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Del Bufalo D, Damia G. Overview of BH3 mimetics in ovarian cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 129:102771. [PMID: 38875743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102771] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related death, still with a dismal five-year prognosis, mainly due to late diagnosis and the emergence of resistance to cytotoxic and targeted agents. Bcl-2 family proteins have a key role in apoptosis and are associated with tumor development/progression and response to therapy in different cancer types, including ovarian carcinoma. In tumors, evasion of apoptosis is a possible mechanism of resistance to therapy. BH3 mimetics are small molecules that occupy the hydrophobic pocket on pro-survival proteins, allowing the induction of apoptosis, and are currently under study as single agents and/or in combination with cytotoxic and targeted agents in solid tumors. Here, we discuss recent advances in targeting anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family for the treatment of ovarian cancer, focusing on BH3 mimetics, and how these approaches could potentially offer an alternative/complementary way to treat patients and overcome or delay resistance to current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Gynecological Preclinical Oncology, Experimental Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via M. Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy.
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2
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Ņikitjuka A, Žalubovskis R. Asparagusic Acid - A Unique Approach toward Effective Cellular Uptake of Therapeutics: Application, Biological Targets, and Chemical Properties. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300143. [PMID: 37366073 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The synthetic approaches towards unique asparagusic acid and its analogues as well as its chemical use, the breadth of its biological properties and their relevant applications have been explored. The significance of the 1,2-dithiolane ring tension in dithiol-mediated uptake and its use for the intracellular transport of molecular cargoes is discussed alongside some of the challenges that arise from the fast thiolate-disulfide interchange. The short overview with the indication of the available literature on natural 1,2-dithiolanes synthesis and biological activities is also included. The general review structure is based on the time-line perspective of the application of asparagusic acid moiety as well as its primitive derivatives (4-amino-1,2-dithiolane-4-carboxylic acid and 4-methyl-1,2-dithiolane-4-carboxilic acid) used in clinics/cosmetics, focusing on the recent research in this area and including international patents applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ņikitjuka
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, 1006, Riga, Latvia
| | - Raivis Žalubovskis
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, 1006, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Technology of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena iela 3, 1048, Riga, Latvia
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3
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Xu W, Yang K, Zheng Y, Cao S, Yan Q, Huang X, Wen Y, Zhao Q, Du S, Lang Y, Zhao S, Wu R. BAK-Mediated Pyroptosis Promotes Japanese Encephalitis Virus Proliferation in Porcine Kidney 15 Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040974. [PMID: 37112954 PMCID: PMC10142372 DOI: 10.3390/v15040974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As a zoonotic virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) poses a serious threat to human health and the breeding industry. Regarding the mechanism and complications of tissue inflammation caused by JEV, such as encephalitis and orchitis, there is no effective drug treatment currently, and the mechanism of occurrence has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism of the inflammatory pathway caused by JEV. As one of the key proteins regulating cell death, BCL2 antagonist/killer (BAK) is also a necessary prerequisite for the release of cellular inflammatory factors. We found that after JEV infection, BAK-knockdown cells died less than normal cells, and the transcription levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF, IFNα, and IL-1β and their corresponding regulatory genes were also significantly reduced. By further verifying protein expression on the cell death pathway, it was found that pyroptotic activation and virus titer were also significantly reduced in BAK.KD cells, suggesting that JEV proliferation might be related to BAK-induced cell death. From our data, we could conclude that JEV utilized the BAK-promoted pyroptotic pathway to release more virions after the final Gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) protein pore formation for the purpose of JEV proliferation. Therefore, the study of the endogenous cell death activator protein BAK and the final release pathway of JEV, is expected to provide some new theoretical basis for future research on the screening of targeted drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases caused by JEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Xu
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Sanjie Cao
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qigui Yan
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yiping Wen
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Senyan Du
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yifei Lang
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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4
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Wolf P, Schoeniger A, Edlich F. Pro-apoptotic complexes of BAX and BAK on the outer mitochondrial membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119317. [PMID: 35752202 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms the regulated cell death apoptosis is critically important for both ontogeny and homeostasis. Mitochondria are indispensable for stress-induced apoptosis. The BCL-2 protein family controls mitochondrial apoptosis and initiates cell death through the pro-apoptotic activities of BAX and BAK at the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Cellular survival is ensured by the retrotranslocation of mitochondrial BAX and BAK into the cytosol by anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. BAX/BAK-dependent OMM permeabilization releases the mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c), which initiates activation of caspase-9. The caspase cascade leads to cell shrinkage, plasma membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and apoptotic body formation. Although it is clear that ultimately complexes of active BAX and BAK commit the cell to apoptosis, the nature of these complexes is still enigmatic. Excessive research has described a range of complexes, varying from a few molecules to several 10,000, in different systems. BAX/BAK complexes potentially form ring-like structures that could expose the inner mitochondrial membrane. It has been suggested that these pores allow the efflux of small proteins and even mitochondrial DNA. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge for mitochondrial BAX/BAK complexes and the interactions between these proteins and the membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wolf
