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Cahill KE, Morshed RA, Yamini B. Nuclear factor-κB in glioblastoma: insights into regulators and targeted therapy. Neuro Oncol 2015; 18:329-39. [PMID: 26534766 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor that regulates multiple aspects of cancer formation, growth, and treatment response. Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system, is characterized by molecular heterogeneity, resistance to therapy, and high NF-κB activity. In this review, we examine the mechanisms by which oncogenic pathways active in GBM impinge on the NF-κB system, discuss the role of NF-κB signaling in regulating the phenotypic properties that promote GBM and, finally, review the components of the NF-κB pathway that have been targeted for treatment in both preclinical studies and clinical trials. While a direct role for NF-κB in gliomagenesis has not been reported, the importance of this transcription factor in the overall malignant phenotype suggests that more rational and specific targeting of NF-κB-dependent pathways can make a significant contribution to the management of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk E Cahill
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ramin A Morshed
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bakhtiar Yamini
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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2
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Su J, Liu F, Xia M, Xu Y, Li X, Kang J, Li Y, Sun L. p62 participates in the inhibition of NF-κB signaling and apoptosis induced by sulfasalazine in human glioma U251 cells. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:235-43. [PMID: 25937318 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.3944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is constitutively activated in most malignant gliomas and is involved in cancer progression and drug resistance to chemotherapy. Sulfasalazine (SAS) is a classic inhibitor of NF-κB. Apoptosis and autophagy were induced by SAS accompanied by inhibition of NF-κB signaling in U251 cells. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA suppressed the effects of SAS on NF-κB signaling and apoptosis in U251 cells. Multifunctional scaffold protein p62 is well known as an autophagy marker protein and provides crosstalk for important signaling pathways, including NF-κB signaling. SAS-induced decrease in the p62 protein levels may be the result of degradation through autophagy. SAS induced the inhibition of NF-κB signaling and apoptosis at least partly via a p62-dependent effect in U251 cells. Collectively, our data shed light on the link between p62 and the NF-κB signaling pathway, particularly in glioma cells. The results may facilitate the design of more effective targeted therapies for the treatment of tumors in which NF-κB signaling is altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Su
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P.R. China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Nursing, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P.R. China
| | - Meihui Xia
- Department of Obstetrics, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P.R. China
| | - Ye Xu
- Medical Research Laboratory, Jilin Medical College, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoning Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jinsong Kang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yulin Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P.R. China
| | - Liankun Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P.R. China
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3
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Synergistic effects of eukaryotic coexpression plasmid carrying LKB1 and FUS1 genes on lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2014; 140:895-907. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-014-1607-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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4
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De la Garza-Ramos R, Flores-Rodríguez JV, Martínez-Gutiérrez JC, Ruiz-Valls A, Caro-Osorio E. Current standing and frontiers of gene therapy for meningiomas. Neurosurg Focus 2013; 35:E4. [DOI: 10.3171/2013.8.focus13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Meningiomas are among the most common intracranial tumors. The treatment of choice for these lesions is complete resection, but in 50% of cases it is not achieved due to tumor location and/or surgical morbidities. Moreover, benign meningiomas have high recurrence rates of up to 32% in long-term follow-up. Molecular analyses have begun to uncover the genetics behind meningiomas, giving rise to potential genetics-based treatments, including gene therapy. The authors performed a literature review on the most relevant genes associated with meningiomas and both current and potential gene therapy strategies to treat these tumors. Wild-type NF2 gene insertion, oncolytic viruses, and transfer of silencing RNA have all shown promising results both in vitro and in mice. These strategies have decreased meningioma cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis. However, no clinical trial has been done to date. Future research and trials in gene insertion, selective inhibition of oncogenes, and the use of oncolytic viruses, among other potential treatment approaches, may shape the future of meningioma management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Enrique Caro-Osorio
- 1Tecnológico de Monterrey School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- 3Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Tec Salud, Monterrey, Nuevo León, México; and
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5
