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Zhou Y, Tao L, Qiu J, Xu J, Yang X, Zhang Y, Tian X, Guan X, Cen X, Zhao Y. Tumor biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:132. [PMID: 38763973 PMCID: PMC11102923 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor biomarkers, the substances which are produced by tumors or the body's responses to tumors during tumorigenesis and progression, have been demonstrated to possess critical and encouraging value in screening and early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, recurrence detection, and therapeutic efficacy monitoring of cancers. Over the past decades, continuous progress has been made in exploring and discovering novel, sensitive, specific, and accurate tumor biomarkers, which has significantly promoted personalized medicine and improved the outcomes of cancer patients, especially advances in molecular biology technologies developed for the detection of tumor biomarkers. Herein, we summarize the discovery and development of tumor biomarkers, including the history of tumor biomarkers, the conventional and innovative technologies used for biomarker discovery and detection, the classification of tumor biomarkers based on tissue origins, and the application of tumor biomarkers in clinical cancer management. In particular, we highlight the recent advancements in biomarker-based anticancer-targeted therapies which are emerging as breakthroughs and promising cancer therapeutic strategies. We also discuss limitations and challenges that need to be addressed and provide insights and perspectives to turn challenges into opportunities in this field. Collectively, the discovery and application of multiple tumor biomarkers emphasized in this review may provide guidance on improved precision medicine, broaden horizons in future research directions, and expedite the clinical classification of cancer patients according to their molecular biomarkers rather than organs of origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Tao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiahao Qiu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- School of Medicine, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Xinyu Tian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinqi Guan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Abstract
Regulated cell death mediated by dedicated molecular machines, known as programmed cell death, plays important roles in health and disease. Apoptosis, necroptosis and pyroptosis are three such programmed cell death modalities. The caspase family of cysteine proteases serve as key regulators of programmed cell death. During apoptosis, a cascade of caspase activation mediates signal transduction and cellular destruction, whereas pyroptosis occurs when activated caspases cleave gasdermins, which can then form pores in the plasma membrane. Necroptosis, a form of caspase-independent programmed necrosis mediated by RIPK3 and MLKL, is inhibited by caspase-8-mediated cleavage of RIPK1. Disruption of cellular homeostatic mechanisms that are essential for cell survival, such as normal ionic and redox balance and lysosomal flux, can also induce cell death without invoking programmed cell death mechanisms. Excitotoxicity, ferroptosis and lysosomal cell death are examples of such cell death modes. In this Review, we provide an overview of the major cell death mechanisms, highlighting the latest insights into their complex regulation and execution, and their relevance to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Aging Studies, Shanghai, China.
| | - Dimitry Ofengeim
- Sanofi, Rare and Neurological Diseases Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Chi H, Su L, Yan Y, Gu X, Su K, Li H, Yu L, Liu J, Wang J, Wu Q, Yang G. Illuminating the immunological landscape: mitochondrial gene defects in pancreatic cancer through a multiomics lens. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1375143. [PMID: 38510247 PMCID: PMC10953916 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1375143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the complex interplay between mitochondrial gene defects and pancreatic cancer pathogenesis through a multiomics approach. By amalgamating data from genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic studies, we dissected the mechanisms by which mitochondrial genetic variations dictate cancer progression. Emphasis has been placed on the roles of these genes in altering cellular metabolic processes, signal transduction pathways, and immune system interactions. We further explored how these findings could refine therapeutic interventions, with a particular focus on precision medicine applications. This analysis not only fills pivotal knowledge gaps about mitochondrial anomalies in pancreatic cancer but also paves the way for future investigations into personalized therapy options. This finding underscores the crucial nexus between mitochondrial genetics and oncological immunology, opening new avenues for targeted cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chi
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and University Hospital, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yalan Yan
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- Biology Department, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Ke Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Han Li
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lili Yu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and University Hospital, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and University Hospital, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qibiao Wu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and University Hospital, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, and University Hospital, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
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Zhao W, Wu Y, Wang S, Zhao F, Liu W, Xue Z, Zhang L, Wang J, Han M, Li X, Huang B. HTRA1 promotes EMT through the HDAC6/Ac-α-tubulin pathway in human GBM cells. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14605. [PMID: 38334007 PMCID: PMC10853898 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14605] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infiltrative nature of human gliomas renders complete surgical removal of tumors futile. Thus, illuminating mechanisms of their infiltrative properties may improve therapies and outcomes of glioma patients. METHODS Comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of PRSS family were undertaken. Transfection of HTRA1 siRNAs was used to suppress HTRA1 expression. CCK-8, EdU, and colony formation assay were employed to assess cell viability, and cell migration/invasion was detected by transwell, wound healing, and 3D tumor spheroid invasion assays. Immunoprecipitation was applied to study the mechanism that HTRA1 affected cell migration. In addition, in situ xenograft tumor model was employed to explore the role of HTRA1 in glioma growth in vivo. RESULTS HTRA1 knockdown could lead to suppression of cell viability, migration and invasion, as well as increased apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation results indicates HTRA1 might facilitate combination between HDAC6 and α-tubulin to enhance cell migration by decreasing α-tubulin acetylation. Besides, HTRA1 knockdown inhibited the growth of xenografts derived from orthotopic implantation of GBM cells and prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that HTRA1 promotes the proliferation and migration of GBM cells in vitro and in vivo, and thus may be a potential target for treatment in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function RemodelingJinanChina
