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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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Kaya B, Gholam Azad M, Suleymanoglu M, Harmer JR, Wijesinghe TP, Richardson V, Zhao X, Bernhardt PV, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Isosteric Replacement of Sulfur to Selenium in a Thiosemicarbazone: Promotion of Zn(II) Complex Dissociation and Transmetalation to Augment Anticancer Efficacy. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12155-12183. [PMID: 38967641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
We implemented isosteric replacement of sulfur to selenium in a novel thiosemicarbazone (PPTP4c4mT) to create a selenosemicarbazone (PPTP4c4mSe) that demonstrates potentiated anticancer efficacy and selectivity. Their design specifically incorporated cyclohexyl and styryl moieties to sterically inhibit the approach of their Fe(III) complexes to the oxy-myoglobin heme plane. Importantly, in contrast to the Fe(III) complexes of the clinically trialed thiosemicarbazones Triapine, COTI-2, and DpC, the Fe(III) complexes of PPTP4c4mT and PPTP4c4mSe did not induce detrimental oxy-myoglobin oxidation. Furthermore, PPTP4c4mSe demonstrated more potent antiproliferative activity than the homologous thiosemicarbazone, PPTP4c4mT, with their selectivity being superior or similar, respectively, to the clinically trialed thiosemicarbazone, COTI-2. An advantageous property of the selenosemicarbazone Zn(II) complexes relative to their thiosemicarbazone analogues was their greater transmetalation to Cu(II) complexes in lysosomes. This latter effect probably promoted their antiproliferative activity. Both ligands down-regulated multiple key receptors that display inter-receptor cooperation that leads to aggressive and resistant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Mediha Suleymanoglu
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul 34093, Turkey
| | - Jeffrey R Harmer
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Tharushi P Wijesinghe
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Xiao Zhao
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Paul V Bernhardt
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane 4111, Australia
- Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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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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Zhang Z, Song B, Wei H, Liu Y, Zhang W, Yang Y, Sun B. NDRG1 overcomes resistance to immunotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through inhibiting ATG9A-dependent degradation of MHC-1. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 73:101040. [PMID: 38228036 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.101040] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly disease that is resistant to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. Emerging evidence suggests that NDRG1 may be an important target for the development of new therapies for PDAC. Herein, we investigated the novel roles of NDRG1 and Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) in the treatment of PDAC ICB resistance. METHODS Enrichment of MHC class I was detected by RNA sequence and verified by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting in NDRG1-knockdown human pancreatic cancer cell lines. The protein degradation mode was found by stimulation with various inhibitors, and the autophagy degradation pathway was found by immunoprecipitation and immunolocalization. The roles of NDRG1 and MHC-I in immunotherapy were investigated by orthotopic solid tumors, histology, immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS Here, we identified a previously undescribed role of NDRG1 in activating major histocompatibility complex class 1 (MHC-1) expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells through lysosomal-autophagy-dependent degradation. In mouse models of PDAC, either tumor cell overexpression or pharmacologic activation of NDRG1 leads to MHC-1 upregulation in tumor cells, which in turn promotes the infiltration and activity of CD8 + T cells, enhances anti-tumor immunity, and overcomes resistance to ICB therapy. Moreover, combination therapy of CA-4 and ICB overcomes the drug resistance of pancreatic cancer to ICB therapy. In PDAC patients, NDRG1 expression correlates with high MHC-1 expression and better survival. CONCLUSION Our results reveal NDRG1 in PDAC cancer cells as a tumor suppressor and suggest that pharmaceutically targeting NDRG1 is a promising way to overcome pancreatic cancer resistance to immunotherapy and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bojiao Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Haowei Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuhong Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University & Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Khan I, Steeg PS. A perspective on the metastasis suppressor field. