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Aydin HB, Ozcelikkale A, Acar A. Exploiting Matrix Stiffness to Overcome Drug Resistance. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024. [PMID: 38967485 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing cancer research today. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance in tumor progression and metastasis are essential in developing better treatment modalities. Given the matrix stiffness affecting the mechanotransduction capabilities of cancer cells, characterization of the related signal transduction pathways can provide a better understanding for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aimed to summarize the recent advancements in tumor matrix biology in parallel to therapeutic approaches targeting matrix stiffness and its consequences in cellular processes in tumor progression and metastasis. The cellular processes governed by signal transduction pathways and their aberrant activation may result in activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stemness, and autophagy, which can be attributed to drug resistance. Developing therapeutic strategies to target these cellular processes in cancer biology will offer novel therapeutic approaches to tailor better personalized treatment modalities for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Berk Aydin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Altug Ozcelikkale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Acar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
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2
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Kciuk M, Gielecińska A, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Yahya EB, Kontek R. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis: Metal-dependent cell death pathways activated in response to classical chemotherapy - Significance for cancer treatment? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189124. [PMID: 38801962 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189124] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Apoptosis has traditionally been regarded as the desired cell death pathway activated by chemotherapeutic drugs due to its controlled and non-inflammatory nature. However, recent discoveries of alternative cell death pathways have paved the way for immune-stimulatory treatment approaches in cancer. Ferroptosis (dependent on iron) and cuproptosis (dependent on copper) hold promise for selective cancer cell targeting and overcoming drug resistance. Copper ionophores and iron-bearing nano-drugs show potential for clinical therapy as single agents and as adjuvant treatments. Here we review up-to-date evidence for the involvement of metal ion-dependent cell death pathways in the cytotoxicity of classical chemotherapeutic agents (alkylating agents, topoisomerase inhibitors, antimetabolites, and mitotic spindle inhibitors) and their combinations with cuproptosis and ferroptosis inducers, indicating the prospects, advantages, and obstacles of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kciuk
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - A Gielecińska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; University of Lodz, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ż Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Narutowicza 60, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
| | - E B Yahya
- Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - R Kontek
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Genetics, Banacha St. 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
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3
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Zhang Y, Yang Y, Kuang S, Zhang Y, Qin H, Xie J. GPX3-Mediated Oxidative Stress Affects Pyrimidine Metabolism Levels in Stomach Adenocarcinoma via the AMPK/mTOR Pathway. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:6875417. [PMID: 38322113 PMCID: PMC10846926 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6875417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Amino acid metabolism, including ATP production, nucleotide synthesis, and redox homeostatic processes, are associated with proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells. This study aimed to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of amino acid metabolism-related genes for stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). Methods RNA sequencing transcriptome data in the TCGA-STAD (training set) and GTEx datasets (validation set) were used. The LIMMA R program enabled the differentially expressed amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMRGs) to be found. A prognostic risk score model based on clinical phenotypic features was built using LASSO regression and step multi-Cox analyses. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to find potential molecular pathways associated with STAD. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to evaluate pyrimidine metabolism. Cultured STAD cells assessed the proliferation of STAD and upregulation of GPX3 expression by CCK8 and flow cytometry. Transwell and wound healing assays assessed the impact of GPX3 on invasion and migration of STAD cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to measure changes in pyrimidine metabolism-related markers and active molecules involved in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Results Three AAMRGs, DNMT1, F2R, and GPX3, could independently predict the course of STAD. Pyrimidine metabolism appeared to be significantly associated with these by GSEA and clustering analyses. Pyrimidine metabolism was negatively correlated with GPX3. Functional studies using an overexpressed GPX3 plasmid showed an enhanced migration and invasion of STAD cells as well as the expression of genes associated with pyrimidine metabolism and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. By using a CAD siRNA, it was found that that GPX3 affected 5-fluorouracil resistance during de novo synthesis of pyrimidine through the CAD-UMPS signaling axis. Conclusions GPX3 which regulates the level of pyrimidine metabolism through the AMPK/mTOR pathway was found to be closely associated with STAD. Our findings demonstrate GPX3 is a reliable biomarker for the prognosis of amino acid metabolism and a probable target for STAD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaowen Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yixin Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Shanshan Kuang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Hancheng Qin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jisheng Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
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4
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Identification of Therapeutic Targets for Medulloblastoma by Tissue-Specific Genome-Scale Metabolic Model. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020779. [PMID: 36677837 PMCID: PMC9864031 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB), occurring in the cerebellum, is the most common childhood brain tumor. Because conventional methods decline life quality and endanger children with detrimental side effects, computer models are needed to imitate the characteristics of cancer cells and uncover effective therapeutic targets with minimum toxic effects on healthy cells. In this study, metabolic changes specific to MB were captured by the genome-scale metabolic brain model integrated with transcriptome data. To determine the roles of sphingolipid metabolism in proliferation and metastasis in the cancer cell, 79 reactions were incorporated into the MB model. The pathways employed by MB without a carbon source and the link between metastasis and the Warburg effect were examined in detail. To reveal therapeutic targets for MB, biomass-coupled reactions, the essential genes/gene products, and the antimetabolites, which might deplete the use of metabolites in cells by triggering competitive inhibition, were determined. As a result, interfering with the enzymes associated with fatty acid synthesis (FAs) and the mevalonate pathway in cholesterol synthesis, suppressing cardiolipin production, and tumor-supporting sphingolipid metabolites might be effective therapeutic approaches for MB. Moreover, decreasing the activity of succinate synthesis and GABA-catalyzing enzymes concurrently might be a promising strategy for metastatic MB.
