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Yang G, Ding C, Yang X, Jiang J, He S, Shao Y, Zhang E, Fan X, Zhou X, Huang L, Xinyu Zhang C, Sun J, Wang Y, Zang L, Zheng M, Ma J. NDRG1 enhances the sensitivity to Cetuximab by promoting Stat1 ubiquitylation in colorectal cancer. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00319-9. [PMID: 39128702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cetuximab (CTX) is an effective targeted drug for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, but it is effective only in patients with wild-type KRAS genes. Even in this subset of patients, the sensitivity of CTX in patients with right hemi-colon cancer is much lower than that in patients with left hemi-colon cancer. This significantly limits its clinical application. Therefore, further elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms is needed. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) plays an important role in solid tumor invasion and metastasis, but whether it can influence CTX sensitivity has not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to identify a novel mechanism by which NDRG1 affects CTX sensitivity. METHODS Through mass spectrometry analysis of our previously constructed CTX-resistant RKO and HCT116 cells, we found that the signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (Stat1) might be a potential target of NDRG1. By knocking out NDRG1 or/and Stat1 genes, we then applied the loss-of-function experiments to explore the regulatory relationship between NDRG1 and Stat1 and their roles in the cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the sensitivity to CTX in these two colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Finally, we used the nude-mouse transplanted tumor model and human CRC samples to verify the expression of NDRG1 and Stat1 and their impact on CTX sensitivity in vivo. RESULTS Stat1 was upregulated in CTX-resistant cells, whereas NDRG1 was downregulated. Mechanically, NDRG1 was inversely correlated with Stat1 expression. It suppressed CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inhibiting Stat1. In addition, NDRG1 directly interacted with Stat1 and promoted Smurf1-induced Stat1 ubiquitination. Importantly, this novel NDRG1-dependent regulatory loop also enhanced CTX sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that NDRG1 enhanced the sensitivity to Cetuximab by inhibiting Stat1 expression and promoting its ubiquitination in colorectal cancer, elucidating NDRG1 might be a potential therapeutic target for refractory CTX-resistant CRC tumors. But its clinical value still needs to be validated in a larger sample size as well as a different genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengsheng Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyuan He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfei Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Enkui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueliang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cindy Xinyu Zhang
- Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, 1-560 Enterprise Square,10230 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityAffiliated Hospital, 1 Tongdao North Street, Hohhot, China.
| | - Lu Zang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Minhua Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Junjun Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Gholam Azad M, Hussaini M, Russell TM, Richardson V, Kaya B, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Multi-modal mechanisms of the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1: Inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling by stabilization of protein kinase Cα. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107417. [PMID: 38815861 PMCID: PMC11261793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), inhibits pro-oncogenic signaling in pancreatic cancer (PC). This investigation dissected a novel mechanism induced by NDRG1 on WNT/β-catenin signaling in multiple PC cell types. NDRG1 overexpression decreased β-catenin and downregulated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) protein levels and its activation. However, β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41 are classically induced by GSK-3β was significantly increased after NDRG1 overexpression, suggesting a GSK-3β-independent mechanism. Intriguingly, NDRG1 overexpression upregulated protein kinase Cα (PKCα), with PKCα silencing preventing β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41, and decreasing β-catenin expression. Further, NDRG1 and PKCα were demonstrated to associate, with PKCα stabilization occurring after NDRG1 overexpression. PKCα half-life increased from 1.5 ± 0.8 h (3) in control cells to 11.0 ± 2.5 h (3) after NDRG1 overexpression. Thus, NDRG1 overexpression leads to the association of NDRG1 with PKCα and PKCα stabilization, resulting in β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41. The association between PKCα, NDRG1, and β-catenin was identified, with the formation of a potential metabolon that promotes the latter β-catenin phosphorylation. This anti-oncogenic activity of NDRG1 was multi-modal, with the above mechanism accompanied by the downregulation of the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), which is involved in β-catenin nuclear translocation, inhibition of AKT phosphorylation (Ser473), and decreased β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser552 that suppresses its transcriptional activity. These mechanisms of NDRG1 activity are important to dissect to understand the marked anti-cancer efficacy of NDRG1-inducing thiosemicarbazones that upregulate PKCα and inhibit WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mohammed Hussaini
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tiffany M Russell
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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Yip HYK, Shin SY, Chee A, Ang CS, Rossello FJ, Wong LH, Nguyen LK, Papa A. Integrative modeling uncovers p21-driven drug resistance and prioritizes therapies for PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:20. [PMID: 38273040 PMCID: PMC10810864 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Utility of PI3Kα inhibitors like BYL719 is limited by the acquisition of genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of resistance which cause disease recurrence. Several combination therapies based on PI3K inhibition have been proposed, but a way to systematically prioritize them for breast cancer treatment is still missing. By integrating published and in-house studies, we have developed in silico models that quantitatively capture dynamics of PI3K signaling at the network-level under a BYL719-sensitive versus BYL719 resistant-cell state. Computational predictions show that signal rewiring to alternative components of the PI3K pathway promote resistance to BYL719 and identify PDK1 as the most effective co-target with PI3Kα rescuing sensitivity of resistant cells to BYL719. To explore whether PI3K pathway-independent mechanisms further contribute to BYL719 resistance, we performed phosphoproteomics and found that selection of high levels of the cell cycle regulator p21 unexpectedly promoted drug resistance in T47D cells. Functionally, high p21 levels favored repair of BYL719-induced DNA damage and bypass of the associated cellular senescence. Importantly, targeted inhibition of the check-point inhibitor CHK1 with MK-8776 effectively caused death of p21-high T47D cells, thus establishing a new vulnerability of BYL719-resistant breast cancer cells. Together, our integrated studies uncover hidden molecular mediators causing resistance to PI3Kα inhibition and provide a framework to prioritize combination therapies for PI3K-mutant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon Yan Kelvin Yip
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Sung-Young Shin
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Annabel Chee
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Centre for Muscle Research, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Fernando J Rossello
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lee Hwa Wong
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Lan K Nguyen
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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5
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Shehadeh-Tout F, Milioli HH, Roslan S, Jansson PJ, Dharmasivam M, Graham D, Anderson R, Wijesinghe T, Azad MG, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. Innovative Thiosemicarbazones that Induce Multi-Modal Mechanisms to Down-Regulate Estrogen-, Progesterone-, Androgen- and Prolactin-Receptors in Breast Cancer. Pharmacol Res 2023:106806. [PMID: 37244387 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) is a key driver of breast cancer (BC) and the ER-antagonist, tamoxifen, is a central pillar of BC treatment. However, cross-talk between ER-α, other hormone and growth factor receptors enables development of de novo resistance to tamoxifen. Herein, we mechanistically dissect the activity of a new class of anti-cancer agents that inhibit multiple growth factor receptors and down-stream signaling for the treatment of ER-positive BC. Using RNA sequencing and comprehensive protein expression analysis, we examined the activity of di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) and di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), on the expression and activation of hormone and growth factor receptors, co-factors, and key resistance pathways in ER-α-positive BC. DpC differentially regulated 106 estrogen-response genes, and this was linked to decreased mRNA levels of 4 central hormone receptors involved in BC pathogenesis, namely ER, progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR), and prolactin receptor (PRL-R). Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that due to DpC and Dp44mT binding metal ions, these agents caused a pronounced decrease in ER-α, AR, PR, and PRL-R protein expression. DpC and Dp44mT also inhibited activation and down-stream signaling of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family receptors, and expression of co-factors that promote ER-α transcriptional activity, including SRC3, NF-κB p65, and SP1. In vivo, DpC was highly tolerable and effectively inhibited ER-α-positive BC growth. Through bespoke, non-hormonal, multi-modal mechanisms, Dp44mT and DpC decrease the expression of PR, AR, PRL-R, and tyrosine kinases that act with ER-α to promote BC, constituting an innovative therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten Shehadeh-Tout
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Heloisa H Milioli
- Connie Johnson Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, NSW 2010 Australia
| | - Suraya Roslan
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg Vic 3084, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dinny Graham
- Breast Cancer Group, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Robin Anderson
- Metastasis Research Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg Vic 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tharushi Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of NSW, NSW 2052 Australia.
