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Xia L, Ni C, Sun H, Guo H, Huang H, Cao X, Xia J, Shi X, Guo R. Dual drug-loaded metal-phenolic networks for targeted magnetic resonance imaging and synergistic chemo-chemodynamic therapy of breast cancer. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:6480-6491. [PMID: 38867551 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00462k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The development of nanomedicines with simplified compositions and synergistic theranostic functionalities remains a great challenge. Herein, we develop a simple method to integrate both atovaquone (ATO, a mitochondrial inhibitor) and cisplatin within tannic acid (TA)-iron (Fe) networks coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) for targeted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided chemo-chemodynamic synergistic therapy. The formed TFP@ATO-HA displayed good colloidal stability with a mean size of 95.5 nm, which could accumulate at tumor sites after circulation and be specifically taken up by metastatic 4T1 cells overexpressing CD44 receptors. In the tumor microenvironment, TFP@ATO-HA could release ATO/cisplatin and Fe3+ in a pH-responsive manner, deplete glutathione, and generate reactive oxygen species with endogenous H2O2 for chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Additionally, ATO could enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, relieving hypoxia, and amplifying the CDT effect by decreasing intracellular pH and elevating Fenton reaction efficiency. In vivo experiments demonstrated that TFP@ATO-HA could effectively inhibit tumor growth and suppress lung metastases without obvious systemic toxicity. Furthermore, TFP@ATO-HA exhibited a r1 relaxivity of 2.6 mM-1 s-1 and targeted MR imaging of 4T1 tumors. Dual drug-loaded metal-phenolic networks can be easily prepared and act as effective theranostic nanoplatforms for targeted MR imaging and synergistic chemo-chemodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Ni
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Huxiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Honghua Guo
- Department of Radiology, Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Xueyan Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Jindong Xia
- Department of Radiology, Songjiang Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyang Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
| | - Rui Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.
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Bannister M, Bray S, Aggarwal A, Billington C, Nguyen HD. A novel variant in ADPRS disrupts ARH3 stability and subcellular localization in children with neurodegeneration and respiratory failure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.14.597428. [PMID: 38915701 PMCID: PMC11195236 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.597428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Purpose ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification involving the transfer of one or more ADP-ribose units from NAD+ to target proteins. Dysregulation of ADP-ribosylation is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. Here we report a novel homozygous variant in the ADPRS gene (c.545A>G, p.His182Arg) encoding the mono(ADP-ribosyl) hydrolase ARH3 found in 2 patients with childhood-onset neurodegeneration with stress-induced ataxia and seizures (CONDSIAS). Methods Genetic testing via exome sequencing was used to identify the underlying disease cause in two siblings with developmental delay, seizures, progressive muscle weakness, and respiratory failure following an episodic course. Studies in a cell culture model uncover biochemical and cellular consequences of the identified genetic change. Results The ARH3 H182R variant affects a highly conserved residue in the active site of ARH3, leading to protein instability, degradation, and reduced expression. ARH3 H182R additionally fails to localize to the nucleus. The combination of reduced expression and mislocalization of ARH3 H182R resulted in accumulation of mono-ADP ribosylated species in cells. Conclusions The children's clinical course combined with the biochemical characterization of their genetic variant develops our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms driving CONDSIAS and highlights a critical role for ARH3-regulated ADP ribosylation in nervous system integrity.
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Zhou TJ, Zhang MM, Liu DM, Huang LL, Yu HQ, Wang Y, Xing L, Jiang HL. Glutathione depletion and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibition actuated ferroptosis-augment to surmount triple-negative breast cancer. Biomaterials 2024; 305:122447. [PMID: 38154441 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122447] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a promising therapeutic approach for combating malignant cancers, but its effectiveness is limited in clinical due to the adaptability and self-repair abilities of cancer cells. Mitochondria, as the pivotal player in ferroptosis, exhibit tremendous therapeutic potential by targeting the intramitochondrial anti-ferroptotic pathway mediated by dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). In this study, an albumin-based nanomedicine was developed to induce augmented ferroptosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by depleting glutathione (GSH) and inhibiting DHODH activity. The nanomedicine (ATO/SRF@BSA) was developed by loading sorafenib (SRF) and atovaquone (ATO) into bovine serum albumin (BSA). SRF is an FDA-approved ferroptosis inducer and ATO is the only drug used in clinical that targets mitochondria. By combining the effects of SRF and ATO, ATO/SRF@BSA promoted the accumulation of lipid peroxides within mitochondria by inhibiting the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-GSH pathway and downregulating the DHODH-coenzyme Q (CoQH2) defense mechanism, triggers a burst of lipid peroxides. Simultaneously, ATO/SRF@BSA suppressed cancer cell self-repair and enhanced cell death by inhibiting the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and pyrimidine nucleotides. Furthermore, the anti-cancer results showed that ATO/SRF@BSA exhibited tumor-specific killing efficacy, significantly improved the tumor hypoxic microenvironment, and lessened the toxic side effects of SRF. This work presents an efficient and easily achievable strategy for TNBC treatment, which may hold promise for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Meng-Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Dan-Meng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Li-Ling Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Hai-Qing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, PR China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Preparations and Excipients, China Pharmaceutical University, 210009, PR China.