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1061-1063. [PMID: 37581870 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10131-0] [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] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer patient mortality. Metastasis suppressors are genes that, upon reexpression in metastatic tumor cells to levels observed in their nonmetastatic counterparts, significantly reduce metastasis without affecting the growth of the primary tumor. Analysis of > 30 metastasis suppressors revealed complex mechanisms of action that include multiple signaling pathways, transcriptional patterns, posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms, and potential contributions of genomic stability. Clinical testing of strategies to re-establish a validated metastasis suppressor pathway in tumors is best directed to the adjuvant setting, with the goal of inhibiting the outgrowth of occult micrometastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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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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Chang J, Lo ZHY, Alenizi S, Kovacevic Z. Re-Shaping the Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Microenvironment: A New Role for the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2779. [PMID: 37345116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102779] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaC) is a highly aggressive disease, with poor response to current treatments and 5-year survival rates of 10-15%. PaC progression is facilitated by its interaction with the complex and multifaceted tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells constantly communicate with each other via the secretion and uptake of factors including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, metabolites, and extracellular vesicles (EVs), reshaping the landscape of PaC. Recent studies demonstrated that the metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) not only inhibits oncogenic signaling pathways in PaC cells but also alters the communication between PaC cells and the surrounding stroma. In fact, NDRG1 was found to influence the secretome of PaC cells, alter cancer cell metabolism, and interfere with intracellular trafficking and intercellular communication between PaC cells and surrounding fibroblasts. This review will present recent advancements in understanding the role of NDRG1 in PaC progression, with a focus on how this molecule influences PaC-stroma communication and its potential for re-shaping the PaC TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chang
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Zoe H Y Lo
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Shafi Alenizi
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
| | - Zaklina Kovacevic
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of NSW, Sydney 2052, Australia
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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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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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He YX, Shen H, Ji YZ, Hua HR, Zhu Y, Zeng XF, Wang F, Wang KX. N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 inhibition of tumor progression in Caco2 cells. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:2313-2328. [PMID: 36568939 PMCID: PMC9782617 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i12.2313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasion and migration are the irreversible stages of colorectal cancer (CRC). The key is to find a sensitive, reliable molecular marker that can predict the migration of CRC at an early stage. N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a multifunctional gene that has been tentatively reported to have a strong relationship with tumor invasion and migration, however the current molecular role of NDRG1 in CRC remains unknown.
AIM To explore the role of NDRG1 in the development of CRC.
METHODS NDRG1 stably over-expressed Caco2 cell line was established by lentiviral infection and NDRG1 knock-out Caco2 cell line was established by CRISPR/Cas9. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of NDRG1 in Caco2 cells after NDRG1 over-expression and knockout were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The cell proliferation rate was measured by the cell counting kit-8 method; cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry; invasion and migration ability were detected by the 24-transwell method.
RESULTS NDRG1 over-expression inhibited Caco2 proliferation and the cell cycle could be arrested at the G1/S phase when NDRG1 was over-expressed, while the number of cells in the G2 phase was significantly increased when NDRG1 was knocked out. This suggests that NDRG1 inhibited the proliferation of Caco2 cells by arresting the cell cycle in the G1/S phase. Our data also demonstrated that NDRG1 promotes early cell apoptosis. Invasion and migration of cells were extensively inhibited when NDRG1 was over-expressed.
