1
|
Luo C, Chen G, Li R, Peng S, Zhang P, Wang F, Yu S, Zhu Y, Zhang J. Juglone suppresses vasculogenic mimicry in glioma through inhibition of HuR-mediated VEGF-A expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116458. [PMID: 39102993 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116458] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) serves as a vascular-like channel that provides important substances for tumor growth and is a primary factor in glioblastoma (GBM) drug resistance. Human Antigen R (HuR)-an mRNA-binding protein-is highly expressed in GBM, closely related to tumor progression, and deemed a potential drug target. Although some small-molecule compounds have been identified to disrupt HuR binding to target mRNA, they remain in the preclinical research stage, suggesting the need for further validation and development of HuR inhibitors. In our study, we aim to screen for potential HuR inhibitors and investigate their efficacy and molecular mechanisms in GBM. We employed the fluorescence polarization method to identify HuR inhibitors from a natural compound library, confirming the efficacy of juglone in effectively inhibiting the binding of HuR to AREVegf-a. Further validation of the binding of juglone to HuR at the protein level was conducted through electrophoretic mobility shift analysis, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular docking. Furthermore, juglone demonstrated inhibitory effects on glioma growth and VM formation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it was observed that juglone reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting the VEGF-A/VEGFR2/AKT/SNAIL signaling pathway. Finally, we established the capability of juglone to target HuR in U251 cells through HuR knockdown, mRNA stability, and cell thermal shift assays. Therefore, this study identifies juglone as a novel HuR inhibitor, potentially offering promise as a lead compound for anti-VM therapy in GBM by targeting HuR. Abbreviations: AKT, protein kinase B; ARE, adenine-and uridine-rich elements; CETSA, cellular thermal shift assay; DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium; ELISA, enzyme linked immune sorbent assay; EMSA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay; EMT, epithelial mesenchymal transition; FP, fluorescence polarization; GBM, glioblastoma; HTS, high-throughput screening; HuR, human antigen R; IF, Immunofluorescence; PAS, periodic acid-Schiff; PI3K, phosphoinositide-3 kinase; qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR; RRMs, RNA recognition motifs; SPR, surface plasmon resonance. TMZ, temozolomide; VM, vasculogenic mimicry; VEGF-A, Vascular endothelial growth factor-A; VEGFR2, Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunying Luo
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guzhou Chen
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruixiang Li
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shoujiao Peng
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feiyun Wang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shaopeng Yu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuying Zhu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jiange Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li F, Li W. Readers of RNA Modification in Cancer and Their Anticancer Inhibitors. Biomolecules 2024; 14:881. [PMID: 39062595 PMCID: PMC11275166 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070881] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment has always been a challenge for humanity. The inadequacies of current technologies underscore the limitations of our efforts against this disease. Nevertheless, the advent of targeted therapy has introduced a promising avenue, furnishing us with more efficacious tools. Consequently, researchers have turned their attention toward epigenetics, offering a novel perspective in this realm. The investigation of epigenetics has brought RNA readers to the forefront, as they play pivotal roles in recognizing and regulating RNA functions. Recently, the development of inhibitors targeting these RNA readers has emerged as a focal point in research and holds promise for further strides in targeted therapy. In this review, we comprehensively summarize various types of inhibitors targeting RNA readers, including non-coding RNA (ncRNA) inhibitors, small-molecule inhibitors, and other potential inhibitors. We systematically elucidate their mechanisms in suppressing cancer progression by inhibiting readers, aiming to present inhibitors of readers at the current stage and provide more insights into the development of anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjin Li
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cocchi S, Greco V, Sidarovich V, Vigna J, Broso F, Corallo D, Zasso J, Re A, Rosatti EF, Longhi S, Defant A, Ladu F, Sanna V, Adami V, D’Agostino VG, Sturlese M, Sechi M, Aveic S, Mancini I, Sighel D, Quattrone A. EGCG Disrupts the LIN28B/Let-7 Interaction and Reduces Neuroblastoma Aggressiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4795. [PMID: 38732012 PMCID: PMC11084668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094795] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most commonly diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children, accounting for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Although the 5-year survival rate of patients with a high-risk disease has increased in recent decades, NB remains a challenge in pediatric oncology, and the identification of novel potential therapeutic targets and agents is an urgent clinical need. The RNA-binding protein LIN28B has been identified as an oncogene in NB and is associated with a poor prognosis. Given that LIN28B acts by negatively regulating the biogenesis of the tumor suppressor let-7 miRNAs, we reasoned that selective interference with the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction would increase let-7 miRNA levels, ultimately leading to reduced NB aggressiveness. Here, we selected (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) out of 4959 molecules screened as the molecule with the best inhibitory activity on LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction and showed that treatment with PLC/PLGA-PEG nanoparticles containing EGCG (EGCG-NPs) led to an increase in mature let-7 miRNAs and a consequent inhibition of NB cell growth. In addition, EGCG-NP pretreatment reduced the tumorigenic potential of NB cells in vivo. These experiments suggest that the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA axis is a good therapeutic target in NB and that EGCG, which can interfere with this interaction, deserves further preclinical evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cocchi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Viktoryia Sidarovich
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Jacopo Vigna
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Francesca Broso
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Diana Corallo
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Zasso
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Angela Re
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Emanuele Filiberto Rosatti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Sara Longhi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Andrea Defant
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Federico Ladu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.L.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Valentina Adami
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Vito G. D’Agostino
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35127 Padova, Italy;
| | - Mario Sechi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Ines Mancini
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Denise Sighel
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saluja S, Bansal I, Bhardwaj R, Beg MS, Palanichamy JK. Inflammation as a driver of hematological malignancies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347402. [PMID: 38571491 PMCID: PMC10987768 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that produces all adult blood cells and immune cells from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs usually remain quiescent, and in the presence of external stimuli like infection or inflammation, they undergo division and differentiation as a compensatory mechanism. Normal hematopoiesis is impacted by systemic inflammation, which causes HSCs to transition from quiescence to emergency myelopoiesis. At the molecular level, inflammatory cytokine signaling molecules such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferons, interleukins, and toll-like receptors can all cause HSCs to multiply directly. These cytokines actively encourage HSC activation, proliferation, and differentiation during inflammation, which results in the generation and activation of immune cells required to combat acute injury. The bone marrow niche provides numerous soluble and stromal cell signals, which are essential for maintaining normal homeostasis and output of the bone marrow cells. Inflammatory signals also impact this bone marrow microenvironment called the HSC niche to regulate the inflammatory-induced hematopoiesis. Continuous pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine activation can have detrimental effects on the hematopoietic system, which can lead to cancer development, HSC depletion, and bone marrow failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA and ultimately lead to the transformation of HSCs into cancerous cells, are produced due to chronic inflammation. The biological elements of the HSC niche produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause clonal growth and the development of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in hematological malignancies. The processes underlying how inflammation affects hematological malignancies are still not fully understood. In this review, we emphasize the effects of inflammation on normal hematopoiesis, the part it plays in the development and progression of hematological malignancies, and potential therapeutic applications for targeting these pathways for therapy in hematological malignancies.