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Chen A, Yu Z, Ma N, Lu X, Zhang Y, Xu W, Wang Y, Xie J, Qin Y, Mo G, Wu S, Hou J, Zhu W. Atovaquone enhances antitumor efficacy of TCR-T therapy by augmentation of ROS-induced ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:49. [PMID: 38349553 PMCID: PMC10864481 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03628-2] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T-cell therapy has recently emerged as a promising adoptive immunotherapy approach for tumor treatment, yet hindered by tumor immune evasion resulting in poor therapeutic efficacy. The introduction of ferroptosis-targeted inducers offers a potential solution, as they empower T cells to induce ferroptosis and exert influence over the tumor microenvironment. Atovaquone (ATO) stands as a prospective pharmaceutical candidate with the potential to target ferroptosis, effectively provoking an excessive generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a combination therapy comprising ATO and TCR-T cells against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), both in vitro and in vivo. The results of lactate dehydrogenase and cytokine assays demonstrated that ATO enhanced cytotoxicity mediated by AFP-specific TCR-T cells and promoted the release of IFN-γ in vitro. Additionally, in an established HCC xenograft mouse model, the combined therapy with low-dose ATO and TCR-T cells exhibited heightened efficacy in suppressing tumor growth, with no apparent adverse effects, comparable to the results achieved through monotherapy. The RNA-seq data unveiled a significant activation of the ferroptosis-related pathway in the combination therapy group in comparison to the TCR-T cells group. Mechanistically, the synergy between ATO and TCR-T cells augmented the release of IFN-γ by TCR-T cells, while concurrently elevating the intracellular and mitochondrial levels of ROS, expanding the labile iron pool, and impairing the integrity of the mitochondrial membrane in HepG2 cells. This multifaceted interaction culminated in the potentiation of ferroptosis within the tumor, primarily induced by an excess of ROS. In summary, the co-administration of ATO and TCR-T cells in HCC exhibited heightened vulnerability to ferroptosis. This heightened susceptibility led to the inhibition of tumor growth and the stimulation of an anti-tumor immune response. These findings suggest that repurposing atovaquone for adoptive cell therapy combination therapy holds the potential to enhance treatment outcomes in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhiwu Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Ma
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Weikang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510220, China
| | - Yiyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jiayi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yuqi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Guoheng Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Namkaew J, Zhang J, Yamakawa N, Hamada Y, Tsugawa K, Oyadomari M, Miyake M, Katagiri T, Oyadomari S. Repositioning of mifepristone as an integrated stress response activator to potentiate cisplatin efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216509. [PMID: 38036042 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216509] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer, primarily non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is a standard treatment for NSCLC; however, its effectiveness is often limited due to the development of resistance, leading to NSCLC recurrence. Thus, the identification of effective chemosensitizers for cisplatin is of paramount importance. The integrated stress response (ISR), activated by various cellular stresses and mediated by eIF2α kinases, has been implicated in drug sensitivity. ISR activation globally suppresses protein synthesis while selectively promoting the translation of ATF4 mRNA, which can induce pro-apoptotic proteins such as CHOP, ATF3, and TRIB3. To expedite and economize the development of chemosensitizers for cisplatin treatment in NSCLC, we employed a strategy to screen an FDA-approved drug library for ISR activators. In this study, we identified mifepristone as a potent ISR activator. Mifepristone activated the HRI/eIF2α/ATF4 axis, leading to the induction of pro-apoptotic factors, independent of its known role as a synthetic steroid. Our in vitro and in vivo models demonstrated mifepristone's potential to inhibit NSCLC re-proliferation following cisplatin treatment and tumor growth, respectively, via the ISR-mediated cell death pathway. These findings suggest that mifepristone, as an ISR activator, could enhance the efficacy of cisplatin-based therapy for NSCLC, highlighting the potential of drug repositioning in the search for effective chemosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirapat Namkaew
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; ER Stress Research Institute Inc., Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Jun Zhang
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; ER Stress Research Institute Inc., Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Norio Yamakawa
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; ER Stress Research Institute Inc., Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Hamada
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kazue Tsugawa
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Miho Oyadomari
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Masato Miyake
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Toyomasa Katagiri
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; Laboratory of Biofunctional Molecular Medicine, Center for Drug Design Research, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Seiichi Oyadomari
- Division of Molecular Biology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; Fujii Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan; ER Stress Research Institute Inc., Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan.