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5
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Girish V, Lakhani AA, Scaduto CM, Thompson SL, Brown LM, Hagenson RA, Sausville EL, Mendelson BE, Lukow DA, Yuan ML, Kandikuppa PK, Stevens EC, Lee SN, Salovska B, Li W, Smith JC, Taylor AM, Martienssen RA, Liu Y, Sun R, Sheltzer JM. Oncogene-like addiction to aneuploidy in human cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.09.523344. [PMID: 36711674 PMCID: PMC9882055 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.09.523344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Most cancers exhibit aneuploidy, but its functional significance in tumor development is controversial. Here, we describe ReDACT (Restoring Disomy in Aneuploid cells using CRISPR Targeting), a set of chromosome engineering tools that allow us to eliminate specific aneuploidies from cancer genomes. Using ReDACT, we created a panel of isogenic cells that have or lack common aneuploidies, and we demonstrate that trisomy of chromosome 1q is required for malignant growth in cancers harboring this alteration. Mechanistically, gaining chromosome 1q increases the expression of MDM4 and suppresses TP53 signaling, and we show that TP53 mutations are mutually-exclusive with 1q aneuploidy in human cancers. Thus, specific aneuploidies play essential roles in tumorigenesis, raising the possibility that targeting these "aneuploidy addictions" could represent a novel approach for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishruth Girish
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monet Lou Yuan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | | | | | - Sophia N. Lee
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | - Wenxue Li
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Joan C. Smith
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | | | - Robert A. Martienssen
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Ruping Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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6
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Lešnjaković L, Ganoci L, Bilić I, Šimičević L, Mucalo I, Pleština S, Božina N. DPYD genotyping and predicting fluoropyrimidine toxicity: where do we stand? Pharmacogenomics 2023; 24:93-106. [PMID: 36636997 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2022-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluoropyrimidines (FPs) are antineoplastic drugs widely used in the treatment of various solid tumors. Nearly 30% of patients treated with FP chemotherapy experience severe FP-related toxicity, and in some cases, toxicity can be fatal. Patients with reduced activity of DPD, the main enzyme responsible for the breakdown of FP, are at an increased risk of experiencing severe FP-related toxicity. While European regulatory agencies and clinical societies recommend pre-treatment DPD deficiency screening for patients starting treatment with FPs, this is not the case with American ones. Pharmacogenomic guidelines issued by several pharmacogenetic organizations worldwide recommend testing four DPD gene (DPYD) risk variants, but these can predict only a proportion of toxicity cases. New evidence on additional common DPYD polymorphisms, as well as identification and functional characterization of rare DPYD variants, could partially address the missing heritability of DPD deficiency and FP-related toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Lešnjaković
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lana Ganoci
- Division of Pharmacogenomics and Therapy Individualization, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Bilić
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Livija Šimičević
- Division of Pharmacogenomics and Therapy Individualization, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Mucalo
- Centre for Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stjepko Pleština
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nada Božina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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A new approach to pyrimidine-type heterocycles based on Petrenko–Kritschenko synthesis. Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-022-03133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Jungles KM, Holcomb EA, Pearson AN, Jungles KR, Bishop CR, Pierce LJ, Green MD, Speers CW. Updates in combined approaches of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1022542. [PMID: 36387071 PMCID: PMC9643771 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1022542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent non-skin cancer diagnosed in females and developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes is crucial. The immune system plays an integral role in the body’s response to breast cancer and modulating this immune response through immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors were recently approved for the treatment of breast cancer patients, not all patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors as a monotherapy, highlighting the need to better understand the biology underlying patient response. Additionally, as radiotherapy is a critical component of breast cancer treatment, understanding the interplay of radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors will be vital as recent studies suggest that combined therapies may induce synergistic effects in preclinical models of breast cancer. This review will discuss the mechanisms supporting combined approaches with radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, this review will analyze the current clinical trials examining combined approaches of radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Finally, this review will evaluate data regarding treatment tolerance and potential biomarkers for these emerging therapies aimed at improving breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassidy M. Jungles
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Erin A. Holcomb
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Ashley N. Pearson
- Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Kalli R. Jungles
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN, United States
| | - Caroline R. Bishop
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lori J. Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michael D. Green
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Green, ; Corey W. Speers,
| | - Corey W. Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Green, ; Corey W. Speers,
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9
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Wang C, Zhang B, Krüger A, Du X, Visser L, Dömling ASS, Wrenger C, Groves MR. Discovery of Small-Molecule Allosteric Inhibitors of PfATC as Antimalarials. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:19070-19077. [PMID: 36195578 PMCID: PMC9585585 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08128] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The discovery and
development of new drugs against malaria
remain
urgent. Aspartate transcarbamoylase (ATC) has been suggested to be
a promising target for antimalarial drug development. Here, we describe
a series of small-molecule inhibitors of P. falciparum ATC with low nanomolar binding affinities that selectively bind
to a previously unreported allosteric pocket, thereby inhibiting ATC
activation. We demonstrate that the buried allosteric pocket is located
close to the traditional ATC active site and that reported compounds
maintain the active site of PfATC in its low substrate
affinity/low activity conformation. These compounds inhibit parasite
growth in blood stage cultures at single digit micromolar concentrations,
whereas limited effects were seen against human normal lymphocytes.
To our knowledge, this series represent the first PfATC-specific allosteric inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- XB20 Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bidong Zhang
- XB20 Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arne Krüger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Xiaochen Du
- XB20 Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lidia Visser
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander S S Dömling
- XB20 Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1374, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matthew R Groves
- XB20 Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
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10
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Liang Z, He Y, Hu X. Cardio-Oncology: Mechanisms, Drug Combinations, and Reverse Cardio-Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810617. [PMID: 36142538 PMCID: PMC9501315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have brought hope to cancer patients. With the prolongation of survival of cancer patients and increased clinical experience, cancer-therapy-induced cardiovascular toxicity has attracted attention. The adverse effects of cancer therapy that can lead to life-threatening or induce long-term morbidity require rational approaches to prevention and treatment, which requires deeper understanding of the molecular biology underpinning the disease. In addition to the drugs used widely for cardio-protection, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations are also efficacious and can be expected to achieve “personalized treatment” from multiple perspectives. Moreover, the increased prevalence of cancer in patients with cardiovascular disease has spurred the development of “reverse cardio-oncology”, which underscores the urgency of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which cancer therapy induces cardiovascular toxicity, the combination of antineoplastic and cardioprotective drugs, and recent advances in reverse cardio-oncology.
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11
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Steroidal Antimetabolites Protect Mice against Trypanosoma brucei. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134088. [PMID: 35807334 PMCID: PMC9268410 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent for human African trypanosomiasis, is an emerging ergosterol-dependent parasite that produces chokepoint enzymes, sterol methyltransferases (SMT), not synthesized in their animal hosts that can regulate cell viability. Here, we report the lethal effects of two recently described natural product antimetabolites that disrupt Acanthamoeba sterol methylation and growth, cholesta-5,7,22,24-tetraenol (CHT) and ergosta-5,7,22,24(28)-tetraenol (ERGT) that can equally target T. brucei. We found that CHT/ERGT inhibited cell growth in vitro, yielding EC50 values in the low nanomolar range with washout experiments showing cidal activity against the bloodstream form, consistent with their predicted mode of suicide inhibition on SMT activity and ergosterol production. Antimetabolite treatment generated altered T. brucei cell morphology and death rapidly within hours. Notably, in vivo ERGT/CHT protected mice infected with T. brucei, doubling their survival time following daily treatment for 8-10 days at 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg. The current study demonstrates a new class of lead antibiotics, in the form of common fungal sterols, for antitrypanosomal drug development.
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12
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Imyanitov EN, Iyevleva AG. Molecular tests for prediction of tumor sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs. Cancer Lett 2022; 526:41-52. [PMID: 34808283 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.11.021] [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: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy constitutes the backbone of cancer treatment. Several predictive assays assist personalized administration of cytotoxic drugs and are recommended for use in a clinical setting. The deficiency of DNA repair by homologous recombination (HRD), which is caused by inactivation of BRCA1/2 genes or other genetic events, is associated with high tumor responsiveness to platinum compounds, bifunctional alkylating agents and topoisomerase II poisons. Low activity of MGMT predicts the efficacy of nitrosoureas and tetrazines. Some clinically established pharmacogenetic tests allow for the adjustment of drug dosage, for example, the analysis of DPYD allelic variants for administration of fluoropyrimidines and UGT1A1 genotyping for the use of irinotecan. While there are promising molecular predictors of tumor sensitivity to pemetrexed, gemcitabine and taxanes, they remain in the investigational stage and require additional validation. Comprehensive molecular analysis of tumors obtained from drug responders and non-responders is likely to reveal new clinically useful predictive markers for cytotoxic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny N Imyanitov
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg, 197758, Russia; Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, St.-Petersburg, 194100, Russia; Department of Oncology, I.I. Mechnikov North-Western Medical University, St.-Petersburg, 191015, Russia.