Collapse
|
5
|
Chan PW, Yu H, Hsu CH, Liu CY. Characteristics of early short-term traditional Chinese medicine in breast cancer patients: A population-based cohort study. J Chin Med Assoc 2024; 87:70-78. [PMID: 37962411 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000001019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is frequently utilized as a complementary therapy for breast cancer patients. TCM primarily involves the use of Chinese herbal products (CHPs), which consist of single or multiherb formulas with diverse therapeutic effects documented in medical classics. The study aims to investigate the association between medication possession ratios to CHPs within 2-year post breast cancer diagnosis and 5-year survival, to explore the potential beneficial class effect of TCM. METHODS This retrospective population-based cohort study included newly diagnosed breast cancer patients between 2003 and 2006, identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis were utilized to assess the likelihood of medication possession ratios (MPRs) for CHPs and to examine the association of variables with 5-year survival. RESULTS A total of 3472 patients with breast cancer were included. Patients who had MPR of 1% to 9% and 10% to 19% for CHPs within 2 years after breast cancer diagnosis exhibited better 5-year survival rates compared with those who did not use CHPs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.86, p = 0.001; aHR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.88, p = 0.016). Furthermore, the use of TCM formulations specifically targeting insomnia, such as Tian-wang-bu-xin-dan and Suan-zao-ren-tang, demonstrated a significantly positive association with survival (aHR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.98, p = 0.035) among patients who were short-term users of CHPs (MPR of 1% to 19%). CONCLUSION Short-term use of TCM (ie, MPR to CHPs 1~19%) within 2-year post breast cancer diagnosis present positive association with survival outcome. Tian-wang-bu-xin-dan and Suan-zao-ren-tang may have benefits to 5-year survival, but their causality still need further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pi-Wei Chan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chung-Hua Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Branch of Linsen, Chinese Medicine, and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Yu Liu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li A, Bouhss A, Clément MJ, Bauvais C, Taylor JP, Bollot G, Pastré D. Using the structural diversity of RNA: protein interfaces to selectively target RNA with small molecules in cells: methods and perspectives. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1298441. [PMID: 38033386 PMCID: PMC10687564 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1298441] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, RNA has gained traction both as a therapeutic molecule and as a therapeutic target in several human pathologies. In this review, we consider the approach of targeting RNA using small molecules for both research and therapeutic purposes. Given the primary challenge presented by the low structural diversity of RNA, we discuss the potential for targeting RNA: protein interactions to enhance the structural and sequence specificity of drug candidates. We review available tools and inherent challenges in this approach, ranging from adapted bioinformatics tools to in vitro and cellular high-throughput screening and functional analysis. We further consider two critical steps in targeting RNA/protein interactions: first, the integration of in silico and structural analyses to improve the efficacy of molecules by identifying scaffolds with high affinity, and second, increasing the likelihood of identifying on-target compounds in cells through a combination of high-throughput approaches and functional assays. We anticipate that the development of a new class of molecules targeting RNA: protein interactions to prevent physio-pathological mechanisms could significantly expand the arsenal of effective therapeutic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aixiao Li
- Synsight, Genopole Entreprises, Evry, France
| | - Ahmed Bouhss
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Clément
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | | | - J. Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | | | - David Pastré
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Finan JM, Sutton TL, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR in Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3507-3516. [PMID: 37683260 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is a well-established regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Its dysregulation has been implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer, HuR is considered "active" when it shows increased subcellular localization in the cytoplasm, in addition to its normal nuclear localization. Cytoplasmic HuR plays a crucial role in stabilizing and enhancing the translation of prosurvival mRNAs that are involved in stress responses relevant to cancer progression, such as hypoxia, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In general, due to HuR's abundance and function in cancer cells compared with normal cells, it is an appealing target for oncology research. Exploiting the principles underlying HuR's role in tumorigenesis and resistance to stressors, targeting HuR has the potential for synergy with existing and novel oncologic therapies. This review aims to explore HuR's role in homeostasis and cancer pathophysiology, as well as current targeting strategies, which include silencing HuR expression, preventing its translocation and dimerization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and inhibiting mRNA binding. Furthermore, this review will discuss recent studies investigating the potential synergy between HuR inhibition and traditional chemotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Finan
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas L Sutton
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Joseph BP, Weber V, Knüpfer L, Giorgetti A, Alfonso-Prieto M, Krauß S, Carloni P, Rossetti G. Low Molecular Weight Inhibitors Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13127. [PMID: 37685931 PMCID: PMC10488267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713127] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. This protein has been progressively recognized as a relevant therapeutic target for several pathologies, like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as inflammation. Inhibitors of mRNA binding to HuR might thus be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Here, we present the rational identification of structurally novel HuR inhibitors. In particular, by combining chemoinformatic approaches, high-throughput virtual screening, and RNA-protein pulldown assays, we demonstrate that the 4-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)benzoate ligand exhibits a dose-dependent HuR inhibition effect in binding experiments. Importantly, the chemical scaffold is new with respect to the currently known HuR inhibitors, opening up a new avenue for the design of pharmaceutical agents targeting this important protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Philipp Joseph
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Verena Weber
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa Knüpfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
| | - Sybille Krauß
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 44517 Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Salvato I, Ricciardi L, Dal Col J, Nigro A, Giurato G, Memoli D, Sellitto A, Lamparelli EP, Crescenzi MA, Vitale M, Vatrella A, Nucera F, Brun P, Caicci F, Dama P, Stiff T, Castellano L, Idrees S, Johansen MD, Faiz A, Wark PA, Hansbro PM, Adcock IM, Caramori G, Stellato C. Expression of targets of the RNA-binding protein AUF-1 in human airway epithelium indicates its role in cellular senescence and inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192028. [PMID: 37483631 PMCID: PMC10360199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The RNA-binding protein AU-rich-element factor-1 (AUF-1) participates to posttranscriptional regulation of genes involved in inflammation and cellular senescence, two pathogenic mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Decreased AUF-1 expression was described in bronchiolar epithelium of COPD patients versus controls and in vitro cytokine- and cigarette smoke-challenged human airway epithelial cells, prompting the identification of epithelial AUF-1-targeted transcripts and function, and investigation on the mechanism of its loss. Results RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (RIP-Seq) identified, in the human airway epithelial cell line BEAS-2B, 494 AUF-1-bound mRNAs enriched in their 3'-untranslated regions for a Guanine-Cytosine (GC)-rich binding motif. AUF-1 association with selected transcripts and with a synthetic GC-rich motif were validated by biotin pulldown. AUF-1-targets' steady-state levels were equally affected by partial or near-total AUF-1 loss induced by cytomix (TNFα/IL1β/IFNγ/10 nM each) and siRNA, respectively, with differential transcript decay rates. Cytomix-mediated decrease in AUF-1 levels in BEAS-2B and primary human small-airways epithelium (HSAEC) was replicated by treatment with the senescence- inducer compound etoposide and associated with readouts of cell-cycle arrest, increase in lysosomal damage and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, and with AUF-1 transfer in extracellular vesicles, detected by transmission electron microscopy and immunoblotting. Extensive in-silico and genome ontology analysis found, consistent with AUF-1 functions, enriched RIP-Seq-derived AUF-1-targets in COPD-related pathways involved in inflammation, senescence, gene regulation and also in the public SASP proteome atlas; AUF-1 target signature was also significantly represented in multiple transcriptomic COPD databases generated from primary HSAEC, from lung tissue and from single-cell RNA-sequencing, displaying a predominant downregulation of expression. Discussion Loss of intracellular AUF-1 may alter posttranscriptional regulation of targets particularly relevant for protection of genomic integrity and gene regulation, thus concurring to airway epithelial inflammatory responses related to oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Exosomal-associated AUF-1 may in turn preserve bound RNA targets and sustain their function, participating to spreading of inflammation and senescence to neighbouring cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Salvato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Ricciardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Jessica Dal Col
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Annunziata Nigro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Domenico Memoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Erwin Pavel Lamparelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Crescenzi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Monica Vitale
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco Nucera
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Paola Dama
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Stiff
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Castellano
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Sobia Idrees
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matt D. Johansen
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alen Faiz
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter A. Wark
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Immune Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian M. Adcock
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gaetano Caramori
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry and Morphological and Functional Imaging (BIOMORF), University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristiana Stellato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry ‘Scuola Medica Salernitana’, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vujovic A, de Rooij L, Chahi AK, Chen HT, Yee BA, Loganathan SK, Liu L, Chan DC, Tajik A, Tsao E, Moreira S, Joshi P, Xu J, Wong N, Balde Z, Jahangiri S, Zandi S, Aigner S, Dick JE, Minden MD, Schramek D, Yeo GW, Hope KJ. In Vivo Screening Unveils Pervasive RNA-Binding Protein Dependencies in Leukemic Stem Cells and Identifies ELAVL1 as a Therapeutic Target. Blood Cancer Discov 2023; 4:180-207. [PMID: 36763002 PMCID: PMC10150294 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-22-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is fueled by leukemic stem cells (LSC) whose determinants are challenging to discern from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or uncover by approaches focused on general cell properties. We have identified a set of RNA-binding proteins (RBP) selectively enriched in human AML LSCs. Using an in vivo two-step CRISPR-Cas9 screen to assay stem cell functionality, we found 32 RBPs essential for LSCs in MLL-AF9;NrasG12D AML. Loss-of-function approaches targeting key hit RBP ELAVL1 compromised LSC-driven in vivo leukemic reconstitution, and selectively depleted primitive malignant versus healthy cells. Integrative multiomics revealed differentiation, splicing, and mitochondrial metabolism as key features defining the leukemic ELAVL1-mRNA interactome with mitochondrial import protein, TOMM34, being a direct ELAVL1-stabilized target whose repression impairs AML propagation. Altogether, using a stem cell-adapted in vivo CRISPR screen, this work demonstrates pervasive reliance on RBPs as regulators of LSCs and highlights their potential as therapeutic targets in AML. SIGNIFICANCE LSC-targeted therapies remain a significant unmet need in AML. We developed a stem-cell-adapted in vivo CRISPR screen to identify key LSC drivers. We uncover widespread RNA-binding protein dependencies in LSCs, including ELAVL1, which we identify as a novel therapeutic vulnerability through its regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 171.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vujovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura de Rooij
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ava Keyvani Chahi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - He Tian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Brian A. Yee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sampath K. Loganathan
