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Kovecses O, Mercier FE, McKeague M. Nucleic acid therapeutics as differentiation agents for myeloid leukemias. Leukemia 2024:10.1038/s41375-024-02191-0. [PMID: 38424137 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Differentiation therapy has proven to be a success story for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, the remaining subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are treated with cytotoxic chemotherapies that have limited efficacy and a high likelihood of resistance. As differentiation arrest is a hallmark of AML, there is increased interest in developing differentiation-inducing agents to enhance disease-free survival. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of current reports and future avenues of nucleic acid therapeutics for AML, focusing on the use of targeted nucleic acid drugs to promote differentiation. Specifically, we compare and discuss the precision of small interfering RNA, small activating RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and aptamers to modulate gene expression patterns that drive leukemic cell differentiation. We delve into preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrate the efficacy of nucleic acid-based differentiation therapies to induce leukemic cell maturation and reduce disease burden. By directly influencing the expression of key genes involved in myeloid maturation, nucleic acid therapeutics hold the potential to induce the differentiation of leukemic cells towards a more mature and less aggressive phenotype. Furthermore, we discuss the most critical challenges associated with developing nucleic acid therapeutics for myeloid malignancies. By introducing the progress in the field and identifying future opportunities, we aim to highlight the power of nucleic acid therapeutics in reshaping the landscape of myeloid leukemia treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Kovecses
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 1Y6, QC, Canada
| | - François E Mercier
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, H3T 1E2, QC, Canada
| | - Maureen McKeague
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 1Y6, QC, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0B8, QC, Canada.
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2
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Wang H, Zhao P, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Bao H, Qian W, Wu J, Xing Z, Hu X, Jin K, Zhuge Q, Yang J. NeuroD4 converts glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells through the SLC7A11-GSH-GPX4 antioxidant axis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:297. [PMID: 37582760 PMCID: PMC10427652 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01595-8] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell fate and proliferation ability can be transformed through reprogramming technology. Reprogramming glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells holds great promise for glioblastoma treatment, as it induces their terminal differentiation. NeuroD4 (Neuronal Differentiation 4) is a crucial transcription factor in neuronal development and has the potential to convert astrocytes into functional neurons. In this study, we exclusively employed NeuroD4 to reprogram glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells. In vivo, the reprogrammed glioblastoma cells demonstrated terminal differentiation, inhibited proliferation, and exited the cell cycle. Additionally, NeuroD4 virus-infected xenografts exhibited smaller sizes compared to the GFP group, and tumor-bearing mice in the GFP+NeuroD4 group experienced prolonged survival. Mechanistically, NeuroD4 overexpression significantly reduced the expression of SLC7A11 and Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). The ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 effectively blocked the NeuroD4-mediated process of neuron reprogramming in glioblastoma. To summarize, our study demonstrates that NeuroD4 overexpression can reprogram glioblastoma cells into neuron-like cells through the SLC7A11-GSH-GPX4 signaling pathway, thus offering a potential novel therapeutic approach for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Peiqi Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Han Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Wenqi Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhenqiu Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Kunlin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Qichuan Zhuge
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Jianjing Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Aging and Neurological Disorder Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Zhu L, Luo M, Zhang Y, Fang F, Li M, An F, Zhao D, Zhang J. Free radical as a double-edged sword in disease: Deriving strategic opportunities for nanotherapeutics. Coord Chem Rev 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Secchi M, Lodola C, Garbelli A, Bione S, Maga G. DEAD-Box RNA Helicases DDX3X and DDX5 as Oncogenes or Oncosuppressors: A Network Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153820. [PMID: 35954483 PMCID: PMC9367324 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous one is caused by the deregulation of different metabolic pathways, involving a complex network of protein–protein interactions. The cellular enzymes DDX3X and DDX5 play important roles in the maintenance of normal cell metabolism, but their deregulation can accelerate tumor transformation. Both DDX3X and DDX5 interact with hundreds of different cellular proteins, and depending on the specific pathways in which they are involved, both proteins can either act as suppressors of cancer or as oncogenes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the roles of DDX3X and DDX5 in different tumors. In addition, we present a list of interacting proteins and discuss the possible contribution of some of these protein–protein interactions in determining the roles of DDX3X and DDX5 in the process of cancer proliferation, also suggesting novel hypotheses for future studies. Abstract RNA helicases of the DEAD-box family are involved in several metabolic pathways, from transcription and translation to cell proliferation, innate immunity and stress response. Given their multiple roles, it is not surprising that their deregulation or mutation is linked to different pathological conditions, including cancer. However, while in some cases the loss of function of a given DEAD-box helicase promotes tumor transformation, indicating an oncosuppressive role, in other contexts the overexpression of the same enzyme favors cancer progression, thus acting as a typical oncogene. The roles of two well-characterized members of this family, DDX3X and DDX5, as both oncogenes and oncosuppressors have been documented in several cancer types. Understanding the interplay of the different cellular contexts, as defined by the molecular interaction networks of DDX3X and DDX5 in different tumors, with the cancer-specific roles played by these proteins could help to explain their apparently conflicting roles as cancer drivers or suppressors.