| | - Aglaya G Iyevleva
- Department of Tumor Growth Biology, N.N. Petrov Institute of Oncology, St.-Petersburg, 197758, Russia; Department of Medical Genetics, St.-Petersburg Pediatric Medical University, St.-Petersburg, 194100, Russia
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13
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Fathi M, Vakili K, Jazi K, Sadeghi MA, Hajiesmaeili M, Mohamadkhani A, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Tavasol A. Challenges of cancer immunotherapy and chemotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. TUMORI JOURNAL 2021; 108:407-419. [PMID: 34918602 DOI: 10.1177/03008916211063939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
People at high risk of morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including patients dealing with malignancies and patients on immunosuppressive anticancer therapies, need to be followed carefully as the pandemic continues. Challenges in continuing cancer management and patient monitoring are of concern given the importance of timing in cancer therapy. Alternative treatment decisions and priorities are also important considerations. The efficacy and safety of various cancer treatments in patients with COVID-19 are other important considerations. In this systematic review, we summarize the potential risks and benefits of cancer treatments applied to patients with COVID-19 and malignant tumors. Using the PubMed and Scopus databases, we reviewed studies involving cancer therapy and COVID-19 to address the recent discoveries and related challenges of cancer therapy in patients with COVID-19 and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobina Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Vakili
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Jazi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Qom, Qom, Iran
| | | | - Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili
- Critical Care Quality Improvement Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Mohamadkhani
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arian Tavasol
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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N JB, Goudgaon N. A comprehensive review on pyrimidine analogs-versatile scaffold with medicinal and biological potential. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.131168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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15
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Lv X, Xu G. Regulatory role of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway in the drug resistance of gastrointestinal cancers. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1648-1667. [PMID: 34853641 PMCID: PMC8603464 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, including esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer, is one of the most prevalent types of malignant carcinoma and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite significant advances in therapeutic strategies for GI cancers in recent decades, drug resistance with various mechanisms remains the prevailing cause of therapy failure in GI cancers. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway has crucial, complex roles in many cellular functions related to drug resistance. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the role of the TGF-β signaling pathway in the resistance of GI cancers to conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and traditional medicine. Various processes, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cell development, tumor microenvironment alteration, and microRNA biogenesis, are proposed as the main mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated drug resistance in GI cancers. Several studies have already indicated the benefit of combining antitumor drugs with agents that suppress the TGF-β signaling pathway, but this approach needs to be verified in additional clinical studies. Moreover, the identification of potential biological markers that can be used to predict the response to TGF-β signaling pathway inhibitors during anticancer treatments will have important clinical implications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqun Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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16
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DFF40 deficiency in cancerous T cells is implicated in chemotherapy drug sensitivity and resistance through the regulation of the apoptotic pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 194:114801. [PMID: 34678222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of the apoptotic pathway is one of the most studied mechanisms regarding cancer cell resistance. Many mutations have been linked to drug resistance. The DNA fragmentation factor 40 (DFF40) has been gaining interest regarding cancer cell response to chemotherapy and patient outcomes. Glioblastomas and uterine leiomyosarcomas have been shown to have a downregulation of DFF40 expression, conferring a poor patient prognosis. In concordance with these observations, in this study, we showed that DFF40 gene is also downregulated in breast, endocervical, ovarian, lung, pancreas and glioblastomas. DFF40 is the endonuclease responsible of DNA fragmentation during apoptosis. In this study, we sought to determine if a DFF40 deficiency in Jurkat T cells could impact the sensitivity to conventional chemotherapy drugs. CRISPR-cas9 generated DFF40 knockout (DFF40 KO) stable Jurkat cells and wild-type (DFF40 WT) cells were treated with different antimetabolites and topoisomerase II (TOP2) inhibitors, and cell viability was subsequently assessed. DFF40 deficient cells show chemoresistance to antimetabolites (e.g. methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine and cytarabine) and surprisingly, they are more sensitive to TOP2 inhibitors (e.g. etoposide and teniposide). DFF40 deficient cells exposed to cytarabine present lower phosphatidylserine translocation levels to the outer cell membrane layer. Etoposide exposure in DFF40 deficient cells induces higher mortality levels and downregulation of Bcl-xL cells compared to DFF40 expressing T cells. The abolition of DFF40 expression in Jurkat cells significantly impairs histone H2AX phosphorylation following etoposide and cytarabine treatments. Our findings suggest that DFF40 is a novel key target in cancer cell resistance that potentially regulates genomic stability.
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17
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de Melo Bisneto AV, Fernandes AS, Velozo Sá VDS, Véras JH, Soares ETS, da Silva Santos AF, Cardoso CG, Silveira-Lacerda EDP, Carneiro CC, Chen-Chen L. Anti-angiogenic activity of azathioprine. Microvasc Res 2021; 138:104234. [PMID: 34478745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104234] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Azathioprine (AZA) is the main drug used in immunomodulatory therapy in post-transplant patients or with autoimmune diseases. However, no study has evaluated the AZA angiogenic response. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of AZA on the angiogenic process through macroscopic, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Our results showed potent anti-angiogenic activity of AZA at the higher concentrations tested in the CAM assay. The histological analysis of CAM confirmed this effect, since AZA induced a significant reduction in all parameters evaluated. In addition, immunohistochemical evaluation of CAM revealed that AZA decreased TGF-β and VEGF levels, important cytokines involved in the angiogenic process. Therefore, the AZA anti-angiogenic effect identified in our study provides new information for the possible application of this drug in anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Vieira de Melo Bisneto
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Amanda Silva Fernandes
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Vivianne de Souza Velozo Sá
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics, Department of Genetics of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Jefferson Hollanda Véras
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Estéfane Thaíne Sodré Soares
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Clever Gomes Cardoso
- Department of Morphology of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Elisângela de Paula Silveira-Lacerda
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Cytogenetics, Department of Genetics of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Cristiene Costa Carneiro
- Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Paulista - Campus Flamboyant, 74845-090 Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Lee Chen-Chen
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics of Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, 74690-900 Goiânia, Brazil.
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18
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Damiana TST, Dalm SU. Combination Therapy, a Promising Approach to Enhance the Efficacy of Radionuclide and Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Prostate and Breast Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050674. [PMID: 34067215 PMCID: PMC8151894 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, radionuclide therapy (RT) and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) have gained great interest in cancer treatment. This is due to promising results obtained in both preclinical and clinical studies. However, a complete response is achieved in only a small percentage of patients that receive RT or TRT. As a consequence, there have been several strategies to improve RT and TRT outcomes including the combination of these treatments with other well-established anti-cancer therapies, for example, chemotherapy. Combinations of RT and TRT with other therapies with distinct mechanisms of action represent a promising strategy. As for prostate cancer and breast cancer, the two most prevalent cancer types worldwide, several combination-based therapies have been evaluated. In this review, we will provide an overview of the RT and TRT agents currently used or being investigated in combination with hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer and breast cancer.
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19
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Manna D, Sarkar D. Multifunctional Role of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) in Cancer: Focus on Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081792. [PMID: 33918653 PMCID: PMC8069505 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chemotherapy is a major mode of treatment for cancers. However, cancer cells adapt to survive in stressful conditions and in many cases, they are inherently resistant to chemotherapy. Additionally, after initial response to chemotherapy, the surviving cancer cells acquire new alterations making them chemoresistant. Genes that help adapt the cancer cells to cope with stress often contribute to chemoresistance and one such gene is Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1). AEG-1 levels are increased in all cancers studied to date and AEG-1 contributes to the development of highly aggressive, metastatic cancers. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the mechanism by which AEG-1 augments tumor development with special focus on its ability to regulate chemoresistance. We also discuss potential ways to inhibit AEG-1 to overcome chemoresistance. Abstract Cancer development results from the acquisition of numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer cells themselves, as well as continuous changes in their microenvironment. The plasticity of cancer cells allows them to continuously adapt to selective pressures brought forth by exogenous environmental stresses, the internal milieu of the tumor and cancer treatment itself. Resistance to treatment, either inherent or acquired after the commencement of treatment, is a major obstacle an oncologist confronts in an endeavor to efficiently manage the disease. Resistance to chemotherapy, chemoresistance, is an important hallmark of aggressive cancers, and driver oncogene-induced signaling pathways and molecular abnormalities create the platform for chemoresistance. The oncogene Astrocyte elevated gene-1/Metadherin (AEG-1/MTDH) is overexpressed in a diverse array of cancers, and its overexpression promotes all the hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance. The present review provides a comprehensive description of the molecular mechanism by which AEG-1 promotes tumorigenesis, with a special emphasis on its ability to regulate chemoresistance.
