MCL-1 axis may provide a therapeutic target to overcome Taxol-associated chemotherapy resistance in cancer.
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13
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Laukkanen S, Veloso A, Yan C, Oksa L, Alpert EJ, Do D, Hyvärinen N, McCarthy K, Adhikari A, Yang Q, Iyer S, Garcia SP, Pello A, Ruokoranta T, Moisio S, Adhikari S, Yoder JA, Gallagher K, Whelton L, Allen JR, Jin AH, Loontiens S, Heinäniemi M, Kelliher M, Heckman CA, Lohi O, Langenau DM. Therapeutic targeting of LCK tyrosine kinase and mTOR signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood 2022; 140:1891-1906. [PMID: 35544598 PMCID: PMC10082361 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021015106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse and refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has a poor prognosis, and new combination therapies are sorely needed. Here, we used an ex vivo high-throughput screening platform to identify drug combinations that kill zebrafish T-ALL and then validated top drug combinations for preclinical efficacy in human disease. This work uncovered potent drug synergies between AKT/mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) inhibitors and the general tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib. Importantly, these same drug combinations effectively killed a subset of relapse and dexamethasone-resistant zebrafish T-ALL. Clinical trials are currently underway using the combination of mTORC1 inhibitor temsirolimus and dasatinib in other pediatric cancer indications, leading us to prioritize this therapy for preclinical testing. This combination effectively curbed T-ALL growth in human cell lines and primary human T-ALL and was well tolerated and effective in suppressing leukemia growth in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) grown in mice. Mechanistically, dasatinib inhibited phosphorylation and activation of the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) to blunt the T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, and when complexed with mTORC1 inhibition, induced potent T-ALL cell killing through reducing MCL-1 protein expression. In total, our work uncovered unexpected roles for the LCK kinase and its regulation of downstream TCR signaling in suppressing apoptosis and driving continued leukemia growth. Analysis of a wide array of primary human T-ALLs and PDXs grown in mice suggest that combination of temsirolimus and dasatinib treatment will be efficacious for a large fraction of human T-ALLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saara Laukkanen
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Alexandra Veloso
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Chuan Yan
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Laura Oksa
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Eric J. Alpert
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel Do
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Noora Hyvärinen
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Karin McCarthy
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Abhinav Adhikari
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Qiqi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sowmya Iyer
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sara P. Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Annukka Pello
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanja Ruokoranta
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanni Moisio
- The Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sadiksha Adhikari
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jeffrey A. Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, and Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Kayleigh Gallagher
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Lauren Whelton
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - James R. Allen
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Alex H. Jin
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Siebe Loontiens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent and Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Merja Heinäniemi
- The Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Michelle Kelliher
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Caroline A. Heckman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Lohi
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Tampere University Hospital, Tays Cancer Center, Tampere, Finland
| | - David M. Langenau
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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14
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Farheen J, Hosmane NS, Zhao R, Zhao Q, Iqbal MZ, Kong X. Nanomaterial-assisted CRISPR gene-engineering - A hallmark for triple-negative breast cancer therapeutics advancement. Mater Today Bio 2022; 16:100450. [PMID: 36267139 PMCID: PMC9576993 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100450] [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: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most violent class of tumor and accounts for 20–24% of total breast carcinoma, in which frequently rare mutation occurs in high frequency. The poor prognosis, recurrence, and metastasis in the brain, heart, liver and lungs decline the lifespan of patients by about 21 months, emphasizing the need for advanced treatment. Recently, the adaptive immunity mechanism of archaea and bacteria, called clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) combined with nanotechnology, has been utilized as a potent gene manipulating tool with an extensive clinical application in cancer genomics due to its easeful usage and cost-effectiveness. However, CRISPR/Cas are arguably the efficient technology that can be made efficient via organic material-assisted approaches. Despite the efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas@nano complex, problems regarding successful delivery, biodegradability, and toxicity remain to render its medical implications. Therefore, this review is different in focus from past reviews by (i) detailing all possible genetic mechanisms of TNBC occurrence; (ii) available treatments and gene therapies for TNBC; (iii) overview of the delivery system and utilization of CRISPR-nano complex in TNBC, and (iv) recent advances and related toxicity of CRISPR-nano complex towards clinical trials for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jabeen Farheen
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China
| | - Narayan S. Hosmane
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA
| | - Ruibo Zhao
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Research Center for Clinical Pharmacy & Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, PR China
| | - M. Zubair Iqbal
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Corresponding author. Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China.