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6
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Candiello E, Reato G, Verginelli F, Gambardella G, D Ambrosio A, Calandra N, Orzan F, Iuliano A, Albano R, Sassi F, Luraghi P, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. MicroRNA 483-3p overexpression unleashes invasive growth of metastatic colorectal cancer via NDRG1 downregulation and ensuing activation of the ERBB3/AKT axis. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 36862005 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In colorectal cancer, the mechanisms underlying tumor aggressiveness require further elucidation. Taking advantage of a large panel of human metastatic colorectal cancer xenografts and matched stem-like cell cultures (m-colospheres), here we show that the overexpression of microRNA 483-3p (miRNA-483-3p; also known as MIR-483-3p), encoded by a frequently amplified gene locus, confers an aggressive phenotype. In m-colospheres, endogenous or ectopic miRNA-483-3p overexpression increased proliferative response, invasiveness, stem cell frequency, and resistance to differentiation. Transcriptomic analyses and functional validation found that miRNA-483-3p directly targets NDRG1, known as a metastasis suppressor involved in EGFR family downregulation. Mechanistically, miRNA-483-3p overexpression induced the signaling pathway triggered by ERBB3, including AKT and GSK3β, and led to the activation of transcription factors regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Consistently, treatment with selective anti-ERBB3 antibodies counteracted the invasive growth of miRNA-483-3p-overexpressing m-colospheres. In human colorectal tumors, miRNA-483-3p expression inversely correlated with NDRG1 and directly correlated with EMT transcription factor expression and poor prognosis. These results unveil a previously unrecognized link between miRNA-483-3p, NDRG1, and ERBB3-AKT signaling that can directly support colorectal cancer invasion and is amenable to therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermes Candiello
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy.,Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Antonio D Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Noemi Calandra
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Albano
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy.,Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy.,Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
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Zhao X, Richardson DR. The role of the NDRG1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188871. [PMID: 36841367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer death in women. This disease is heterogeneous, with clinical subtypes being estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) positive, having human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, or being triple-negative for ER-α, progesterone receptor, and HER2 (TNBC). The ER-α positive and HER2 overexpressing tumors can be treated with agents targeting these proteins, including tamoxifen and pertuzumab, respectively. Despite these treatments, resistance and metastasis are problematic, while TNBC is challenging to treat due to the lack of suitable targets. Many studies examining BC and other tumors indicate a role for N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) as a metastasis suppressor. The ability of NDRG1 to inhibit metastasis is due, in part, to the inhibition of the initial step in metastasis, namely the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Paradoxically, there are also reports of NDRG1 playing a pro-oncogenic role in BC pathogenesis. The oncogenic effects of NDRG1 in BC have been reported to relate to lipid metabolism or the mTOR signaling pathway. The molecular mechanism(s) of how NDRG1 regulates the activity of multiple signaling pathways remains unclear. Therapeutic strategies that up-regulate NDRG1 have been developed and include agents of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone class. These compounds target oncogenic drivers in BC cells, suppressing the expression of multiple key hormone receptors including ER-α, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, and prolactin receptor, and can also overcome tamoxifen resistance. Considering the varying role of NDRG1 in BC pathogenesis, further studies are required to examine what subset of BC patients would benefit from pharmacopeia that up-regulate NDRG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhao
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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8
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Dharmasivam M, Kaya B, Wijesinghe T, Gholam Azad M, Gonzálvez MA, Hussaini M, Chekmarev J, Bernhardt PV, Richardson DR. Designing Tailored Thiosemicarbazones with Bespoke Properties: The Styrene Moiety Imparts Potent Activity, Inhibits Heme Center Oxidation, and Results in a Novel "Stealth Zinc(II) Complex". J Med Chem 2023; 66:1426-1453. [PMID: 36649565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A novel, potent, and selective antitumor agent, namely (E)-3-phenyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-one 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (PPP44mT), and its analogues were synthesized and characterized and displayed strikingly distinctive properties. This activity was mediated by the inclusion of a styrene moiety, which through steric and electrochemical mechanisms prevented deleterious oxy-myoglobin or oxy-hemoglobin oxidation relative to other potent thiosemicarbazones, i.e., di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) or di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT). Structure-activity relationship analysis demonstrated specific tuning of PPP44mT electrochemistry further inhibited oxy-myoglobin or oxy-hemoglobin oxidation. Both PPP44mT and its Cu(II) complexes showed conspicuous almost immediate cytotoxicity against SK-N-MC tumor cells (within 3 h). In contrast, [Zn(PPP44mT)2] demonstrated a pronounced delay in activity, taking 48 h before marked antiproliferative efficacy was apparent. As such, [Zn(PPP44mT)2] was designated as a "stealth Zn(II) complex" that overcomes the near immediate cytotoxicity of PPP44mT or its copper complexes. Upon examination of the suppression of oncogenic signaling, [Zn(PPP44mT)2] was superior at inhibiting cyclin D1 expression compared to DpC or Dp44mT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia.,Department of Chemistry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, 34320Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tharushi Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Miguel A Gonzálvez
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane4072, Australia
| | - Mohammad Hussaini
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Jason Chekmarev
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane4072, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan4111, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya466-8550, Japan
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9
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Krchniakova M, Paukovcekova S, Chlapek P, Neradil J, Skoda J, Veselska R. Thiosemicarbazones and selected tyrosine kinase inhibitors synergize in pediatric solid tumors: NDRG1 upregulation and impaired prosurvival signaling in neuroblastoma cells. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:976955. [PMID: 36160437 PMCID: PMC9490180 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.976955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are frequently used in combined therapy to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome drug resistance. The present study analyzed the effects of three inhibitors, sunitinib, gefitinib, and lapatinib, combined with iron-chelating agents, di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) or di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC). Simultaneous administration of the drugs consistently resulted in synergistic and/or additive activities against the cell lines derived from the most frequent types of pediatric solid tumors. The results of a detailed analysis of cell signaling in the neuroblastoma cell lines revealed that TKIs inhibited the phosphorylation of the corresponding receptor tyrosine kinases, and thiosemicarbazones downregulated the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, leading to a strong induction of apoptosis. Marked upregulation of the metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), which is known to be activated and upregulated by thiosemicarbazones in adult cancers, was also detected in thiosemicarbazone-treated neuroblastoma cells. Importantly, these effects were more pronounced in the cells treated with drug combinations, especially with the combinations of lapatinib with thiosemicarbazones. Therefore, these results provide a rationale for novel strategies combining iron-chelating agents with TKIs in therapy of pediatric solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Krchniakova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Silvia Paukovcekova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petr Chlapek
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jakub Neradil
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Skoda
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jan Skoda, ; Renata Veselska,
| | - Renata Veselska
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jan Skoda, ; Renata Veselska,
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10
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Richardson DR, Azad MG, Afroz R, Richardson V, Dharmasivam M. Thiosemicarbazones reprogram pancreatic cancer bidirectional oncogenic signaling between cancer cells and stellate cells to suppress desmoplasia. Future Med Chem 2022; 14:1005-1017. [PMID: 35670251 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2022-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard treatments have shown dismal activity against pancreatic cancer (PC), due in part to the development of a dense stroma (desmoplasia). This perspective discusses the development of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones that overcomes bidirectional oncogenic signaling between PC cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which is critical for desmoplasia development. This activity is induced by the up-regulation of the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), which inhibits oncogenic signaling via HGF, IGF-1 and Sonic Hedgehog pathway. More recent studies have deciphered additional pathways including those mediated by Wnt and tenascin C that are secreted by PSCs to activate β-catenin and YAP/TAZ signaling in PC cells. Suppression of bidirectional signaling between cell types presents a unique therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
- Department of Pathology & Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - M Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - R Afroz
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - V Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - M Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology & Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University & School of Environment & Science (N34), Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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11
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Dharmasivam M, Azad MG, Afroz R, Richardson V, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR. The thiosemicarbazone, DpC, broadly synergizes with multiple anti-cancer therapeutics and demonstrates temperature- and energy-dependent uptake by tumor cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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12
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Geleta B, Tout FS, Lim SC, Sahni S, Jansson PJ, Apte MV, Richardson DR, Kovačević Ž. Targeting Wnt/tenascin C-mediated cross talk between pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells via activation of the metastasis suppressor NDRG1. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101608. [PMID: 35065073 PMCID: PMC8881656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A major barrier to successful pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment is the surrounding stroma, which secretes growth factors/cytokines that promote PC progression. Wnt and tenascin C (TnC) are key ligands secreted by stromal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) that then act on PC cells in a paracrine manner to activate the oncogenic β-catenin and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways. Therefore, therapies targeting oncogenic Wnt/TnC cross talk between PC cells and PSCs constitute a promising new therapeutic approach for PC treatment. The metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) inhibits tumor progression and metastasis in numerous cancers, including PC. We demonstrate herein that targeting NDRG1 using the clinically trialed anticancer agent di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) inhibited Wnt/TnC-mediated interactions between PC cells and the surrounding PSCs. Mechanistically, NDRG1 and DpC markedly inhibit secretion of Wnt3a and TnC by PSCs, while also attenuating Wnt/β-catenin and YAP/TAZ activation and downstream signaling in PC cells. This antioncogenic activity was mediated by direct inhibition of β-catenin and YAP/TAZ nuclear localization and by increasing the Wnt inhibitor, DKK1. Expression of NDRG1 also inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-β secretion by PC cells, a key mechanism by which PC cells activate PSCs. Using an in vivo orthotopic PC mouse model, we show DpC downregulated β-catenin, TnC, and YAP/TAZ, while potently increasing NDRG1 expression in PC tumors. We conclude that NDRG1 and DpC inhibit Wnt/TnC-mediated interactions between PC cells and PSCs. These results further illuminate the antioncogenic mechanism of NDRG1 and the potential of targeting this metastasis suppressor to overcome the oncogenic effects of the PC-PSC interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekesho Geleta
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Faten S Tout
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Syer Choon Lim
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance & Stem Cell Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Pancreatic Research Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Žaklina Kovačević
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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13
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Gutierrez DA, Contreras L, Villanueva PJ, Borrego EA, Morán-Santibañez K, Hess JD, DeJesus R, Larragoity M, Betancourt AP, Mohl JE, Robles-Escajeda E, Begum K, Roy S, Kirken RA, Varela-Ramirez A, Aguilera RJ. Identification of a Potent Cytotoxic Pyrazole with Anti-Breast Cancer Activity That Alters Multiple Pathways. Cells 2022; 11:254. [PMID: 35053370 PMCID: PMC8773755 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we identified a novel pyrazole-based derivative (P3C) that displayed potent cytotoxicity against 27 human cancer cell lines derived from different tissue origins with 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) in the low micromolar and nanomolar range, particularly in two triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines (from 0.25 to 0.49 µM). In vitro assays revealed that P3C induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation leading to mitochondrial depolarization and caspase-3/7 and -8 activation, suggesting the participation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. P3C caused microtubule disruption, phosphatidylserine externalization, PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and cell cycle arrest on TNBC cells. In addition, P3C triggered dephosphorylation of CREB, p38, ERK, STAT3, and Fyn, and hyperphosphorylation of JNK and NF-kB in TNBC cells, indicating the inactivation of both p38MAPK/STAT3 and ERK1/2/CREB signaling pathways. In support of our in vitro assays, transcriptome analyses of two distinct TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells) treated with P3C revealed 28 genes similarly affected by the treatment implicated in apoptosis, oxidative stress, protein kinase modulation, and microtubule stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisse A. Gutierrez
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Lisett Contreras
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Paulina J. Villanueva
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Edgar A. Borrego
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Karla Morán-Santibañez
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Jessica D. Hess
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Rebecca DeJesus
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Manuel Larragoity
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Ana P. Betancourt
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Jonathon E. Mohl
- Department of Bioinformatics, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA;
| | - Elisa Robles-Escajeda
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Khodeza Begum
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Sourav Roy
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Robert A. Kirken
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Armando Varela-Ramirez
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
| | - Renato J. Aguilera
- Cellular Characterization and Biorepository Core Facility, Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; (D.A.G.); (L.C.); (P.J.V.); (E.A.B.); (K.M.-S.); (J.D.H.); (R.D.); (M.L.); (A.P.B.); (E.R.-E.); (K.B.); (S.R.); (R.A.K.); (A.V.-R.)