CONCLUSION NDRG1 inhibits tumor progression in Caco2 cells which may represent a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiao He
- Department of Pathology, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621000, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Pathology, Zhaotong First People’s Hospital, Zhaotong 657000, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yu-Zhu Ji
- Department of Pathology, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hai-Rong Hua
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- School of Nursing, Henan Vocational College of Applied Technology, Kaifeng 450000, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiang-Fei Zeng
- Department of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Kai-Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital (Nanshan Hospital), Shenzhen 518052, Guangdong Province, China
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11
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Abdelaal G, Carter A, Panayiotides MI, Tetard D, Veuger S. Novel iron chelator SK4 demonstrates cytotoxicity in a range of tumour derived cell lines. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1005092. [PMID: 36213122 PMCID: PMC9540520 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1005092] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient due to its involvement in many cellular processes including DNA replication and OXPHOS. Tumors overexpress iron metabolism linked proteins which allow for iron accumulation driving high levels of proliferation. Our group has designed novel iron chelator SK4 which targets cancer’s “iron addiction.” SK4 comprises of two key moieties: an iron chelation moiety responsible for cytotoxicity and an amino acid moiety which allows entry through amino acid transporter LAT1. We selected LAT1 as a route of entry as it is commonly overexpressed in malignant tumors. SK4 has previously demonstrated promising results in an in vitro model for melanoma. We hypothesized SK4 would be effective against a range of tumor types. We have screened a panel of tumor-derived cell lines from different origins including breast, prostate, ovarian and cervical cancer for SK4 sensitivity and we have found a range of differential sensitivities varying from 111.3 to >500 μM. We validated the iron chelation moiety as responsible for inducing cytotoxicity through control compounds; each lacking a key moiety. Following the screen, we conducted a series of assays to elucidate the mechanism of action behind SK4 cytotoxicity. SK4 was shown to induce apoptosis in triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA MB 231 but not ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 suggesting SK4 may induce different modes of cell death in each cell line. As MDA MB 231 cells harbor a mutation in p53, we conclude SK4 is capable of inducing apoptosis in a p53-independent manner. SK4 upregulated NDRG1 expression in MDA MB 231 and SKOV3 cells. Interestingly, knockdown of NDRG1 antagonized SK4 in MDA MB 231 cells but not SKOV3 cells suggesting SK4’s mechanism of action may be mediated through NDRG1 in MDA MB 231 cells. In conclusion, we have shown tagging iron chelators with an amino acid moiety to allow entry through the LAT1 transporter represents a double pronged approach to cancer therapy, targeting “iron addiction” and amino acid metabolism dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Abdelaal
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Gina Abdelaal, ; Stephany Veuger,
| | - Andrew Carter
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mihalis I. Panayiotides
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - David Tetard
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Stephany Veuger
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Gina Abdelaal, ; Stephany Veuger,
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12
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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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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Selyutina OY, Kononova PA, Koshman VE, Shelepova EA, Azad MG, Afroz R, Dharmasivam M, Bernhardt PV, Polyakov NE, Richardson DR. Ascorbate-and iron-driven redox activity of Dp44mT and emodin facilitates peroxidation of micelles and bicelles. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1866:130078. [PMID: 34974127 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.130078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron (Fe)-induced oxidative stress leads to reactive oxygen species that damage biomembranes, with this mechanism being involved in the activity of some anti-cancer chemotherapeutics. METHODS Herein, we compared the effect of Fe complexes of the ligand, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), or the potential ligand, Emodin, on lipid peroxidation in cell membrane models (micelles and bicelles). These studies were performed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the absence or presence of ascorbate. RESULTS In the absence of ascorbate, Fe(II)/Emodin mixtures incubated with H2O2 demonstrated slight pro-oxidant properties on micelles versus Fe(II) alone, while the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex exhibited marked antioxidant properties. Examining more physiologically relevant phospholipid-containing bicelles, the Fe(II)- and Fe(III)-Dp44mT complexes demonstrated antioxidant activity without ascorbate. Upon adding ascorbate, there was a significant increase in the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles in the presence of unchelated Fe(II) and H2O2. The addition of ascorbate to Fe(III)-Dp44mT substantially increased the peroxidation of micelles and bicelles, with the Fe(III)-Dp44mT complex being reduced by ascorbate to the Fe(II) state, explaining the increased reactivity. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrated ascorbyl radical anion generation after mixing ascorbate and Emodin, with signal intensity being enhanced by H2O2. This finding suggested Emodin semiquinone radical formation that could play a role in its reactivity via ascorbate-driven redox cycling. Examining cultured melanoma cells in vitro, ascorbate at pharmacological levels enhanced the anti-proliferative activity of Dp44mT and Emodin. CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Ascorbate-driven redox cycling of Dp44mT and Emodin promotes their anti-proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Yu Selyutina