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Axel Schoeniger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Frank Edlich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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5
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Bian C, Su J, Zheng Z, Wei J, Wang H, Meng L, Xin Y, Jiang X. ARTS, an unusual septin, regulates tumorigenesis by promoting apoptosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113281. [PMID: 35714512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113281] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis plays particularly important roles in tumorigenesis through various mechanisms. Apoptosis can be initiated by both extrinsic and intrinsic signals centered in and coming from the mitochondria. Antiapoptotic proteins promote tumor progression, and the occurrence and progression of tumors are closely related to antiapoptotic protein expression. As the only member of the septin gene family with proapoptotic function, apoptosis-related proteins in the TGF-β signaling pathway (ARTS) has received extensive attention for its unique structure. In contrast, unlike other known inhibitors of apoptosis protein (IAP) antagonists, ARTS exhibits a stronger tumor suppressor potential. Recent research has shown that ARTS can bind and inhibit XIAP and Bcl-2 directly or assist p53 in the degradation of Bcl-XL. Here, we review recent advances in the molecular mechanisms by which the proapoptotic protein ARTS, with its unique structure, inhibits tumorigenesis. We also discuss the possibility of mimicking ARTS to develop small-molecule drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenbin Bian
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Jing Su
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Jinlong Wei
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Xin Jiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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6
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Schroeder B, Vander Steen T, Espinoza I, Venkatapoorna CMK, Hu Z, Silva FM, Regan K, Cuyàs E, Meng XW, Verdura S, Arbusà A, Schneider PA, Flatten KS, Kemble G, Montero J, Kaufmann SH, Menendez JA, Lupu R. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) regulates the mitochondrial priming of cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:977. [PMID: 34675185 PMCID: PMC8531299 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN) have attracted much attention in the last decade as potential targeted cancer therapies. However, little is known about the molecular determinants of cancer cell sensitivity to FASN inhibitors (FASNis), which is a major roadblock to their therapeutic application. Here, we find that pharmacological starvation of endogenously produced FAs is a previously unrecognized metabolic stress that heightens mitochondrial apoptotic priming and favors cell death induction by BH3 mimetic inhibitors. Evaluation of the death decision circuits controlled by the BCL-2 family of proteins revealed that FASN inhibition is accompanied by the upregulation of the pro-death BH3-only proteins BIM, PUMA, and NOXA. Cell death triggered by FASN inhibition, which causally involves a palmitate/NADPH-related redox imbalance, is markedly diminished by concurrent loss of BIM or PUMA, suggesting that FASN activity controls cancer cell survival by fine-tuning the BH3 only proteins-dependent mitochondrial threshold for apoptosis. FASN inhibition results in a heightened mitochondrial apoptosis priming, shifting cells toward a primed-for-death state "addicted" to the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2. Accordingly, co-administration of a FASNi synergistically augments the apoptosis-inducing activity of the dual BCL-XL/BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-263 (navitoclax) and the BCL-2 specific BH3-mimetic ABT-199 (venetoclax). FASN inhibition, however, fails to sensitize breast cancer cells to MCL-1- and BCL-XL-selective inhibitors such as S63845 and A1331852. A human breast cancer xenograft model evidenced that oral administration of the only clinically available FASNi drastically sensitizes FASN-addicted breast tumors to ineffective single-agents navitoclax and venetoclax in vivo. In summary, a novel FASN-driven facet of the mitochondrial priming mechanistically links the redox-buffering mechanism of FASN activity to the intrinsic apoptotic threshold in breast cancer cells. Combining next-generation FASNis with BCL-2-specific BH3 mimetics that directly activate the apoptotic machinery might generate more potent and longer-lasting antitumor responses in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schroeder
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Heimholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1 D-85764 Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Travis Vander Steen
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ingrid Espinoza
- Department of Preventive Medicine, John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.,Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Chandra M Kurapaty Venkatapoorna
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospital Management, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Zeng Hu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Radiation Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Fernando Martín Silva
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin Regan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Elisabet Cuyàs
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute, 17190, Salt, Girona, Spain.,Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Metabolism & Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
| | - X Wei Meng
- Deparment of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Sara Verdura
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute, 17190, Salt, Girona, Spain.,Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Metabolism & Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
| | - Aina Arbusà
- Girona Biomedical Research Institute, 17190, Salt, Girona, Spain.,Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Metabolism & Cancer Group, Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007, Girona, Spain
| | | | - Karen S Flatten
- Deparment of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - George Kemble
- Sagimet Biosciences (formerly 3-V Biosciences), San Mateo, CA, 94402, USA
| | - Joan Montero
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Scott H Kaufmann
- Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.,Deparment of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Javier A Menendez
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. .,Girona Biomedical Research Institute, 17190, Salt, Girona, Spain.
