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Wang X, Gong W, Xiong X, Jia X, Xu J. Asparagine: A key metabolic junction in targeted tumor therapy. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107292. [PMID: 39002867 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Nutrient bioavailability in the tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Among these nutrients, glutamine is a key substance that promotes tumor growth and proliferation, and its downstream metabolite asparagine is also crucial in tumors. Studies have shown that when glutamine is exhausted, tumor cells can rely on asparagine to sustain their growth. Given the reliance of tumor cell proliferation on asparagine, restricting its bioavailability has emerged as promising strategy in cancer treatment. For instance, the use of asparaginase, an enzyme that depletes asparagine, has been one of the key chemotherapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, tumor cells can adapt to asparagine restriction, leading to reduced chemotherapy efficacy, and the mechanisms by which different genetically altered tumors are sensitized or adapted to asparagine restriction vary. We review the sources of asparagine and explore how limiting its bioavailability impacts the progression of specific genetically altered tumors. It is hoped that by targeting the signaling pathways involved in tumor adaptation to asparagine restriction and certain factors within these pathways, the issue of drug resistance can be addressed. Importantly, these strategies offer precise therapeutic approaches for genetically altered cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Weijian Gong
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xueyou Xiong
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China
| | - Xuemei Jia
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China; Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Preservation and Restoration, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China; Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Preservation and Restoration, Nanjing 210004, China.
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2
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Pan Y, Suzuki T, Sakai K, Hirano Y, Ikeda H, Hattori A, Dohmae N, Nishio K, Kakeya H. Bisabosqual A: A novel asparagine synthetase inhibitor suppressing the proliferation and migration of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176156. [PMID: 38059445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176156] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) is a crucial enzyme for the de novo biosynthesis of endogenous asparagine (Asn), and ASNS shows the positive relationship with the growth of several solid tumors. Most of ASNS inhibitors are analogs of transition-state in ASNS reaction, but their low cell permeability hinders their anticancer activity. Therefore, novel ASNS inhibitors with a new pharmacophore urgently need to be developed. In this study, we established and applied a system for in vitro screening of ASNS inhibitors, and found a promising unique bisabolane-type meroterpenoid molecule, bisabosqual A (Bis A), able to covalently modify K556 site of ASNS protein. Bis A targeted ASNS to suppress cell proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells and exhibited a synergistic effect with L-asparaginase (L-ASNase). Mechanistically, Bis A promoted oxidative stress and apoptosis, while inhibiting autophagy, cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), impeding cancer cell development. Moreover, Bis A induced negative feedback pathways containing the GCN2-eIF2α-ATF4, PI3K-AKT-mTORC1 and RAF-MEK-ERK axes, but combination treatment of Bis A and rapamycin/torin-1 overcame the potential drug resistance triggered by mTOR pathways. Our study demonstrates that ASNS inhibition is promising for cancer chemotherapy, and Bis A is a potential lead ASNS inhibitor for anticancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Pan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazuko Sakai
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hirano
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kohoku, Yokohama, 223-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ikeda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Akira Hattori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nishio
- Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kakeya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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3
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Wang H, Guo M, Wei H, Chen Y. Targeting p53 pathways: mechanisms, structures, and advances in therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:92. [PMID: 36859359 PMCID: PMC9977964 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 93.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The TP53 tumor suppressor is the most frequently altered gene in human cancers, and has been a major focus of oncology research. The p53 protein is a transcription factor that can activate the expression of multiple target genes and plays critical roles in regulating cell cycle, apoptosis, and genomic stability, and is widely regarded as the "guardian of the genome". Accumulating evidence has shown that p53 also regulates cell metabolism, ferroptosis, tumor microenvironment, autophagy and so on, all of which contribute to tumor suppression. Mutations in TP53 not only impair its tumor suppressor function, but also confer oncogenic properties to p53 mutants. Since p53 is mutated and inactivated in most malignant tumors, it has been a very attractive target for developing new anti-cancer drugs. However, until recently, p53 was considered an "undruggable" target and little progress has been made with p53-targeted therapies. Here, we provide a systematic review of the diverse molecular mechanisms of the p53 signaling pathway and how TP53 mutations impact tumor progression. We also discuss key structural features of the p53 protein and its inactivation by oncogenic mutations. In addition, we review the efforts that have been made in p53-targeted therapies, and discuss the challenges that have been encountered in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolan Wang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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4