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Liu T, Ye L, He Y, Chen X, Peng J, Zhang X, Yi H, Peng F, Leng A. Combination gene therapy using VEGF-shRNA and fusion suicide gene yCDglyTK inhibits gastric carcinoma growth. Exp Mol Pathol 2011; 91:745-52. [PMID: 21840308 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Clinical trials of suicide gene therapy have achieved limited success, which suggests a need for improvement. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the progression of cancers, which is greatly regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of VEGF siRNA in combination with fusion suicide gene yCDglyTK. Introduction of a VEGF-targeted small hairpin RNA (shVEGF) to CDTK/5-FC system could induce cell apoptosis more effectively and decrease micro vessel density in xenograft tissue, thus resulted in a significant tumor growth delay in SGC7901 xenografts. These findings for the first time suggest the potential of combination gene therapy using suicide gene therapy and anti-angiogenesis gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
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6
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Zhao X, Laver T, DeVos A, Twitty G, DeVos M, Benveniste EN, Nozell SE. An NF-κB p65-cIAP2 link is necessary for mediating resistance to TNF-α induced cell death in gliomas. J Neurooncol 2011; 102:367-81. [PMID: 21279667 PMCID: PMC3736577 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-010-0346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are diffusively infiltrative and remain among the deadliest of all cancers. NF-κB is a transcription factor that mediates cell growth, migration and invasion, angiogenesis and resistance to apoptosis. Normally, the activity of NF-κB is tightly regulated by numerous mechanisms. However, in many cancers, NF-κB is constitutively activated and may function as a tumor promoter. Herein, we show that in gliomas, NF-κB is constitutively activated and the levels of cIAP2, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Survivin are elevated. These genes are regulated by NF-κB and can inhibit apoptosis. To understand the potential role of NF-κB p65 in suppressing apoptosis, we generated human glioma cell lines that inducibly express shRNA molecules specific for p65. We demonstrate that in the absence of p65, TNF-α induced cIAP2 expression is significantly reduced while the levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Survivin are not affected. These data suggest that of these genes, only cIAP2 is a direct target of p65, which was confirmed using RT-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. By reducing the levels of p65 and/or cIAP2 levels, we demonstrate that the levels of RIP poly-ubiquitination are reduced, and that p65-deficient glioma cells are more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of TNF-α. Specifically, in the presence of TNF-α glioma cells lacking p65 and/or cIAP2 showed cellular proliferation defects and underwent cell death. These data suggest that NF-κB and/or cIAP2 may be therapeutically relevant targets for the treatment of malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annelies DeVos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0005
| | - George Twitty
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0005
| | - Marijke DeVos
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0005
| | - Etty N. Benveniste
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0005
| | - Susan E. Nozell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0005
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7
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van Putten EH, Dirven CM, van den Bent MJ, Lamfers ML. Sitimagene ceradenovec: a gene-based drug for the treatment of operable high-grade glioma. Future Oncol 2011; 6:1691-710. [PMID: 21142657 DOI: 10.2217/fon.10.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of gene therapy for malignant glioma has made important advances since the first gene transfer studies were performed 20 years ago. Multiple Phase I/II trials and two Phase III trials have been performed and have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of intratumoral vector delivery in the brain. Sitimagene ceradenovec is an adenoviral vector encoding the herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene, developed by Ark Therapeutics Group plc (UK and Finland) for the treatment of patients with operable high-grade glioma. In preclinical and Phase I/II clinical studies, sitimagene ceradenovec exhibited a significant increase in survival. Although the preliminary results of a Phase III clinical study demonstrated a significant positive effect of sitimagene ceradenovec treatment on time to reintervention or death when compared with standard care treatment (hazard ratio: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.06-1.93; p < 0.05), the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use did not consider the data to provide sufficient evidence of clinical benefit. Further clinical evaluation, powered to demonstrate a benefit on a robust end point, is required. This article focuses on sitimagene ceradenovec and provides an overview of the developments in the field of gene therapy for malignant glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hp van Putten
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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8
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White E, Bienemann A, Megraw L, Bunnun C, Gill S. Evaluation and optimization of the administration of a selectively replicating herpes simplex viral vector to the brain by convection-enhanced delivery. Cancer Gene Ther 2011; 18:358-69. [PMID: 21372854 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2011.