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20
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Garajová I, Balsano R, Wang H, Leonardi F, Giovannetti E, Deng D, Peters GJ. The role of the microbiome in drug resistance in gastrointestinal cancers. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 21:165-176. [PMID: 33115280 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1844007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The microbiota is recognized for its impact on both human health and disease. The human microbiota is made up of trillions of cells, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The largest population of microbes reside in the gut, prompting research for better understanding of the impact of gastrointestinal microbiota in different diseases. Evidence from numerous studies has pointed out the role of commensal microbes as key determinants of cancer pathogenesis. Moreover, gut microbiota may play an important role in chemoresistance; consequently, this knowledge might be important for novel strategies to improve anticancer treatment efficacy.Areas covered: We describe the role of microbiota in different gastrointestinal cancer types (esophageal, gastric, colorectal, hepatocellular and pancreatic-biliary tract cancers). Moreover, we analyzed the impact of the microbiota on resistance to anticancer therapies, and, lastly, we focused on possibilities of microbiota modulation to enhance anticancer therapy efficacy.Expert opinion: Increasing evidence shows that gut microbiota might influence resistance to anticancer treatment, including conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Therefore, a better knowledge of gut microbiota and its interactions with anticancer drugs will enable us to develop novel anticancer treatment strategies and subsequently improve the cancer patients' outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Garajová
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Rita Balsano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Heling Wang
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienz, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dongmei Deng
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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21
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Yokogawa T, Yano W, Tsukioka S, Osada A, Wakasa T, Ueno H, Hoshino T, Yamamura K, Fujioka A, Fukuoka M, Ohkubo S, Matsuo K. dUTPase inhibition confers susceptibility to a thymidylate synthase inhibitor in DNA-repair-defective human cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2020; 112:422-432. [PMID: 33140501 PMCID: PMC7780055 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiency in DNA repair proteins confers susceptibility to DNA damage, making cancer cells vulnerable to various cancer chemotherapies. 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is an anticancer nucleoside analog that both inhibits thymidylate synthase (TS) and causes DNA damage via the misincorporation of FdUTP and dUTP into DNA under the conditions of dTTP depletion. However, the role of the DNA damage response to its antitumor activity is still unclear. To determine which DNA repair pathway contributes to DNA damage caused by 5‐FU and uracil misincorporation, we examined cancer cells treated with 2ʹ‐deoxy‐5‐fluorouridine (FdUrd) in the presence of TAS‐114, a highly potent inhibitor of dUTPase that restricts aberrant base misincorporation. Addition of TAS‐114 increased FdUTP and dUTP levels in HeLa cells and facilitated 5‐FU and uracil misincorporation into DNA, but did not alter TS inhibition or 5‐FU incorporation into RNA. TAS‐114 showed synergistic potentiation of FdUrd cytotoxicity and caused aberrant base misincorporation, leading to DNA damage and induced cell death even after short‐term exposure to FdUrd. Base excision repair (BER) and homologous recombination (HR) were found to be involved in the DNA repair of 5‐FU and uracil misincorporation caused by dUTPase inhibition in genetically modified chicken DT40 cell lines and siRNA‐treated HeLa cells. These results suggested that BER and HR are major pathways that protect cells from the antitumor effects of massive incorporation of 5‐FU and uracil. Further, dUTPase inhibition has the potential to maximize the antitumor activity of fluoropyrimidines in cancers that are defective in BER or HR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Yokogawa
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Wakako Yano
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sayaka Tsukioka
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akiko Osada
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takeshi Wakasa
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ueno
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takuya Hoshino
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yamamura
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akio Fujioka
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Fukuoka
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ohkubo
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kenichi Matsuo
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Japan
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22
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Lodovichi S, Cervelli T, Pellicioli A, Galli A. Inhibition of DNA Repair in Cancer Therapy: Toward a Multi-Target Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6684. [PMID: 32932697 PMCID: PMC7554826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in DNA repair pathways are one of the main drivers of cancer insurgence. Nevertheless, cancer cells are more susceptible to DNA damage than normal cells and they rely on specific functional repair pathways to survive. Thanks to advances in genome sequencing, we now have a better idea of which genes are mutated in specific cancers and this prompted the development of inhibitors targeting DNA repair players involved in pathways essential for cancer cells survival. Currently, the pivotal concept is that combining the inhibition of mechanisms on which cancer cells viability depends is the most promising way to treat tumorigenesis. Numerous inhibitors have been developed and for many of them, efficacy has been demonstrated either alone or in combination with chemo or radiotherapy. In this review, we will analyze the principal pathways involved in cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair focusing on how their alterations could predispose to cancer, then we will explore the inhibitors developed or in development specifically targeting different proteins involved in each pathway, underscoring the rationale behind their usage and how their combination and/or exploitation as adjuvants to classic therapies could help in patients clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Lodovichi
- Bioscience Department, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20131 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Cervelli
- Yeast Genetics and Genomics Group, Laboratory of Functional Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56125 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Achille Pellicioli
- Bioscience Department, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20131 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alvaro Galli
- Yeast Genetics and Genomics Group, Laboratory of Functional Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Clinical Physiology CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, 56125 Pisa, Italy;
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23
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Peters GJ, Leyva A, Schwartsmann G. Resistance to differentiation affects ribo- and deoxyribonucleotide pools and sensitivity to pyrimidine metabolism antagonists in HL60 cells. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 39:1369-1378. [PMID: 32727257 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2020.1782933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
HL60 myeloid leukemia cells are extensively used as a differentiation model. We investigated a variant of HL60 which is resistant to differentiation induction (HL60-R) by standard differentiation inducers such as retinoic acid and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). To find an explanation for this resistance, we examined nucleotide (NTP) and deoxynucleotide (dNTP) pools in HL60-R and its parent cell line, sensitive to differentiation, HL60-S. We also explored whether these differences led to a difference in sensitivity to various antimetabolites. Drug sensitivity was measured with the tetrazolium (MTT) assay, while nucleotides were measured with anion-exchange HPLC. HL60-R cells were between 2- and 5-fold resistant to the antimetabolites 5-fluorouracil, Brequinar, hydroxyurea and N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA), but more sensitive to aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC), cytarabine and thymidine (5- to 10-fold). The NTP pools in both HL60 variants showed a normal pattern with ATP being the highest (2530-2876 pmol/106 cells) and CTP being lowest. However, UTP pools were 2-fold higher in the HL60-S cells (p < .01), while CTP and GTP pools were 30% higher (p < .01) compared to HL60-R cells. For the dNTP pools, larger differences were observed, with dATP (50 pmol/106 cells) being highest in HL60-R cells, but dATP was 4-fold lower in HL60-S cells. In HL-60-R, the triple combination retinoic acid, DMSO and DAC increased all NTPs almost 2-fold in contrast to HL60-S. Uridine increased UTP (1.4-fold), CTP (2-fold) and dCTP (1.4.-fold) pools in both cell lines, but thymidine increased only dTTP pools (4- to 7-fold), with a depletion of dCTP. PALA decreased UTP and CTP in both cell lines, but increased ATP (only in HL60-R). Hydroxyurea decreased dNTP especially in HL60-S cells. In conclusion, the pronounced differences in NTP and dNTP pools between HL60-S and HL60-R possibly play a role in the induction of differentiation and drug sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Albert Leyva
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceara, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Gilberto Schwartsmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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24