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lina Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Derek C.H. Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Amanda Tajik
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Emily Tsao
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Steven Moreira
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pratik Joshi
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joshua Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Nicholas Wong
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zaldy Balde
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Soheil Jahangiri
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sasan Zandi
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefan Aigner
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - John E. Dick
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark D. Minden
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Schramek
- Centre for Molecular and Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gene W. Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kristin J. Hope
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bertoldo JB, Müller S, Hüttelmaier S. RNA-binding proteins in cancer drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103580. [PMID: 37031812 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are crucial players in tumorigenesis and, hence, promising targets in cancer drug discovery. However, they are largely regarded as 'undruggable', because of the often noncatalytic and complex interactions between protein and RNA, which limit the discovery of specific inhibitors. Nonetheless, over the past 10 years, drug discovery efforts have uncovered RBP inhibitors with clinical relevance, highlighting the disruption of RNA-protein networks as a promising avenue for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the role of structurally distinct RBPs in cancer, and the mechanisms of RBP-directed small-molecule inhibitors (SMOIs) focusing on drug-protein interactions, binding surfaces, potency, and translational potential. Additionally, we underline the limitations of RBP-targeting drug discovery assays and comment on future trends in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean B Bertoldo
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Müller
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guha A, Husain MA, Si Y, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Promer G, Smith R, King PH. RNA regulation of inflammatory responses in glia and its potential as a therapeutic target in central nervous system disorders. Glia 2023; 71:485-508. [PMID: 36380708 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A major hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia and astrocytes with the induction of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6. Neuroinflammation contributes to disease progression in a plethora of neurological disorders ranging from acute CNS trauma to chronic neurodegenerative disease. Posttranscriptional pathways of mRNA stability and translational efficiency are major drivers for the expression of these inflammatory mediators. A common element in this level of regulation centers around the adenine- and uridine-rich element (ARE) which is present in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the mRNAs encoding these inflammatory mediators. (ARE)-binding proteins (AUBPs) such as Human antigen R (HuR), Tristetraprolin (TTP) and KH- type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) are key nodes for directing these posttranscriptional pathways and either promote (HuR) or suppress (TTP and KSRP) glial production of inflammatory mediators. This review will discuss basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and its impact on glial-driven neuroinflammatory diseases. We will discuss strategies to target this novel level of gene regulation for therapeutic effect and review exciting preliminary studies that underscore its potential for treating neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammed Amir Husain
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Grace Promer
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Birmingham Department of Veterans Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sorge RE, Si Y, Norian LA, Guha A, Moore GE, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Yang X, Smith R, Chellappan R, King PH. Inhibition of the RNA Regulator HuR by SRI-42127 Attenuates Neuropathic Pain After Nerve Injury Through Suppression of Neuroinflammatory Responses. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1649-1661. [PMID: 35864415 PMCID: PMC9606176 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial activation with the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, is a major driver of neuropathic pain (NP) following peripheral nerve injury. We have previously shown that the RNA binding protein, HuR, is a positive node of regulation for many of these inflammatory mediators in glia and that its chemical inhibition or genetic deletion attenuates their production. In this report, we show that systemic administration of SRI-42127, a novel small molecule HuR inhibitor, attenuates mechanical allodynia, a hallmark of NP, in the early and chronic phases after spared nerve injury in male and female mice. Flow cytometry of lumbar spinal cords in SRI-42127-treated mice shows a reduction in infiltrating macrophages and a concomitant decrease in microglial populations expressing IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and CCL2. Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and qPCR of lumbar spinal cord tissue indicate suppression of these cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. ELISA of plasma samples in the acute phase also shows attenuation of inflammatory responses. In summary, inhibition of HuR by SRI-42127 leads to the suppression of neuroinflammatory responses and allodynia after nerve injury and represents a promising new direction in the treatment of NP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Sorge
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Lyse A Norian
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Abhishek Guha
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Grace E Moore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rajeshwari Chellappan
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Civitan 545C, 1719 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
- Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Majumder M, Chakraborty P, Mohan S, Mehrotra S, Palanisamy V. HuR as a molecular target for cancer therapeutics and immune-related disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114442. [PMID: 35817212 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The control of eukaryotic gene expression occurs at multiple levels, from transcription to messenger RNA processing, transport, localization, turnover, and translation. RNA-binding proteins control gene expression and are involved in different stages of mRNA processing, including splicing, maturation, turnover, and translation. A ubiquitously expressed RBP Human antigen R is engaged in the RNA processes mentioned above but, most importantly, controls mRNA stability and turnover. Dysregulation of HuR is linked to many diseases, including cancer and other immune-related disorders. HuR targets mRNAs containing AU-rich elements at their 3'untranslated region, which encodes proteins involved in cell growth, proliferation, tumor formation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, inflammation, invasion, and metastasis. HuR overexpression has been reported in many tumor types, which led to a poor prognosis for patients. Hence, HuR is considered an appealing drug target for cancer treatment. Therefore, multiple attempts have been made to identify small molecule inhibitors for blocking HuR functions. This article reviews the current prospects of drugs that target HuR in numerous cancer types, their mode of action, and off-target effects. Furthermore, we will summarize drugs that interfered with HuR-RNA interactions and established themselves as novel therapeutics. We will also highlight the significance of HuR overexpression in multiple cancers and discuss its role in immune functions. This review provides evidence of a new era of HuR-targeted small molecules that can be used for cancer therapeutics either as a monotherapy or in combination with other cancer treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoyee Majumder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Paramita Chakraborty
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sarumathi Mohan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Shikhar Mehrotra
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li W, Huang T, Xu S, Che B, Yu Y, Zhang W, Tang K. Molecular Mechanism of Tanshinone against Prostate Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175594. [PMID: 36080361 PMCID: PMC9457553 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor of the male urinary system in Europe and America. According to the data in the World Cancer Report 2020, the incidence rate of PCa ranks second in the prevalence of male malignant tumors and varies worldwide between regions and population groups. Although early PCa can achieve good therapeutic results after surgical treatment, due to advanced PCa, it can adapt and tolerate androgen castration-related drugs through a variety of mechanisms. For this reason, it is often difficult to achieve effective therapeutic results in the treatment of advanced PCa. Tanshinone is a new fat-soluble phenanthraquinone compound derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza that can play a therapeutic role in different cancers, including PCa. Several studies have shown that Tanshinone can target various molecular pathways of PCa, including the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, androgen receptor (AR) pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which will affect the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and affect cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor metabolism, genomic stability, and tumor drug resistance. Thus, the occurrence and development of PCa cells are inhibited. In this review, we summarized the in vivo and in vitro evidence of Tanshinone against prostate cancer and discussed the effect of Tanshinone on nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), AR, and mTOR. At the same time, we conducted a network pharmacology analysis on the four main components of Tanshinone to further screen the possible targets of Tanshinone against prostate cancer and provide ideas for future research.
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen Y, Qin H, Zheng L. Research progress on RNA−binding proteins in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:974523. [PMID: 36059653 PMCID: PMC9433872 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.974523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and has a high incidence rate and mortality. Abnormal regulation of gene expression plays an important role in breast cancer occurrence and development. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are one kind of the key regulators for gene expression. By interacting with RNA, RBPs are widely involved in RNA cutting, transport, editing, intracellular localization, and translation regulation. RBPs are important during breast cancer occurrence and progression by engaging in many aspects, like proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness. Therefore, comprehensively understanding the role of RBPs in breast cancer progression can facilitate early diagnosis, timely treatment, and long-term survival and quality of life of breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guizhou Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Lufeng Zheng, ; Hai Qin,
| | - Lufeng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Lufeng Zheng, ; Hai Qin,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hu Antigen R (HuR) Protein Structure, Function and Regulation in Hepatobiliary Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112666. [PMID: 35681645 PMCID: PMC9179498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatobiliary tumors are a group of primary malignancies encompassing the liver, the intra- and extra-hepatic biliary tracts, and the gall bladder. Within the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary cancer, which is, also, representing the third-most recurrent cause of cancer-associated death and the sixth-most prevalent type of tumor worldwide, nowadays. Although less frequent, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is, currently, a fatal cancer with limited therapeutic options. Here, we review the regulatory role of Hu antigen R (HuR), a ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of HCC and CCA. Overall, HuR is proposed as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target in hepatobiliary cancers. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches that can selectively modulate HuR function appear to be highly attractive for the clinical management of these types of tumors. Abstract Hu antigen R (HuR) is a 36-kDa ubiquitous member of the ELAV/Hu family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which plays an important role as a post-transcriptional regulator of specific RNAs under physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Herein, we review HuR protein structure, function, and its regulation, as well as its implications in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment of hepatobiliary cancers. In particular, we focus on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), tumors where the increased cytoplasmic localization of HuR and activity are proposed, as valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers. An overview of the main regulatory axes involving HuR, which are associated with cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, and autophagy in HCC, is provided. These include the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modulators of HuR function, in addition to HuR target transcripts. Finally, whereas studies addressing the relevance of targeting HuR in CCA are limited, in the past few years, HuR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in HCC. In fact, the therapeutic efficacy of some pharmacological inhibitors of HuR has been evaluated, in early experimental models of HCC. We, further, discuss the major findings and future perspectives of therapeutic approaches that specifically block HuR interactions, either with post-translational modifiers or cognate transcripts in hepatobiliary cancers.