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Centre for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China,Corresponding author. Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, PR China
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15
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Yang Q, Ma R, Gu Y, Xu X, Chen Z, Liang H. Arene‐Ruthenium(II)/Osmium(II) Complexes Potentiate the Anticancer Efficacy of Metformin via Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202208570. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202208570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi‐Yuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Guangxi Normal University 15 Yucai Road Guilin 541004 China
- School of Environment and Life Science College of Chemistry and Materials Nanning Normal University Nanning 530001 China
| | - Rui Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Guangxi Normal University 15 Yucai Road Guilin 541004 China
| | - Yun‐Qiong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Guangxi Normal University 15 Yucai Road Guilin 541004 China
- School of Environment and Life Science College of Chemistry and Materials Nanning Normal University Nanning 530001 China
| | - Xiao‐Fang Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Guangxi Normal University 15 Yucai Road Guilin 541004 China
| | - Zhen‐Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Guangxi Normal University 15 Yucai Road Guilin 541004 China
| | - Hong Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources Collaborative Innovation Centre for Guangxi Ethnic Medicine School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Guangxi Normal University 15 Yucai Road Guilin 541004 China
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16
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Bonneaud TL, Lefebvre CC, Nocquet L, Basseville A, Roul J, Weber H, Campone M, Juin PP, Souazé F. Targeting of MCL-1 in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts reverses their myofibroblastic phenotype and pro-invasive properties. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:787. [PMID: 36104324 PMCID: PMC9474880 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are a major cellular component of epithelial tumors. In breast cancers in particular these stromal cells have numerous tumorigenic effects in part due to their acquisition of a myofibroblastic phenotype. Breast CAFs (bCAFs) typically express MCL-1. We show here that pharmacological inhibition or knock down of this regulator of mitochondrial integrity in primary bCAFs directly derived from human samples mitigates myofibroblastic features. This decreases expression of genes involved in actomyosin organization and contractility (associated with a cytoplasmic retention of the transcriptional regulator, yes-associated protein-YAP) and decreases bCAFs ability to promote cancer cells invasion in 3D coculture assays. Our findings underscore the usefulness of targeting MCL-1 in breast cancer ecosystems, not only to favor death of cancer cells but also to counteract the tumorigenic activation of fibroblasts with which they co-evolve. Mechanistically, pharmacological inhibition of MCL-1 with a specific BH3 mimetic promotes mitochondrial fragmentation in bCAFs. Inhibition of the mitochondrial fission activity of DRP-1, which interacts with MCL-1 upon BH3 mimetic treatment, allows the maintenance of the myofibroblastic phenotype of bCAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L. Bonneaud
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Chloé C. Lefebvre
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Lisa Nocquet
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Agnes Basseville
- grid.418191.40000 0000 9437 3027Omics Data Science Unit, ICO, Angers, France
| | - Julie Roul
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France ,ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Hugo Weber
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
| | - Mario Campone
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France ,ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Philippe P. Juin
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France ,ICO René Gauducheau, Saint Herblain, France
| | - Frédérique Souazé
- grid.4817.a0000 0001 2189 0784Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France ,SIRIC ILIAD, Nantes, Angers, France
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17
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Yang QY, Ma R, Gu YQ, Xu XF, Chen ZF, Liang H. Arene−Ruthenium(II)/Osmium(II) Complexes Potentiate the Anticancer Efficacy of Metformin via Glucose Metabolism Reprogramming. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202208570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yuan Yang
- Guangxi Normal University State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources CHINA
| | - Rui Ma
- Guangxi Normal University State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources CHINA
| | - Yun-Qiong Gu