| | - Yibo Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shuai Wang
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer CenterPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Feihu Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zhiyi Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Mingzhi Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function RemodelingJinanChina
| | - Xingang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function RemodelingJinanChina
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine and Institute of Brain and Brain‐Inspired Science, Qilu HospitalShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory and Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function RemodelingJinanChina
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Newton K, Strasser A, Kayagaki N, Dixit VM. Cell death. Cell 2024; 187:235-256. [PMID: 38242081 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Cell death supports morphogenesis during development and homeostasis after birth by removing damaged or obsolete cells. It also curtails the spread of pathogens by eliminating infected cells. Cell death can be induced by the genetically programmed suicide mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, or it can be a consequence of dysregulated metabolism, as in ferroptosis. Here, we review the signaling mechanisms underlying each cell-death pathway, discuss how impaired or excessive activation of the distinct cell-death processes can promote disease, and highlight existing and potential therapies for redressing imbalances in cell death in cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Newton
- Physiological Chemistry Department, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Andreas Strasser
- WEHI: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Nobuhiko Kayagaki
- Physiological Chemistry Department, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Vishva M Dixit
- Physiological Chemistry Department, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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Hogh-Binder SA, Klein D, Wolfsperger F, Huber SM, Hennenlotter J, Stenzl A, Rudner J. Protein Levels of Anti-Apoptotic Mcl-1 and the Deubiquitinase USP9x Are Cooperatively Upregulated during Prostate Cancer Progression and Limit Response of Prostate Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092496. [PMID: 37173959 PMCID: PMC10177233 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092496] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy constitutes an important therapeutic option for prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer cells often acquire resistance during cancer progression, limiting the cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy. Among factors regulating sensitivity to radiotherapy are members of the Bcl-2 protein family, known to regulate apoptosis at the mitochondrial level. Here, we analyzed the role of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and USP9x, a deubiquitinase stabilizing Mcl-1 protein levels, in prostate cancer progression and response to radiotherapy. METHODS Changes in Mcl-1 and USP9x levels during prostate cancer progression were determined by immunohistochemistry. Neutralization of Mcl-1 and USP9x was achieved by siRNA-mediated knockdown. We analyzed Mcl-1 stability after translational inhibition by cycloheximide. Cell death was determined by flow cytometry using an exclusion assay of mitochondrial membrane potential-sensitive dye. Changes in the clonogenic potential were examined by colony formation assay. RESULTS Protein levels of Mcl-1 and USP9x increased during prostate cancer progression, and high protein levels correlated with advanced prostate cancer stages. The stability of Mcl-1 reflected Mcl-1 protein levels in LNCaP and PC3 prostate cancer cells. Moreover, radiotherapy itself affected Mcl-1 protein turnover in prostate cancer cells. Particularly in LNCaP cells, the knockdown of USP9x expression reduced Mcl-1 protein levels and increased sensitivity to radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Posttranslational regulation of protein stability was often responsible for high protein levels of Mcl-1. Moreover, we demonstrated that deubiquitinase USP9x as a factor regulating Mcl-1 levels in prostate cancer cells, thus limiting cytotoxic response to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Hogh-Binder
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Diana Klein
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 173, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Frederik Wolfsperger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan M Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hennenlotter
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Arnulf Stenzl
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Justine Rudner
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 173, 45147 Essen, Germany
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7
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Diepstraten ST, Young S, La Marca JE, Wang Z, Kluck RM, Strasser A, Kelly GL. Lymphoma cells lacking pro-apoptotic BAX are highly resistant to BH3-mimetics targeting pro-survival MCL-1 but retain sensitivity to conventional DNA-damaging drugs. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:1005-1017. [PMID: 36755070 PMCID: PMC10070326 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01117-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BH3-mimetic drugs are an anti-cancer therapy that can induce apoptosis in malignant cells by directly binding and inhibiting pro-survival proteins of the BCL-2 family. The BH3-mimetic drug venetoclax, which targets BCL-2, has been approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia by regulatory authorities worldwide. However, while most patients initially respond well, resistance and relapse while on this drug is an emerging and critical issue in the clinic. Though some studies have begun uncovering the factors involved in resistance to BCL-2-targeting BH3-mimetic drugs, little focus has been applied to pre-emptively tackle resistance for the next generation of BH3-mimetic drugs targeting MCL-1, which are now in clinical trials for diverse blood cancers. Therefore, using pre-clinical mouse and human models of aggressive lymphoma, we sought to predict factors likely to contribute to the development of resistance in patients receiving MCL-1-targeting BH3-mimetic drugs. First, we performed multiple whole genome CRISPR/Cas9 KO screens and identified that loss of the pro-apoptotic effector protein BAX, but not its close relative BAK, could confer resistance to MCL-1-targeting BH3-mimetic drugs in both short-term and long-term treatment regimens, even in lymphoma cells lacking the tumour suppressor TRP53. Furthermore, we found that mouse Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells selected for loss of BAX, as well as upregulation of the untargeted pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins BCL-XL and A1, when made naturally resistant to MCL-1 inhibitors by culturing them in increasing doses of drug over time, a situation mimicking the clinical application of these drugs. Finally, we identified therapeutic approaches which could overcome these two methods of resistance: the use of chemotherapeutic drugs or combined BH3-mimetic treatment, respectively. Collectively, these results uncover some key factors likely to cause resistance to MCL-1 inhibition in the clinic and suggest rational therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance that should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Savannah Young
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John E La Marca
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zilu Wang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruth M Kluck
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Montinaro A, Walczak H. Harnessing TRAIL-induced cell death for cancer therapy: a long walk with thrilling discoveries. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:237-249. [PMID: 36195672 PMCID: PMC9950482 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01059-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) can induce apoptosis in a wide variety of cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo, importantly without killing any essential normal cells. These findings formed the basis for the development of TRAIL-receptor agonists (TRAs) for cancer therapy. However, clinical trials conducted with different types of TRAs have, thus far, afforded only limited therapeutic benefit, as either the respectively chosen agonist showed insufficient anticancer activity or signs of toxicity, or the right TRAIL-comprising combination therapy was not employed. Therefore, in this review we will discuss molecular determinants of TRAIL resistance, the most promising TRAIL-sensitizing agents discovered to date and, importantly, whether any of these could also prove therapeutically efficacious upon cancer relapse following conventional first-line therapies. We will also discuss the more recent progress made with regards to the clinical development of highly active non-immunogenic next generation TRAs. Based thereupon, we next propose how TRAIL resistance might be successfully overcome, leading to the possible future development of highly potent, cancer-selective combination therapies that are based on our current understanding of biology TRAIL-induced cell death. It is possible that such therapies may offer the opportunity to tackle one of the major current obstacles to effective cancer therapy, namely overcoming chemo- and/or targeted-therapy resistance. Even if this were achievable only for certain types of therapy resistance and only for particular types of cancer, this would be a significant and meaningful achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Montinaro
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.
| | - Henning Walczak
- Centre for Cell Death, Cancer, and Inflammation (CCCI), UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK.
- CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Joseph-Stelzmann-Str. 52, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Kaloni D, Diepstraten ST, Strasser A, Kelly GL. BCL-2 protein family: attractive targets for cancer therapy. Apoptosis 2023; 28:20-38. [PMID: 36342579 PMCID: PMC9950219 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to cell death is a hallmark of cancer. The BCL-2 protein family members play important roles in controlling apoptotic cell death. Abnormal over-expression of pro-survival BCL-2 family members or abnormal reduction of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, both resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis, are frequently detected in diverse malignancies. The critical role of the pro-survival and pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in the regulation of apoptosis makes them attractive targets for the development of agents for the treatment of cancer. This review describes the roles of the various pro-survival and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 protein family in normal development and organismal function and how defects in the control of apoptosis promote the development and therapy resistance of cancer. Finally, we discuss the development of inhibitors of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins, termed BH3-mimetic drugs, as novel agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Kaloni
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Sarah T Diepstraten
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Dual inhibition of BCL2L1 and MCL1 is highly effective against RET fusion-positive or MET exon 14 skipping mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 630:24-29. [PMID: 36126466 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs), especially lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs), harbor several driver mutations against which highly effective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are available. Although TKIs are generally effective against certain NSCLCs, primary or acquired resistance almost always develops. Driver mutations include RET fusion (∼1-2% of NSCLC cases) and MET exon 14 skipping mutation (METΔex14; ∼3-4%). Surprisingly, the LUAD cell line LC-2/ad with CCDC6-RET fusion thrived independently of RET signaling, and Hs-746T cells harboring METΔex14 plus amplification survived MET silencing. However, these two cell lines were highly sensitive to dual silencing of the representative anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members BCL2L1 and MCL1, undergoing extensive apoptosis in monolayer or 3D on-top culture systems. Moreover, we found that most LUAD cell lines and tissues expressed high levels of BCL2L1 and MCL1 mRNA but extremely low levels of BCL2. Together, these findings suggest that inhibiting BCL2L1 plus MCL1 may represent a new approach to treating LUAD cells irrespective of their driver mutations.
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