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Chahat, Bhatia R, Kumar B. p53 as a potential target for treatment of cancer: A perspective on recent advancements in small molecules with structural insights and SAR studies. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 247:115020. [PMID: 36543034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115020] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer represents one of the world's biggest hazardous diseases. p53 is the uttermost researched tumour suppressor protein. It is commonly considered the "guardian of the genome," performing a critical function in genetic stability maintenance through controlling the cell cycle, programmed cell death, DNA repair, aging, and angiogenesis. The abnormalities in p53 lead to genetic instability and plays a significant role in carcinogenesis. The role of p53 in tumour suppression is emphasized in addition by the observation that primary silencing with this protein occurred in more than 50% of cancers. MDM2, p53, and the p53-MDM2 connections are well-known targets for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Moreover, in tumors with wild-type p53, their efficacy is decreased due to MDM2 enlargement or by the gradual decrease of MDM2 blocker ARF. As a result, improving p53 activity in cancerous cells provides a promising anticancer strategy. Various techniques are now being investigated, and addressing the p53-MDM2 interaction had also evolved as a potentially feasible strategy for contending with tumors. Both p53 and MDM2, interact via an autoregulation response signal: p53 activity induces MDM2 transcription, which in response interacts with p53's N-terminal transactivation domain, inhibiting its transcriptional activity. This article provides information on the current scenario of anti-tumor activities, with a particular emphasis on structure-activity relationship characteristics (SAR) against the p53-MDM2 to treat cancer. The primary purpose of this review is to cover recent advancements in the creation and testing of anticancer drugs that target the p53-MDM2 structure. This review contains different heterocyclic moieties which show significant results toward cancer. A mechanistic route is shown here, demonstrating both normal and malignant conditions via several stressed factors. Several compounds entered clinical trials as p53-MDM2 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Ghal Kalan, Ferozpur G.T. Road MOGA, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Rohit Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Ghal Kalan, Ferozpur G.T. Road MOGA, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Bhupinder Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, HNB Garhwal University, Chauras Campus, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 246174, India.
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5
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Qi X, Wan Z, Jiang B, Ouyang Y, Feng W, Zhu H, Tan Y, He R, Xie L, Li Y. Inducing ferroptosis has the potential to overcome therapy resistance in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038225. [PMID: 36505465 PMCID: PMC9730886 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy among women. Due to the iron-dependent character of breast cancer cells, they are more sensitive to ferroptosis compared to normal cells. It is possible to reverse tumor resistance by inducing ferroptosis in breast cancer cells, thereby improving tumor treatment outcomes. Ferroptosis is highly dependent on the balance of oxidative and antioxidant status. When ferroptosis occurs, intracellular iron levels are significantly increased, leading to increased membrane lipid peroxidation and ultimately triggering ferroptosis. Ferroptotic death is a form of autophagy-associated cell death. Synergistic use of nanoparticle-loaded ferroptosis-inducer with radiotherapy and chemotherapy achieves more significant tumor suppression and inhibits the growth of breast cancer by targeting cancer tissues, enhancing the sensitivity of cells to drugs, reducing the drug resistance of cancer cells and the toxicity of drugs. In this review, we present the current status of breast cancer and the mechanisms of ferroptosis. It is hopeful for us to realize effective treatment of breast cancer through targeted ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Qi
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Zhixing Wan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Baohong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yuhan Ouyang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjie Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yeru Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Rongfang He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Liming Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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6
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The role of transcription factors in the acquisition of the four latest proposed hallmarks of cancer and corresponding enabling characteristics. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1203-1215. [PMID: 36244529 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
With the recent description of the molecular and cellular characteristics that enable acquisition of both core and new hallmarks of cancer, the consequences of transcription factor dysregulation in the hallmarks scheme has become increasingly evident. Dysregulation or mutation of transcription factors has long been recognized in the development of cancer where alterations in these key regulatory molecules can result in aberrant gene expression and consequential blockade of normal cellular differentiation. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of involvement of dysregulated transcription factor networks with the most recently reported cancer hallmarks and enabling characteristic properties. We present some illustrative examples of the impact of dysregulated transcription factors, specifically focusing on the characteristics of phenotypic plasticity, non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming, polymorphic microbiomes, and senescence. We also discuss how new insights into transcription factor dysregulation in cancer is contributing to addressing current therapeutic challenges.