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14
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Macsek P, Skoda J, Krchniakova M, Neradil J, Veselska R. Iron-Chelation Treatment by Novel Thiosemicarbazone Targets Major Signaling Pathways in Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010376. [PMID: 35008802 PMCID: PMC8745636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite constant advances in the field of pediatric oncology, the survival rate of high-risk neuroblastoma patients remains poor. The molecular and genetic features of neuroblastoma, such as MYCN amplification and stemness status, have established themselves not only as potent prognostic and predictive factors but also as intriguing targets for personalized therapy. Novel thiosemicarbazones target both total level and activity of a number of proteins involved in some of the most important signaling pathways in neuroblastoma. In this study, we found that di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) potently decreases N-MYC in MYCN-amplified and c-MYC in MYCN-nonamplified neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, DpC succeeded in downregulating total EGFR and phosphorylation of its most prominent tyrosine residues through the involvement of NDRG1, a positive prognostic marker in neuroblastoma, which was markedly upregulated after thiosemicarbazone treatment. These findings could provide useful knowledge for the treatment of MYC-driven neuroblastomas that are unresponsive to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Macsek
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Skoda
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Krchniakova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
| | - Jakub Neradil
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 662 63 Brno, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-549-49-6003
| | - Renata Veselska
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.M.); (J.S.); (M.K.); (R.V.)
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, 662 63 Brno, Czech Republic
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15
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The Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1 Directly Regulates Androgen Receptor Signaling in Prostate Cancer. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101414. [PMID: 34785213 PMCID: PMC8668986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
N-myc-downregulated gene 1 (NDRG1) has potent anticancer effects and inhibits cell growth, survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Previous studies suggested that NDRG1 is linked to the androgen signaling network, but this mechanistic relationship is unclear. Considering the crucial role of the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer (PCa) progression, here we examined for the first time the effect of NDRG1 on AR expression, activation, and downstream signaling in LNCaP, 22Rv1, and C4-2B PCa cell types. We demonstrate that NDRG1 effectively promotes interaction of AR with the chaperone HSP90, which in turn stabilizes the AR while decreasing its androgen-mediated activation. The expression of NDRG1 suppressed: (1) AR activation, as measured by p-ARSer213 and p-ARSer81; (2) expression of a major AR transcriptional target, prostate-specific antigen (PSA); and (3) AR transcriptional activity, probably via inhibiting the c-Jun-AR interaction by reducing c-Jun phosphorylation (p-c-JunSer63). NDRG1 was also demonstrated to inhibit multiple key molecules involved in androgen-dependent and -independent signaling (namely EGFR, HER2, HER3, PI3K, STAT3, and NF-κB), which promote the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We also identified the cysteine-rich secretory protein/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1 (CAP) domain of NDRG1 as vital for inhibition of AR activity. Examining NDRG1 and p-NDRG1 in PCa patient specimens revealed a significant negative correlation between NDRG1 and PSA levels in prostatectomy patients that went on to develop metastasis. These results highlight a vital role for NDRG1 in androgen signaling and its potential as a key therapeutic target and biomarker in PCa.
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16
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Chekmarev J, Azad MG, Richardson DR. The Oncogenic Signaling Disruptor, NDRG1: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092382. [PMID: 34572031 PMCID: PMC8465210 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NDRG1 is an oncogenic signaling disruptor that plays a key role in multiple cancers, including aggressive pancreatic tumors. Recent studies have indicated a role for NDRG1 in the inhibition of multiple tyrosine kinases, including EGFR, c-Met, HER2 and HER3, etc. The mechanism of activity of NDRG1 remains unclear, but to impart some of its functions, NDRG1 binds directly to key effector molecules that play roles in tumor suppression, e.g., MIG6. More recent studies indicate that NDRG1s-inducing drugs, such as novel di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones, not only inhibit tumor growth and metastasis but also fibrous desmoplasia, which leads to chemotherapeutic resistance. The Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (c-Cbl) protein may be regulated by NDRG1, and is a crucial E3 ligase that regulates various protein tyrosine and receptor tyrosine kinases, primarily via ubiquitination. The c-Cbl protein can act as a tumor suppressor by promoting the degradation of receptor tyrosine kinases. In contrast, c-Cbl can also promote tumor development by acting as a docking protein to mediate the oncogenic c-Met/Crk/JNK and PI3K/AKT pathways. This review hypothesizes that NDRG1 could inhibit the oncogenic function of c-Cbl, which may be another mechanism of its tumor-suppressive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Chekmarev
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.C.); (M.G.A.)
| | - Des R. Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia; (J.C.); (M.G.A.)
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3735-7549
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17
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Geleta B, Park KC, Jansson PJ, Sahni S, Maleki S, Xu Z, Murakami T, Pajic M, Apte MV, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. Breaking the cycle: Targeting of NDRG1 to inhibit bi-directional oncogenic cross-talk between pancreatic cancer and stroma. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21347. [PMID: 33484481 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002279r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is characterized by dense stroma that hinders treatment efficacy, with pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) being a major contributor to this stromal barrier and PaCa progression. Activated PSCs release hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) that induce PaCa proliferation, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. We demonstrate for the first time that the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), is a potent inhibitor of the PaCa-PSC cross-talk, leading to inhibition of HGF and IGF-1 signaling. NDRG1 also potently reduced the key driver of PaCa metastasis, namely GLI1, leading to reduced PSC-mediated cell migration. The novel clinically trialed anticancer agent, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), which upregulates NDRG1, potently de-sensitized PaCa cells to ligands secreted by activated PSCs. DpC and NDRG1 also inhibited the PaCa-mediated activation of PSCs via inhibition of sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling. In vivo, DpC markedly reduced PaCa tumor growth and metastasis more avidly than the standard chemotherapy for this disease, gemcitabine. Uniquely, DpC was selectively cytotoxic against PaCa cells, while "re-programming" PSCs to an inactive state, decreasing collagen deposition and desmoplasia. Thus, targeting NDRG1 can effectively break the oncogenic cycle of PaCa-PSC bi-directional cross-talk to overcome PaCa desmoplasia and improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekesho Geleta
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Drug Resistance Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sanaz Maleki
- Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Japan
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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18
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Abstract
Cancer cells accumulate iron to supplement their aberrant growth and metabolism. Depleting cells of iron by iron chelators has been shown to be selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Iron chelators are effective at combating a range of cancers including those which are difficult to treat such as androgen insensitive prostate cancer and cancer stem cells. This review will evaluate the impact of iron chelation on cancer cell survival and the underlying mechanisms of action. A plethora of studies have shown iron chelators can reverse some of the major hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer. Iron chelators inhibit signalling pathways that drive proliferation, migration and metastasis as well as return tumour suppressive signalling. In addition to this, iron chelators stimulate apoptotic and ER stress signalling pathways inducing cell death even in cells lacking a functional p53 gene. Iron chelators can sensitise cancer cells to PARP inhibitors through mimicking BRCAness; a feature of cancers trademark genomic instability. Iron chelators target cancer cell metabolism, attenuating oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Moreover, iron chelators may reverse the major characteristics of oncogenic transformation. Iron chelation therefore represent a promising selective mode of cancer therapy.
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19
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Novel Thiosemicarbazones Sensitize Pediatric Solid Tumor Cell-Types to Conventional Chemotherapeutics through Multiple Molecular Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123781. [PMID: 33334021 PMCID: PMC7765366 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Combination of chemotherapeutics for the treatment of childhood cancer can lead to the use of lower cytotoxic drug doses and better therapeutic tolerability (i.e., lower side effects) for patients. We discovered novel molecular targets of two lead thiosemicarbazone agents of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone class. These molecular targets include: cyclooxygenase, the DNA repair protein, O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase, mismatch repair proteins, and topoisomerase 2α. This research also identifies promising synergistic interactions of these thiosemicarbazones particularly with the standard chemotherapeutic, celecoxib. Abstract Combining low-dose chemotherapies is a strategy for designing less toxic and more potent childhood cancer treatments. We examined the effects of combining the novel thiosemicarbazones, di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC), or its analog, di-2-pyridylketone-4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), with the standard chemotherapies, celecoxib (CX), etoposide (ETO), or temozolomide (TMZ). These combinations were analyzed for synergism to inhibit proliferation of three pediatric tumor cell-types, namely osteosarcoma (Saos-2), medulloblastoma (Daoy) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y). In terms of mechanistic dissection, this study discovered novel thiosemicarbazone targets not previously identified and which are important for considering possible drug combinations. In this case, DpC and Dp44mT caused: (1) up-regulation of a major protein target of CX, namely cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); (2) down-regulation of the DNA repair protein, O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), which is known to affect TMZ resistance; (3) down-regulation of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, MSH2 and MSH6, in Daoy and SH-SY5Y cells; and (4) down-regulation in all three cell-types of the MMR repair protein, MLH1, and also topoisomerase 2α (Topo2α), the latter of which is an ETO target. While thiosemicarbazones up-regulate the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, in adult cancers, it is demonstrated herein for the first time that they induce NDRG1 in all three pediatric tumor cell-types, validating its role as a potential target. In fact, siRNA studies indicated that NDRG1 was responsible for MGMT down-regulation that may prevent TMZ resistance. Examining the effects of combining thiosemicarbazones with CX, ETO, or TMZ, the most promising synergism was obtained using CX. Of interest, a positive relationship was observed between NDRG1 expression of the cell-type and the synergistic activity observed in the combination of thiosemicarbazones and CX. These studies identify novel thiosemicarbazone targets relevant to childhood cancer combination chemotherapy.