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Subramaniam CB, Bowen JM, Gladman MA, Lustberg MB, Mayo SJ, Wardill HR. The microbiota-gut-brain axis: An emerging therapeutic target in chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:470-479. [PMID: 32681936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) is an ill-defined complication of chemotherapy treatment that places a significant psychosocial burden on survivors of cancer and has a considerable impact on the activities of daily living. CICI pathophysiology has not been clearly defined, with candidate mechanisms relating to both the direct cytotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs on the central nervous system (CNS) and more global, indirect mechanisms such as neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier (BBB) damage. A growing body of research demonstrates that changes to the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiota is an initiating factor in numerous neurocognitive conditions, profoundly influencing both CNS immunity and BBB integrity. Importantly, chemotherapy causes significant disruption to the gastrointestinal microbiota. While microbial disruption is a well-established factor in the development of chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicities (largely diarrhoea), its role in CICI remains unknown, limiting microbial-based therapeutics or risk prediction strategies. Therefore, this review aims to synthesise and critically evaluate the evidence addressing the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a critical factor influencing the development of CICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B Subramaniam
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Joanne M Bowen
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marc A Gladman
- Discipline of Anatomy & Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Maryam B Lustberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha J Mayo
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah R Wardill
- Discipline of Physiology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia; Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, University of Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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25
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Bayoumy AB, Simsek M, Seinen ML, Mulder CJJ, Ansari A, Peters GJ, De Boer NK. The continuous rediscovery and the benefit-risk ratio of thioguanine, a comprehensive review. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2020; 16:111-123. [PMID: 32090622 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1719996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In the 1950s, thioguanine (TG), a thiopurine-derivative together with azathioprine (AZA) and mercaptopurine (MP), were developed for the treatment of childhood leukemia. Over the years, the use of TG was also explored for other, mainly immune-mediated and inflammatory, diseases such as in the field of dermatology and rheumatology (e.g. psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)) and gastroenterology and hepatology (e.g. inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), autoimmune hepatitis).Areas covered: This review provides a comprehensive overview of all the clinical uses of TG and describes its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic features, and toxicity.Expert opinion: Thioguanine has shown beneficial clinical effects in hematological (particularly leukemia) and several immune-inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, SLE, polycythemia vera, Churg-Strauss syndrome, IBD, collagenous sprue, refractory celiac disease, and autoimmune hepatitis. Thioguanine is not effective in treating solid-cancers. At relatively low dosages, i.e. 0.2- 0.3mg/kg/day or 20 mg/day, TG has a favorable risk-benefit ratio and is a safe and effective drug in the long-term treatment of amongst other IBD patients. Thioguanine toxicity, especially myelotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity, including nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver, is limited when dosed adequately. The occurrence of NRH appears dose-dependent and has been especially described during high dose TG above 40 mg/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed B Bayoumy
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Melek Simsek
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, AG&M Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Margien L Seinen
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Chris J J Mulder
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Azhar Ansari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Surrey and Sussex NHS, Easy Surrey Hospital, Surrey, UK
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Laboratory Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Nanne K De Boer
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center, AG&M Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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26
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Friedman JR, Richbart SD, Merritt JC, Perry HE, Brown KC, Akers AT, Nolan NA, Stevenson CD, Hurley JD, Miles SL, Tirona MT, Valentovic MA, Dasgupta P. Capsaicinoids enhance chemosensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Adv Cancer Res 2019; 144:263-298. [PMID: 31349900 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment. Conventional chemotherapeutic agents do not distinguish between normal and neoplastic cells. This leads to severe toxic side effects, which may necessitate the discontinuation of treatment in some patients. Recent research has identified key molecular events in the initiation and progression of cancer, promoting the design of targeted therapies to selectively kill tumor cells while sparing normal cells. Although, the side effects of such drugs are typically milder than conventional chemotherapies, some off-target effects still occur. Another serious challenge with all chemotherapies is the acquisition of chemoresistance upon prolonged exposure to the drug. Therefore, identifying supplementary agents that sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and help minimize drug resistance would be valuable for improving patient tolerance and response to chemotherapy. The use of effective supplementary agents provides a twofold advantage in combination with standard chemotherapy. First, by augmenting the activity of the chemotherapeutic drug it can lower the dose needed to kill tumor cells and decrease the incidence and severity of treatment-limiting side effects. Second, adjuvant therapies that lower the effective dose of chemotherapy may delay/prevent the development of chemoresistance in tumors. Capsaicinoids, a major class of phytochemical compounds isolated from chili peppers, have been shown to improve the efficacy of several anti-cancer drugs in cell culture and animal models. The present chapter summarizes the current knowledge about the chemosensitizing activity of capsaicinoids with conventional and targeted chemotherapeutic drugs, highlighting the potential use of capsaicinoids in novel combination therapies to improve the therapeutic indices of conventional and targeted chemotherapeutic drugs in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie R Friedman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Stephen D Richbart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Justin C Merritt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Haley E Perry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Kathleen C Brown
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Austin T Akers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Nicholas A Nolan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Cathryn D Stevenson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - John D Hurley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Sarah L Miles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Maria T Tirona
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Monica A Valentovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Piyali Dasgupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States.
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Zhou W, Ramos E, Zhu X, Fisher PM, Kidane ME, Vanderloop BH, Thomas CD, Yan J, Singha U, Chaudhuri M, Nagel MT, Nes WD. Steroidal antibiotics are antimetabolites of Acanthamoeba steroidogenesis with phylogenetic implications. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:981-994. [PMID: 30709898 PMCID: PMC6495176 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m091587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic organisms may be sensitive to inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis, which carry antimetabolite properties, through manipulation of the key enzyme, sterol methyltransferase (SMT). Here, we isolated natural suicide substrates of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, cholesta-5,7,22,24-tetraenol (CHT) and ergosta-5,7,22,24(28)-tetraenol (ERGT), and demonstrated their interference in Acanthamoeba castellanii steroidogenesis: CHT and ERGT inhibit trophozoite growth (EC50 of 51 nM) without affecting cultured human cell growth. Washout experiments confirmed that the target for vulnerability was SMT. Chemical, kinetic, and protein-binding studies of inhibitors assayed with 24-AcSMT [catalyzing C28-sterol via Δ24(28)-olefin production] and 28-AcSMT [catalyzing C29-sterol via Δ25(27)-olefin production] revealed interrupted partitioning and irreversible complex formation from the conjugated double bond system in the side chain of either analog, particularly with 28-AcSMT. Replacement of active site Tyr62 with Phe or Leu residues involved in cation-π interactions that model product specificity prevented protein inactivation. The alkylating properties and high selective index of 103 for CHT and ERGT against 28-AcSMT are indicative of a new class of steroidal antibiotic that, as an antimetabolite, can limit sterol expansion across phylogeny and provide a novel scaffold in the design of amoebicidal drugs. Animal studies of these suicide substrates can further explore the potential of their antibiotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Emilio Ramos
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Xunlu Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Paxtyn M Fisher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Medhanie E Kidane
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Boden H Vanderloop
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Crista D Thomas
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Juqiang Yan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - Ujjal Singha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208
| | - Minu Chaudhuri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208
| | - Michael T Nagel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
| | - W David Nes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409.
