1
|
Seiboldt T, Zeiser C, Nguyen D, Celikyürekli S, Herter S, Najafi S, Stroh-Dege A, Meulenbroeks C, Mack N, Salem-Altintas R, Westermann F, Schlesner M, Milde T, Kool M, Holland-Letz T, Vogler M, Peterziel H, Witt O, Oehme I. Synergy of retinoic acid and BH3 mimetics in MYC(N)-driven embryonal nervous system tumours. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02740-5. [PMID: 38942989 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certain paediatric nervous system malignancies have dismal prognoses. Retinoic acid (RA) is used in neuroblastoma treatment, and preclinical data indicate potential benefit in selected paediatric brain tumour entities. However, limited single-agent efficacy necessitates combination treatment approaches. METHODS We performed drug sensitivity profiling of 76 clinically relevant drugs in combination with RA in 16 models (including patient-derived tumouroids) of the most common paediatric nervous system tumours. Drug responses were assessed by viability assays, high-content imaging, and apoptosis assays and RA relevant pathways by RNAseq from treated models and patient samples obtained through the precision oncology programme INFORM (n = 2288). Immunoprecipitation detected BCL-2 family interactions, and zebrafish embryo xenografts were used for in vivo efficacy testing. RESULTS Group 3 medulloblastoma (MBG3) and neuroblastoma models were highly sensitive to RA treatment. RA induced differentiation and regulated apoptotic genes. RNAseq analysis revealed high expression of BCL2L1 in MBG3 and BCL2 in neuroblastomas. Co-treatments with RA and BCL-2/XL inhibitor navitoclax synergistically decreased viability at clinically achievable concentrations. The combination of RA with navitoclax disrupted the binding of BIM to BCL-XL in MBG3 and to BCL-2 in neuroblastoma, inducing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS RA treatment primes MBG3 and NB cells for apoptosis, triggered by navitoclax cotreatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Till Seiboldt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Constantia Zeiser
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Duy Nguyen
- Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simay Celikyürekli
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Herter
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sara Najafi
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Stroh-Dege
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Norman Mack
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rabia Salem-Altintas
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schlesner
- Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Biomedical Informatics, Data Mining and Data Analytics, Faculty of Applied Computer Science and Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Holland-Letz
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, a partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
- University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heike Peterziel
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Oehme
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology (B310), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Slika H, Shahani A, Wahi R, Miller J, Groves M, Tyler B. Overcoming Treatment Resistance in Medulloblastoma: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2249. [PMID: 38927954 PMCID: PMC11202166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122249] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most frequently encountered malignant brain tumor in the pediatric population. The standard of care currently consists of surgical resection, craniospinal irradiation, and multi-agent chemotherapy. However, despite this combination of multiple aggressive modalities, recurrence of the disease remains a substantial concern, and treatment resistance is a rising issue. The development of this resistance results from the interplay of a myriad of anatomical properties, cellular processes, molecular pathways, and genetic and epigenetic alterations. In fact, several efforts have been directed towards this domain and characterizing the major contributors to this resistance. Herein, this review highlights the different mechanisms that drive relapse and are implicated in the occurrence of treatment resistance and discusses them in the context of the latest molecular-based classification of medulloblastoma. These mechanisms include the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier to drugs, the overactivation of specific molecular pathways, the resistant and multipotent nature of cancer stem cells, intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, and metabolic plasticity. Subsequently, we build on that to explore potential strategies and targeted agents that can abrogate these mechanisms, undermine the development of treatment resistance, and augment medulloblastoma's response to therapeutic modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Slika
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Aanya Shahani
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
| | - Riddhpreet Wahi
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
- Grant Government Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai 400008, India
| | - Jackson Miller
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
- Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Mari Groves
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Betty Tyler
- Hunterian Neurosurgical Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; (H.S.); (A.S.); (R.W.); (J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Han M, Li S, Fan H, An J, Peng C, Peng F. Regulated cell death in glioma: promising targets for natural small-molecule compounds. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1273841. [PMID: 38304870 PMCID: PMC10830839 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1273841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are prevalent malignant tumors in adults, which can be categorized as either localized or diffuse gliomas. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and deadliest form of glioma. Currently, there is no complete cure, and the median survival time is less than one year. The main mechanism of regulated cell death involves organisms coordinating the elimination of damaged cells at risk of tumor transformation or cells hijacked by microorganisms for pathogen replication. This process includes apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necrosis, parthanayosis, entosis, lysosome-dependent death, NETosis, oxiptosis, alkaliptosis, and disulfidaptosis. The main goal of clinical oncology is to develop therapies that promote the effective elimination of cancer cells by regulating cell death are the main goal of clinical oncology. Recently, scientists have utilized pertinent regulatory factors and natural small-molecule compounds to induce regulated cell death for the treatment of gliomas. By analyzing the PubMed and Web of Science databases, this paper reviews the research progress on the regulation of cell death and the role of natural small-molecule compounds in glioma. The aim is to provide help for the treatment of glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Han