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. .,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Laboratory, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Lipids modulate the BH3-independent membrane targeting and activation of BAX and Bcl-xL. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2025834118. [PMID: 34493661 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025834118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of apoptosis is tightly linked with the targeting of numerous Bcl-2 proteins to the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM), where their activation or inhibition dictates cell death or survival. According to the traditional view of apoptotic regulation, BH3-effector proteins are indispensable for the cytosol-to-MOM targeting and activation of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family. This view is challenged by recent studies showing that these processes can occur in cells lacking BH3 effectors by as yet to be determined mechanism(s). Here, we exploit a model membrane system that recapitulates key features of MOM to demonstrate that the proapoptotic Bcl-2 protein BAX and antiapoptotic Bcl-xL have an inherent ability to interact with membranes in the absence of BH3 effectors, but only in the presence of cellular concentrations of Mg2+/Ca2+ Under these conditions, BAX and Bcl-xL are selectively targeted to membranes, refolded, and activated in the presence of anionic lipids especially the mitochondrial-specific lipid cardiolipin. These results provide a mechanistic explanation for the mitochondrial targeting and activation of Bcl-2 proteins in cells lacking BH3 effectors. At cytosolic Mg2+ levels, the BH3-independent activation of BAX could provide localized amplification of apoptotic signaling at regions enriched in cardiolipin (e.g., contact sites between MOM and mitochondrial inner membrane). Increases in MOM cardiolipin, as well as cytosolic [Ca2+] during apoptosis could further contribute to its MOM targeting and activity. Meanwhile, the BH3-independent targeting and activation of Bcl-xL to the MOM is expected to counter the action of proapoptotic BAX, thereby preventing premature commitment to apoptosis.
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8
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Hazafa A, Batool A, Ahmad S, Amjad M, Chaudhry SN, Asad J, Ghuman HF, Khan HM, Naeem M, Ghani U. Humanin: A mitochondrial-derived peptide in the treatment of apoptosis-related diseases. Life Sci 2021; 264:118679. [PMID: 33130077 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Humanin (HN) is a small mitochondrial-derived cytoprotective polypeptide encoded by mtDNA. HN exhibits protective effects in several cell types, including leukocytes, germ cells, neurons, tissues against cellular stress conditions and apoptosis through regulating various signaling mechanisms, such as JAK/STAT pathway and interaction of BCL-2 family of protein. HN is an essential cytoprotective peptide in the human body that regulates mitochondrial functions under stress conditions. The present review aims to evaluate HN peptide's antiapoptotic activities as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of cancer, diabetes mellitus, male infertility, bone-related diseases, cardiac diseases, and brain diseases. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, HN significantly suppressed the apoptosis during the treatment of bone osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative diseases. According to accumulated data, it is concluded that HN exerts the proapoptotic activity of TNF-α in cancer, which makes HN as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer and suggested that along with HN, the development of another mitochondrial-derived peptide could be a viable therapeutic option against different oxidative stress and apoptosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Hazafa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan.
