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Gorodezki D, Schuhmann MU, Ebinger M, Schittenhelm J. Dissecting the Natural Patterns of Progression and Senescence in Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma: From Cellular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications. Cells 2024; 13:1215. [PMID: 39056798 PMCID: PMC11274692 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141215] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric low-grade gliomas (PLGGs) comprise a heterogeneous set of low-grade glial and glioneuronal tumors, collectively representing the most frequent CNS tumors of childhood and adolescence. Despite excellent overall survival rates, the chronic nature of the disease bears a high risk of long-term disease- and therapy-related morbidity in affected patients. Recent in-depth molecular profiling and studies of the genetic landscape of PLGGs led to the discovery of the paramount role of frequent upregulation of RAS/MAPK and mTOR signaling in tumorigenesis and progression of these tumors. Beyond, the subsequent unveiling of RAS/MAPK-driven oncogene-induced senescence in these tumors may shape the understanding of the molecular mechanisms determining the versatile progression patterns of PLGGs, potentially providing a promising target for novel therapies. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies moreover indicate a strong dependence of PLGG formation and growth on the tumor microenvironment. In this work, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the multilayered cellular mechanisms and clinical factors determining the natural progression patterns and the characteristic biological behavior of these tumors, aiming to provide a foundation for advanced stratification for the management of these tumors within a multimodal treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gorodezki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Martin U. Schuhmann
- Section of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Ebinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Jens Schittenhelm
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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2
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Scimeca M, Rovella V, Caporali S, Shi Y, Bischof J, Woodsmith J, Tisone G, Sica G, Amelio I, Melino G, Mauriello A, Bove P. Genetically driven predisposition leads to an unusually genomic unstable renal cell carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38512353 PMCID: PMC10957849 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma originates from the lining of the proximal convoluted renal tubule and represents the most common type of kidney cancer. Risk factors and comorbidities might be associated to renal cell carcinoma, while a small fraction of 2-3% emerges from patients with predisposing cancer syndromes, typically associated to hereditary mutations in VHL, folliculin, fumarate hydratase or MET genes. Here, we report a case of renal cell carcinoma in patient with concurrent germline mutations in BRCA1 and RAD51 genes. This case displays an unusual high mutational burden and chromosomal aberrations compared to the typical profile of renal cell carcinoma. Mutational analysis on whole genome sequencing revealed an enrichment of the MMR2 mutational signature, which is indicative of impaired DNA repair capacity. Overall, the tumor displayed a profile of unusual high genomic instability which suggests a possible origin from germline predisposing mutations in the DNA repair genes BRCA1 and RAD51. While BRCA1 and RAD51 germline mutations are well-characterised in breast and ovarian cancer, their role in renal cell carcinoma is still largely unexplored. The genomic instability detected in this case of renal cell carcinoma, along with the presence of unusual mutations, might offer support to clinicians for the development of patient-tailored therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Caporali
- Division for Systems Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Giuseppe Tisone
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Division for Systems Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Department of Surgery, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Nguyen TT, Torrini C, Shang E, Shu C, Mun JY, Gao Q, Humala N, Akman HO, Zhang G, Westhoff MA, Karpel-Massler G, Bruce JN, Canoll P, Siegelin MD. OGDH and Bcl-xL loss causes synthetic lethality in glioblastoma. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e172565. [PMID: 38483541 PMCID: PMC11141877 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172565] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an incurable disease, requiring more effective therapies. Through interrogation of publicly available CRISPR and RNAi library screens, we identified the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) gene, which encodes an enzyme that is part of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, as essential for GBM growth. Moreover, by combining transcriptome and metabolite screening analyses, we discovered that loss of function of OGDH by the clinically validated drug compound CPI-613 was synthetically lethal with Bcl-xL inhibition (genetically and through the clinically validated BH3 mimetic, ABT263) in patient-derived xenografts as well neurosphere GBM cultures. CPI-613-mediated energy deprivation drove an integrated stress response with an upregulation of the BH3-only domain protein, Noxa, in an ATF4-dependent manner, as demonstrated by genetic loss-of-function experiments. Consistently, silencing of Noxa attenuated cell death induced by CPI-613 in model systems of GBM. In patient-derived xenograft models of GBM in mice, the combination treatment of ABT263 and CPI-613 suppressed tumor growth and extended animal survival more potently than each compound on its own. Therefore, combined inhibition of Bcl-xL along with disruption of the TCA cycle might be a treatment strategy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang Tt Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Consuelo Torrini