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Haribabu J, Srividya S, Mahendiran D, Gayathri D, Venkatramu V, Bhuvanesh N, Karvembu R. Synthesis of Palladium(II) Complexes via Michael Addition: Antiproliferative Effects through ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Docking with SARS-CoV-2. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:17109-17122. [PMID: 33231439 PMCID: PMC7724763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c02373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Metal complexes have numerous applications in the current era, particularly in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry and catalysis. A novel synthetic approach for the same is always a beneficial addition to the literature. Henceforth, for the first time, we report the formation of three new Pd(II) complexes through the Michael addition pathway. Three chromone-based thiosemicarbazone ligands (SVSL1-SVSL3) and Pd(II) complexes (1-3) were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic tools. The Michael addition pathway for the formation of complexes was confirmed by spectroscopic studies. Distorted square planar structure of complex 2 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1-3 were subjected to DNA- and BSA-binding studies. The complex with cyclohexyl substituent on the terminal N of thiosemicarbazone (3) showed the highest binding efficacy toward these biomolecules, which was further understood through molecular docking studies. The anticancer potential of these complexes was studied preliminarily by using MTT assay in cancer and normal cell lines along with the benchmark drugs (cisplatin, carboplatin, and gemcitabine). It was found that complex 3 was highly toxic toward MDA-MB-231 and AsPC-1 cancer cells with IC50 values of 0.5 and 0.9 μM, respectively, and was more efficient than the standard drugs. The programmed cell death mechanism of the complexes in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells was confirmed. Furthermore, the complexes induced apoptosis via ROS-mediated mitochondrial signaling pathway. Conveniently, all the complexes showed less toxicity (≥50 μM) against MCF-10a normal cell line. Molecular docking studies were performed with VEGFR2, EGFR, and SARS-CoV-2 main protease to illustrate the binding efficiency of the complexes with these receptors. To our surprise, binding potential of the complexes with SARS-CoV-2 main protease was higher than that with chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jebiti Haribabu
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli 620015, India
| | - Swaminathan Srividya
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli 620015, India
| | - Dharmasivam Mahendiran
- Department of Pathology, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Dasararaju Gayathri
- Centre of Advanced
Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600025, India
| | - Vemula Venkatramu
- Department of Physics, Krishna University
Dr. MRAR PG Centre, Nuzvid 521201, India
| | - Nattamai Bhuvanesh
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas 77842, United States
| | - Ramasamy Karvembu
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli 620015, India
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21
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de Lima JM, Morand GB, Macedo CCS, Diesel L, Hier MP, Mlynarek A, Kowalski LP, Maschietto M, Alaoui-Jamali MA, da Silva SD. NDRG1 deficiency is associated with regional metastasis in oral cancer by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Carcinogenesis 2020; 41:769-777. [PMID: 32112078 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regional metastasis is the single most important prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Abnormal expression of N-myc downstream-regulated genes (NDRGs) has been identified to occur in several tumor types and to predict poor prognosis. In OSCC, the clinical significance of deregulated NDRG expression has not been fully established. In this study, NDRG1 relevance was assessed at gene and protein levels in 100 OSCC patients followed up by at least 10 years. Survival outcome was analyzed using a multivariable analysis. Tumor progression and metastasis was investigated in preclinical model using oral cancer cell lines (HSC3 and SCC25) treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and orthotopic mouse model of metastatic murine OSCC (AT84). We identified NDRG1 expression levels to be significantly lower in patients with metastatic tumors compared with patients with local disease only (P = 0.001). NDRG1 expression was associated with MMP-2, -9, -10 (P = 0.022, P = 0.002, P = 0.042, respectively) and BCL2 (P = 0.035). NDRG1 lower expression was able to predict recurrence and metastasis (log-rank test, P = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, the expression of NDRG1 was an independent prognostic factor (Cox regression, P = 0.013). In invasive OSCC cells, NDRG1 expression is diminished in response to EGF and this was associated with a potent induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype. This result was further confirmed in an orthotopic OSCC mouse model. Together, this data support that NDRG1 downregulation is a potential predictor of metastasis and approaches aimed at NDRG1 signaling rescue can serve as potential therapeutic strategy to prevent oral cancer progression to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Muniz de Lima
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Grégoire B Morand
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine, Oncology, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carolina Carneiro Soares Macedo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luciana Diesel
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael P Hier
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alex Mlynarek
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luiz P Kowalski
- AC Camargo Cancer Center and National Institute of Science and Technology on Oncogenomics (INCITO), Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Moulay A Alaoui-Jamali
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine, Oncology, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Daniela da Silva
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Segal Cancer Centre and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Departments of Medicine, Oncology, and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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22
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Park KC, Paluncic J, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Pharmacological targeting and the diverse functions of the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, in cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 157:154-175. [PMID: 31132412 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) is a potent metastasis suppressor that is regulated by hypoxia, metal ions including iron, the free radical nitric oxide (NO.), and various stress stimuli. This intriguing molecule exhibits diverse functions in cancer, inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration and angiogenesis by modulation of a plethora of oncogenes via cellular signaling. Thus, pharmacological targeting of NDRG1 signaling in cancer is a promising therapeutic strategy. Of note, novel anti-tumor agents of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone series, which exert the "double punch" mechanism by binding metal ions to form redox-active complexes, have been demonstrated to markedly up-regulate NDRG1 expression in cancer cells. This review describes the mechanisms underlying NDRG1 modulation by the thiosemicarbazones and the diverse effects NDRG1 exerts in cancer. As a major induction mechanism, iron depletion appears critical, with NO. also inducing NDRG1 through its ability to bind iron and generate dinitrosyl-dithiol iron complexes, which are then effluxed from cells. Apart from its potent anti-metastatic role, several studies have reported a pro-oncogenic role of NDRG1 in a number of cancer-types. Hence, it has been suggested that NDRG1 plays pleiotropic roles depending on the cancer-type. The molecular mechanism(s) underlying NDRG1 pleiotropy remain elusive, but are linked to differential regulation of WNT signaling and potentially differential interaction with the tumor suppressor, PTEN. This review discusses NDRG1 induction mechanisms by metal ions and NO. and both the anti- and possible pro-oncogenic functions of NDRG1 in multiple cancer-types and compares the opposite effects this protein exerts on cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jasmina Paluncic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Discipline of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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23
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Lim SC, Jansson PJ, Assinder SJ, Maleki S, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. Unique targeting of androgen-dependent and -independent AR signaling in prostate cancer to overcome androgen resistance. FASEB J 2020; 34:11511-11528. [PMID: 32713076 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903167r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a major driver of prostate cancer (PCa) and a key therapeutic target for AR inhibitors (ie, Enzalutamide). However, Enzalutamide only inhibits androgen-dependent AR signaling, enabling intrinsic AR activation via androgen-independent pathways, leading to aggressive castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). We investigated the ability of novel anti-cancer agents, Dp44mT and DpC, to overcome androgen resistance. The effect of Dp44mT and DpC on androgen-dependent and independent AR signaling was assessed in androgen-dependent and -independent PCa cells using 2D- and 3D-tissue culture. The clinically trialed DpC was then examined in vivo and compared to Enzalutamide. These agents uniquely promote AR proteasomal degradation and inhibit AR transcription in PCa cells via the upregulation of c-Jun, potently reducing the AR target, prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These agents also inhibited the activation of key molecules in both androgen-dependent and independent AR signaling (ie, EGFR, MAPK, PI3K), which promote CRPC. The clinically trialed DpC also significantly inhibited PCa tumor growth, AR, and PSA expression in vivo, being more potent than Enzalutamide. DpC is a promising candidate for a unique, structurally distinct generation of AR inhibitors that simultaneously target both androgen-dependent and independent arms of AR signaling. No other therapies exhibit such comprehensive and potent AR suppression, which is critical for overcoming the development of androgen resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syer C Lim
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen J Assinder
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sanaz Maleki
- Histopathology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Centre for Cancer Cell Biology, Griffith Institute of Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumour Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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24
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The c-MET oncoprotein: Function, mechanisms of degradation and its targeting by novel anti-cancer agents. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129650. [PMID: 32522525 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The c-MET oncoprotein drives cancer progression in a variety of tumors through its signaling transduction pathways. This oncoprotein is also degraded by multiple mechanisms involving the lysosome, proteasome and cleavage by proteases. Targeting c-MET degradation pathways may result in effective therapeutic strategies. SCOPE OF REVIEW Since the discovery of oncogenic functions of c-MET, there has been a great deal of effort to develop anti-cancer drugs targeting this oncoprotein. Unexpectedly, novel di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones that demonstrate marked anti-tumor activity, down-regulate c-MET through their ability to bind intracellular iron and via mechanisms including, down-regulation of MET mRNA, enhanced lysosomal processing and increased metalloprotease-mediated cleavage. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The c-MET oncoprotein regulation and degradation pathways are complex. However, with increasing understanding of its degradation mechanisms, there is also greater opportunities to therapeutically target these pathways. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Understanding the mechanisms of degradation of c-MET protein and its regulation could lead to novel therapeutics.
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25
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PRMT1 Is Critical for the Transcriptional Activity and the Stability of the Progesterone Receptor. iScience 2020; 23:101236. [PMID: 32563156 PMCID: PMC7305383 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The progesterone receptor (PR) is an inducible transcription factor that plays critical roles in female reproductive processes and in several aspects of breast cancer tumorigenesis. Our report describes the type I protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) as a cofactor controlling progesterone pathway, through the direct methylation of PR. Mechanistic assays in breast cancer cells indicate that PRMT1 methylates PR at the arginine 637 and reduces the stability of the receptor, thereby accelerating its recycling and finally its transcriptional activity. Depletion of PRMT1 decreases the expression of a subset of progesterone-inducible genes, controlling breast cancer cells proliferation and migration. Consistently, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that low expression of PRMT1 predicts a longer survival among the subgroup with high PR. Our study highlights PR methylation as a molecular switch adapting the transcription requirement of breast cells during tumorigenesis.