- Guangxi Normal University State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources CHINA
| | - Xiao-Fang Xu
- Guangxi Normal University State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources CHINA
| | - Zhen-Feng Chen
- Guangxi Normal University School of Chemistry and Pharmacy Yucai Road 15 541004 Guilin CHINA
| | - Hong Liang
- Guangxi Normal University State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources CHINA
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18
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Winder ML, Campbell KJ. MCL-1 is a clinically targetable vulnerability in breast cancer. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1439-1455. [PMID: 35349392 PMCID: PMC9278428 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2054096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-survival members of the BCL-2 family, including MCL-1, are emerging as important proteins during the development and therapeutic response of solid tumors. Notably, high levels of MCL-1 occur in breast cancer, where functional dependency has been demonstrated using cell lines and mouse models. The utility of restoring apoptosis in cancer cells through inhibition of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins has been realized in the clinic, where the first specific inhibitor of BCL-2 is approved for use in leukemia. A variety of MCL-1 inhibitors are now undergoing clinical trials for blood cancer treatment and application of this new class of drugs is also being tested in solid cancers. On-target compounds specific to MCL-1 have demonstrated promising efficacy in preclinical models of breast cancer and show potential to enhance the anti-tumor effect of conventional therapies. Taken together, this makes MCL-1 an extremely attractive target for clinical evaluation in the context of breast cancer.Abbreviations: ADC (antibody-drug conjugate); AML (Acute myeloid leukemia); APAF1 (apoptotic protease activating factor 1); bCAFs (breast cancer associated fibroblasts); BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2); BH (BCL-2 homology); CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia); EGF (epidermal growth factor); EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition); ER (estrogen receptor); FDA (food and drug administration); GEMM (genetically engineered mouse model); HER2 (human epidermal growth factor 2); IL6 (interleukin 6); IMM (inner mitochondrial membrane); IMS (intermembrane space); MCL-1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1); MOMP (mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilisation); MM (multiple myeloma); PDX (patient-derived xenograft); OMM (outer mitochondrial membrane); PROTAC (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) TNBC (triple negative breast cancer); UPS (ubiquitin mediated proteolysis system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Winder
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate,Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Kirsteen J Campbell
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate,Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
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siRNA Targeting Mcl-1 Potentiates the Anticancer Activity of Andrographolide Nanosuspensions via Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061196. [PMID: 35745769 PMCID: PMC9230779 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061196] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US. However, recurrence is frequently found despite adjuvant therapy being available. Combination therapy with cytotoxic drugs and gene therapy is being developed to be a new promising cancer treatment strategy. Introducing substituted dithiocarbamate moieties at the C12 position of andrographolide (3nAG) could improve its anticancer selectivity in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. However, its hydrophobicity is one of its main drawbacks. This work successfully prepared 3nAG nanosuspension stabilized with the chitosan derivative NSC (3nAGN-NSC) to increase solubility and pharmacological effectiveness. siRNAs have emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative for interfering with particular mRNA. The 3nAGN-NSC had also induced Mcl-1 mRNA expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells at 8, 12, and 24 h. This indicates that, in addition to Mcl-1 silencing by siRNA (siMcl-1) in MCF-7 with substantial Mcl-1 reliance, rationally devised combination treatment may cause the death of cancer cells in breast cancer. The Fa-CI analysis showed that the combination of 3nAGN-NSC and siMcl-1 had a synergistic effect with a combination index (CI) value of 0.75 (CI < 1 indicating synergistic effects) at the fractional inhibition of Fa 0.7. The synergistic effect was validated by flow cytometry, with the induction of apoptosis as the mechanism of reduced cell viability. Our findings suggested the rational use of 3nAGN-NSC in combination with siMcl-1 to kill breast cancer cells.