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Enyuan Shang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bronx Community College, City University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeong-Yeon Mun
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qiuqiang Gao
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Hasan O Akman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Guoan Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Markus D Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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4
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Li HY, Feng YH, Lin CL, Hsu TI. Mitochondrial Mechanisms in Temozolomide Resistance: Unraveling the Complex Interplay and Therapeutic Strategies in Glioblastoma. Mitochondrion 2024; 75:101836. [PMID: 38158149 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2023.101836] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and lethal brain tumor, with temozolomide (TMZ) being the standard chemotherapeutic agent for its treatment. However, TMZ resistance often develops, limiting its therapeutic efficacy and contributing to poor patient outcomes. Recent evidence highlights the crucial role of mitochondria in the development of TMZ resistance through various mechanisms, including alterations in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, metabolic reprogramming, apoptosis regulation, biogenesis, dynamics, stress response, and mtDNA mutations. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mitochondrial mechanisms involved in TMZ resistance and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms to overcome resistance in GBM. We explore the current state of clinical trials targeting mitochondria or related pathways in primary GBM or recurrent GBM, as well as the challenges and future perspectives in this field. Understanding the complex interplay between mitochondria and TMZ resistance will facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic strategies and ultimately improve the prognosis for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Yi Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich 81377, Germany; Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich 81377, Germany
| | | | | | - Tsung-I Hsu
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
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5
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Richardson M, Richardson DR. Pharmacological Targeting of Senescence with Senolytics as a New Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegeneration. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:64-74. [PMID: 38164616 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a state of permanent cell-cycle arrest. Early in life, senescence has a physiologic role in tumor suppression and wound healing. However, gradually, as these senescent cells accumulate over the lifespan of an organism, they contribute to inflammation and the progression of age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration. Targeting senescent cells using a class of drugs known as "senolytics" holds great promise for the management of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Already, several senolytic compounds have been shown to ameliorate cognitive deficits across several preclinical models of neurodegeneration. Most of these senolytics (e.g., dasatinib) are repurposed clinical or experimental anticancer drugs, which trigger apoptosis of senescent cells by interfering with pro-survival pathways. However, outside of their senolytic function, many first-generation senolytics also have other less appreciated neuroprotective effects, such as potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, some senolytic drugs may also have negative dose-limiting toxicities, including thrombocytopenia. In this review, we discuss the various biologic pathways targeted by the leading senolytic drugs, namely dasatinib, quercetin, fisetin, and navitoclax. We further evaluate the clinical transability of these compounds for neurodegeneration, assessing their adverse effects, pharmacokinetic properties, and chemical structure. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying treatments for the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Some of the drugs currently available for treating these diseases are associated with unwanted side-effects and/or become less efficacious with time. Therefore, researchers have begun to explore new innovative treatments for these belligerent diseases, including senolytic drugs. These agents lead to the apoptosis of senescent cells thereby preventing their deleterious role in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery (M.R., DR.R.), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses (D.R.R.), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery (M.R., DR.R.), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses (D.R.R.), Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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6