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhao H, Han B, Li X, Sun C, Zhai Y, Li M, Jiang M, Zhang W, Liang Y, Kai G. Salvia miltiorrhiza in Breast Cancer Treatment: A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Derivatives, Nanoparticles, and Potential Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:872085. [PMID: 35600860 PMCID: PMC9117704 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.872085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most deadly malignancies in women worldwide. Salvia miltiorrhiza, a perennial plant that belongs to the genus Salvia, has long been used in the management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The main anti-breast cancer constituents in S. miltiorrhiza are liposoluble tanshinones including dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, and cryptotanshinone, and water-soluble phenolic acids represented by salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, salvianolic acid C, and rosmarinic acid. These active components have potent efficacy on breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms mainly include induction of apoptosis, autophagy and cell cycle arrest, anti-metastasis, formation of cancer stem cells, and potentiation of antitumor immunity. This review summarized the main bioactive constituents of S. miltiorrhiza and their derivatives or nanoparticles that possess anti-breast cancer activity. Besides, the synergistic combination with other drugs and the underlying molecular mechanisms were also summarized to provide a reference for future research on S. miltiorrhiza for breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi Liang
- *Correspondence: Yi Liang, ; Guoyin Kai,
| | - Guoyin Kai
- *Correspondence: Yi Liang, ; Guoyin Kai,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wu X, Xu L. The RNA-binding protein HuR in human cancer: A friend or foe? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114179. [PMID: 35248670 PMCID: PMC9035123 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical trans factors that associate with specific cis elements present in mRNAs whose stability and translation are subject to regulation. The RBP Hu antigen R (HuR) is overexpressed in a wide variety of human cancers and serves as a prognostic factor of poor clinical outcome. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by interacting with a subset of oncogenic mRNAs implicated in different cancer hallmarks, and resistance to therapy. Reduction of HuR levels in cancer cells leads to tumor regression in mouse xenograft models. These findings prompt a working model whereby cancer cells use HuR, a master switch of multiple oncogenic mRNAs, to drive drug resistance and promote cell survival and metastasis, thus rendering the tumor cells with high cytoplasmic HuR more progressive and resistant to therapy. This review summarizes the roles of HuR in cancer and other diseases, therapeutic potential of HuR inhibition, and the current status of drug discovery on HuR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wu
- Higuchi Biosciences Center, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; The University of Kansas Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| | - Liang Xu
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA; Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang W, Liu L, Zhao S, Chen L, Wei Y, Chen W, Ge F. Research progress on RNA‑binding proteins in breast cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:121. [PMID: 35261635 PMCID: PMC8867207 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, and the abnormal regulation of gene expression serves an important role in its occurrence and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying gene expression are highly complex and heterogeneous, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are among the key regulatory factors. RBPs bind targets in an environment-dependent or environment-independent manner to influence mRNA stability and the translation of genes involved in the formation, progression, metastasis and treatment of breast cancer. Due to the growing interest in these regulators, the present review summarizes the most influential studies concerning RBPs associated with breast cancer to elucidate the role of RBPs in breast cancer and to assess how they interact with other key pathways to provide new molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhu Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Linlin Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Shengdi Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yuxian Wei
- Department of Endocrine Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Wenlin Chen
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Assoni G, La Pietra V, Digilio R, Ciani C, Licata NV, Micaelli M, Facen E, Tomaszewska W, Cerofolini L, Pérez-Ràfols A, Varela Rey M, Fragai M, Woodhoo A, Marinelli L, Arosio D, Bonomo I, Provenzani A, Seneci P. HuR-targeted agents: An insight into medicinal chemistry, biophysical, computational studies and pharmacological effects on cancer models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114088. [PMID: 34942276 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Human antigen R (HuR) protein is an RNA-binding protein, ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, that orchestrates target RNA maturation and processing both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. A survey of known modulators of the RNA-HuR interactions is followed by a description of its structure and molecular mechanism of action - RRM domains, interactions with RNA, dimerization, binding modes with naturally occurring and synthetic HuR inhibitors. Then, the review focuses on HuR as a validated molecular target in oncology and briefly describes its role in inflammation. Namely, we show ample evidence for the involvement of HuR in the hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer, reporting findings from in vitro and in vivo studies; and we provide abundant experimental proofs of a beneficial role for the inhibition of HuR-mRNA interactions through silencing (CRISPR, siRNA) or pharmacological inhibition (small molecule HuR inhibitors).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Assoni
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosangela Digilio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Caterina Ciani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Valentina Licata
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Facen
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Weronika Tomaszewska
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Anna Pérez-Ràfols
- Giotto Biotech S.R.L., Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Varela Rey
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), National Research Council (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Guha A, Waris S, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Gorospe M, Kwan T, King PH. The versatile role of HuR in Glioblastoma and its potential as a therapeutic target for a multi-pronged attack. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114082. [PMID: 34923029 PMCID: PMC8916685 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant and aggressive brain tumor with a median survival of ∼15 months. Resistance to treatment arises from the extensive cellular and molecular heterogeneity in the three major components: glioma tumor cells, glioma stem cells, and tumor-associated microglia and macrophages. Within this triad, there is a complex network of intrinsic and secreted factors that promote classic hallmarks of cancer, including angiogenesis, resistance to cell death, proliferation, and immune evasion. A regulatory node connecting these diverse pathways is at the posttranscriptional level as mRNAs encoding many of the key drivers contain adenine- and uridine rich elements (ARE) in the 3' untranslated region. Human antigen R (HuR) binds to ARE-bearing mRNAs and is a major positive regulator at this level. This review focuses on basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and how targeting HuR with small molecule inhibitors represents a plausible strategy for a multi-pronged therapeutic attack on GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Saboora Waris
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, PIMS, G-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Louis B Nabors
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Thaddaeus Kwan
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States; Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States; Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Raguraman R, Shanmugarama S, Mehta M, Elle Peterson J, Zhao YD, Munshi A, Ramesh R. Drug delivery approaches for HuR-targeted therapy for lung cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114068. [PMID: 34822926 PMCID: PMC8724414 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and conventional treatments for disease management have limitations associated with them. Novel therapeutic targets are thus avidly sought for the effective management of LC. RNA binding proteins (RBPs) have been convincingly established as key players in tumorigenesis, and their dysregulation is linked to multiple cancers, including LC. In this context, we review the role of Human antigen R (HuR), an RBP that is overexpressed in LC, and further associated with various aspects of LC tumor growth and response to therapy. Herein, we describe the role of HuR in LC progression and outline the evidences supporting various pharmacologic and biologic approaches for inhibiting HuR expression and function. These approaches, including use of small molecule inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNAs, have demonstrated favorable results in reducing tumor cell growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis and metastasis. Hence, HuR has significant potential as a key therapeutic target in LC. Use of siRNA-based approaches, however, have certain limitations that prevent their maximal exploitation as cancer therapies. To address this, in the conclusion of this review, we provide a list of nanomedicine-based HuR targeting approaches currently being employed for siRNA and shRNA delivery, and provide a rationale for the immense potential therapeutic benefits offered by nanocarrier-based HuR targeting and its promise for treating patients with LC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Santny Shanmugarama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Meghna Mehta
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jo Elle Peterson
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Yan D Zhao
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Anupama Munshi
- Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rajagopal Ramesh
- Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Della Volpe S, Linciano P, Listro R, Tumminelli E, Amadio M, Bonomo I, Elgaher WAM, Adam S, Hirsch AKH, Boeckler FM, Vasile F, Rossi D, Collina S. Identification of N,N-arylalkyl-picolinamide derivatives targeting the RNA-binding protein HuR, by combining biophysical fragment-screening and molecular hybridization. Bioorg Chem 2021; 116:105305. [PMID: 34482166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hu proteins are members of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) family and play a pivotal role in the regulation of post-transcriptional processes. Through interaction with selected mRNAs, RBPs regulate their function and stability; as a consequence, RBP dysregulation can cause abnormal translation of key proteins involved in several pathologies. In the past few years, this observation has sparked interest to develop new treatments against these pathologies by using small molecules able to modulate RBP activity. Among the four Hu proteins, we have directed our efforts towards the isoform HuR, which is mainly involved in cancer, inflammation and retinopathy. Aimed at developing compounds able to modulate the stability of HuR-mRNA complexes, in the present work, we applied a biophysical fragment screening by assessing a library of halogen-enriched heterocyclic fragments (HEFLibs) via Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) NMR to select promising fragments able to interact with HuR. One selected fragment and a few commercially available congeners were exploited to design and synthesize focused analogues of compound N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-N-(3,5-dihydroxyphenethyl)-4-hydroxybenzamide (1), our previously reported hit. STDNMR spectroscopy, molecular modeling, and SPR offered further insight into the HuR-small molecule interaction and showed that fragment-based approaches represent a promising and yet underexplored strategy to tackle such unusual targets. Lastly, fluorescence polarization (FP) studies revealed the capability of the new compounds to interfere with the formation of the HuR-mRNA complex. This is, to our knowledge, the first fragment-based campaign performed on the Hu protein class, and one of the few examples in the larger RBP field and constitutes an important step in the quest for the rational modulation of RBPs and related RNA functions by small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Della Volpe
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - P Linciano
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - R Listro
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - E Tumminelli
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - M Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - I Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
| | - W A M Elgaher
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - S Adam
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - A K H Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - F M Boeckler
- Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Center for Bioinformatics Tübingen (ZBIT), Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - F Vasile