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Balboni B, El Hassouni B, Honeywell RJ, Sarkisjan D, Giovannetti E, Poore J, Heaton C, Peterson C, Benaim E, Lee YB, Kim DJ, Peters GJ. RX-3117 (fluorocyclopentenyl cytosine): a novel specific antimetabolite for selective cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:311-322. [PMID: 30879349 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1583742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RX-3117 is an oral, small molecule cytidine analog anticancer agent with an improved pharmacological profile relative to gemcitabine and other nucleoside analogs. The agent has excellent activity against various cancer cell lines and xenografts including gemcitabine-resistant variants and it has excellent oral bioavailability; it is not a substrate for the degradation enzyme cytidine deaminase. RX-3117 is being evaluated at a daily oral schedule of 700 mg (5 days/week for 3 weeks) which results in plasma levels in the micromolar range that have been shown to be cytotoxic to cancer cells. It has shown clinical activity in refractory bladder cancer and pancreatic cancer. Areas covered: The review provides an overview of the relevant market and describes the mechanism of action, main pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic features and clinical development of this investigational small molecule. Expert opinion: RX-3117 is selectively activated by uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2), which is expressed only in tumors and has a dual mechanism of action: DNA damage and inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1). Because of its tumor selective activation, novel mechanism of action, excellent oral bioavailability and candidate biomarkers for patient selection, RX-3117 has the potential to replace gemcitabine in the treatment of a spectrum of cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Balboni
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Richard J Honeywell
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Dzjemma Sarkisjan
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands.,b Cancer Pharmacology Lab , Pisa , Italy
| | - Julie Poore
- c Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Callie Heaton
- c Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc , Rockville , MD , USA
| | | | - Ely Benaim
- c Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Young B Lee
- c Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Deog J Kim
- c Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- a Department of Medical Oncology , Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , Netherlands
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Yin J, Ren W, Huang X, Deng J, Li T, Yin Y. Potential Mechanisms Connecting Purine Metabolism and Cancer Therapy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1697. [PMID: 30105018 PMCID: PMC6077182 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Unrestricted cell proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. Purines are basic components of nucleotides in cell proliferation, thus impaired purine metabolism is associated with the progression of cancer. The de novo biosynthesis of purine depends on six enzymes to catalyze the conversion of phosphoribosylpyrophosphate to inosine 5'-monophosphate. These enzymes cluster around mitochondria and microtubules to form purinosome, which is a multi-enzyme complex involved in de novo purine biosynthesis and purine nucleotides requirement. In this review, we highlighted the purine metabolism and purinosome biology with emphasis on the therapeutic potential of manipulating of purine metabolism or purinosome in cancers. We also reviewed current advances in our understanding of mammalian target of rapamycin for regulating purinosome formation or purine metabolism in cancers and discussed the future prospects for targeting purinosome to treat cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenkai Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingguo Huang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Animal Science, Hunan Agriculture University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jinping Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Yulong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, Institute of Subtropical Animal Nutrition and Feed, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Healthy Livestock, Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
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Yano W, Yokogawa T, Wakasa T, Yamamura K, Fujioka A, Yoshisue K, Matsushima E, Miyahara S, Miyakoshi H, Taguchi J, Chong KT, Takao Y, Fukuoka M, Matsuo K. TAS-114, a First-in-Class Dual dUTPase/DPD Inhibitor, Demonstrates Potential to Improve Therapeutic Efficacy of Fluoropyrimidine-Based Chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1683-1693. [PMID: 29748212 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite and exerts antitumor activity via intracellularly and physiologically complicated metabolic pathways. In this study, we designed a novel small molecule inhibitor, TAS-114, which targets the intercellular metabolism of 5-FU to enhance antitumor activity and modulates catabolic pathway to improve the systemic availability of 5-FU. TAS-114 strongly and competitively inhibited deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase), a gatekeeper protein preventing aberrant base incorporation into DNA, and enhanced the cytotoxicity of fluoropyrimidines in cancer cells; however, it had little intrinsic activity. In addition, TAS-114 had moderate and reversible inhibitory activity on dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), a catabolizing enzyme of 5-FU. Thus, TAS-114 increased the bioavailability of 5-FU when coadministered with capecitabine in mice, and it significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy of capecitabine by reducing the required dose of the prodrug by dual enzyme inhibition. Enhancement of antitumor efficacy caused by the addition of TAS-114 was retained in the presence of a potent DPD inhibitor containing oral fluoropyrimidine (S-1), indicating that dUTPase inhibition plays a major role in enhancing the antitumor efficacy of fluoropyrimidine-based therapy. In conclusion, TAS-114, a dual dUTPase/DPD inhibitor, demonstrated the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of fluoropyrimidine. Dual inhibition of dUTPase and DPD is a novel strategy for the advancement of oral fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for cancer treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(8); 1683-93. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakako Yano
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Yokogawa
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. .,Business Development Department, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kandanishiki-cho, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Wakasa
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yamamura
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Akio Fujioka
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yoshisue
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Eiji Matsushima
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Seiji Miyahara
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyakoshi
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Junko Taguchi
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Khoon Tee Chong
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yayoi Takao
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Fukuoka
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kenichi Matsuo
- Discovery and Preclinical Research Division, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Peters GJ. Antipyrimidine effects of five different pyrimidine de novo synthesis inhibitors in three head and neck cancer cell lines. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 37:329-339. [PMID: 29723133 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2018.1460479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The pyrimidine de novo nucleotide synthesis consists of 6 sequential steps. Various inhibitors against these enzymes have been developed and evaluated in the clinic for their potential anticancer activity: acivicin inhibits carbamoyl-phosphate-synthase-II, N-(phosphonacetyl)-L- aspartate (PALA) inhibits aspartate-transcarbamylase, Brequinar sodium and dichloroallyl-lawsone (DCL) inhibit dihydroorotate-dehydrogenase, and pyrazofurin (PF) inhibits orotate-phosphoribosyltransferase. We compared their growth inhibition against 3 cell lines from head-and-neck-cancer (HEP-2, UMSCC-14B and UMSCC-14C) and related the sensitivity to their effects on nucleotide pools. In all cell lines Brequinar and PF were the most active compounds with IC50 (50% growth inhibition) values between 0.06-0.37 µM, Acivicin was as potent (IC50s 0.26-1 µM), but DCL was 20-31-fold less active. PALA was most inactive (24-128 µM). At equitoxic concentrations, all pure antipyrimidine de novo inhibitors depleted UTP and CTP after 24 hr exposure, which was most pronounced for Brequinar (between 6-10% of UTP left, and 12-36% CTP), followed by DCL and PF, which were almost similar (6-16% UTP and 12-27% CTP), while PALA was the least active compound (10-70% UTP and 13-68% CTP). Acivicin is a multi-target inhibitor of more glutamine requiring enzymes (including GMP synthetase) and no decrease of UTP was found, but a pronounced decrease in GTP (31-72% left). In conclusion, these 5 inhibitors of the pyrimidine de novo nucleotide synthesis varied considerably in their efficacy and effect on pyrimidine nucleotide pools. Inhibitors of DHO-DH were most effective suggesting a primary role of this enzyme in controlling pyrimidine nucleotide pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godefridus J Peters
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , MB Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Löffler M, Carrey EA, Zameitat E. New perspectives on the roles of pyrimidines in the central nervous system. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 37:290-306. [PMID: 29693489 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2018.1453076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since 1956, when exogenous uridine and cytidine were found to be necessary for the maintenance of perfused rat brain function, the co-existence of de novo synthesis, salvage pathways and removal of pyrimidine bases in the CNS has been a controversial subject. Here, we review studies on metabolites and enzymes of pyrimidine metabolism through more than 60 years. In view of known and newly-described inherited pyrimidine and purine disorders - some with complex clinical profiles of neurological impairments - we underline the necessity to investigate how the different pathways work together in the developing brain and then sustain plasticity, regeneration and neuro-transmission in the adult CNS. Experimentally, early incorporation studies in animal brain slices and homogenates with radio-labelled nucleosides or precursors demonstrated salvage activity or de novo synthesis. Later, the nucleoside transporters and organic anionic transporters underlying uptake of metabolites and anti-pyrimidine drugs in the CNS were identified. Recently, the expression of de novo enzymes in glial cells and neurons was verified using (immuno) histochemical and in-situ-hybridization techniques. Adult brain was shown to take up or produce all pyrimidine (deoxy) ribonucleosides or, after uptake and phosphorolysis of nucleosides, to make use of ribose for different purposes, including energy. More recently, non-canonical pyrimidine bases (5mC, 5hmC) have been found most notably in brain, pointing to considerable postreplicative DNA metabolism, with the need for pyrimidine-specific enzymes. Even more perspectives are emerging, with advances in genome analysis and in the manipulation of expression from the gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Löffler
- a Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg , Marburg , Germany
| | - E A Carrey
- b Institute of Child Health, University College London , GB
| | - E Zameitat
- a Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg , Marburg , Germany
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Rapid Homogeneous Immunoassay to Quantify Gemcitabine in Plasma for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Ther Drug Monit 2018; 39:235-242. [PMID: 28490046 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine) is a nucleoside analog used as a single agent and in combination regimens for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. Several studies have shown a relationship between gemcitabine peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and hematological toxicity. An immunoassay for gemcitabine in plasma was developed and validated to facilitate therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) by providing an economical, robust method for automated chemistry analyzers. METHODS A monoclonal antibody was coated on nanoparticles to develop a homogenous agglutination inhibition assay. To prevent ex vivo degradation of gemcitabine in blood, tetrahydrouridine was used as a sample stabilizer. Validation was conducted for precision, recovery, cross-reactivity, and linearity on a Beckman Coulter AU480. Verification was performed on an AU5800 in a hospital laboratory. A method comparison was performed with (LC-MS/MS) liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using clinical samples. Selectivity was demonstrated by testing cross-reactivity of the major metabolite, 2',2'-difluorodeoxyuridine. RESULTS Coefficients of variation for repeatability and within-laboratory precision were <8%. The deviation between measured and assigned values was <3%. Linear range was from 0.40 to 33.02 μ/mL (1.5-125.5 μM). Correlation with validated LC-MS/MS methods was R = 0.977. The assay was specific for gemcitabine: there was no cross-reactivity to 2',2'-difluorodeoxyuridine, chemotherapeutics, concomitant, or common medications tested. Tetrahydrouridine was packaged in single-use syringes. Gemcitabine stability in whole blood was extended to 8 hours (at room temperature) and in plasma to 8 days (2-8°C). CONCLUSIONS The assay demonstrated the selectivity, test range, precision, and linearity to perform reliable measurements of gemcitabine in plasma. The addition of stabilizer improved the sample handling. Using general clinical chemistry analyzers, gemcitabine could be measured for TDM.