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Xu K, Sun S, Yan M, Cui J, Yang Y, Li W, Huang X, Dou L, Chen B, Tang W, Lan M, Li J, Shen T. DDX5 and DDX17—multifaceted proteins in the regulation of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:943032. [PMID: 35992805 PMCID: PMC9382309 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.943032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DEAD-box (DDX)5 and DDX17, which belong to the DEAD-box RNA helicase family, are nuclear and cytoplasmic shuttle proteins. These proteins are expressed in most tissues and cells and participate in the regulation of normal physiological functions; their abnormal expression is closely related to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. DDX5/DDX17 participate in almost all processes of RNA metabolism, such as the alternative splicing of mRNA, biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs) and ribosomes, degradation of mRNA, interaction with long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and coregulation of transcriptional activity. Moreover, different posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation, endow DDX5/DDX17 with different functions in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Indeed, DDX5 and DDX17 also interact with multiple key tumor-promoting molecules and participate in tumorigenesis and tumor progression signaling pathways. When DDX5/DDX17 expression or their posttranslational modification is dysregulated, the normal cellular signaling network collapses, leading to many pathological states, including tumorigenesis and tumor development. This review mainly discusses the molecular structure features and biological functions of DDX5/DDX17 and their effects on tumorigenesis and tumor progression, as well as their potential clinical application for tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Shenghui Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjing Yan
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
- Peking University Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ju Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Wenlin Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuqing Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Dou
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Beidong Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Weiqing Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Lan
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Shen,
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Qin T, Cheng Y, Wang X. RNA-binding proteins as drivers of AML and novel therapeutic targets. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:1045-1057. [PMID: 35075986 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.2008381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a group of genetically complex and heterogeneous invasive hematological malignancies with a low 5-year overall survival rate of 30%, which highlights the urgent need for improved treatment measures. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate the abundance of isoforms of related proteins by regulating RNA splicing, translation, stability, and localization, thereby affecting cell differentiation and self-renewal. It is increasingly believed that RBPs are essential for normal hematopoiesis, and RBPs play a key role in hematological tumors, especially AML, by acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. In addition, targeting an RBP that is significantly related to AML can trigger the apoptosis of leukemic stem cells or promote the proliferation of stem and progenitor cells by modulating the expression of important pathway regulatory factors such as HOXA9, MYC, and CDKN1A. Accordingly, RBPs involved in normal myeloid differentiation and the occurrence of AML may represent promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Qin
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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7
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Li F, Fountzilas C, Puzanov I, Attwood KM, Morrison C, Ling X. Multiple functions of the DEAD-box RNA helicase, DDX5 (p68), make DDX5 a superior oncogenic biomarker and target for targeted cancer therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5190-5213. [PMID: 34765320 PMCID: PMC8569338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DDX5 (p68) is a well-known multifunctional DEAD-box RNA helicase and a transcription cofactor. Since its initial discovery more than three decades ago, DDX5 is gradually recognized as a potential biomarker and target for the treatment of various cancer types. Studies over the years significantly expanded our understanding of the functional diversity of DDX5 in various cancer types and extended our knowledge of its Mechanism of Action (MOA). This provides a rationale for the development of novel cancer therapeutics by using DDX5 as a biomarker and a therapeutic target. However, while most of the published studies have found DDX5 to be an oncogenic target and a cancer treatment-resistant biomarker, a few studies have reported that in certain scenarios, DDX5 may act as a tumor suppressor. After careful review of all the available relevant studies in the literature, we found that the multiple functions of DDX5 make it both a superior independent oncogenic biomarker and target for targeted cancer therapy. In this article, we will summarize the relevant studies on DDX5 in literature with a careful analysis and discussion of any inconsistencies encountered, and then provide our conclusions with respect to understanding the MOA of FL118, a novel small molecule. We hope that such a review will stimulate further discussion on this topic and assist in developing better strategies to treat cancer by using DDX5 as both an oncogenic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhi Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Department of Developmental Therapeutics Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Christos Fountzilas
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Department of Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Working Group, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Department of Developmental Therapeutics Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Department of Developmental Therapeutics Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Kristopher M Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Department of Developmental Therapeutics Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Carl Morrison
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
| | - Xiang Ling
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffalo, New York 14263, USA
- Canget BioTekpharma LLCBuffalo, New York 14203, USA
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