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - D Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - S Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 12, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ren Y, Feng Y, Xu K, Yue S, Yang T, Nie K, Xu M, Xu H, Xiong X, Körte F, Barbeck M, Zhang P, Liu L. Enhanced Bioavailability of Dihydrotanshinone I-Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Stroke Therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:721988. [PMID: 34531747 PMCID: PMC8438562 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.721988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) is a natural component in Salvia miltiorrhiza and has been widely researched for its multiple bioactivities. However, poor solubility and biocompatibility of DHT limit its desirable application for clinical purposes. Herein, DHT was encapsulated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to enhance bioavailability. Compared to free DHT, DHT-BSA NPs (nanoparticles) showed an improved solubility in normal saline and increased protection against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells. In addition, DHT-BSA NPs administered by intravenous injection displayed a significant efficacy in the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion models, without any impact on the cerebral blood flow. In summary, DHT-BSA NPs show an enhanced bioavailability compared with free DHT and a successful penetration into the central nervous system for stroke therapy, demonstrating their application potential in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Ren
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yicheng Feng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Kunyao Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Saisai Yue
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Kaili Nie
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Man Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haijun Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xiong
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Fabian Körte
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Mike Barbeck
- Institute of Material Science and Technology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peisen Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Luo Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Goutas D, Pergaris A, Giaginis C, Theocharis S. HuR as Therapeutic Target in Cancer: What the Future Holds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:56-65. [PMID: 34182901 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210628143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ELAV-like protein 1, or HuR (human antigen R), is an RNA-binding protein encoded by the ELAVL1 gene in humans. One of its best functions is to stabilize mRNAs in order to regulate gene expression. HuR protein overexpression has undoubtedly been linked to an increased risk of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target candidate in cancer. Novel agents interfering with HuR expression have been tested, both in vitro and in vivo, with promising results. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding the potential agents that could actively act on and inhibit HuR expression. HuR molecule controls the expression of various proto-oncogenes, cytokines and growth factors, representing a major player in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis and constituting an emerging target for cancer therapy. PubMed database was thoroughly searched, and all published articles providing scientific data on molecules that can exhibit antitumorigenic effects via HuR inhibition were included. According to these data, HuR inhibition should be a promising target in cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shi W, Han H, Zou J, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhou H, Cui G. Identification of dihydrotanshinone I as an ERp57 inhibitor with anti-breast cancer properties via the UPR pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114637. [PMID: 34062127 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine for treating various diseases, such as breast cancer. However, knowledge regarding its mechanisms is scant. Herein, the active ingredient dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) in Salvia miltiorrhiza extract (SME), which binds ERp57 was identified and verified by an enzymatic solid-phase method combined with LC-MS/MS. DHT potentially inhibited ERp57 activity and suppressed ERp57 expression at both the RNA and protein levels. Molecular docking simulation indicated that DHT could form a hydrogen bond with catalytic site of ERp57. Moreover, ERp57 overexpression decreased DHT-induced cytotoxicity in MDA-MB-231 cells. Thereafter, the signaling pathway downstream of ERp57 was investigated by Western blot analysis. The mechanistic study revealed that DHT treatment resulted in activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR), and cellular apoptosis. In conclusion, our data implied that DHT targeted ERp57 for inhibition and induced ER stress and UPR activation, which in turn triggered breast cancer cell apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China
| | - Han Han
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China
| | - Jia Zou
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China
| | - Haitao Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China
| | - Hefeng Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China
| | - Guozhen Cui
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai 519041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Filippova N, Yang X, Ananthan S, Calano J, Pathak V, Bratton L, Vekariya RH, Zhang S, Ofori E, Hayward EN, Namkoong D, Crossman DK, Crowley MR, King PH, Mobley J, Nabors LB. Targeting the HuR Oncogenic Role with a New Class of Cytoplasmic Dimerization Inhibitors. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2220-2233. [PMID: 33602784 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel therapeutics that exploit alterations in the activation state of key cellular signaling pathways due to mutations in upstream regulators has generated the field of personalized medicine. These first-generation efforts have focused on actionable mutations identified by deep sequencing of large numbers of tumor samples. We propose that a second-generation opportunity exists by exploiting key downstream "nodes of control" that contribute to oncogenesis and are inappropriately activated due to loss of upstream regulation and microenvironmental influences. The RNA-binding protein HuR represents such a node. Because HuR functionality in cancer cells is dependent on HuR dimerization and its nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling, we developed a new class of molecules targeting HuR protein dimerization. A structure-activity relationship algorithm enabled development of inhibitors of HuR multimer formation that were soluble, had micromolar activity, and penetrated the blood-brain barrier. These inhibitors were evaluated for activity validation and specificity in a robust cell-based assay of HuR dimerization. SRI-42127, a molecule that met these criteria, inhibited HuR multimer formation across primary patient-derived glioblastoma xenolines (PDGx), leading to arrest of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of colony formation. SRI-42127 had favorable attributes with central nervous system penetration and inhibited tumor growth in mouse models. RNA and protein analysis of SRI-42127-treated PDGx xenolines across glioblastoma molecular subtypes confirmed attenuation of targets upregulated by HuR. These results highlight how focusing on key attributes of HuR that contribute to cancer progression, namely cytoplasmic localization and multimerization, has led to the development of a novel, highly effective inhibitor. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings utilize a cell-based mechanism of action assay with a structure-activity relationship compound development pathway to discover inhibitors that target HuR dimerization, a mechanism required for cancer promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Subramaniam Ananthan
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jennifer Calano
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Vibha Pathak
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Larry Bratton
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rakesh H Vekariya
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Sixue Zhang
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Edward Ofori
- Drug Discovery Division, Chemistry Department, Southern Research Institute, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily N Hayward
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David Namkoong
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael R Crowley
- Department of Genetics, UAB Genomics Core, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - James Mobley
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center MS/Proteomics Shared Facility, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Louis B Nabors
- Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dihydrotanshinone I Is Effective against Drug-Resistant Helicobacter pylori In Vitro and In Vivo. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.01921-20. [PMID: 33318002 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01921-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a major global pathogen and has been implicated in gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma. The efficacy of the extensive therapy of H. pylori infection with antibiotics is compromised by the development of drug resistance and toxicity toward human gut microbiota, which urgently demands novel and selective antibacterial strategies. The present study was mainly performed to assess the in vitro and in vivo effects of a natural herbal compound, dihydrotanshinone I (DHT), against standard and clinical H. pylori strains. DHT demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against H. pylori in vitro (MIC50/90, 0.25/0.5 μg/ml), with no development of resistance during continuous serial passaging. Time-kill curves showed strong time-dependent bactericidal activity for DHT. Also, DHT eliminated preformed biofilms and killed biofilm-encased H. pylori cells more efficiently than the conventional antibiotic metronidazole. In mouse models of multidrug-resistant H. pylori infection, dual therapy with DHT and omeprazole showed in vivo killing efficacy superior to that of the standard triple-therapy approach. Moreover, DHT treatment induces negligible toxicity against normal tissues and exhibits a relatively good safety index. These results suggest that DHT could be suitable for use as an anti-H. pylori agent in combination with a proton pump inhibitor to eradicate multidrug-resistant H. pylori.
Collapse
|
30
|
Muscone derivative ZM-32 inhibits breast tumor angiogenesis by suppressing HuR-mediated VEGF and MMP9 expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 136:111265. [PMID: 33450490 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis is a highly effective strategy for cancer treatment. Human antigen R (HuR), an RNA-binding protein, is overexpressed in many cancers and regulates the mRNAs of multiple angiogenic factors by binding to the adenylate-uridylate-rich element in their 3' untranslated region. HuR protein has been demonstrated to be an important regulatory factor in macrophage-mediated angiogenesis, a process in which macrophages are critical for tumor progression. Muscone is a synthetic equivalent of musk, and recent studies have shown that it has a regulatory effect on angiogenesis. In this study, we synthesized five series of muscone derivatives and discovered that compound ZM-32 was effective in preventing HuR RRM1/2-Vegf-a mRNA complex formation. ZM-32 bound to HuR RRM1/2 protein with a KD value of 521.7 nmol/L. Furthermore, ZM-32 inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tubule formation, and suppressed the VEGF/VEGFR2/ERK1/2 signaling axis mediated by macrophages in vitro. We also demonstrated that ZM-32 effectively prevented the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells and inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors without any obvious toxicity in vivo. Mechanistically, exposure to ZM-32 influenced the mRNA stability of Vegf-a and Mmp9 in a HuR-dependent manner in both macrophages and MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, in this study we identified a new muscone derivative, ZM-32, with anti-angiogenesis effects mediated via targeting HuR in breast cancer, that may become a potentially valuable lead compound for anti-cancer angiogenesis.
Collapse
|
31
|
Anticancer activities of TCM and their active components against tumor metastasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111044. [PMID: 33378952 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of multiple targets, slight side effects and good therapeutic effects. Good anti-tumor effects are shown by Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription, Chinese patent medicine, single Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine monomer compound. Clinically, TCM prolonged the survival time of patients and improved the life quality of patients, due to less side effects. Cancer metastasis is a complex process involving numerous steps, multiple genes and their products. During the process of tumor metastasis, firstly, cancer cell increases its proliferative capacity by reducing autophagy and apoptosis, and then the cancer cell capacity is stimulated by increasing the ability of tumors to absorb nutrients from the outside through angiogenesis. Both of the two steps can increase tumor migration and invasion. Finally, the purpose of tumor metastasis is achieved. By inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis of tumor cells, angiogenesis and EMT outside the tumor can inhibit the invasion and migration of cancer, and consequently achieve the purpose of inhibiting tumor metastasis. This review explores the research achievements of Traditional Chinese Medicine on breast cancer, lung cancer, hepatic carcinoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and other cancer metastasis in the past five years, summarizes the development direction of TCM on cancer metastasis research in the past five years and makes a prospect for the future.