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Hernando-Cubero J, Matos-García I, Alonso-Orduña V, Capdevila J. The Role of Fluoropirimidines in Gastrointestinal Tumours: from the Bench to the Bed. J Gastrointest Cancer 2018; 48:135-147. [PMID: 28397102 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-017-9946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastrointestinal tumours are one of the most common types of cancer. Therapeutic options include surgery, radiotherapy, local ablation techniques, targeted agents, and chemotherapy. Fluoroprimidines are one of the most active drug families in digestive tumours and remains the cornerstone of the most commonly used chemotherapy schemes. METHODS We review the molecular basis of thymidylate synthase inhibition and the mechanisms of action of 5-fluorouracil, next generation oral fluoropyrimidines (capecitabine, tegafur and the latest S-1 and TAS-102) and antifolates. RESULTS In addition, mechanisms and biomarkers of resistance and toxicity are explored. Finally, new fluoropyrimidines development and clinical trials ongoing in digestive tumours are reviewed. CONCLUSIONS Further research is necessary to avoid resistance mechanisms, improve clinical outcomes and continue reducing toxicities. Until new drugs become available, the optimization of current therapies should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Hernando-Cubero
- Medical Oncology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3, 5009, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Matos-García
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d´Hebron University Hospital, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Pg Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Alonso-Orduña
- Medical Oncology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Paseo Isabel la Católica 1-3, 5009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jaume Capdevila
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d´Hebron University Hospital, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Pg Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
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35
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Da Silva CG, Peters GJ, Ossendorp F, Cruz LJ. The potential of multi-compound nanoparticles to bypass drug resistance in cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 80:881-894. [PMID: 28887666 PMCID: PMC5676819 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The therapeutic efficacy of conventional chemotherapy against several solid tumors is generally limited and this is often due to the development of resistance or poor delivery of the drugs to the tumor. Mechanisms of resistance may vary between cancer types. However, with current development of genetic analyses, imaging, and novel delivery systems, we may be able to characterize and bypass resistance, e.g., by inhibition of the right target at the tumor site. Therefore, combined drug treatments, where one drug will revert or obstruct the development of resistance and the other will concurrently kill the cancer cell, are rational solutions. However, drug exposure of one drug will defer greatly from the other due to their physicochemical properties. In this sense, multi-compound nanoparticles are an excellent modality to equalize drug exposure, i.e., one common physicochemical profile. In this review, we will discuss novel approaches that employ nanoparticle technology that addresses specific mechanisms of resistance in cancer. METHODS The PubMed literature was consulted and reviewed. RESULTS Nanoparticle technology is emerging as a dexterous solution that may address several forms of resistance in cancer. For instance, we discuss advances that address mechanisms of resistance with multi-compound nanoparticles which co-deliver chemotherapeutics with an anti-resistance agent. Promising anti-resistance agents are (1) targeted in vivo gene silencing methods aimed to disrupt key resistance gene expression or (2) protein kinase inhibitors to disrupt key resistance pathways or (3) efflux pumps inhibitors to limit drug cellular efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Da Silva
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Bldg.1, C2-187h, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ferry Ossendorp
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luis J Cruz
- Translational Nanobiomaterials and Imaging, Department of Radiology, Bldg.1, C2-187h, Leiden University Medical Centre, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Rizzuto I, Ghazaly E, Peters GJ. Pharmacological factors affecting accumulation of gemcitabine's active metabolite, gemcitabine triphosphate. Pharmacogenomics 2017; 18:911-925. [PMID: 28594276 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2017-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gemcitabine is an anticancer agent acting against several solid tumors. It requires nucleoside transporters for cellular uptake and deoxycytidine kinase for activation into active gemcitabine-triphosphate, which is incorporated into the DNA and RNA. However, it can also be deaminated in the plasma. The intracellular level of gemcitabine-triphosphate is affected by scheduling or by combination with other chemotherapeutic regimens. Moreover, higher concentrations of gemcitabine-triphosphate may affect the toxicity, and possibly the clinical efficacy. As a consequence, different nucleoside analogs have been synthetized with the aim to increase the concentration of gemcitabine-triphosphate into cells. In this review, we summarize currently published evidence on pharmacological factors affecting the intracellular level of gemcitabine-triphosphate to guide future trials on the use of new nucleoside analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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37
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Honeywell RJ, Sarkisjan D, Kathmann I, Kristensen MH, Peters GJ. Sensitive liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) assay reveals novel insights on DNA methylation and incorporation of gemcitabine, its metabolite difluorodeoxyuridine, deoxyuridine, and RX-3117 into DNA. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 35:652-662. [PMID: 27906622 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2016.1216566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimetabolites are incorporated into DNA and RNA, affecting their function. Liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) permits the sensitive, selective analysis of normal nucleosides. The method was adapted to measure the incorporation of deoxyuridine, gemcitabine (difluorodeoxycytidine), its metabolite difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU), and the novel compound fluorocyclopentenylcytosine (RX3117). DNA was degraded to its deoxynucleotides for quantification by LC-MS-MS, gradient chromatography on a Phenomenex prodigy-3-ODS with positive ionization. The range of deoxyuridine DNA-mis-incorporation varied nine-fold in 27 cell lines (leukemia, colon, ovarian, lung cancer). At low-folate conditions a 2.1-fold increase in deoxyuridine was observed. Global methylation (given as % 5-methyl-deoxycytidine) was comparable between the cell lines (4.6-6.5%). Exposure of A2780 cells to 1 μM gemcitabine (4 hours) resulted in 3.6 pmol gemcitabine/μg DNA, but in AG6000 cells (deoxycytidine-kinase-deficient) no incorporation was found. However, when A2780, AG6000, or CCRF-CEM cells were exposed to 100 μM dFdU we found it as gemcitabine, 20.5, 19.6, and 0.51 pmol gemcitabine/μg DNA, respectively. Preincubation of CCRF-CEM cells with cyclopentenyl-cytosine (a CTP-synthetase inhibitor) increased dFdU incorporation four-fold. Apparently dFdU is activated independently of deoxycytidine-kinase and possibly converted in-situ to dFdCMP. RX3117 was incorporated into both DNA and RNA (0.0037 and 0.00515 pmol/μg, respectively). In summary, a sensitive method to quantify the incorporation of gemcitabine, deoxyuridine, and RX-3117 was developed, which revealed that dFdU was incorporated into DNA as the parent compound gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Honeywell
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Dzjemma Sarkisjan
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Ietje Kathmann
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Michael H Kristensen
- b Department of Clinical Pathology , Hospital South, Naestved Hospital , Naestved, Zealand Region , Denmark