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26
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Menezes SV, Fouani L, Huang MLH, Geleta B, Maleki S, Richardson A, Richardson DR, Kovacevic Z. The metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, attenuates oncogenic TGF-β and NF-κB signaling to enhance membrane E-cadherin expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Carcinogenesis 2020; 40:805-818. [PMID: 30561520 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), plays multifaceted roles in inhibiting oncogenic signaling and can suppress the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key step in metastasis. In this investigation, NDRG1 inhibited the oncogenic effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells, promoting expression and co-localization of E-cadherin and β-catenin at the cell membrane. A similar effect of NDRG1 at supporting E-cadherin and β-catenin co-localization at the cell membrane was also demonstrated for HT-29 colon and CFPAC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. The increase in E-cadherin in PANC-1 cells in response to NDRG1 was mediated by the reduction of three transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin, namely SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1. To dissect the mechanisms how NDRG1 inhibits nuclear SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1, we assessed involvement of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, as its aberrant activation contributes to the EMT. Interestingly, NDRG1 comprehensively inhibited oncogenic NF-κB signaling at multiple sites in this pathway, suppressing NEMO, Iĸĸα and IĸBα expression, as well as reducing the activating phosphorylation of Iĸĸα/β and IĸBα. NDRG1 also reduced the levels, nuclear co-localization and DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p65. Further, Iĸĸα, which integrates NF-κB and TGF-β signaling to upregulate ZEB1, SNAIL and SLUG, was identified as an NDRG1 target. Considering this, therapies targeting NDRG1 could be a new strategy to inhibit metastasis, and as such, we examined novel anticancer agents, namely di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazones, which upregulate NDRG1. These agents downregulated SNAIL, SLUG and ZEB1 in vitro and in vivo using a PANC-1 tumor xenograft model, demonstrating their marked potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharleen V Menezes
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leyla Fouani
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael L H Huang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bekesho Geleta
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sanaz Maleki
- Histopathology Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexander Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Dp44mT, an iron chelator, suppresses growth and induces apoptosis via RORA-mediated NDRG2-IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling in glioma. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2020; 43:461-475. [PMID: 32207044 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00502-y] [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: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The iron-chelating agent di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) has been found to inhibit cell growth and to induce apoptosis in several human cancers. However, its effects and mechanism of action in glioma are unknown. METHODS Human glioma cell line LN229 and patient-derived glioma stem cells GSC-42 were applied for both in vitro and in vivo xenograft nude mouse experiments. The anti-tumor effects of Dp44mT were assessed using MTS, EdU, TUNEL, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemical assays. RESULTS We found that Dp44mT can upregulate the expression of the anti-oncogene N-myc downstream-regulated gene (NDRG)2 by directly binding to and activating the RAR-related orphan receptor (ROR)A. In addition, we found that NDRG2 overexpression suppressed inflammation via activation of interleukin (IL)-6/Janus kinase (JAK)2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that Dp44mT may serve as an effective drug for the treatment of glioma by targeting RORA and enhancing NDRG2-mediated IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling.
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Maqbool SN, Lim SC, Park KC, Hanif R, Richardson DR, Jansson PJ, Kovacevic Z. Overcoming tamoxifen resistance in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer using the novel thiosemicarbazone anti-cancer agent, DpC. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:2365-2380. [PMID: 31975484 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, with resistance to current therapeutic strategies, including tamoxifen, causing major clinical challenges and leading to more aggressive and metastatic disease. To address this, novel strategies that can inhibit the mechanisms responsible for tamoxifen resistance need to be assessed. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We examined the effect of the novel, clinically-trialled, thiosemicarbazone anti-cancer agent, DpC, and its potential as a combination therapy with the clinically used estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, tamoxifen, using both tamoxifen-resistant and -sensitive, human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) in 2D and 3D cell-culture. Synergy was assessed using the Chou-Talalay method. The molecular and anti-proliferative effects of these agents and their combination was examined via Western blot, immunofluorescence and colony formation assays. KEY RESULTS Combinations of tamoxifen with DpC were highly synergistic, leading to potent inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation, and ER-α transcriptional activity. The combination also more efficiently reduced major molecular drivers of proliferation of tamoxifen-resistant cells, including c-Myc, cyclin D1, and p-AKT, while up-regulating the cell cycle inhibitor, p27, and inhibiting oncogenic phosphorylation of ER-α at Ser167. Assessing these effects using 3D cell culture further confirmed the greater effects of DpC combined with tamoxifen in reducing ER-α expression, and that of the proliferation marker, Ki-67, in both tamoxifen-sensitive and -resistant MCF-7 spheroids. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These studies demonstrate that the synergistic combination of DpC with tamoxifen could be a promising new therapeutic strategy to overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundus N Maqbool
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Atta-ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syer C Lim
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rumeza Hanif
- Atta-ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Park KC, Geleta B, Leck LYW, Paluncic J, Chiang S, Jansson PJ, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Thiosemicarbazones suppress expression of the c-Met oncogene by mechanisms involving lysosomal degradation and intracellular shedding. J Biol Chem 2019; 295:481-503. [PMID: 31744884 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the role of proto-oncogene c-Met (c-Met) in oncogenesis, we examined the effects of the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), and two NDRG1-inducing thiosemicarbazone-based agents, Dp44mT and DpC, on c-Met expression in DU145 and Huh7 cells. NDRG1 silencing without Dp44mT and DpC up-regulated c-Met expression, demonstrating that NDRG1 modulates c-Met levels. Dp44mT and DpC up-regulated NDRG1 by an iron-dependent mechanism and decreased c-Met levels, c-Met phosphorylation, and phosphorylation of its downstream effector, GRB2-associated binding protein 1 (GAB1). However, incubation with Dp44mT and DpC after NDRG1 silencing or silencing of the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG6), decreased c-Met and its phosphorylation, suggesting NDRG1- and MIG6-independent mechanism(s). Lysosomal inhibitors rescued the Dp44mT- and DpC-mediated c-Met down-regulation in DU145 cells. Confocal microscopy revealed that lysosomotropic agents and the thiosemicarbazones significantly increased co-localization between c-Met and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2). Moreover, generation of c-Met C-terminal fragment (CTF) and its intracellular domain (ICD) suggested metalloprotease-mediated cleavage. In fact, Dp44mT increased c-Met CTF while decreasing the ICD. Dp44mT and a γ-secretase inhibitor increased cellular c-Met CTF levels, suggesting that Dp44mT induces c-Met CTF levels by increasing metalloprotease activity. The broad metalloprotease inhibitors, EDTA and batimastat, partially prevented Dp44mT-mediated down-regulation of c-Met. In contrast, the ADAM inhibitor, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 (TIMP-3), had no such effect, suggesting c-Met cleavage by another metalloprotease. Notably, Dp44mT did not induce extracellular c-Met shedding that could decrease c-Met levels. In summary, the thiosemicarbazones Dp44mT and DpC effectively inhibit oncogenic c-Met through lysosomal degradation and metalloprotease-mediated cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Bekesho Geleta
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Lionel Yi Wen Leck
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Jasmina Paluncic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Shannon Chiang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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Mechanisms of Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer and Metastatic Organotropism: Hematogenous versus Peritoneal Spread. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:7407190. [PMID: 31641356 PMCID: PMC6770301 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7407190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The most common sites of metastasis are the liver and the peritoneum. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is often considered the end stage of the disease after the tumor has spread to the liver. However, almost half of CRC patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis do not present with liver metastasis. This brings up the question of whether peritoneal spread can still be considered as the end stage of a metastasized CRC or whether it should just be interpreted as a site of metastasis alternative to the liver. This review tries to discuss this question and summarize the current status of literature on potential characteristics in tumor biology in the primary tumor, i.e., factors (transcription factors and direct and indirect E-cadherin repressors) and pathways (WNT, TGF-β, and RAS) modulating EMT, regulation of EMT on a posttranscriptional and posttranslational level (miRNAs), and angiogenesis. In addition to tumor-specific characteristics, factors in the tumor microenvironment, immunological markers, ways of transport of tumor cells, and adhesion molecules appear to differ between hematogenous and peritoneal spread. Factors such as integrins and exosomal integrins, cancer stem cell phenotype, and miRNA expression appear to contribute in determining the metastatic route. We went through each step of the metastasis process comparing hematogenous to peritoneal spread. We identified differences with respect to organotropism, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and inflammation, and tumor microenvironment which will be further elucidated in this review. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors of metastasis development in CRC has huge relevance as it is the foundation to help find specific targets for treatment of CRC.