| | - Ammara Batool
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Ahmad
- Centre of Biotechnology & Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amjad
- Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sundas Nasir Chaudhry
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Jamal Asad
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Health Sciences Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hasham Feroz Ghuman
- Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | | | - Muhammad Naeem
- College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Usman Ghani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
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9
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Naumova N, Šachl R. Regulation of Cell Death by Mitochondrial Transport Systems of Calcium and Bcl-2 Proteins. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E299. [PMID: 33096926 PMCID: PMC7590060 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria represent the fundamental system for cellular energy metabolism, by not only supplying energy in the form of ATP, but also by affecting physiology and cell death via the regulation of calcium homeostasis and the activity of Bcl-2 proteins. A lot of research has recently been devoted to understanding the interplay between Bcl-2 proteins, the regulation of these interactions within the cell, and how these interactions lead to the changes in calcium homeostasis. However, the role of Bcl-2 proteins in the mediation of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, and therefore the induction of cell death pathways, remain underestimated and are still not well understood. In this review, we first summarize our knowledge about calcium transport systems in mitochondria, which, when miss-regulated, can induce necrosis. We continue by reviewing and analyzing the functions of Bcl-2 proteins in apoptosis. Finally, we link these two regulatory mechanisms together, exploring the interactions between the mitochondrial Ca2+ transport systems and Bcl-2 proteins, both capable of inducing cell death, with the potential to determine the cell death pathway-either the apoptotic or the necrotic one.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radek Šachl
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, 182 23 Prague, Czech Republic;
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10
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Shahar N, Larisch S. Inhibiting the inhibitors: Targeting anti-apoptotic proteins in cancer and therapy resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 52:100712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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11
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Peng F, Xiong L, Xie X, Tang H, Huang R, Peng C. Isoliquiritigenin Derivative Regulates miR-374a/BAX Axis to Suppress Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis and Development. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:378. [PMID: 32296334 PMCID: PMC7137655 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that accounts for the largest proportion of breast cancer-related deaths. Thus, it is imperative to search for novel drug candidates with potent anti-TNBC effects. Recent studies suggest that isoliquiritigenin (ISL) can significantly suppress the growth, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. We previously synthesized ISL derivatives and found that 3′,4′,5′,4″-tetramethoxychalcone (TMC) inhibits TNBC cell proliferation to a greater degree than ISL. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the anti-TNBC effects of TMC in vitro and in vivo. We show that TMC significantly inhibits the proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities of MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells. TMC induces apoptosis through the upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. PCR arrays demonstrate a significant decrease in miR-374a expression in TNBC cells after 24-h TMC treatment. MiR-374a is overexpressed in TNBC cells and has oncogenic properties. Real-time PCR analysis confirmed that TMC inhibits miR-374a in a dose-dependent manner, and luciferase assays confirmed that BAX is targeted by miR-374a. Further, we show that TMC increases Bax protein and mRNA levels by inhibiting miR-374a. TMC also attenuates TNBC tumor volumes and weights in vivo. These results demonstrate that TMC inhibits TNBC cell proliferation, foci formation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis, suggesting its potential to serve as a novel drug for treating TNBC through miR-374a repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Peng
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Cardiovascular Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruizhen Huang
- Cardiovascular Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Systematic Research of Distinctive Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Conformational Switching in Bcl-xL: Enabling Non-Canonic Inhibition of Apoptosis Involves Multiple Intermediates and Lipid Interactions. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030539. [PMID: 32111007 PMCID: PMC7140517 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of mitochondrial permeabilization by the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL is crucial for cell survival and homeostasis. Its inhibitory role requires the partitioning of Bcl-xL to the mitochondrial outer membrane from an inactive state in the cytosol, leading to its extensive refolding. The molecular mechanisms behind these events and the resulting conformations in the bilayer are unclear, and different models have been proposed to explain them. In the most recently proposed non-canonical model, the active form of Bcl-xL employs its N-terminal BH4 helix to bind and block its pro-apoptotic target. Here, we used a combination of various spectroscopic techniques to study the release of the BH4 helix (α1) during the membrane insertion of Bcl-xL. This refolding was characterized by a gradual increase in helicity due to the lipid-dependent partitioning-coupled folding and formation of new helix αX (presumably in the originally disordered loop between helices α1 and α2). Notably, a comparison of various fluorescence and circular dichroism measurements suggested the presence of multiple Bcl-xL conformations in the bilayer. This conclusion was explicitly confirmed by single-molecule measurements of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer from Alexa-Fluor-488-labeled Bcl-xL D189C to a mCherry fluorescent protein attached at the N-terminus. These measurements clearly indicated that the refolding of Bcl-xL in the bilayer is not a two-state transition and involves multiple membranous intermediates of variable compactness.
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