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The direct intraparenchymal administration of oncolytic viral vectors by convection-enhanced delivery (CED) represents a promising new treatment strategy for malignant gliomas. However, there is no evidence to suggest that oncolytic viruses as large as herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) can be administered by CED, as this has not been systematically examined in an animal model. In this study, the administration of a herpes simplex viral vector, HSV1, has been evaluated in detail in the gray and white matter of both rat and pig models, using high flow-rate infusions, co-infusing heparin or preinfusing the tissue with an isotonic albumin solution. Rat HSV-1 infusions at both slow (0.5 μl min(-1)) and high infusion rates (2.5 μl min(-1)) led to extensive tissue damage and negligible cell transduction. Co-infusion with heparin led to extensive hemorrhage. Preinfusion of tissue with an isotonic albumin solution facilitated widespread vector distribution and cell transduction in white matter only. Using this approach in pig brain led to widespread vector distribution with extensive transduction of astrocytes and activated microglia. In rat brain, enhanced green fluorescent protein expression peaked 48 h after vector administration and was associated with a vigorous immune response. These findings indicate that direct infusions of HSV-1-based viral vectors into the brain lead to minimal vector distribution, negligible cell transduction and extensive damage. Tissue preinfusion with an isotonic solution prior to vector administration represents an effective technique for achieving widespread HSV-1 distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- E White
- Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK
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9
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Hu W, Liu W. Side populations of glioblastoma cells are less sensitive to HSV-TK/GCV suicide gene therapy system than the non-side population. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2010; 46:497-501. [PMID: 20135358 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-010-9274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Side populations of glioblastoma cells are resistant to chemotherapy basically due to ABCG2-mediated efflux of small-molecule drugs. The herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase/ganciclovir suicide gene therapy system is one of the best-characterized strategies for malignant tumors including glioblastoma. Since this system involves a small-molecule drug ganciclovir, we wonder if glioblastoma side population cells are able to "pump out" ganciclovir and thus resistant to this suicide gene therapy. By 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay, we found that side populations are more resistant to this system than non-side populations. By flow cytometry and competition assay, we found that ganciclovir is a substrate for ABCG2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China,
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10
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Park SY, Lee W, Lee J, Kim IS. Combination gene therapy using multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene shRNA and herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase. Cancer Lett 2007; 261:205-14. [PMID: 18096314 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2007.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2007] [Revised: 11/10/2007] [Accepted: 11/13/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The current study was designed to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of MDR1 shRNA in combination with herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-tk/GCV) suicide gene therapy system. Introduction of an MDR1-targeted small hairpin RNA (shMDR) markedly enhanced the intracellular accumulation of and increased sensitivity to drugs transported by P-glycoprotein. Functional TK-eGFP fusion protein expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis and ganciclovir uptake assay. Compared with GCV or doxorubicin alone, the combination of anti-cancer drug chemotherapy with GCV administration displays additive cytotoxicity in shMDR1-TK-eGFP expressing cells. These results for the first time suggest the potential of combination gene therapy using suicide gene therapy and RNAi-based gene therapy in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Yoon Park
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Kyungju 780-714, Republic of Korea
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11
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Portsmouth D, Hlavaty J, Renner M. Suicide genes for cancer therapy. Mol Aspects Med 2007; 28:4-41. [PMID: 17306358 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2006.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2006] [Accepted: 12/18/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The principle of using suicide genes for gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) of cancer has gained increasing significance during the 20 years since its inception. The astute application of suitable GDEPT systems should permit tumour ablation in the absence of off-target toxicity commonly associated with classical chemotherapy, a hypothesis which is supported by encouraging results in a multitude of pre-clinical animal models. This review provides a clear explanation of the rationale behind the GDEPT principle, outlining the advantages and limitations of different GDEPT strategies with respect to the roles of the bystander effect, the immune system and the selectivity of the activated prodrug in contributing to their therapeutic efficacy. An in-depth analysis of the most widely used suicide gene/prodrug combinations is presented, including details of the latest advances in enzyme and prodrug optimisation and results from the most recent clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Portsmouth
- Research Institute for Virology and Biomedicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Olivier S, Robe P, Bours V. Can NF-κB be a target for novel and efficient anti-cancer agents? Biochem Pharmacol 2006; 72:1054-68. [PMID: 16973133 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2006.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2006] [Revised: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/24/2006] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the NF-kappaB transcription factor in 1986 and the cloning of the genes coding for NF-kappaB and IkappaB proteins, many studies demonstrated that this transcription factor can, in most cases, protect transformed cells from apoptosis and therefore participate in the onset or progression of many human cancers. Molecular studies demonstrated that ancient widely used drugs, known for their chemopreventive or therapeutic activities against human cancers, inhibit NF-kappaB, usually among other biological effects. It is therefore considered that the anti-cancer activities of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or glucocorticoids are probably partially related to the inhibition of NF-kappaB and new clinical trials are being initiated with old compounds such as sulfasalazine. In parallel, many companies have developed novel agents acting on the NF-kappaB pathway: some of these agents are supposed to be NF-kappaB specific (i.e. IKK inhibitors) while others have wide-range biological activities (i.e. proteasome inhibitors). Today, the most significant clinical data have been obtained with bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, for the treatment of multiple myeloma. This review discusses the preclinical and clinical data obtained with these various drugs and their putative future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Olivier