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; Institute of Solid State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry, Kutateladze St., 18, 630128 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - P A Kononova
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V E Koshman
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E A Shelepova
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - M Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - R Afroz
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - M Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - P V Bernhardt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - N E Polyakov
- Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Institutskaya St., 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; Institute of Solid State Chemistry and Mechanochemistry, Kutateladze St., 18, 630128 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - D 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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16
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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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17
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Wei M, Zhang Y, Yang X, Ma P, Li Y, Wu Y, Chen X, Deng X, Yang T, Mao X, Qiu L, Meng W, Zhang B, Wang Z, Han J. Claudin-2 promotes colorectal cancer growth and metastasis by suppressing NDRG1 transcription. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e667. [PMID: 34965023 PMCID: PMC8715829 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumours, with multiple driving factors and biological transitions involved in its development. Claudin-2 (CLDN2), a well-defined component of cellular tight junction, has been indicated to associate with CRC progression. However, the function of CLDN2 and the underlying mechanism whereby the downstream signalling transduction is regulated in CRC remains largely unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that CLDN2 is upregulated in CRC samples and associated with poor survival. And CLDN2 depletion significantly promotes N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) transcription, leading to termination of the CRC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, this process promotes CLDN2/ZO1/ZONAB complex dissociation and ZONAB shuttle into nucleus to enrich in the promoter of NDRG1. Thus, this study reveals a novel CLDN2/ZO1/ZONAB-NDRG1 axis in CRC by regulating the expression of EMT-related genes and CDKIs, suggesting CLDN2 may serve as a promising target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtian Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Tumors Epigenetics and GenomicsDepartment of General SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuyang Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Pingfan Ma
- Research Laboratory of Tumors Epigenetics and GenomicsDepartment of General SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yan Li
- Research Laboratory of Tumors Epigenetics and GenomicsDepartment of General SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yangping Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of Clinical Research ManagementWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiangzheng Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiangbing Deng
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Tinghan Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaobing Mao
- Research Laboratory of Tumors Epigenetics and GenomicsDepartment of General SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lei Qiu
- Research Laboratory of Tumors Epigenetics and GenomicsDepartment of General SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Wenjian Meng
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Research Laboratory of Tumors Epigenetics and GenomicsDepartment of General SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ziqiang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Junhong Han
- Research Laboratory of Tumors Epigenetics and GenomicsDepartment of General SurgeryFrontiers Science Center for Disease‐related Molecular NetworkState Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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18
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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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Chang X, Ma J, Xue X, Wang G, Yan T, Su L, Han X, Zhou H, Hou L. DNMT family induces down-regulation of NDRG1 via DNA methylation and clinicopathological significance in gastric cancer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12146. [PMID: 34616614 PMCID: PMC8450010 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes is a common event in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). Our previous study showed NDRG1, which could suppress cell invasion and migration, was frequently down-regulated by DNA methylation of its promoter in GC. PURPOSE AND METHODS To analyze the relationship between the expression and DNA methylation of NDRG1 and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) family. We performed a comprehensive comparison analysis using 407 patients including sequencing analysis data of GC from TCGA. RESULTS NDRG1 was down-regulated in GC, and was negatively correlative to DNMT1 (r = -0.11, p = 0.03), DNMT3A (r = -0.10, p = 0.01), DNMT3B (r = -0.01, p = 0.88), respectively, whereas the DNA methylation of NDRG1 was positively correlative to DNMT family (DNMT1 r = 0.20, p < 0.01; DNMT3A r = 0.26, p < 0.001; DNMT3B r = 0.03, p = 0.57, respectively). NDRG1 expression was significantly inverse correlated with invasion depth (p = 0.023), but DNMT1 was significantly positive correlated with invasion depth (p = 0.049). DNMT3B was significantly correlated with the degree of tumor cell differentiation (p = 0.030). However, there was no association between the expression of DNMT3A and clinicopathological features. The KM plotter showed that NDRG1 (HR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.8-1.12], p = 0.53) and DNMT1 (HR = 1.04, 95% CI [0.88-1.23], p = 0.67) had no association with prognosis of GC patients, while, DNMT3A (p = 0.0064) and DNMT3B (p = 0.00025) displayed significantly association. But the overall survival of high expression of NDRG1 tended to be prolonged. CONCLUSION These data suggest that down-regulation of NDRG1expression in GC may be due to its promoter DNA methylation via DNMT family. The demethylating agent maybe a potential target drug for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Chang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinguo Ma