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7
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Roszkowska KA, Piecuch A, Sady M, Gajewski Z, Flis S. Gain of Function (GOF) Mutant p53 in Cancer-Current Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13287. [PMID: 36362074 PMCID: PMC9654280 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous development of personalized treatments is undoubtedly beneficial for oncogenic patients' comfort and survival rate. Mutant TP53 is associated with a worse prognosis due to the occurrence of metastases, increased chemoresistance, and tumor growth. Currently, numerous compounds capable of p53 reactivation or the destabilization of mutant p53 are being investigated. Several of them, APR-246, COTI-2, SAHA, and PEITC, were approved for clinical trials. This review focuses on these novel therapeutic opportunities, their mechanisms of action, and their significance for potential medical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna A. Roszkowska
- Center for Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 100 Nowoursynowska St., 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Sylwia Flis
- Center for Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 100 Nowoursynowska St., 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Fujihara KM, Zhang BZ, Jackson TD, Ogunkola MO, Nijagal B, Milne JV, Sallman DA, Ang CS, Nikolic I, Kearney CJ, Hogg SJ, Cabalag CS, Sutton VR, Watt S, Fujihara AT, Trapani JA, Simpson KJ, Stojanovski D, Leimkühler S, Haupt S, Phillips WA, Clemons NJ. Eprenetapopt triggers ferroptosis, inhibits NFS1 cysteine desulfurase, and synergizes with serine and glycine dietary restriction. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm9427. [PMID: 36103522 PMCID: PMC9473576 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of action of eprenetapopt (APR-246, PRIMA-1MET) as an anticancer agent remains unresolved, although the clinical development of eprenetapopt focuses on its reported mechanism of action as a mutant-p53 reactivator. Using unbiased approaches, this study demonstrates that eprenetapopt depletes cellular antioxidant glutathione levels by increasing its turnover, triggering a nonapoptotic, iron-dependent form of cell death known as ferroptosis. Deficiency in genes responsible for supplying cancer cells with the substrates for de novo glutathione synthesis (SLC7A11, SHMT2, and MTHFD1L), as well as the enzymes required to synthesize glutathione (GCLC and GCLM), augments the activity of eprenetapopt. Eprenetapopt also inhibits iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis by limiting the cysteine desulfurase activity of NFS1, which potentiates ferroptosis and may restrict cellular proliferation. The combination of eprenetapopt with dietary serine and glycine restriction synergizes to inhibit esophageal xenograft tumor growth. These findings reframe the canonical view of eprenetapopt from a mutant-p53 reactivator to a ferroptosis inducer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji M. Fujihara
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Corresponding author. (N.J.C.); (K.M.F.)
| | - Bonnie Z. Zhang
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas D. Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Moses O. Ogunkola
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology Department for Molecular Enzymology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Brunda Nijagal
- Metabolomics Australia, The Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia V. Milne
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David A. Sallman
- Malignant Hematology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Iva Nikolic
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Conor J. Kearney
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Hematology Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon J. Hogg
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Translational Hematology Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carlos S. Cabalag
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vivien R. Sutton
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Watt
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Asuka T. Fujihara
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph A. Trapani
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kaylene J. Simpson
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Diana Stojanovski
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Silke Leimkühler
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology Department for Molecular Enzymology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sue Haupt
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Tumor Suppression and Cancer Sex Disparity Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wayne A. Phillips
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery (St. Vincent’s Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas J. Clemons
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, Cancer Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Corresponding author. (N.J.C.); (K.M.F.)