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20
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Wang L, Ji X, Mao C, Yu R. BAY-885, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 inhibitor, induces apoptosis by regulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress/Mcl-1/Bim pathway in breast cancer cells. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12888-12898. [PMID: 35609325 PMCID: PMC9275924 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2078557] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MEK5)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) axis has been reported to promote tumorigenesis in breast cancer (BC). Therefore, targeting the MEK5/ERK5 axis is a potential strategy against BC. BAY-885 is a novel inhibitor of ERK5; however, to date, its anti-tumor effects in BC have not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor effects of BAY-885 in BC and identify its underlying mechanisms of action. Unlike other ERK5 inhibitors, which frequently failed to mimic ERK5 genetic ablation phenotypes, the BAY-885 treatment effectively recapitulated ERK5 depletion effects in BC cells. Results revealed that BAY-885 affected the viability and induced apoptosis in BC cells. Moreover, the BAY-885-mediated downregulation of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and upregulation of Bim were dependent on ERK5 inhibition. Furthermore, BAY-885 triggered activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which further led to the upregulation of Bim and downregulation of Mcl-1. ER stress was induced in an ERK5 inhibition-dependent manner. These findings suggested that BAY-885 induced apoptosis in BC cells via ER stress/Mcl-1/Bim axis, suggesting that BAY-885 may serve as a therapeutic agent for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre, the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo
| | - Xiaochun Ji
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre, the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo
| | - Chenxiao Mao
- Department of Electronic Commerce, Zhejiang Fashion Institute of Technology, Ningbo
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo
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Kawiak A, Kostecka A. Regulation of Bcl-2 Family Proteins in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer and Their Implications in Endocrine Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:279. [PMID: 35053443 PMCID: PMC8773933 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer accounts for around two-thirds of breast cancer occurrences, with endocrine therapy serving as first-line therapy in most cases. Targeting estrogen signaling pathways, which play a central role in regulating ER+ breast cell proliferation and survival, has proven to improve patient outcomes. However, despite the undeniable advantages of endocrine therapy, a subset of breast cancer patients develop acquired or intrinsic resistance to ER-targeting agents, limiting their efficacy. The activation of downstream ER signaling pathways upregulates pro-survival mechanisms that have been shown to influence the response of cells to endocrine therapy. The Bcl-2 family proteins play a central role in cell death regulation and have been shown to contribute to endocrine therapy resistance, supporting the survival of breast cancer cells and enhancing cell death evasion. Due to the overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in ER-positive breast cancer, the role of these proteins as potential targets in hormone-responsive breast cancer is growing in interest. In particular, recent advances in the development of BH3 mimetics have enabled their evaluation in preclinical studies with ER+ breast cancer models, and BH3 mimetics have entered early ER+ breast cancer clinical trials. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins in ER+ breast cancer. Furthermore, an overview of recent advances in research regarding the efficacy of BH3 mimetics in ER+ breast cancer has been provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kawiak
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Kostecka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdansk, Poland;
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22
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Widden H, Placzek WJ. The multiple mechanisms of MCL1 in the regulation of cell fate. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1029. [PMID: 34475520 PMCID: PMC8413315 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02564-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
MCL1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1) is a widely recognized pro-survival member of the Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma protein 2) family and a promising target for cancer therapy. While the role MCL1 plays in apoptosis is well defined, its participation in emerging non-apoptotic signaling pathways is only beginning to be appreciated. Here, we synthesize studies characterizing MCL1s influence on cell proliferation, DNA damage response, autophagy, calcium handling, and mitochondrial quality control to highlight the broader scope that MCL1 plays in cellular homeostasis regulation. Throughout this review, we discuss which pathways are likely to be impacted by emerging MCL1 inhibitors, as well as highlight non-cancerous disease states that could deploy Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3)-mimetics in the future. In this review Widden and Placzek synthesize studies characterizing the influence that myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1) has on cell proliferation, DNA damage response, autophagy, calcium handling, and mitochondrial quality control to highlight the broader scope that it plays in cellular homeostasis regulation. They discuss which pathways are likely to be impacted by emerging MCL1 inhibitors, as well as highlight non-cancerous disease states that could deploy BH3-mimetics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Widden
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - William J Placzek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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23
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Kordon E, Lanari C, Mando P, Novaro V, Rossi M, Simian M. The BA-BCS 2021: An Initial "Trial" for Integrating Basic Science and Medical Progress on Breast Cancer in a Latin-American Country. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2021; 26:227-234. [PMID: 34642841 PMCID: PMC8510571 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-021-09501-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The first Buenos Aires Breast Cancer Symposium (BA-BCS) was held in a virtual format, between the 17th and the 21st of May 2021. The main goal of the meeting was to facilitate the interaction among physicians and basic researchers from South America and with peers from the rest of the world. To embrace their different interests and concerns, the congress included not only talks on basic, translational and clinical research, but also round tables to discuss diagnostic methods, research financing and biobank management, as well as virtual poster sessions in which the youngest fellows presented their recent findings. This report provides a brief overview of the talks delivered during the meeting, which addressed a wide variety of vital issues for breast cancer research mostly focused on the accurate diagnosis, prevention and treatment of this illness. The presentations included a wide spectrum of themes including hormone receptors and the relevance of their mutations, immunotherapy, cancer stem cells, mouse models, environmental hazards, genetics and epigenetics, local and systemic therapies, liquid biopsies, the metastatic cascade, therapy resistance and dormancy, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Kordon
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular Y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE-UBA-CONICET)), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Argentina.