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Dong X, Hong Y, Sun H, Chen C, Zhao X, Sun B. NDRG1 suppresses vasculogenic mimicry and tumor aggressiveness in gastric carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:3003-3016. [PMID: 31452779 PMCID: PMC6704281 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) has been well characterized as a suppressor of metastasis in numerous types of carcinoma. NDRG1 inhibits the metastatic progression of cancer cells via its inhibitory effects on a wide variety of cellular signaling pathways. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the unique ability of aggressive tumor cells to mimic the pattern of embryonic vasculogenic networks, and is the main reason for the poor prognosis and failure of antivascular therapy in gastric carcinoma (GC). Tumor cells can mimic the function of endothelial cells to exhibit VM through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the potential function of NDRG1 in metastatic GC progression in patients has not yet been fully elucidated. To date, data regarding the function of NDRG1 in VM formation in GC have not been reported. The aim of the present study was to elucidate these unknown areas. To this end, 228 samples of human GC were used to identify the protein expression levels of NDRG1, VM-associated proteins and EMT-associated proteins via immunohistochemistry, and their clinical significance was assessed. In addition, the data of 415 patients with GC were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. A functional enrichment analysis concerning NDRG1 was performed using Metascape and the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that NDRG1 is negatively correlated with poor prognosis through suppression of VM formation in GC. The results of the present study demonstrated that NDRG1 decreases EMT-associated protein expression and that HER2 expression may serve a significant role in this process. The Metascape and GSEA results also indirectly support this conclusion. The present study discusses the status NDRG1 as a prognostic and selective biomarker in GC, as well as current and future NDRG1-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Dong
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Hong
- School of Medical Imaging, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Huizhi Sun
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Xiulan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Baocun Sun
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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Yu C, Hao X, Zhang S, Hu W, Li J, Sun J, Zheng M. Characterization of the prognostic values of the NDRG family in gastric cancer. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2019; 12:1756284819858507. [PMID: 31384305 PMCID: PMC6647212 DOI: 10.1177/1756284819858507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The N-myc downstream-regulated gene (NDRG) family, NDRG1-4, has been involved in a wide spectrum of biological functions in multiple cancers. However, their prognostic values remain sparse in gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, it is crucial to systematically investigate the prognostic values of the NDRG family in GC. METHODS The prognostic values of the NDRG family were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier Plotter and SurvExpress. The mRNA of the NDRG family was investigated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs associated with the NDRG family were predicted by NetworkAnalysis. The prognostic values of DNA methylation levels were analyzed by MethSurv. The correlation between immune cells and the NDRG family was evaluated by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. RESULTS High levels of mRNA expression of NDRG2 and NDRG3 were associated with a favorable prognosis in all GCs. In HER2 - GC, NDRG1 was significantly associated with a poor prognosis of GC [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16-2.33, p = 0.0046]. In HER2 + GC, NDRG4 showed a poor prognosis (HR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.06-1.85, p = 0.017). NDRG4 was an independent prognostic factor in recurrence-free survival by TCGA cohort. The low-risk NDRG-signature group displayed a significantly favorable survival outcome than the high-risk group (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.2-2.59, p = 0.00385). The phosphorylated protein NDRG1 (NDRG1_pT346) displayed a favorable overall survival and was significantly associated with HER2 and phosphorylated HER2. Epidermis development was the top biological process (BP) for coexpressed genes associated with NDRG1 and NDRG4, while mitotic nuclear division and mitotic cell processes were the top BPs for NDRG2 and NDRG3, respectively. Overall, 6 CpGs of NDRG1, 4 CpGs of NDRG2, 3 CpGs of NDRG3 and 24 CpGs of NDRG4 were associated with significant prognosis. CD4+ T-cells showed the highest correlation with NDRG4 (correlation = 0.341, p = 2.14e-11). Furthermore, BCL6 in follicular helper T-cells (Tfh) cells showed the highest association with NDRG4 (correlation = 0.438, p = 00e+00). CONCLUSIONS This study analyzed the multilevel prognostic values and biological roles of the NDRG family in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruijin
Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai,
China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center,
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Hao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruijin
Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai,
China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center,
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruijin
Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai,
China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center,
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruijin
Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai,
China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center,
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwen Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruijin
Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai,
China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center,
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruijin
Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai,
China
- Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center,
Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
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Solan JL, Márquez-Rosado L, Lampe PD. Cx43 phosphorylation-mediated effects on ERK and Akt protect against ischemia reperfusion injury and alter the stability of the stress-inducible protein NDRG1. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:11762-11771. [PMID: 31189653 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions contain intercellular channels that enable intercellular communication of small molecules while also serving as a signaling scaffold. Connexins, the proteins that form gap junctions in vertebrates, are highly regulated and typically have short (<2 h) half-lives. Connexin43 (Cx43), the predominate connexin in the myocardium and epithelial tissues, is phosphorylated on more than a dozen serine residues and interacts with a variety of protein kinases. These interactions regulate Cx43 and gap junction formation and stability. Casein kinase 1 (CK1)-mediated phosphorylation of Cx43 promotes gap junction assembly. Using murine knock-in technology and quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, and immunoprecipitation assays, we show here that mutation of the CK1 phosphorylation sites in Cx43 reduces the levels of total Cx43 in the myocardium and increases Cx43 phosphorylation on sites phosphorylated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In aged myocardium, we found that, compared with WT Cx43, mutant Cx43 expression increases ERK activation, phosphorylation of Akt substrates, and protection from ischemia-induced injury. Our findings also uncovered that Cx43 interacts with the hypoxia-inducible protein N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 protein (NDRG1) and that Cx43 phosphorylation status controls this interaction and dramatically affects NDRG1 stability. We propose that, in addition to altering gap junction stability, Cx43 phosphorylation directly and dynamically regulates cellular signaling through ERK and Akt in response to ischemic injury. We conclude that gap junction-dependent NDRG1 regulation might explain some cellular responses to hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joell L Solan
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Lucrecia Márquez-Rosado
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109
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Bhyan SB, Wee Y, Liu Y, Cummins S, Zhao M. Integrative analysis of common genes and driver mutations implicated in hormone stimulation for four cancers in women. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6872. [PMID: 31205821 PMCID: PMC6556371 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading cause of death of women worldwide, and breast, ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers contribute significantly to this every year. Developing early genetic-based diagnostic tools may be an effective approach to increase the chances of survival and provide more treatment opportunities. However, the current cancer genetic studies are mainly conducted independently and, hence lack of common driver genes involved in cancers in women. To explore the potential common molecular mechanism, we integrated four comprehensive literature-based databases to explore the shared implicated genetic effects. Using a total of 460 endometrial, 2,068 ovarian, 2,308 breast and 537 cervical cancer-implicated genes, we identified 52 genes which are common in all four types of cancers in women. Furthermore, we defined their potential functional role in endogenous hormonal regulation pathways within the context of four cancers in women. For example, these genes are strongly associated with hormonal stimulation, which may facilitate rapid diagnosis and treatment management decision making. Additional mutational analyses on combined the cancer genome atlas datasets consisting of 5,919 gynaecological and breast tumor samples were conducted to identify the frequently mutated genes across cancer types. For those common implicated genes for hormonal stimulants, we found that three quarter of 5,919 samples had genomic alteration with the highest frequency in MYC (22%), followed by NDRG1 (19%), ERBB2 (14%), PTEN (13%), PTGS2 (13%) and CDH1 (11%). We also identified 38 hormone related genes, eight of which are associated with the ovulation cycle. Further systems biology approach of the shared genes identified 20 novel genes, of which 12 were involved in the hormone regulation in these four cancers in women. Identification of common driver genes for hormone stimulation provided an unique angle of involving the potential of the hormone stimulants-related genes for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Begum Bhyan
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - YongKiat Wee
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Yining Liu
- The School of Public Health, Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Scott Cummins
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Min Zhao
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
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de Siqueira LRP, de Moraes Gomes PAT, de Lima Ferreira LP, de Melo Rêgo MJB, Leite ACL. Multi-target compounds acting in cancer progression: Focus on thiosemicarbazone, thiazole and thiazolidinone analogues. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 170:237-260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Merlot AM, Kalinowski DS, Kovacevic Z, Jansson PJ, Sahni S, Huang MLH, Lane DJ, Lok H, Richardson DR. Exploiting Cancer Metal Metabolism using Anti-Cancer Metal- Binding Agents. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:302-322. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170705120809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metals are vital cellular elements necessary for multiple indispensable biological processes of living organisms, including energy transduction and cell proliferation. Interestingly, alterations in metal levels and also changes in the expression of proteins involved in metal metabolism have been demonstrated in a variety of cancers. Considering this and the important role of metals for cell growth, the development of drugs that sequester metals has become an attractive target for the development of novel anti-cancer agents. Interest in this field has surged with the design and development of new generations of chelators of the thiosemicarbazone class. These ligands have shown potent anticancer and anti-metastatic activity in vitro and in vivo. Due to their efficacy and safe toxicological assessment, some of these agents have recently entered multi-center clinical trials as therapeutics for advanced and resistant tumors. This review highlights the role and changes in homeostasis of metals in cancer and emphasizes the pre-clinical development and clinical assessment of metal ion-binding agents, namely, thiosemicarbazones, as antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica M. Merlot
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Danuta S. Kalinowski
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J. Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael L.-H. Huang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Darius J.R. Lane
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Hiu Lok
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Des R. Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, The University of Sydney, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Fouani L, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Targeting Oncogenic Nuclear Factor Kappa B Signaling with Redox-Active Agents for Cancer Treatment. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 30:1096-1123. [PMID: 29161883 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling is essential under physiologically relevant conditions. However, aberrant activation of this pathway plays a pertinent role in tumorigenesis and contributes to resistance. Recent Advances: The importance of the NF-κB pathway means that its targeting must be specific to avoid side effects. For many currently used therapeutics and those under development, the ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a promising strategy. CRITICAL ISSUES As cancer cells exhibit greater ROS levels than their normal counterparts, they are more sensitive to additional ROS, which may be a potential therapeutic niche. It is known that ROS are involved in (i) the activation of NF-κB signaling, when in sublethal amounts; and (ii) high levels induce cytotoxicity resulting in apoptosis. Indeed, ROS-induced cytotoxicity is valuable for its capabilities in killing cancer cells, but establishing the potency of ROS for effective inhibition of NF-κB signaling is necessary. Indeed, some cancer treatments, currently used, activate NF-κB and may stimulate oncogenesis and confer resistance. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Thus, combinatorial approaches using ROS-generating agents alongside conventional therapeutics may prove an effective tactic to reduce NF-κB activity to kill cancer cells. One strategy is the use of thiosemicarbazones, which form redox-active metal complexes that generate high ROS levels to deliver potent antitumor activity. These agents also upregulate the metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1), which functions as an NF-κB signaling inhibitor. It is proposed that targeting NF-κB signaling may proffer a new therapeutic niche to improve the efficacy of anticancer regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Fouani