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre for Biomedical Integrative Genoproteomics, University of Liège, CHU B35, Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Cutter JL, Kurozumi K, Chiocca EA, Kaur B. Gene therapeutics: the future of brain tumor therapy? Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2006; 6:1053-64. [PMID: 16831077 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.6.7.1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Primary glioblastoma multiforme is an aggressive brain tumor that has no cure. Current treatments include gross resection of the tumor, radiation and chemotherapy. Despite valiant efforts, prognosis remains dismal. A promising new technique involves the use of oncolytic viruses that can specifically replicate and lyse in cancers, without spreading to normal tissues. Currently, these are being tested in relevant preclinical models and clinical trials as a therapeutic modality for many types of cancer. Results from recent clinical trials with oncolytic viruses have revealed the safety of this approach, although evidence for efficacy remains elusive. Oncolytic viral strategies are summarized in this review, with a focus on therapies used in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Cutter
- Dardinger Laboratory for Neuro-Oncology and Neurosciences, Department of Neurological Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University Medical Center, 410 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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14
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Konson A, Mahajna JA, Danon A, Rimon G, Agbaria R. The involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B in cyclooxygenase-2 overexpression in murine colon cancer cells transduced with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene. Cancer Gene Ther 2006; 13:1093-104. [PMID: 16841079 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that transduction of murine colon cancer cells (MC38) with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene results in a significant enhancement of tumor growth rate in vivo and overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Our current study aimed to investigate the involvement of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), a pivotal transcriptional regulator of COX-2, in the upregulation of COX-2 expression by HSV-tk. It was found that HSV-tk gene transduction of MC38 cells results in significantly enhanced NF-kappaB activity, increased phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor-kappa Balpha (IkappaBalpha) and enhanced translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus. Treatment of HSV-tk-transduced MC38 cells with sulfasalazine, a potent NF-kappaB inhibitor, led to dose-dependent inhibition of NF-kappaB activity, IkappaB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, accompanied by significantly decreased COX-2 expression and reduced release of prostaglandin E2. Transient transfection experiments with COX-2 promoter constructs fused to luciferase reporter gene revealed that mutation in NF-kappaB-responsive element of COX-2 promoter significantly reduced promoter activity in HSV-tk-transduced MC38 and COS-7 cells, whereas it had no effect on promoter activity in the respective wild-type cells. At last, it was found that HSV-tk gene transduction causes significant enhancement of NF-kappaB activity and COX-2 expression in two additional tumor cell lines, 9L and T24. These findings suggest that HSV-tk gene transduction results in NF-kappaB pathway activation, which is essential for COX-2 overexpression by HSV-tk.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Konson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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15
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Abstract
Cancer remains a serious threat to human health, causing over 500 000 deaths each year in US alone, exceeded only by heart diseases. Many new technologies are being developed to fight cancer, among which are gene therapies and oncolytic virotherapies. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic DNA virus with many favorable properties both as a delivery vector for cancer therapeutic genes and as a backbone for oncolytic viruses. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is highly infectious, so HSV-1 vectors are efficient vehicles for the delivery of exogenous genetic materials to cells. The inherent cytotoxicity of this virus, if harnessed and made to be selective by genetic manipulations, makes this virus a good candidate for developing viral oncolytic approach. Furthermore, its large genome size, ability to infect cells with a high degree of efficiency, and the presence of an inherent replication controlling mechanism, the thymidine kinase gene, add to its potential capabilities. This review briefly summarizes the biology of HSV-1, examines various strategies that have been used to genetically modify the virus, and discusses preclinical as well as clinical results of the HSV-1-derived vectors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Shen
- Mary Crowley Medical Research Center, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
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