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Sarkisjan D, van den Berg J, Smit E, Lee YB, Kim DJ, Peters GJ. The radiosensitizing effect of fluorocyclopentenyl-cytosine (RX-3117) in ovarian and lung cancer cell lines. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 35:619-630. [PMID: 27906620 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2016.1216565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RX-3117 (fluorocyclopentenyl-cytosine) is a novel cytidine analog currently being evaluated in a Phase Ib clinical trial in cancer patients with solid tumors. The radiosensitizing effect of RX-3117 was studied in A2780 ovarian cancer cells and non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and related to cell survival and the effect on cell cycle and cell cycle proteins. RX-3117 has a schedule-dependent radiosensitizing effect, but only at pre-incubation (dose modifying factors: 1.4-1.8), observed at pulse and fractionated irradiation. Radiosensitizion was also seen in a three-dimensional spheroid model. At the low radiosensitizing concentration, RX-3117 in combination with radiation led to an accumulation of cells in S-phase, which was accompanied with an increase of cell cycle proteins such as p-Chk2 and p-cdc25C. In addition, RX-3117 caused DNA damage and increased apoptosis. In conclusion, our in vitro experiments showed a radiosensitizing effect of RX-3117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzjemma Sarkisjan
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Jaap van den Berg
- b Department of Radio Therapy , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Evelyn Smit
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Young B Lee
- c Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Rockville , Maryland , USA
| | - Deog J Kim
- c Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Rockville , Maryland , USA
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- a Department of Medical Oncology , VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Greco SJ, Yehia G, Potian JA, Molina CA, Rameshwar P. Constitutive Expression of Inducible Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Early Repressor (ICER) in Cycling Quiescent Hematopoietic Cells: Implications for Aging Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2016; 13:116-126. [PMID: 27822872 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-016-9701-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Despite extensive insights on the interaction between hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and the supporting bone marrow (BM) stroma in hematopoietic homeostasis there remains unanswered questions on HSC regulation. We report on the mechanism by which HSCs attain cycling quiescence by addressing a role for inducible cyclic AMP early repressor (ICER). ICER negatively transcriptional regulators of cAMP activators such as CREM and CREB. These activators can be induced by hematopoietic stimulators such as cytokines. We isolated subsets of hematopoietic cells from ten healthy donors: CD34+CD38-/c-kit + (primitive progenitor), CD34+CD38+/c-kitlow (mature progenitor) and CD34-CD38+/-/c-kitlow/- (differentiated lineage-). The relative maturity of the progenitors were verified in long-term culture initiating assay. Immunoprecipitation indicated the highest level of ICER in the nuclear extracts of CD34+/CD38- cells. Phospho (p)-CREM was also present suggesting a balance between ICER and p-CREM in HSC. ICER seems to be responsible for decrease in G1 transition, based on reduced Cdk4 protein, decreased proliferation and functional studies with propidium iodide. There were no marked changes in the cycling inhibitors, p15 and p-Rb, suggesting that ICER may act independently of other cycling inhibitors. The major effects of ICER were validated with BM mononuclear cells (BMNCs) in which ICER was ectopically expressed, and with BMNCs resistant to 5-fluorouracil- or cyclophosphamide. In total, this study ascribes a novel role for ICER in G1 checkpoint regulation in HSCs. These findings are relevant to gene therapy that require engineering of HSCs, age-related disorders that are associated with hematopoietic dysfunction and other hematological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Greco
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers School of Biomedical Health Science, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Ghassan Yehia
- Office of Research Advancement, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, USA
| | - Julius A Potian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers School of Biomedical Health Science, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Carlos A Molina
- Department of Biology and Molecular Biology, Montclair University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers School of Biomedical Health Science, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
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Sarkisjan D, Julsing JR, Smid K, de Klerk D, van Kuilenburg ABP, Meinsma R, Lee YB, Kim DJ, Peters GJ. The Cytidine Analog Fluorocyclopentenylcytosine (RX-3117) Is Activated by Uridine-Cytidine Kinase 2. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162901. [PMID: 27612203 PMCID: PMC5017758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorocyclopentenylcytosine (RX-3117) is an orally available cytidine analog, currently in Phase I clinical trial. RX-3117 has promising antitumor activity in various human tumor xenografts including gemcitabine resistant tumors. RX-3117 is activated by uridine-cytidine kinase (UCK). Since UCK exists in two forms, UCK1 and UCK2, we investigated which form is responsible for RX-3117 phosphorylation. For that purpose we transfected A549 and SW1573 cell lines with UCK-siRNAs. Transfection of UCK1-siRNA efficiently downregulated UCK1-mRNA, but not UCK2-mRNA expression, and did not affect sensitivity to RX-3117. However, transfection of UCK2-siRNA completely downregulated UCK2-mRNA and protein and protected both A549 and SW1573 against RX-3117. UCK enzyme activity in two panels of tumor cell lines and xenograft cells correlated only with UCK2-mRNA expression (r = 0.803 and 0.915, respectively), but not with UCK1-mRNA. Moreover, accumulation of RX-3117 nucleotides correlated with UCK2 expression. In conclusion, RX-3117 is activated by UCK2 which may be used to select patients potentially sensitive to RX-3117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dzjemma Sarkisjan
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joris R. Julsing
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kees Smid
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Daniël de Klerk
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - André B. P. van Kuilenburg
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rutger Meinsma
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Young B. Lee
- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Deog J. Kim
- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Godefridus J. Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Peters GJ. Therapeutic potential of TAS-102 in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2015; 7:340-56. [PMID: 26557901 PMCID: PMC4622302 DOI: 10.1177/1758834015603313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluoropyrimidines form the mainstay in treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. For decades 5-fluorouracil (5FU), was the major fluoropyrimidine. Currently it is usually given in a combination with leucovorin and oxaliplatin, i.e. FOLFOX, or irinotecan, i.e. FOLFIRI, or all three, i.e. FOLFIRINOX, but gradually it has been replaced by oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug formulations, such as tegafur-uracil and S-1 (both contain ftorafur), and capecitabine (Xeloda®). Novel drugs such as the antivascular endothelial growth factor antibody, bevacizumab, and the anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody, cetuximab, are often combined with one of these treatment options. However, when resistance emerged, no alternatives were available. TAS-102, a combination of trifluorothymidine and the thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor TPI in a 1:0.5 ratio, is a novel oral formulation, which is active in 5FU-resistant models, both in vitro and in xenograft models. In addition to inhibition of thymidylate synthase, the major mechanism of action of classical fluoropyrimidines, TAS-102's major mechanism of action is incorporation into DNA, thereby causing DNA damage. TAS-102 also follows an alternative activation pathway via thymidine kinase, and is not a substrate for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase. All together this explains the efficacy in 5FU-resistant models. In early clinical studies, the twice-daily schedule (5 days on, 2 days rest) for 2 weeks every 4 weeks, led to a significant disease control rate in various malignancies. This schedule showed consistent activity in two randomized trials on fluoropyrimidine refractory colorectal cancer patients, reflected by an increase of 2-3 months in overall survival in the TAS-102 group compared with placebo. Considering the impressive preclinical potential of various combinations TAS-102 has the promise to become an alternative for 5FU-resistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godefridus J. Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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