Collapse
|
32
|
Dihydrotanshinone, a Natural Diterpenoid, Preserves Blood-Retinal Barrier Integrity via P2X7 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239305. [PMID: 33291318 PMCID: PMC7730037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of P2X7 signaling, due to high glucose levels, leads to blood retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown, which is a hallmark of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Furthermore, several studies report that high glucose (HG) conditions and the related activation of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) lead to the over-expression of pro-inflammatory markers. In order to identify novel P2X7R antagonists, we carried out virtual screening on a focused compound dataset, including indole derivatives and natural compounds such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester derivatives, flavonoids, and diterpenoids. Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) rescoring and structural fingerprint clustering of docking poses from virtual screening highlighted that the diterpenoid dihydrotanshinone (DHTS) clustered with the well-known P2X7R antagonist JNJ47965567. A human-based in vitro BRB model made of retinal pericytes, astrocytes, and endothelial cells was used to assess the potential protective effect of DHTS against HG and 2′(3′)-O-(4-Benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5′-triphosphate (BzATP), a P2X7R agonist, insult. We found that HG/BzATP exposure generated BRB breakdown by enhancing barrier permeability (trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER)) and reducing the levels of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin junction proteins as well as of the Cx-43 mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, HG levels and P2X7R agonist treatment led to increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (TLR-4, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8) and other molecular markers (P2X7R, VEGF-A, and ICAM-1), along with enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. Treatment with DHTS preserved the BRB integrity from HG/BzATP damage. The protective effects of DHTS were also compared to the validated P2X7R antagonist, JNJ47965567. In conclusion, we provided new findings pointing out the therapeutic potential of DHTS, which is an inhibitor of P2X7R, in terms of preventing and/or counteracting the BRB dysfunctions elicited by HG conditions.
Collapse
|
33
|
Fabbiano F, Corsi J, Gurrieri E, Trevisan C, Notarangelo M, D'Agostino VG. RNA packaging into extracellular vesicles: An orchestra of RNA-binding proteins? J Extracell Vesicles 2020; 10:e12043. [PMID: 33391635 PMCID: PMC7769857 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous membranous particles released from the cells through different biogenetic and secretory mechanisms. We now conceive EVs as shuttles mediating cellular communication, carrying a variety of molecules resulting from intracellular homeostatic mechanisms. The RNA is a widely detected cargo and, impressively, a recognized functional intermediate that elects EVs as modulators of cancer cell phenotypes, determinants of disease spreading, cell surrogates in regenerative medicine, and a source for non-invasive molecular diagnostics. The mechanistic elucidation of the intracellular events responsible for the engagement of RNA into EVs will significantly improve the comprehension and possibly the prediction of EV "quality" in association with cell physiology. Interestingly, the application of multidisciplinary approaches, including biochemical as well as cell-based and computational strategies, is increasingly revealing an active RNA-packaging process implicating RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the sorting of coding and non-coding RNAs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive view of RBPs recently emerging as part of the EV biology, considering the scenarios where: (i) individual RBPs were detected in EVs along with their RNA substrates, (ii) RBPs were detected in EVs with inferred RNA targets, and (iii) EV-transcripts were found to harbour sequence motifs mirroring the activity of RBPs. Proteins so far identified are members of the hnRNP family (hnRNPA2B1, hnRNPC1, hnRNPG, hnRNPH1, hnRNPK, and hnRNPQ), as well as YBX1, HuR, AGO2, IGF2BP1, MEX3C, ANXA2, ALIX, NCL, FUS, TDP-43, MVP, LIN28, SRP9/14, QKI, and TERT. We describe the RBPs based on protein domain features, current knowledge on the association with human diseases, recognition of RNA consensus motifs, and the need to clarify the functional significance in different cellular contexts. We also summarize data on previously identified RBP inhibitor small molecules that could also be introduced in EV research as potential modulators of vesicular RNA sorting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fabbiano
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Jessica Corsi
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Elena Gurrieri
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela Notarangelo
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Vito G. D'Agostino
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Filippova N, Nabors LB. ELAVL1 Role in Cell Fusion and Tunneling Membrane Nanotube Formations with Implication to Treat Glioma Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3069. [PMID: 33096700 PMCID: PMC7590168 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Homotypic and heterotypic cell fusions via permanent membrane fusions and temporal tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment were recently documented in vitro and in vivo and mediate glioma survival, plasticity, and recurrence. Chronic inflammation, a hypoxic environment, aberrant mitochondrial function, and ER stress due to unfolded protein accumulation upregulate cell fusion events, which leads to tumor heterogeneity and represents an adaptive mechanism to promote tumor cell survival and plasticity in cytotoxic, nutrient-deprived, mechanically stressed, and inflammatory microenvironments. Cell fusion is a multistep process, which consists of the activation of the cellular stress response, autophagy formation, rearrangement of cytoskeletal architecture in the areas of cell-to-cell contacts, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. The mRNA-binding protein of ELAV-family HuR is a critical node, which orchestrates the stress response, autophagy formation, cytoskeletal architecture, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fusogenic proteins. HuR is overexpressed in gliomas and is associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Our review provides a link between the HuR role in the regulation of cell fusion and tunneling nanotube formations in the glioma microenvironment and the potential suppression of these processes by different classes of HuR inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Louis B. Nabors
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Weiße J, Rosemann J, Krauspe V, Kappler M, Eckert AW, Haemmerle M, Gutschner T. RNA-Binding Proteins as Regulators of Migration, Invasion and Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6835. [PMID: 32957697 PMCID: PMC7555251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly 7.5% of all human protein-coding genes have been assigned to the class of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and over the past decade, RBPs have been increasingly recognized as important regulators of molecular and cellular homeostasis. RBPs regulate the post-transcriptional processing of their target RNAs, i.e., alternative splicing, polyadenylation, stability and turnover, localization, or translation as well as editing and chemical modification, thereby tuning gene expression programs of diverse cellular processes such as cell survival and malignant spread. Importantly, metastases are the major cause of cancer-associated deaths in general, and particularly in oral cancers, which account for 2% of the global cancer mortality. However, the roles and architecture of RBPs and RBP-controlled expression networks during the diverse steps of the metastatic cascade are only incompletely understood. In this review, we will offer a brief overview about RBPs and their general contribution to post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Subsequently, we will highlight selected examples of RBPs that have been shown to play a role in oral cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Last but not least, we will present targeting strategies that have been developed to interfere with the function of some of these RBPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Weiße
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Julia Rosemann
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Vanessa Krauspe
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Matthias Kappler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Alexander W. Eckert
- Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, 90471 Nuremberg, Germany;
| | - Monika Haemmerle
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany;
| | - Tony Gutschner
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wu M, Tong CWS, Yan W, To KKW, Cho WCS. The RNA Binding Protein HuR: A Promising Drug Target for Anticancer Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:382-399. [PMID: 30381077 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181031145953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The stability of mRNA is one of the key factors governing the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and function. Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. While HuR is normally localized within the nucleus, it has been shown that HuR binds mRNAs in the nucleus and then escorts the mRNAs to the cytoplasm where HuR protects them from degradation. It contains several RNA recognition motifs, which specifically bind to adenylate and uridylate-rich regions within the 3'-untranslated region of the target mRNA to mediate its effect. Many of the HuR target mRNAs encode proteins important for cell growth, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor inflammation, invasion and metastasis. HuR overexpression is known to correlate well with high-grade malignancy and poor prognosis in many tumor types. Thus, HuR has emerged as an attractive drug target for cancer therapy. Novel small molecule HuR inhibitors have been identified by high throughput screening and new formulations for targeted delivery of HuR siRNA to tumor cells have been developed with promising anticancer activity. This review summarizes the significant role of HuR in cancer development, progression, and poor treatment response. We will discuss the potential and challenges of targeting HuR therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christy W S Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhu Y, Yang L, Xu J, Yang X, Luan P, Cui Q, Zhang P, Wang F, Li R, Ding X, Jiang L, Lin G, Zhang J. Discovery of the anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in breast cancer through targeting of HuR protein. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1414-1425. [PMID: 32963940 PMCID: PMC7488360 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.02.007] [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: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HuR (human antigen R), an mRNA-binding protein responsible for poor prognosis in nearly all kinds of malignancies, is a potential anti-tumor target for drug development. While screening HuR inhibitors with a fluorescence polarization (FP) based high-throughput screening (HTS) system, the clinically used drug eltrombopag was identified. Activity of eltrombopag on molecular level was verified with FP, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), simulation docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Further, we showed that eltrombopag inhibited in vitro cell proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines and macrophages, and the in vivo anti-tumor activity was also demonstrated in a 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model. The in vivo data showed that eltrombopag was efficient in reducing microvessels in tumor tissues. We then confirmed the HuR-dependent anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in 4T1 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages with qRT-PCR, HuR-overexpression and HuR-silencing assays, RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays. Finally, we analyzed the in vitro anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) mediated by macrophages with cell scratch assay and in vitro Matrigel angiogenesis assay. With these data, we revealed the HuR-dependent anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in breast tumor, suggesting that the existing drug eltrombopag may be used as an anti-cancer drug.