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Heffeter P, Pape VFS, Enyedy ÉA, Keppler BK, Szakacs G, Kowol CR. Anticancer Thiosemicarbazones: Chemical Properties, Interaction with Iron Metabolism, and Resistance Development. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 30:1062-1082. [PMID: 29334758 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE During the past decades, thiosemicarbazones were clinically developed for a variety of diseases, including tuberculosis, viral infections, malaria, and cancer. With regard to malignant diseases, the class of α-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones, and here especially 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (Triapine), was intensively developed in multiple clinical phase I/II trials. Recent Advances: Very recently, two new derivatives, namely COTI-2 and di-2-pyridylketone 4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) have entered phase I evaluation. Based on the strong metal-chelating/metal-interacting properties of thiosemicarbazones, interference with the cellular iron (and copper) homeostasis is assumed to play an important role in their biological activity. CRITICAL ISSUES In this review, we summarize and analyze the data on the interaction of (α-N-heterocyclic) thiosemicarbazones with iron, with the special aim of bridging the current knowledge on their mode of action from chemistry to (cell) biology. In addition, we highlight the difference to classical iron(III) chelators such as desferrioxamine (DFO), which are used for the treatment of iron overload. FUTURE DIRECTIONS We want to emphasize that thiosemicarbazones are not solely removing iron from the cells/organism. In contrast, they should be considered as iron-interacting drugs influencing diverse biological pathways in a complex and multi-faceted mode of action. Consequently, in addition to the discussion of physicochemical properties (e.g., complex stability, redox activity), this review contains an overview on the diversity of cellular thiosemicarbazone targets and drug resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Heffeter
- 1 Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Medical University, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria .,2 Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research," Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika F S Pape
- 3 Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary .,4 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University , Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva A Enyedy
- 5 Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Szeged , Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernhard K Keppler
- 2 Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research," Vienna, Austria .,6 Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Gergely Szakacs
- 1 Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Medical University, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria .,3 Institute of Enzymology , Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christian R Kowol
- 2 Research Cluster "Translational Cancer Therapy Research," Vienna, Austria .,6 Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
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Yu C, Hong H, Lu J, Zhao X, Hu W, Zhang S, Zong Y, Mao Z, Li J, Wang M, Feng B, Sun J, Zheng M. Prediction of Target Genes and Pathways Associated With Cetuximab Insensitivity in Colorectal Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2019; 17:1533033818806905. [PMID: 30336768 PMCID: PMC6196627 DOI: 10.1177/1533033818806905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cetuximab has been regularly added to the treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer worldwide. However, due to its therapeutic insensitivity and underlying mechanisms being largely unknown, the clinical implementation of cetuximab in colorectal cancer remains limited. Methods: The gene expression profile GSE56386 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes were identified between cetuximab-responsive patients and nonresponders, annotated by gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, and further analyzed by protein–protein interaction networks. The integrative prognostic analysis was based on The Cancer Genome Atlas and PrognoScan. Results: 1350 differentially expressed genes were identified with 298 upregulated and 1052 downregulated. Epidermis development, the cornified envelope, calcium ion binding, and amoebiasis were enriched in upregulated genes while digestion, the apical part of the cell, the 3′,5′-cyclic-adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase activity and pancreatic secretion were found enriched in downregulated genes. The top 10 hub genes were identified, including epithermal growth factor, G-protein subunit β 5, G-protein subunit γ 4, fibroblast growth factor 2, B-cell lymphoma protein 2, acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase β, KIT proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase, adenylate cyclase 4, neuropeptide Y, and neurotensin. The hub genes exhibited distinct correlations in cetuximab-treated and untreated genomic profiles (GSE56386, GSE5851 and GSE82236). The highest correlation was found between B-cell lymphoma protein 2 and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase β in GSE56386. The mRNA expression of hub genes was further validated in the genomic profile GSE65021. Furthermore, B-cell lymphoma protein 2 and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase β also exhibited highest degrees among the hub genes correlation networks based on The Cancer Genome Atlas. Both B-cell lymphoma and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase β were not independent prognostic factors for colorectal cancer in univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. However, integrative survival analysis indicated that B-cell lymphoma protein 2 was associated with favorable prognosis (hazard ratio = 0.62, 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.95, P = .024). Discussion: This in silico analysis provided a feasible and reliable strategy for systematic exploration of insightful target genes, pathways and mechanisms underlying the cetuximab insensitivity in colorectal cancer. B-cell lymphoma protein 2 was associated with favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran Yu
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hiju Hong
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaoyang Lu
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Zhao
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Hu
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Zhang
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Zong
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihai Mao
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwen Li
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingliang Wang
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Feng
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Sun
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Minhua Zheng
- 1 Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,2 School of Medicine, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Sahni S, Park KC, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Two mechanisms involving the autophagic and proteasomal pathways process the metastasis suppressor protein, N-myc downstream regulated gene 1. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:1361-1378. [PMID: 30763642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is an intriguing metastasis suppressor protein, which plays an important role in suppressing multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. Interestingly, multiple isoforms of NDRG1 have been identified, although the molecular mechanisms involved in their generation remains elusive. Herein, we demonstrate the role of two mechanisms involving autophagic and proteasomal machinery as part of an intricate system to generate different NDRG1 isoforms. Examining multiple pancreatic cancer cell-types using immunoblotting demonstrated three major isoforms of NDRG1 at approximately 41-, 46- and 47-kDa. The top NDRG1 band at 47-kDa was shown to be processed by the proteasome, followed by autophagic metabolism of the middle NDRG1 band at 46-kDa. The role of the proteasomal and autophagic pathways in NDRG1 processing was further confirmed by co-localization analysis of confocal images using PSMD9 and LC3 as classical markers of these respective pathways. All NDRG1 isoforms were demonstrated to be, at least in part, phosphorylated forms of the protein. Inhibition of two well-characterized upstream kinases of NDRG1, namely GSK3β and SGK1, resulted in decreased levels of the top NDRG1 band. Studies demonstrated that inhibition of GSK3β decreased levels of the top 47-kDa NDRG1 band, independent of its kinase activity, and this effect was not mediated via the proteasomal pathway. In contrast, the decrease in the top NDRG1 band at 47-kDa after SGK1 inhibition, was due to suppression of its kinase activity. Overall, these studies elucidated the complex and intricate regulatory pathways involving both proteasomal and autophagic processing of the metastasis suppressor protein, NDRG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Sahni
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Kyung Chan Park
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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41
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Menezes SV, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. The metastasis suppressor NDRG1 down-regulates the epidermal growth factor receptor via a lysosomal mechanism by up-regulating mitogen-inducible gene 6. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:4045-4064. [PMID: 30679310 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-Myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) inhibits a plethora of oncogenic signaling pathways by down-regulating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Herein, we examined the mechanism involved in NDRG1-mediated EGFR down-regulation. NDRG1 overexpression potently increased the levels of mitogen-inducible gene 6 (MIG6), which inhibits EGFR and facilitates its lysosomal processing and degradation. Conversely, silencing NDRG1 in multiple human cancer cell types decreased MIG6 expression, demonstrating the regulatory role of NDRG1. Further, NDRG1 overexpression facilitated MIG6-EGFR association in the cytoplasm, possibly explaining the significantly (p <0.001) increased half-life of MIG6 from 1.6 ± 0.2 h under control conditions to 7.9 ± 0.4 h after NDRG1 overexpression. The increased MIG6 levels enhanced EGFR co-localization with the late endosome/lysosomal marker, lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2). An increase in EGFR levels after MIG6 silencing was particularly apparent when NDRG1 was overexpressed, suggesting a role for MIG6 in NDRG1-mediated down-regulation of EGFR. Silencing phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which facilitates early to late endosome maturation, decreased MIG6, and also increased EGFR levels in both the presence and absence of NDRG1 overexpression. These results suggest a role for PTEN in regulating MIG6 expression. Anti-tumor drugs of the di-2-pyridylketone thiosemicarbazone class that activate NDRG1 expression also potently increased MIG6 and induced its cytosolic co-localization with NDRG1. This was accompanied by a decrease in activated and total EGFR levels and its redistribution to late endosomes/lysosomes. In conclusion, NDRG1 promotes EGFR down-regulation through the EGFR inhibitor MIG6, which leads to late endosomal/lysosomal processing of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharleen V Menezes
- From the Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- From the Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- From the Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006 Australia
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Godbole M, Togar T, Patel K, Dharavath B, Yadav N, Janjuha S, Gardi N, Tiwary K, Terwadkar P, Desai S, Prasad R, Dhamne H, Karve K, Salunkhe S, Kawle D, Chandrani P, Dutt S, Gupta S, Badwe RA, Dutt A. Up-regulation of the kinase gene SGK1 by progesterone activates the AP-1-NDRG1 axis in both PR-positive and -negative breast cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:19263-19276. [PMID: 30337371 PMCID: PMC6298595 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preoperative progesterone intervention has been shown to confer a survival benefit to breast cancer patients independently of their progesterone receptor (PR) status. This observation raises the question how progesterone affects the outcome of PR-negative cancer. Here, using microarray and RNA-Seq-based gene expression profiling and ChIP-Seq analyses of breast cancer cells, we observed that the serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase gene (SGK1) and the tumor metastasis-suppressor gene N-Myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) are up-regulated and that the microRNAs miR-29a and miR-101-1 targeting the 3'-UTR of SGK1 are down-regulated in response to progesterone. We further demonstrate a dual-phase transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of SGK1 in response to progesterone, leading to an up-regulation of NDRG1 that is mediated by a set of genes regulated by the transcription factor AP-1. We found that NDRG1, in turn, inactivates a set of kinases, impeding the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. In summary, we propose a model for the mode of action of progesterone in breast cancer. This model helps decipher the molecular basis of observations in a randomized clinical trial of the effect of progesterone on breast cancer and has therefore the potential to improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients receiving preoperative progesterone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Godbole
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
| | - Trupti Togar
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
| | | | - Bhasker Dharavath
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
| | - Neelima Yadav
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
| | | | - Nilesh Gardi
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
| | | | | | - Sanket Desai
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
| | | | | | - Kunal Karve
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
| | - Sameer Salunkhe
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
- the Shilpee Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer
| | | | | | - Shilpee Dutt
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
- the Shilpee Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer
| | | | - Rajendra A Badwe
- the Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210, India and
| | - Amit Dutt
- From the Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory and
- the Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094, India
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Jin P, Liu J, Wang X, Yang L, Zhou Q, Lin X, Xi S. HER2 Activation Factors in Arsenite-Exposed Bladder Epithelial Cells. Toxicol Sci 2018; 166:354-369. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Jin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jieyu Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoli Lin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuhua Xi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
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Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and 6-OH-11-O-Hydroxyphenanthrene Limit BE(2)-C Neuroblastoma Cell Growth and Neurosphere Formation In Vitro. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091141. [PMID: 30135355 PMCID: PMC6164794 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted an in vitro study combining a rexinoid, 6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenanthrene (IIF), and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is the main catechin of green tea, on BE(2)-C, a neuroblastoma cell line representative of the high-risk group of patients. Neuroblastoma is the most common malignancy of childhood: high-risk patients, having N-MYC over-expression, undergo aggressive therapy and show high mortality or an increased risk of secondary malignancies. Retinoids are used in neuroblastoma therapy with incomplete success: the association of a second molecule might improve the efficacy. BE(2)-C cells were treated by EGCG and IIF, individually or in combination: cell viability, as evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, was reduced, EGCG+IIF being the most effective treatment. Apoptosis occurred and the EGCG+IIF treatment decreased N-MYC protein expression and molecular markers of invasion (MMP-2, MMP-9 and COX-2). Zymography demonstrated nearly 50% inhibition of MMP activity. When BE(2)-C cells were grown in non-adherent conditions to enrich the tumor-initiating cell population, BE(2)-C-spheres were obtained. After 48 h and 72 h treatment, EGCG+IIF limited BE(2)-C-sphere formation and elicited cell death with a reduction of N-MYC expression. We concluded that the association of EGCG to IIF might be applied without toxic effects to overcome the incomplete success of retinoid treatments in neuroblastoma patients.