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9
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Targeting Mutant p53 for Cancer Treatment: Moving Closer to Clinical Use? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184499. [PMID: 36139658 PMCID: PMC9496879 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is largely caused by genetic alterations such as mutations in a group of genes known as cancer driver genes. Many of the key advances in cancer treatment in recent years have involved blocking these driver genes using a new generation of anti-cancer drugs. Although p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers, historically, it has proved difficult to develop drugs against it. However, recently, several new drugs have become available for neutralizing the cancer-promoting effects of mutant p53. The aim of this article is to discuss the most promising of these drugs, especially those that are being investigated in clinical trials. Abstract Mutant p53 is one of the most attractive targets for new anti-cancer drugs. Although traditionally regarded as difficult to drug, several new strategies have recently become available for targeting the mutant protein. One of the most promising of these involves the use of low molecular weight compounds that promote refolding and reactivation of mutant p53 to its wild-type form. Several such reactivating drugs are currently undergoing evaluation in clinical trials, including eprenetapopt (APR-246), COTI-2, arsenic trioxide and PC14586. Of these, the most clinically advanced for targeting mutant p53 is eprenetapopt which has completed phase I, II and III clinical trials, the latter in patients with mutant TP53 myelodysplastic syndrome. Although no data on clinical efficacy are currently available for eprenetapopt, preliminary results suggest that the drug is relatively well tolerated. Other strategies for targeting mutant p53 that have progressed to clinical trials involve the use of drugs promoting degradation of the mutant protein and exploiting the mutant protein for the development of anti-cancer vaccines. With all of these ongoing trials, we should soon know if targeting mutant p53 can be used for cancer treatment. If any of these trials show clinical efficacy, it may be a transformative development for the treatment of patients with cancer since mutant p53 is so prevalent in this disease.
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Gencheva R, Cheng Q, Arnér ESJ. Thioredoxin reductase selenoproteins from different organisms as potential drug targets for treatment of human diseases. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 190:320-338. [PMID: 35987423 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is a selenoprotein with a central role in cellular redox homeostasis, utilizing a highly reactive and solvent-exposed selenocysteine (Sec) residue in its active site. Pharmacological modulation of TrxR can be obtained with several classes of small compounds showing different mechanisms of action, but most often dependent upon interactions with its Sec residue. The clinical implications of TrxR modulation as mediated by small compounds have been studied in diverse diseases, from rheumatoid arthritis and ischemia to cancer and parasitic infections. The possible involvement of TrxR in these diseases was in some cases serendipitously discovered, by finding that existing clinically used drugs are also TrxR inhibitors. Inhibiting isoforms of human TrxR is, however, not the only strategy for human disease treatment, as some pathogenic parasites also depend upon Sec-containing TrxR variants, including S. mansoni, B. malayi or O. volvulus. Inhibiting parasite TrxR has been shown to selectively kill parasites and can thus become a promising treatment strategy, especially in the context of quickly emerging resistance towards other drugs. Here we have summarized the basis for the targeting of selenoprotein TrxR variants with small molecules for therapeutic purposes in different human disease contexts. We discuss how Sec engagement appears to be an indispensable part of treatment efficacy and how some therapeutically promising compounds have been evaluated in preclinical or clinical studies. Several research questions remain before a wider application of selenoprotein TrxR inhibition as a first-line treatment strategy might be developed. These include further mechanistic studies of downstream effects that may mediate treatment efficacy, identification of isoform-specific enzyme inhibition patterns for some given therapeutic compounds, and the further elucidation of cell-specific effects in disease contexts such as in the tumor microenvironment or in host-parasite interactions, and which of these effects may be dependent upon the specific targeting of Sec in distinct TrxR isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosveta Gencheva
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Qing Cheng
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden; Department of Selenoprotein Research, National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122, Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Role of p53 in regulation of hematopoiesis in health and disease. Curr Opin Hematol 2022; 29:194-200. [DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Fan K, Liu Z, Gao M, Tu K, Xu Q, Zhang Y. Targeting Nutrient Dependency in Cancer Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:820173. [PMID: 35178349 PMCID: PMC8846368 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.820173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of tumor. Growing evidence suggests metabolic changes that support oncogenic progression may cause selective vulnerabilities that can be exploited for cancer treatment. Increasing demands for certain nutrients under genetic determination or environmental challenge enhance dependency of tumor cells on specific nutrient, which could be therapeutically developed through targeting such nutrient dependency. Various nutrients including several amino acids and glucose have been found to induce dependency in genetic alteration- or context-dependent manners. In this review, we discuss the extensively studied nutrient dependency and the biological mechanisms behind such vulnerabilities. Besides, existing applications and strategies to target nutrient dependency in different cancer types, accompanied with remaining challenges to further exploit these metabolic vulnerabilities to improve cancer therapies, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Fan
- The Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Second Medical College, Karamay, China
| | - Min Gao
- The Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiuran Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Research Center of Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yilei Zhang
- The Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
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