Collapse
Key Words
- ARE, AU-rich element
- Angiogenesis
- Anti-tumor
- ELB, eltrombopag
- ELISA, enzyme linked immune sorbent assay
- EMSA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay
- Eltrombopag
- FP, fluorescence polarization
- HTS, high-throughput screening
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cell
- HuR
- HuR, human antigen R
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- RIP, RNA immunoprecipitation
- SPR, surface plasmon resonance
- mRNAs stability
- qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiazhen Xu
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiyan Yang
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pengwei Luan
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qianfei Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feiyun Wang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruixiang Li
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinyue Ding
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lixian Jiang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guoqiang Lin
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiange Zhang
- The Research Center of Chiral Drugs, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRI), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li S, Zhu N, Tang C, Duan H, Wang Y, Zhao G, Liu J, Ye Y. Differential distribution of characteristic constituents in root, stem and leaf tissues of Salvia miltiorrhiza using MALDI mass spectrometry imaging. Fitoterapia 2020; 146:104679. [PMID: 32619463 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Segmentation-quantification is the most commonly used method for studying the tissue distribution of bioactive constituents in plant, but this method would bring uncontrollable pollution, compound migration and denaturation. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), as a new method developed in the past 20 years, has high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, high degree of visualization, and low risk of contamination and degeneration when studying tissue distribution of compounds. For the first time we applied matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to tissue distribution of characteristic constituents of the medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza. From the collected data, we found the regional differences in root, stem, and leaf tissues, and the ion information with differential distribution characteristics. We also identified 18 bioactive constituents in S. miltiorrhiza with their spatial distribution information. In addition, the plant was divided into five parts, and the identified compounds were analyzed for differences between tissues using LC-MS, which results verified those found from the MSI. It is figured out that MALDI-MSI can be reliably applied to the differential distribution of salvianolic acids and tanshinones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Li
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China; Natural Product Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Nanlin Zhu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunping Tang
- Natural Product Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haonan Duan
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Bruker (Beijing) Scientific Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100192, China
| | - Guangrong Zhao
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Jia Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Yang Ye
- Natural Product Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Poganik JR, Van Hall-Beauvais AK, Long MJC, Disare MT, Zhao Y, Aye Y. The mRNA-Binding Protein HuR Is a Kinetically-Privileged Electrophile Sensor. Helv Chim Acta 2020; 103:e2000041. [PMID: 34113045 PMCID: PMC8188987 DOI: 10.1002/hlca.202000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The key mRNA-binding proteins HuR and AUF1 are reported stress sensors in mammals. Intrigued by recent reports of sensitivity of these proteins to the electrophilic lipid prostaglandin A2 and other redox signals, we here examined their sensing abilities to a prototypical redox-linked lipid-derived electrophile, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE). Leveraging our T-REX electrophile delivery platform, we found that only HuR, and not AUF1, is a kinetically-privileged sensor of HNE in HEK293T cells, and sensing functions through a specific cysteine, C13. Cells depleted of HuR, upon treatment with HNE, manifest unique alterations in cell viability and Nrf2-transcription-factor-driven antioxidant response (AR), which our recent work shows is regulated by HuR at the Nrf2-mRNA level. Mutagenesis studies showed that C13-specific sensing alone is not sufficient to explain HuR-dependent stress responsivities, further highlighting a complex context-dependent layer of Nrf2/AR regulation through HuR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse R Poganik
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853 New York, United States
| | - Alexandra K Van Hall-Beauvais
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne
| | - Marcus J C Long
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853 New York, United States
| | - Michael T Disare
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853 New York, United States
| | - Yi Zhao
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne
| | - Yimon Aye
- Institute of Chemical Sciences & Engineering (ISIC), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
RNA-Targeted Therapies and High-Throughput Screening Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082996. [PMID: 32340368 PMCID: PMC7216119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in regulating all aspects of RNA metabolism, including processing, transport, translation, and degradation. Dysregulation of RNA metabolism is linked to a plethora of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the knowledge base, with RNA increasingly being recognised as an attractive target for precision medicine therapies. In this article, we are going to review current RNA-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we will scrutinise a range of drug discoveries targeting protein-RNA interactions. In particular, we will focus on the interplay between Lin28 and let-7, splicing regulatory proteins and survival motor neuron (SMN) pre-mRNA, as well as HuR, Musashi, proteins and their RNA targets. We will highlight the mechanisms RBPs utilise to modulate RNA metabolism and discuss current high-throughput screening strategies. This review provides evidence that we are entering a new era of RNA-targeted medicine.
Collapse
|
41
|
Platania CBM, Pittalà V, Pascale A, Marchesi N, Anfuso CD, Lupo G, Cristaldi M, Olivieri M, Lazzara F, Di Paola L, Drago F, Bucolo C. Novel indole derivatives targeting HuR-mRNA complex to counteract high glucose damage in retinal endothelial cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 175:113908. [PMID: 32171729 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ELAVL1 (or human antigen R - HuR) RNA binding protein stabilizes the mRNA, with an AU-rich element, of several genes such as growth factors (i.e. VEGF) and inflammatory cytokines (i.e. TNFα). We hereby carried out a virtual screening campaign in order to identify and test novel HuR-mRNA disruptors. Best-scored compounds were tested in an in-vitro model of diabetic retinopathy, namely human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) challenged with high-glucose levels (25 mM). HuR, VEGF and TNFα protein contents were evaluated by western-blot analysis in total cell lysates. VEGF and TNFα released from HRECs were measured in cell medium by ELISA. We found that two derivatives bearing indole moiety, VP12/14 and VP12/110, modulated HuR expression and decreased VEGF and TNF-α release by HREC exposed to high glucose (HG) levels. VP12/14 and VP12/110 inhibited VEGF and TNF-α release in HRECs challenged with high glucose levels, similarly to dihydrotanshinone (DHTS), a small molecule known to interfere with HuR- TNFα mRNA binding. The present findings demonstrated that VP12/14 and VP12/110 are innovative molecules with anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties, suggesting their potential use as novel candidates for treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Departement of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carmelina Daniela Anfuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lupo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Cristaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Melania Olivieri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luisa Di Paola
- Unit of Chemical-Physics Fundamentals in Chemical Engineering, Department of Engineering, Campus Bio-Medico University, Roma, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Schultz CW, Preet R, Dhir T, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Understanding and targeting the disease-related RNA binding protein human antigen R (HuR). WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 11:e1581. [PMID: 31970930 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered gene expression is a characteristic feature of many disease states such as tumorigenesis, and in most cancers, it facilitates cancer cell survival and adaptation. Alterations in global gene expression are strongly impacted by post-transcriptional gene regulation. The RNA binding protein (RBP) HuR (ELAVL1) is an established regulator of post-transcriptional gene regulation and is overexpressed in most human cancers. In many cancerous settings, HuR is not only overexpressed, but it is "overactive" as denoted by increased subcellular localization within the cytoplasm. This dysregulation of HuR expression and cytoplasmic localization allows HuR to stabilize and increase the translation of various prosurvival messenger RNA (mRNAs) involved in the pathogenesis of numerous cancers and various diseases. Based on almost 20 years of work, HuR is now recognized as a therapeutic target. Herein, we will review the role HuR plays in the pathophysiology of different diseases and ongoing therapeutic strategies to target HuR. We will focus on three ongoing-targeted strategies: (1) inhibiting HuR's translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm; (2) inhibiting the ability of HuR to bind target RNA; and (3) silencing HuR expression levels. In an oncologic setting, HuR has been demonstrated to be critical for a cancer cell's ability to survive a variety of cancer relevant stressors (including drugs and elements of the tumor microenvironment) and targeting this protein has been shown to sensitize cancer cells further to insult. We strongly believe that targeting HuR could be a powerful therapeutic target to treat different diseases, particularly cancer, in the near future. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease NRA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability Translation > Translation Regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Schultz
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ranjan Preet
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Teena Dhir
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Carelli S, Giallongo T, Rey F, Latorre E, Bordoni M, Mazzucchelli S, Gorio MC, Pansarasa O, Provenzani A, Cereda C, Di Giulio AM. HuR interacts with lincBRN1a and lincBRN1b during neuronal stem cells differentiation. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1471-1485. [PMID: 31345103 PMCID: PMC6779397 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1637698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
LncRNAs play crucial roles in cellular processes and their regulatory effects in the adult brain and neural stem cells (NSCs) remain to be entirely characterized. We report that 10 lncRNAs (LincENC1, FABL, lincp21, HAUNT, PERIL, lincBRN1a, lincBRN1b, HOTTIP, TUG1 and FENDRR) are expressed during murine NSCs differentiation and interact with the RNA-binding protein ELAVL1/HuR. Furthermore, we characterize the function of two of the deregulated lncRNAs, lincBRN1a and lincBRN1b, during NSCs' differentiation. Their inhibition leads to the induction of differentiation, with a concomitant decrease in stemness and an increase in neuronal markers, indicating that they exert key functions in neuronal cells differentiation. Furthermore, we describe here that HuR regulates their half-life, suggesting their synergic role in the differentiation process. We also identify six human homologs (PANTR1, TUG1, HOTTIP, TP53COR, ELDRR and FENDRR) of the mentioned 10 lncRNAs and we report their deregulation during human iPSCs differentiation into neurons. In conclusion, our results strongly indicate a key synergic role for lncRNAs and HuR in neuronal stem cells fate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephana Carelli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan , Milan , Italy.,Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Toniella Giallongo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Federica Rey
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Elisa Latorre
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Center of Genomic and post-Genomic, IRCCS Mondino Foundation , Pavia , Italy
| | - Serena Mazzucchelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Maria Carlotta Gorio
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciencse L. Sacco, University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Center of Genomic and post-Genomic, IRCCS Mondino Foundation , Pavia , Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, - CIBIO, University of Trento , Trento , Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Genomic and post-Genomic, IRCCS Mondino Foundation , Pavia , Italy