- Department of Internal-Oncology, Hulun Buir People’s Hospital, Hulun Buir Medical School, Nationalities University of Inner Mongolia, Hulun Buir, China
| | - Xiaoying Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianfang Yan
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Linlin Su
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xuetao Han
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huandi Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Liubing Hou
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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20
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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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21
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Gene 33/Mig6/ERRFI1, an Adapter Protein with Complex Functions in Cell Biology and Human Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071574. [PMID: 34206547 PMCID: PMC8306081 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene 33 (also named Mig6, RALT, and ERRFI1) is an adapter/scaffold protein with a calculated molecular weight of about 50 kD. It contains multiple domains known to mediate protein–protein interaction, suggesting that it has the potential to interact with many cellular partners and have multiple cellular functions. The research over the last two decades has confirmed that it indeed regulates multiple cell signaling pathways and is involved in many pathophysiological processes. Gene 33 has long been viewed as an exclusively cytosolic protein. However, recent evidence suggests that it also has nuclear and chromatin-associated functions. These new findings highlight a significantly broader functional spectrum of this protein. In this review, we will discuss the function and regulation of Gene 33, as well as its association with human pathophysiological conditions in light of the recent research progress on this protein.
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22
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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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23
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Yang G, Huang L, Jia H, Aikemu B, Zhang S, Shao Y, Hong H, Yesseyeva G, Wang C, Li S, Sun J, Zheng M, Ma J. NDRG1 enhances the sensitivity of cetuximab by modulating EGFR trafficking in colorectal cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:5993-6006. [PMID: 34385595 PMCID: PMC8516652 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01962-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a key regulator that interacts with many classic tumor signaling pathways, including some molecules downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, whether NDRG1 is involved in the mechanism of resistance to cetuximab (CTX), the first monoclonal antibody targeting the EGFR has not been reported. Here, we found that NDRG1 enhanced the sensitivity of CTX in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Afterwards, we determined the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon. We demonstrated that NDRG1 inhibited the expression of EGFR; blocked EGFR phosphorylation and reduced the EGFR distribution in the cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. And then, NDRG1 suppressed the EGFR downstream signaling: RAS/RAF/ERK and PI3k/AKT/mTOR pathways. Moreover, we discovered that NDRG1 attenuated the endocytosis and degradation of EGFR induced by caveolin-1 (Cav1). Additionally, our findings were further observed in an animal model and human tissues. Our results represent a potentially significant discovery that explains the mechanisms of NDRG1 in CTX resistance. NDRG1 could be a promising biomarker to predict optimum responses to CTX, and a key target to enhance CTX activity in the treatment of metastatic CRC (mCRC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Huang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongtao Jia
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Batuer Aikemu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfei Shao
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hiju Hong
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Galiya Yesseyeva
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxing Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuchun Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhua Zheng
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjun Ma
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China ,grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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24
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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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25
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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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26
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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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27
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Zhang ZY, Zhang SL, Chen HL, Mao YQ, Li ZM, Kong CY, Han B, Zhang J, Chen YH, Xue W, Zhai W, Wang LS. The up-regulation of NDRG1 by HIF counteracts the cancer-promoting effect of HIF in VHL-deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12853. [PMID: 32537867 PMCID: PMC7377940 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are thought to play important roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of VHL-deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS The roles of HIF-1/2α in VHL-deficient clear cell renal cell carcinoma were evaluated by bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry staining and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The downstream genes that counteract the cancer-promoting effect of HIF were analysed by unbiased proteomics and verified by in vitro and in vivo assays. RESULTS There was no correlation between the high protein level of HIF-1/2α and the poor prognosis of ccRCC patients in our large set of clinical data. Furthermore, NDRG1 was found to be up-regulated by both HIF-1α and -2α at the cellular level and in ccRCC tissues. Intriguingly, the high NDRG1 expression was correlated with lower Furman grade, TNM stage and longer survival for ccRCC patients compared with the low NDRG1 expression. In addition, NDRG1 suppressed the expression of series oncogenes as well as the proliferation, metastasis and invasion of VHL-deficient ccRCC cells in vitro and vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated that HIF downstream gene of NDRG1 may counteract the cancer-promoting effect of HIF. These results provided evidence that NDRG1 may be a potential prognostic biomarker as well as a therapeutic target in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Long Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qin Mao