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Merati A, Kotian S, Acton A, Placzek W, Smithberger E, Shelton AK, Miller CR, Stern JL. Glioma Stem Cells Are Sensitized to BCL-2 Family Inhibition by Compromising Histone Deacetylases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13688. [PMID: 37761989 PMCID: PMC10530722 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813688] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an incurable disease with an extremely high five-year recurrence rate. We studied apoptosis in glioma stem cells (GSCs) in response to HDAC inhibition (HDACi) combined with MEK1/2 inhibition (MEKi) or BCL-2 family inhibitors. MEKi effectively combined with HDACi to suppress growth, induce cell cycle defects, and apoptosis, as well as to rescue the expression of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins BIM and BMF. A RNAseq analysis of GSCs revealed that HDACi repressed the pro-survival BCL-2 family genes MCL1 and BCL-XL. We therefore replaced MEKi with BCL-2 family inhibitors and observed enhanced apoptosis. Conversely, a ligand for the cancer stem cell receptor CD44 led to reductions in BMF, BIM, and apoptosis. Our data strongly support further testing of HDACi in combination with MEKi or BCL-2 family inhibitors in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aran Merati
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Spandana Kotian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Alexus Acton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - William Placzek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Erin Smithberger
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Abigail K. Shelton
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - C. Ryan Miller
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Josh L. Stern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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7
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Coluccia M. Cyclooxygenase and Cancer: Fundamental Molecular Investigations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12342. [PMID: 37569718 PMCID: PMC10418830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The involvement of prostaglandins in cancer was first observed in human esophageal carcinoma cells, whose invasive and metastatic potential in nude mice was found to be related to PGE2 and PGF2a production [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Coluccia
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via E. Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
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8
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Scimeca M, Rovella V, Palumbo V, Scioli MP, Bonfiglio R, Tor Centre, Melino G, Piacentini M, Frati L, Agostini M, Candi E, Mauriello A. Programmed Cell Death Pathways in Cholangiocarcinoma: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3638. [PMID: 37509299 PMCID: PMC10377326 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143638] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly aggressive cancer arising from the bile ducts. The limited effectiveness of conventional therapies has prompted the search for new approaches to target this disease. Recent evidence suggests that distinct programmed cell death mechanisms, namely, apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, play a critical role in the development and progression of cholangiocarcinoma. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the role of programmed cell death in cholangiocarcinoma and its potential implications for the development of novel therapies. Several studies have shown that the dysregulation of apoptotic signaling pathways contributes to cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis and resistance to treatment. Similarly, ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis, which are pro-inflammatory forms of cell death, have been implicated in promoting immune cell recruitment and activation, thus enhancing the antitumor immune response. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that targeting cell death pathways could sensitize cholangiocarcinoma cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In conclusion, programmed cell death represents a relevant molecular mechanism of pathogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma, and further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying details and possibly identify therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Scioli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Frati
- Institute Pasteur Italy-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Via Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed S.p.A., Via Atinense 18, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Targeting Transcription Factors ATF5, CEBPB and CEBPD with Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Treat Brain and Other Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040581. [PMID: 36831248 PMCID: PMC9954556 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing novel therapeutics often follows three steps: target identification, design of strategies to suppress target activity and drug development to implement the strategies. In this review, we recount the evidence identifying the basic leucine zipper transcription factors ATF5, CEBPB, and CEBPD as targets for brain and other malignancies. We describe strategies that exploit the structures of the three factors to create inhibitory dominant-negative (DN) mutant forms that selectively suppress growth and survival of cancer cells. We then discuss and compare four peptides (CP-DN-ATF5, Dpep, Bpep and ST101) in which DN sequences are joined with cell-penetrating domains to create drugs that pass through tissue barriers and into cells. The peptide drugs show both efficacy and safety in suppressing growth and in the survival of brain and other cancers in vivo, and ST101 is currently in clinical trials for solid tumors, including GBM. We further consider known mechanisms by which the peptides act and how these have been exploited in rationally designed combination therapies. We additionally discuss lacunae in our knowledge about the peptides that merit further research. Finally, we suggest both short- and long-term directions for creating new generations of drugs targeting ATF5, CEBPB, CEBPD, and other transcription factors for treating brain and other malignancies.