| | - Claudia Lanari
- Instituto de Biología Y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Virginia Novaro
- Instituto de Biología Y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), CABA, Argentina
| | - Mario Rossi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), Universidad Austral-CONICET, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Marina Simian
- Instituto de Nanosistemas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, San Martín, Argentina
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Evasion of cell death: A contributory factor in prostate cancer development and treatment resistance. Cancer Lett 2021; 520:213-221. [PMID: 34343635 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cell death is a natural process in organismal development, homeostasis and response to disease or infection that eliminates unnecessary or potentially dangerous cells and acts as an innate barrier to oncogenesis. Inactivation of cell death is a key step in tumour development and also impedes effective response to cancer therapy. Precise execution of unwanted cells is achieved through regulated cell death processes including the intrinsic apoptotic pathway that is governed by the BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) protein family. There is compelling evidence that intrinsic apoptosis is defective in prostate cancer, particularly in metastatic and castration resistant advanced disease, currently a lethal diagnosis. New therapeutics have been developed to target pro-survival BCL-2 proteins (including BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1) and show promise in reinstating apoptosis to destroy tumour cells in haematological cancers. Here we discuss perturbation of cell death in prostate cancer and how new therapeutics could improve treatment outcome in prostate cancer.
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25
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Alcon C, Zañudo JGT, Albert R, Wagle N, Scaltriti M, Letai A, Samitier J, Montero J. ER+ Breast Cancer Strongly Depends on MCL-1 and BCL-xL Anti-Apoptotic Proteins. Cells 2021; 10:1659. [PMID: 34359829 PMCID: PMC8304651 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer and the major cause of mortality in women. The rapid development of various therapeutic options has led to the improvement of treatment outcomes; nevertheless, one-third of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive patients relapse due to cancer cell acquired resistance. Here, we use dynamic BH3 profiling (DBP), a functional predictive assay that measures net changes in apoptotic priming, to find new effective treatments for ER+ breast cancer. We observed anti-apoptotic adaptations upon treatment that pointed to metronomic therapeutic combinations to enhance cytotoxicity and avoid resistance. Indeed, we found that the anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-xL and MCL-1 are crucial for ER+ breast cancer cells resistance to therapy, as they exert a dual inhibition of the pro-apoptotic protein BIM and compensate for each other. In addition, we identified the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib and two BH3 mimetics targeting these anti-apoptotic proteins, S63845 and A-1331852, as new potential therapies for this type of cancer. Therefore, we postulate the sequential inhibition of both proteins using BH3 mimetics as a new treatment option for refractory and relapsed ER+ breast cancer tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Alcon
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.); (J.S.)
| | | | - Reka Albert
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-6300, USA;
| | - Nikhil Wagle
- Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; (J.G.T.Z.); (N.W.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Maurizio Scaltriti
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Anthony Letai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.); (J.S.)
- Department of Electronics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Montero
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.); (J.S.)
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