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan-Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Yue Kong
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Han
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Hui Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhai
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Shun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Whole-Period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer (SMHC), Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Fudan-Minhang Academic Health System, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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28
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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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Sahni S, Gillson J, Park KC, Chiang S, Leck LYW, Jansson PJ, Richardson DR. NDRG1 suppresses basal and hypoxia-induced autophagy at both the initiation and degradation stages and sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129625. [PMID: 32335136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is an established stress-response protein. This study investigated the effects of NDRG1 on autophagic degradation and how this can be therapeutically exploited. METHODS Cell culture, western analysis, confocal microscopy, acridine orange staining, cholesterol determination, cellular proliferation assessment and combination index (CI) estimation. RESULTS NDRG1 expression suppressed autophagic degradation and autolysosome formation, measured by increased p62 expression and reduced co-localization between the well-characterized, autophagosomal and lysosomal markers, LC3 and LAMP2, respectively. NDRG1 elicited autophagic suppression at the initiation stage of autophagy. The NDRG1-inducer and anti-cancer agent, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4,-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), was able to induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). Over-expression of NDRG1 further sensitized cells to LMP mediated by both Dp44mT, or the redox active Dp44mT‑copper complex. This sensitization may be mediated via a decrease in cholesterol levels upon NDRG1 expression, as cholesterol stabilizes lysosomal membranes. However, the effect of NDRG1 on cholesterol appeared independent of the key energy homeostasis sensor, 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), whose activation was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by NDRG1. Finally, Dp44mT synergistically potentiated the anti-proliferative activity of Gemcitabine that activates autophagy. In fact, Dp44mT and Gemcitabine (Combination Index (CI): 0.38 ± 0.07) demonstrated higher synergism versus the autophagy inhibitor, Bafilomycin A1 and Gemcitabine (CI: 0.64 ± 0.19). CONCLUSIONS AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Collectively, this study demonstrated a dual-inhibitory mechanism of NDRG1 on autophagic activity, and that NDRG1 expression sensitized cells to Dp44mT-induced LMP. Considering the ability of Dp44mT to inhibit autophagy, studies demonstrated the potential of combination therapy for cancer treatment of Dp44mT with Gemcitabine.
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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; Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Josef Gillson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, 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
| | - Shannon Chiang
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Lionel Yi Wen Leck
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology and Bosch Institute, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance Program, 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; Centre for Cancer Cell Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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During mitosis ZEB1 "switches" from being a chromatin-bound epithelial gene repressor, to become a microtubule-associated protein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118673. [PMID: 32057919 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Microtubules are polymers of α/β-tubulin, with microtubule organization being regulated by microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Herein, we describe a novel role for the epithelial gene repressor, zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), that "switches" from a chromatin-associated protein during interphase, to a MAP that associates with α-, β- and γ-tubulin during mitosis. Additionally, ZEB1 was also demonstrated to associate with γ-tubulin at the microtubule organizing center (MTOC). Using confocal microscopy, ZEB1 localization was predominantly nuclear during interphase, with α/β-tubulin being primarily cytoplasmic and the association between these proteins being minimal. However, during the stages of mitosis, ZEB1 co-localization with α-, β-, and γ-tubulin was significantly increased, with the association commonly peaking during metaphase in multiple tumor cell-types. ZEB1 was also observed to accumulate in the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis. The increased interaction between ZEB1 and α-tubulin during mitosis was also confirmed using the proximity ligation assay. In contrast to ZEB1, its paralog ZEB2, was mainly perinuclear and cytoplasmic during interphase, showing some co-localization with α-tubulin during mitosis. Considering the association between ZEB1 with α/β/γ-tubulin during mitosis, studies investigated ZEB1's role in the cell cycle. Silencing ZEB1 resulted in a G2-M arrest, which could be mediated by the up-regulation of p21Waf1/Cip1 and p27Kip1 that are known downstream targets repressed by ZEB1. However, it cannot be excluded the G2/M arrest observed after ZEB1 silencing is not due to its roles as a MAP. Collectively, ZEB1 plays a role as a MAP during mitosis and could be functionally involved in this process.