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Riessland M, Orr ME. Translating the Biology of Aging into New Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease: Senolytics. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2023; 10:633-646. [PMID: 37874084 PMCID: PMC11103249 DOI: 10.14283/jpad.2023.104] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The recent FDA-approval for amyloid lowering therapies reflects an unwavering commitment from the Alzheimer's disease (AD) research community to identify treatments for this leading cause of dementia. The clinical benefits achieved by reducing amyloid, though modest, provide evidence that disease modification is possible. Expanding the same tenacity to interventions targeting upstream drivers of AD pathogenesis could significantly impact the disease course. Advanced age is the greatest risk factor for developing AD. Interventions targeting biological aging offer the possibility of disrupting a foundational cause of AD. Senescent cells accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation and age-related diseases like AD. Senolytic drugs that clear senescent cells improve healthy aging, halt AD disease progression in animal models and are undergoing clinical testing. This review explores the biology of aging, the role of senescent cells in AD pathology, and various senotherapeutic approaches such as senolytics, dampening the SASP (senescence associated secretory phenotype), senescence pathway inhibition, vaccines, and prodrugs. We highlight ongoing clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of the most advanced senolytic approach, dasatinib and quercetin (D+Q), including an ongoing Phase II senolytic trial supported by the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). Challenges in the field of senotherapy for AD, including target engagement and biomarker development, are addressed. Ultimately, this research pursuit may lead to an effective treatment for AD and provide the field with another disease-modifying therapy to be used, alone or in combination, with other emerging treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Riessland
- Miranda E. Orr, 575 Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, Telephone Number: (336)716-7804,
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Effect of Autophagy Inhibitors on Radiosensitivity in DNA Repair-Proficient and -Deficient Glioma Cells. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58070889. [PMID: 35888608 PMCID: PMC9317283 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The development of radioresistance is a fundamental barrier to successful glioblastoma therapy. Autophagy is thought to play a role in facilitating the DNA repair of DNA damage foci in radiation-exposed tumor cells, thus, potentially contributing to their restoration of proliferative capacity and development of resistance in vitro. However, the effect of autophagy inhibitors on DNA damage repair is not fully clear and requires further investigation. Materials and Methods: In this work, we utilized M059K (DNA-PKcs proficient) and M059J (DNA-PKcs deficient) glioma cell lines to investigate the role of autophagy inhibitors in the DNA repair of radiation-induced DNA damage. Cell viability following radiation was determined by trypan blue exclusion in both cell lines. Cell death and autophagy assays were performed to evaluate radiation-induced cell stress responses. DNA damage was measured as based on the intensity of phosphorylated γ-H2AX, a DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) marker, in the presence or absence of autophagy inhibitors. Results: The cell viability assay showed that M059J cells were more sensitive to the same dose of radiation (4 Gy) than M059K cells. This observation was accompanied by an elevation in γ-H2AX formation in M059J but not in M059K cells. In addition, the DAPI/TUNEL and Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining assays did not reveal significant differences in apoptosis and/or senescence induction in response to radiation, respectively, in either cell line. However, acridine orange staining demonstrated clear promotion of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) in both cell lines in response to 4 Gy radiation. Moreover, DNA damage marker levels were found to be elevated 72 h post-radiation when autophagy was inhibited by the lysosomotropic agent bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) or the PI3K inhibitor 3-methyl adenine (3-MA) in M059K cells. Conclusions: The extent of the DNA damage response remained high in the DNA-PKcs deficient cells following exposure to radiation, indicating their inability to repair the newly formed DNA-DSBs. On the other hand, radioresistant M059K cells showed more DNA damage response only when autophagy inhibitors were used with radiation, suggesting that the combination of autophagy inhibitors with radiation may interfere with DNA repair efficiency.
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