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Vydyam P, Pal AC, Renard I, Chand M, Kumari V, Gennaro JC, Mamoun CB. Tafenoquine-Atovaquone Combination Achieves Radical Cure and Confers Sterile Immunity in Experimental Models of Human Babesiosis. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:161-172. [PMID: 38169301 PMCID: PMC10786256 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad315] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites. The emergence of resistance to recommended therapies highlights the need for new and more effective treatments. Here we demonstrate that the 8-aminoquinoline antimalarial drug tafenoquine inhibits the growth of different Babesia species in vitro, is highly effective against Babesia microti and Babesia duncani in mice and protects animals from lethal infection caused by atovaquone-sensitive and -resistant B. duncani strains. We further show that a combination of tafenoquine and atovaquone achieves cure with no recrudescence in both models of human babesiosis. Interestingly, elimination of B. duncani infection in animals following drug treatment also confers immunity to subsequent challenge. Altogether, the data demonstrate superior efficacy of tafenoquine plus atovaquone combination over current therapies for the treatment of human babesiosis and highlight its potential in providing protective immunity against Babesia following parasite clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratap Vydyam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anasuya C Pal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Isaline Renard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Meenal Chand
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vandana Kumari
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joseph C Gennaro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Choukri Ben Mamoun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Rocca C, Soda T, De Francesco EM, Fiorillo M, Moccia F, Viglietto G, Angelone T, Amodio N. Mitochondrial dysfunction at the crossroad of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:635. [PMID: 37726810 PMCID: PMC10507834 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04498-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
A large body of evidence indicates the existence of a complex pathophysiological relationship between cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Mitochondria are crucial organelles whose optimal activity is determined by quality control systems, which regulate critical cellular events, ranging from intermediary metabolism and calcium signaling to mitochondrial dynamics, cell death and mitophagy. Emerging data indicate that impaired mitochondrial quality control drives myocardial dysfunction occurring in several heart diseases, including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, ischaemia/reperfusion damage and metabolic cardiomyopathies. On the other hand, diverse human cancers also dysregulate mitochondrial quality control to promote their initiation and progression, suggesting that modulating mitochondrial homeostasis may represent a promising therapeutic strategy both in cardiology and oncology. In this review, first we briefly introduce the physiological mechanisms underlying the mitochondrial quality control system, and then summarize the current understanding about the impact of dysregulated mitochondrial functions in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. We also discuss key mitochondrial mechanisms underlying the increased risk of cardiovascular complications secondary to the main current anticancer strategies, highlighting the potential of strategies aimed at alleviating mitochondrial impairment-related cardiac dysfunction and tumorigenesis. It is hoped that this summary can provide novel insights into precision medicine approaches to reduce cardiovascular and cancer morbidities and mortalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Rocca
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, E and E.S. (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Health Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Fiorillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Viglietto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Cellular and Molecular Cardiovascular Pathophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, E and E.S. (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, 87036, Cosenza, Italy.