| | - Anna Maria Di Giulio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan , Milan , Italy.,Pediatric Clinical Research Center Fondazione "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", University of Milan , Milan , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen X, Yu J, Zhong B, Lu J, Lu JJ, Li S, Lu Y. Pharmacological activities of dihydrotanshinone I, a natural product from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Pharmacol Res 2019; 145:104254. [PMID: 31054311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), a famous traditional Chinese herb, has been used clinically for the treatment of various diseases for centuries. Document data showed that tanshinones, a class of lipophilic abietane diterpenes rich in this herb, possess multiple biological effects in vitro and in vivo models. Among which, 15,16-dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) has received much attention in recent years. In this systematical review, we carefully selected, analyzed, and summarized high-quality publications related to pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms of DHT. DHT has anti-cancer, cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammation, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and other effects. Furthermore, several molecules such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), human antigen R (HuR), acetylcholinesterase (AchE), etc. have been identified as the potential targets for DHT. The diverse pharmacological activities of DHT provide scientific evidence for the local and traditional uses of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. We concluded that DHT might serve as a lead compound for drug discovery in related diseases while further in-depth investigations are still needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Chen
- Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
| | - Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Bingling Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jiahong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Shaojing Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang J, Hjelmeland AB, Nabors LB, King PH. Anti-cancer effects of the HuR inhibitor, MS-444, in malignant glioma cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:979-988. [PMID: 30991885 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1591673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a highly malignant and typically fatal tumor of the central nervous system. The tumor is characterized by marked cellular and molecular heterogeneity, including a subpopulation of brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) that are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. We previously reported that the RNA-binding protein HuR is: (1) overexpressed in glioblastoma, (2) necessary for tumor growth in vivo, and (3) a positive regulator of tumor-promoting genes in glioblastoma. These findings provide strong evidence that HuR might be a viable therapeutic target in glioblastoma. In this report, we investigated the effects of MS-444, a small molecule inhibitor of HuR, in xenograft-derived human glioblastoma cells and BTICs. We found that MS-444 treatment of glioblastoma cells resulted in loss of viability and induction of apoptosis, with evidence implicating death receptor 5. BTICs were particularly sensitive to MS-444. At sub-lethal doses, MS-444 attenuated invasion of glioblastoma cells and BTICs in a transwell model. At the molecular level, MS-444 treatment led to an attenuation of mRNAs in different tumor promoting pathways including angiogenesis, immune evasion and suppression of apoptosis. Although cytoplasmic HuR was reduced with MS-444 treatment, the attenuation of mRNAs could not be explained by RNA destabilization. In summary, this report provides proof of concept that small molecule inhibition of HuR could be a viable approach for treatment of glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiping Wang
- a Departments of Neurology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL
| | - Anita B Hjelmeland
- b Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL
| | - L Burt Nabors
- a Departments of Neurology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL
| | - Peter H King
- a Departments of Neurology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL.,b Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology , University of Alabama , Birmingham , AL.,c Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Birmingham , AL
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Della Volpe S, Nasti R, Queirolo M, Unver MY, Jumde VK, Dömling A, Vasile F, Potenza D, Ambrosio FA, Costa G, Alcaro S, Zucal C, Provenzani A, Di Giacomo M, Rossi D, Hirsch AKH, Collina S. Novel Compounds Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Structure-Based Design, Synthesis, and Interaction Studies. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:615-620. [PMID: 30996806 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The key role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in regulating post-transcriptional processes and their involvement in several pathologies (i.e., cancer and neurodegeneration) have highlighted their potential as therapeutic targets. In this scenario, Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision (ELAV) or Hu proteins and their complexes with target mRNAs have been gaining growing attention. Compounds able to modulate the complex stability could constitute an innovative pharmacological strategy for the treatment of numerous diseases. Nevertheless, medicinal-chemistry efforts aimed at developing such compounds are still at an early stage. As part of our ongoing research in this field, we hereby present the rational design and synthesis of structurally novel HuR ligands, potentially acting as HuR-RNA interferers. The following assessment of the structural features of their interaction with HuR, combining saturation-transfer difference NMR and in silico studies, provides a guide for further research on the development of new effective interfering compounds of the HuR-RNA complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Della Volpe
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rita Nasti
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Queirolo
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - M. Yagiz Unver
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Varsha K. Jumde
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Francesca Vasile
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Donatella Potenza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giosué Costa
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- Department of CIBIO, University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Povo, TN, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Di Giacomo
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus Building E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
D'Agostino VG, Sighel D, Zucal C, Bonomo I, Micaelli M, Lolli G, Provenzani A, Quattrone A, Adami V. Screening Approaches for Targeting Ribonucleoprotein Complexes: A New Dimension for Drug Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY 2019; 24:314-331. [PMID: 30616427 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218818065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are pleiotropic factors that control the processing and functional compartmentalization of transcripts by binding primarily to mRNA untranslated regions (UTRs). The competitive and/or cooperative interplay between RBPs and an array of coding and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) determines the posttranscriptional control of gene expression, influencing protein production. Recently, a variety of well-recognized and noncanonical RBP domains have been revealed by modern system-wide analyses, underlying an evolving classification of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and their importance in governing physiological RNA metabolism. The possibility of targeting selected RNA-protein interactions with small molecules is now expanding the concept of protein "druggability," with new implications for medicinal chemistry and for a deeper characterization of the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds. Here, taking SF3B1, HuR, LIN28, and Musashi proteins as paradigmatic case studies, we review the strategies applied for targeting RBPs, with emphasis on the technological advancements to study protein-RNA interactions and on the requirements of appropriate validation strategies to parallel high-throughput screening (HTS) efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Giuseppe D'Agostino
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Denise Sighel
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Graziano Lolli
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Adami
- 2 University of Trento, HTS Core Facility, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Exploration of ligand binding modes towards the identification of compounds targeting HuR: a combined STD-NMR and Molecular Modelling approach. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13780. [PMID: 30214075 PMCID: PMC6137155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32084-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional processes have been recognised as pivotal in the control of gene expression, and impairments in RNA processing are reported in several pathologies (i.e., cancer and neurodegeneration). Focusing on RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), the involvement of Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision (ELAV) or Hu proteins and their complexes with target mRNAs in the aetiology of various dysfunctions, has suggested the great potential of compounds able to interfere with the complex stability as an innovative pharmacological strategy for the treatment of numerous diseases. Here, we present a rational follow-up investigation of the interaction between ELAV isoform HuR and structurally-related compounds (i.e., flavonoids and coumarins), naturally decorated with different functional groups, by means of STD-NMR and Molecular Modelling. Our results represent the foundation for the development of potent and selective ligands able to interfere with ELAV–RNA complexes.
Collapse
|
49
|
Dalle Vedove A, Spiliotopoulos D, D'Agostino VG, Marchand JR, Unzue A, Nevado C, Lolli G, Caflisch A. Structural Analysis of Small-Molecule Binding to the BAZ2A and BAZ2B Bromodomains. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1479-1487. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dalle Vedove
- Centre for Integrative Biology; University of Trento; via Sommarive 9 38123 Povo-Trento Italy
| | - Dimitrios Spiliotopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Zürich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Vito G. D'Agostino
- Centre for Integrative Biology; University of Trento; via Sommarive 9 38123 Povo-Trento Italy
| | - Jean-Rémy Marchand
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Zürich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Andrea Unzue
- Department of Chemistry; University of Zürich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Cristina Nevado
- Department of Chemistry; University of Zürich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Graziano Lolli
- Centre for Integrative Biology; University of Trento; via Sommarive 9 38123 Povo-Trento Italy
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Zürich; Winterthurerstrasse 190 8057 Zürich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Bono S, Lulli M, D'Agostino VG, Di Gesualdo F, Loffredo R, Cipolleschi MG, Provenzani A, Rovida E, Dello Sbarba P. Different BCR/Abl protein suppression patterns as a converging trait of chronic myeloid leukemia cell adaptation to energy restriction. Oncotarget 2018; 7:84810-84825. [PMID: 27852045 PMCID: PMC5356700 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BCR/Abl protein drives the onset and progression of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). We previously showed that BCR/Abl protein is suppressed in low oxygen, where viable cells retain stem cell potential. This study addressed the regulation of BCR/Abl protein expression under oxygen or glucose shortage, characteristic of the in vivo environment where cells resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) persist. We investigated, at transcriptional, translational and post-translational level, the mechanisms involved in BCR/Abl suppression in K562 and KCL22 CML cells. BCR/abl mRNA steady-state analysis and ChIP-qPCR on BCR promoter revealed that BCR/abl transcriptional activity is reduced in K562 cells under oxygen shortage. The SUnSET assay showed an overall reduction of protein synthesis under oxygen/glucose shortage in both cell lines. However, only low oxygen decreased polysome-associated BCR/abl mRNA significantly in KCL22 cells, suggesting a decreased BCR/Abl translation. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 or the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk extended BCR/Abl expression under oxygen/glucose shortage in K562 cells. Glucose shortage induced autophagy-dependent BCR/Abl protein degradation in KCL22 cells. Overall, our results showed that energy restriction induces different cell-specific BCR/Abl protein suppression patterns, which represent a converging route to TKi-resistance of CML cells. Thus, the interference with BCR/Abl expression in environment-adapted CML cells may become a useful implement to current therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federico Di Gesualdo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Rosa Loffredo
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cipolleschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Persio Dello Sbarba
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|