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Park KC, Menezes SV, Kalinowski DS, Sahni S, Jansson PJ, Kovacevic Z, Richardson DR. Identification of differential phosphorylation and sub-cellular localization of the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2644-2663. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells via enhancing the ubiquitination of Bcl-2. Oncotarget 2018; 8:47709-47724. [PMID: 28537875 PMCID: PMC5564599 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
N-myc downstream-regulated gene1 (NDRG1) has been identified as a potent tumor suppressor gene. The molecular mechanisms of anti-tumor activity of NDRG1 involve its suppressive effects on a variety of tumorigenic signaling pathways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NDRG1 in the apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We first collected the clinical data of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients receiving oxaliplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in our medical center. Correlation analysis revealed that NDRG1 positively associated with the downstaging rates and prognosis of patients. Then, the effects of over-expression and depletion of NDRG1 gene on apoptosis of colorectal cancer were tested in vitro and in vivo. NDRG1 over-expression promoted apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells whereas depletion of NDRG1 resulted in resistance to oxaliplatin treatment. Furthermore, we observed that Bcl-2, a major anti-apoptotic protein, was regulated by NDRG1 at post-transcriptional level. By binding Protein kinase Cα (PKCα), a classical regulating factor of Bcl-2, NDRG1 enhanced the ubiquitination and degradation of Bcl-2, thus promoting apoptosis in CRC cells. In addition, NDRG1 inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis in mouse xenograft model. In conclusion, NDRG1 promotes oxaliplatin-triggered apoptosis in colorectal cancer. Therefore, colorectal cancer patients can be stratified by the expression level of NDRG1. NDRG1-positive patients may benefit from oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy regimens whereas those with negative NDRG1 expression should avoid the usage of this cytotoxic drug.
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47
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Tian S, Wang X, Proud CG. Oncogenic MNK signalling regulates the metastasis suppressor NDRG1. Oncotarget 2018; 8:46121-46135. [PMID: 28545025 PMCID: PMC5542254 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17555] [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: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein N-myc down-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) represses tumour metastasis. It is phosphorylated at several sites by serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1). Here we show that NDRG1 is also regulated by the oncogenic MAP kinase-interacting kinase (MNK) pathway, a target for cancer therapy.Inhibiting MNKs increases the expression of NDRG1 protein and mRNA in breast cancer cells. MNK inhibition also decreases the phosphorylation of NDRG1. Phosphorylation of NDRG1 is reduced in cells lacking MNK1, but not MNK2-knockout cells, indicating that NDRG1 phosphorylation is a specific target for MNK1. However, MNK1 cannot directly phosphorylate NDRG1 in vitro, indicating that additional signalling connections are involved. Taken together, our data indicate that MNK signaling regulates NDRG1 at transcriptional and post-translational levels.We show that SGK1 phosphorylates MNK1 at a conserved site, which represses its activity. NDRG1, SGK1 and the MNKs are implicated in cell migration and metastasis. As expected, knocking-down NDRG1 promoted cell migration. However, whereas MNK inhibition impairs these processes irrespective of NDRG1 levels, SGK inhibition only did so in NDRG1-depleted cells. Thus, MNKs and SGK affect migration/invasion through distinct mechanisms.Our data reveal several novel connections between signalling pathways important for tumour biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuye Tian
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide SA5000, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA5005, Australia
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide SA5000, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA5005, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide SA5000, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA5005, Australia
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Wang H, Sun W, Sun M, Fu Z, Zhou C, Wang C, Zuo D, Zhou Z, Wang G, Zhang T, Xu J, Chen J, Wang Z, Yin F, Duan Z, Hornicek FJ, Cai Z, Hua Y. HER4 promotes cell survival and chemoresistance in osteosarcoma via interaction with NDRG1. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018. [PMID: 29524631 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. The abilities of chemotherapy resistance are major roadblock in the successful treatment of OS. The clarification of mechanism regarding cell survival during OS chemotherapy are important. Here, we examined HER4 expression by immunohistochemistry in a large series of OS tissues, and found HER4 expression correlated with tumor characteristics and patient survival rates. HER4 knockdown by shRNA inhibited OS cell growth and tumorigenesis, and induced cell senescence and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that HER4 expression upregulated in the adverse conditions, such as serum starvation and sphere culture. Moreover, HER4 knockdown cells became more sensitive in stressful conditions such as loss of attachment, cytotoxic agents or nutrition insufficiency. Mechanism studies revealed that HER4 interacted with NDRG1, and NDRG1 overexpression could antagonize HER4 knockdown-mediated cell growth and apoptosis in stressed conditions. There was a positive correlation between HER4 and NDRG1 immunoreactivity in OS patients. Together, our present study shows that HER4 and/or NDRG1 might play a critical role for the cell survival and chemo-resistance of OS, and could be used as potential therapeutic targets in OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongsheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxiong Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeze Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghao Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongren Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongqing Zuo
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Zifei Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoying Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Center for Sarcoma and Connective Tissue Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles, USA
| | - Zhengdong Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yingqi Hua
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, Shanghai, China.
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Yang Y, Liu Y, Guo R, Fu Y, Zhang Z, Zhang P, Zhou P, Wang T, Huang T, Li X, Li C. The novel dithiocarbamate, DpdtC suppresses HER2-overexpressed cancer cells by up-regulating NDRG1 via inactivation of HER2-ERK 1/2 signaling. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3398. [PMID: 29467385 PMCID: PMC5821706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dithiocarbamate has been tested for its effective anti-tumor activity, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We previously prepared a novel diththiocarbamate derivative, DpdtC with an ability of catalase inhibition. Here, we for the first time investigated the growth inhibition effects of DpdtC on HER2-amplified cancer cells and elucidated its mechanism of action. Results showed that DpdtC exerted the potent anti-tumor effects against HER2-overexpressed SK-OV-3 and SK-BR-3 cells, especially on SK-OV-3 cells with a higher NDRG1 level, which was also confirmed in the SK-OV-3 xenograft model. Interestingly, we observed that NDRG1 was up-regulated, while membrane expression of HER2 was regressed in SK-OV-3 cells upon DpdtC treatment. In agreement, silencing endogenous NDRG1 also increased the expression of HER2 in SK-OV-3 cells, while overexpressing NDRG1 decreased HER2 expression in SK-BR-3 cells. Furthermore, our results showed the formation of the EGFR/HER2 heterodimer was attenuated and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was inhibited in SK-OV-3 cells when treated with DpdtC. Collectively, these observations demonstrated that NDRG1 plays an important role in mediating the inhibition effects of DpdtC in HER2-overexpressed cancer cells via selective targeting of the HER2-ERK1/2 pathway. Hence, our investigation suggests that up-regulation of NDRG1 by DpdtC is a promising therapeutic approach in HER2-overexpressed cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Youxun Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yun Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ziheng Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Pingxin Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tengfei Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaotong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Changzheng Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
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50
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Huang S, Qin J, Chen J, Cheng H, Meng Q, Zhang J, Wang H. Impact of laparoscopy on the biological behavior and gene expression of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017; 33:899-903. [PMID: 28656791 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1342164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the effect of laparoscopy on the biological behavior and gene expression of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Totally, 40 patients with stage I endometrial adenocarcinoma and 20 patients with benign uterine diseases were enrolled in this study. For patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma, laparoscopy was performed in 20 cases and laparotomy was carried out in the other 20 cases. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in patients with benign diseases. Cell apoptotic rate and the gene expression of N-myc, Fas, metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1), and nm23-H1 were determined in the normal and cancerous endometrial tissues both preoperatively and postoperatively. For endometrial adenocarcinoma cells, laparoscopy, instead of laparotomy, promoted the apoptosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma cells, down-regulated the expression of apoptosis suppressor gene N-myc and metastasis-promoting gene MTA1, up-regulated the expression of apoptosis-promoting gene Fas and metastasis suppressor gene nm23-H1. However, laparoscopy did not affect the apoptotic rate and gene expression in normal endometrial cells. Laparoscopy may be used as a safe and effective intervention for endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouguo Huang
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University , Haikou , China
| | - Jie Qin
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University , Haikou , China
| | - Jin Chen
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University , Haikou , China
| | - Hong Cheng
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University , Haikou , China
| | - Qiu Meng
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University , Haikou , China
| | - Jing Zhang
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University , Haikou , China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , Haikou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College of Central South University , Haikou , China
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