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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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Papaioannou MD, Djuric U, Kao J, Karimi S, Zadeh G, Aldape K, Diamandis P. Proteomic analysis of meningiomas reveals clinically distinct molecular patterns. Neuro Oncol 2019; 21:1028-1038. [PMID: 31077268 PMCID: PMC6682208 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningiomas represent one of the most common brain tumors and exhibit a clinically heterogeneous behavior, sometimes difficult to predict with classic histopathologic features. While emerging molecular profiling efforts have linked specific genomic drivers to distinct clinical patterns, the proteomic landscape of meningiomas remains largely unexplored. METHODS We utilize liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with an Orbitrap mass analyzer to quantify global protein abundances of a clinically well-annotated formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) cohort (n = 61) of meningiomas spanning all World Health Organization (WHO) grades and various degrees of clinical aggressiveness. RESULTS In total, we quantify 3042 unique proteins comparing patterns across different clinical parameters. Unsupervised clustering analysis highlighted distinct proteomic (n = 106 proteins, Welch's t-test, P < 0.01) and pathway-level (eg, Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR) differences between convexity and skull base meningiomas. Supervised comparative analyses of different pathological grades revealed distinct patterns between benign (grade I) and atypical/malignant (grades II‒III) meningiomas with specific oncogenes enriched in higher grade lesions. Independent of WHO grade, clinically aggressive meningiomas that rapidly recurred (<3 y) had distinctive protein patterns converging on mRNA processing and impaired activation of the matrisome complex. Larger sized meningiomas (>3 cm maximum tumor diameter) and those with previous radiation exposure revealed perturbed pro-proliferative (eg, epidermal growth factor receptor) and metabolic as well as inflammatory response pathways (mitochondrial activity, interferon), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our proteomic study demonstrates that meningiomas of different grades and clinical parameters present distinct proteomic profiles. These proteomic variations offer potential future utility in helping better predict patient outcome and in nominating novel therapeutic targets for personalized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail-Dimitrios Papaioannou
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ugljesa Djuric
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirin Karimi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth Aldape
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Phedias Diamandis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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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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Merlot AM, Porter GM, Sahni S, Lim EG, Peres P, Richardson DR. The metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, differentially modulates the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:2094-2110. [PMID: 30981813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), is a stress response protein that is involved in the inhibition of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. Initial studies have linked NDRG1 and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Considering this, we extensively examined the mechanism by which NDRG1 regulates the ER stress response in pancreatic and colon cancer cells. We also examined the anti-cancer agent, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), which induces NDRG1 expression and causes ER stress. The expression of NDRG1 was demonstrated to regulate the three main arms of the ER stress response by: (1) increasing the expression of three major ER chaperones, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), calreticulin, and calnexin; (2) suppressing the protein kinase, RNA-activated (PKR)-like ER kinase (PERK); (3) inhibiting the inositol-requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α) arm; and (4) increasing the cleavage of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6). An important finding was that NDRG1 enhances the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity of Dp44mT. This increased efficacy could be related to the following effects in the presence of Dp44mT and NDRG1, namely: markedly increased activation of the PERK target, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α); the maintenance of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expression; high cytosolic Ca+2 that increases the sensitivity of cells to apoptosis via activation of the calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) signaling cascade; and increased pro-apoptotic C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) expression. Collectively, this investigation dissects the molecular mechanisms through which NDRG1 manipulates the ER stress response and its ability to potentiate the activity of the potent anti-cancer agent, Dp44mT.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Merlot
- Cancer Targets and Therapeutics Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research (C25), Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2031, Australia; 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.
| | - G M Porter
- Cancer Targets and Therapeutics Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research (C25), Faculty of Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales 2031, Australia; 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
| | - S Sahni
- 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
| | - E G Lim
- 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
| | - P Peres
- 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
| | - D 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; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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