- National Institute of Cardiovascular Research (I.N.R.C.), 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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8
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Stevens AM, Schafer ES, Li M, Terrell M, Rashid R, Paek H, Bernhardt MB, Weisnicht A, Smith WT, Keogh NJ, Alozie MC, Oviedo HH, Gonzalez AK, Ilangovan T, Mangubat-Medina A, Wang H, Jo E, Rabik CA, Bocchini C, Hilsenbeck S, Ball ZT, Cooper TM, Redell MS. Repurposing Atovaquone as a Therapeutic against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Combination with Conventional Chemotherapy Is Feasible and Well Tolerated. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041344. [PMID: 36831684 PMCID: PMC9954468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041344] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Survival of pediatric AML remains poor despite maximized myelosuppressive therapy. The pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP)-treating medication atovaquone (AQ) suppresses oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and reduces AML burden in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models, making it an ideal concomitant AML therapy. Poor palatability and limited product formulations have historically limited routine use of AQ in pediatric AML patients. Patients with de novo AML were enrolled at two hospitals. Daily AQ at established PJP dosing was combined with standard AML therapy, based on the Medical Research Council backbone. AQ compliance, adverse events (AEs), ease of administration score (scale: 1 (very difficult)-5 (very easy)) and blood/marrow pharmacokinetics (PK) were collected during Induction 1. Correlative studies assessed AQ-induced apoptosis and effects on OXPHOS. PDX models were treated with AQ. A total of 26 patients enrolled (ages 7.2 months-19.7 years, median 12 years); 24 were evaluable. A total of 14 (58%) and 19 (79%) evaluable patients achieved plasma concentrations above the known anti-leukemia concentration (>10 µM) by day 11 and at the end of Induction, respectively. Seven (29%) patients achieved adequate concentrations for PJP prophylaxis (>40 µM). Mean ease of administration score was 3.8. Correlative studies with AQ in patient samples demonstrated robust apoptosis, OXPHOS suppression, and prolonged survival in PDX models. Combining AQ with chemotherapy for AML appears feasible and safe in pediatric patients during Induction 1 and shows single-agent anti-leukemic effects in PDX models. AQ appears to be an ideal concomitant AML therapeutic but may require intra-patient dose adjustment to achieve concentrations sufficient for PJP prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra McLean Stevens
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(832)-824-4824; Fax: +1-(832)-825-1206
| | - Eric S. Schafer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Minhua Li
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maci Terrell
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Raushan Rashid
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hana Paek
- Department of Pharmacy, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Melanie B. Bernhardt
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Allison Weisnicht
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wesley T. Smith
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Noah J. Keogh
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michelle C. Alozie
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hailey H. Oviedo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alan K. Gonzalez
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tamilini Ilangovan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Haopei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Eunji Jo
- Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cara A. Rabik
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Claire Bocchini
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Susan Hilsenbeck
- Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zachary T. Ball
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Todd M. Cooper
- Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Michele S. Redell
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Greene J, Segaran A, Lord S. Targeting OXPHOS and the electronic transport chain in cancer; molecular and therapeutic implications. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:851-859. [PMID: 35122973 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) takes place in mitochondria and is the process whereby cells use carbon fuels and oxygen to generate ATP. Formerly OXPHOS was thought to be reduced in tumours and that glycolysis was the critical pathway for generation of ATP but it is now clear that OXPHOS, at least in many tumour types, plays a critical role in delivering the bioenergetic and macromolecular anabolic requirements of cancer cells. There is now great interest in targeting the OXPHOS and the electron transport chain for cancer therapy and in this review article we describe current therapeutic approaches and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Greene
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashvina Segaran
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Lord
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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10
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Wang L, Astone M, Alam SK, Zhu Z, Pei W, Frank DA, Burgess SM, Hoeppner LH. Suppressing STAT3 activity protects the endothelial barrier from VEGF-mediated vascular permeability. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:272222. [PMID: 34542605 PMCID: PMC8592016 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular permeability triggered by inflammation or ischemia promotes edema, exacerbates disease progression and impairs tissue recovery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of vascular permeability. VEGF plays an integral role in regulating vascular barrier function physiologically and in pathologies, including cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema, sepsis and acute lung injury. Understanding temporal molecular regulation of VEGF-induced vascular permeability will facilitate developing therapeutics to inhibit vascular permeability, while preserving tissue-restorative angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that VEGF signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to promote vascular permeability. We show that genetic STAT3 ablation reduces vascular permeability in STAT3-deficient endothelium of mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish crossed with CRISPR/Cas9-generated Stat3 knockout zebrafish. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression is transcriptionally regulated by STAT3, and VEGF-dependent STAT3 activation is regulated by JAK2. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent that inhibits STAT3-dependent transcription, substantially reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in zebrafish, mouse and human endothelium. Collectively, our findings suggest that VEGF/VEGFR-2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling regulates vascular barrier integrity, and inhibition of STAT3-dependent activity reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Genetic STAT3 ablation in mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish reveals that VEGF signals through STAT3 to promote vascular permeability. Pyrimethamine reduces VEGF-induced permeability in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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11
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Sbirkov Y, Ivanova T, Burnusuzov H, Gercheva K, Petrie K, Schenk T, Sarafian V. The Protozoan Inhibitor Atovaquone Affects Mitochondrial Respiration and Shows In Vitro Efficacy Against Glucocorticoid-Resistant Cells in Childhood B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:632181. [PMID: 33791218 PMCID: PMC8005808 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.632181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (cALL) accounts for about one third of all paediatric malignancies making it the most common cancer in children. Alterations in tumour cell metabolism were first described nearly a century ago and have been acknowledged as one of the key characteristics of cancers including cALL. Two of the backbone chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of this disease, Glucocorticoids and L-asparaginase, are exerting their anti-leukaemic effects through targeting cell metabolism. Even though risk stratification and treatment regimens have improved cure rates to nearly 90%, prognosis for relapsed children remains poor. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Atovaquone is a well-tolerated drug used in the clinic mainly against malaria. Being a ubiquinone analogue, this drug inhibits co-enzyme Q10 of the electron transport chain (ETC) affecting oxidative phosphorylation and cell metabolism. In this study we tested the effect of Atovaquone on cALL cells in vitro. Pharmacologically relevant concentrations of the inhibitor could effectively target mitochondrial respiration in both cALL cell lines (REH and Sup-B15) and primary patient samples. We found that Atovaquone leads to a marked decrease in basal respiration and ATP levels, as well as reduced proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. Importantly, we observed an enhanced anti-leukaemic effect when Atovaquone was combined with the standard chemotherapeutic Idarubicin, or with Prednisolone in an in vitro model of Glucocorticoid resistance. Repurposing of this clinically approved inhibitor renders further investigations, but also presents opportunities for fast-track trials as a single agent or in combination with standard chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yordan Sbirkov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetomira Ivanova
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Hasan Burnusuzov
- Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Center for Competence Personalized Innovative Medicine (PERIMED), Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kalina Gercheva
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kevin Petrie
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, School of Medicine, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | - Tino Schenk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine Jena (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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12
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Wang L, Astone M, Alam SK, Zhu Z, Pei W, Frank DA, Burgess SM, Hoeppner LH. Suppressing STAT3 activity protects the endothelial barrier from VEGF-mediated vascular permeability. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 33140053 PMCID: PMC7605565 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.27.358374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vascular permeability triggered by inflammation or ischemia promotes edema, exacerbates disease progression, and impairs tissue recovery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of vascular permeability. VEGF plays an integral role in regulating vascular barrier function physiologically and in pathologies, such as cancer, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions, and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema and sepsis, which often leads to acute lung injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, after initially stimulating permeability, VEGF subsequently mediates angiogenesis to repair damaged tissue. Consequently, understanding temporal molecular regulation of VEG-Finduced vascular permeability will facilitate developing therapeutics that achieve the delicate balance of inhibiting vascular permeability while preserving tissue repair. Here, we demonstrate that VEGF signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to promote vascular permeability. Specifically, we show that genetic STAT3 ablation reduces vascular permeability in STAT3-deficient endothelium of mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish crossed with CRISPR/Cas9 generated genomic STAT3 knockout zebrafish. Importantly, STAT3 deficiency does not impair vascular development and function in vivo. We identify intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) as a STAT3-dependent transcriptional regulator and show VEGF-dependent STAT3 activation is regulated by JAK2. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent that inhibits STAT3-dependent transcription, substantially reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in zebrafish, mouse, and human endothelium. Indeed, pharmacologically targeting STAT3 increases vascular barrier integrity using two additional compounds, atovaquone and C188-9. Collectively, our findings suggest that the VEGF, VEGFR-2, JAK2, and STAT3 signaling cascade regulates vascular barrier integrity, and inhibition of STAT3-dependent activity reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in vertebrate models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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