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sui Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huali Fan
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junsha An
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fitzgerald MC, O'Halloran PJ, Kerrane SA, Ní Chonghaile T, Connolly NMC, Murphy BM. The identification of BCL-XL and MCL-1 as key anti-apoptotic proteins in medulloblastoma that mediate distinct roles in chemotherapy resistance. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:705. [PMID: 37898609 PMCID: PMC10613306 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06231-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour, representing 20% of all paediatric intercranial tumours. Current aggressive treatment protocols and the use of radiation therapy in particular are associated with high levels of toxicity and significant adverse effects, and long-term sequelae can be severe. Therefore, improving chemotherapy efficacy could reduce the current reliance on radiation therapy. Here, we demonstrated that systems-level analysis of basal apoptosis protein expression and their signalling interactions can differentiate between medulloblastoma cell lines that undergo apoptosis in response to chemotherapy, and those that do not. Combining computational predictions with experimental BH3 profiling, we identified a therapeutically-exploitable dependence of medulloblastoma cells on BCL-XL, and experimentally validated that BCL-XL targeting, and not targeting of BCL-2 or MCL-1, can potentiate cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in medulloblastoma cell lines with low sensitivity to cisplatin treatment. Finally, we identified MCL-1 as an anti-apoptotic mediator whose targeting is required for BCL-XL inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Collectively, our study identifies that BCL-XL and MCL-1 are the key anti-apoptotic proteins in medulloblastoma, which mediate distinct protective roles. While BCL-XL has a first-line role in protecting cells from apoptosis basally, MCL-1 represents a second line of defence that compensates for BCL-XL upon its inhibition. We provide rationale for the further evaluation of BCL-XL and MCL-1 inhibitors in the treatment of medulloblastoma, and together with current efforts to improve the cancer-specificity of BCL-2 family inhibitors, these novel treatment strategies have the potential to improve the future clinical management of medulloblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Fitzgerald
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre at the Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland
| | - Philip J O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sean A Kerrane
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre at the Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland
| | - Triona Ní Chonghaile
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Niamh M C Connolly
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Brona M Murphy
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland.
- National Children's Research Centre at the Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
He J, Zhou W, Zhang M. Prognostic characterization of the pyroptosis-related subtypes and tumor microenvironment infiltration in glioma. Cancer Biomark 2023:CBM220362. [PMID: 37248887 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-220362] [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: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyroptosis could regulate tumor cell trafficking, invasion, and metastasis, as well as the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, prognostic characteristics of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and their effect on the progression of glioma remain insufficient. METHODS The genetic, transcriptional, and survival data of patients with glioma used for bioinformatic analysis were obtained from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. RESULTS Screening of two different molecular subtypes revealed that PRG variations were associated with characteristics of TME cell infiltration, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis of patients with glioma. After Cox regression of differentially expressed genes, a risk score for predicting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. Its predictive accuracy in patients with glioma was validated. The high-risk group of PRG signature had a poorer OS than the low-risk group (training cohort, P< 0.001; validation cohort, P< 0.001). A high risk score implies more immune cell infiltration and better immunotherapy response to immune checkpoint blockers. In addition, the differential expression of three pyroptosis-pairs in tumor and normal tissues was identified. Furthermore, the risk score was significantly associated with chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and cancer stem cell (CSC) index. Subsequently, a highly accurate nomogram was established to facilitate applicability in the preliminary clinical application of risk score. CONCLUSION Our findings may provide the basis for future research targeting pyroptosis in glioma and evaluation of prognosis and development of more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Noxa and Mcl-1 expression influence the sensitivity to BH3-mimetics that target Bcl-xL in patient-derived glioma stem cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17729. [PMID: 36273072 PMCID: PMC9587994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20910-4] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The recurrence of Glioblastoma is partly attributed to the highly resistant subpopulation of glioma stem cells. A novel therapeutic approach focuses on restoring apoptotic programs in these cancer stem cells, as they are often deregulated. BH3-mimetics, targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, are emerging as promising compounds to sensitize cancer cells to antineoplastic treatments. Herein, we determined that the most abundantly expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, are the most relevant in regulating patient-derived glioma stem cell survival. We exposed these cells to routinely used chemotherapeutic drugs and BH3-mimetics (ABT-263, WEHI-539, and S63845). We observed that the combination of BH3-mimetics targeting Bcl-xL with chemotherapeutic agents caused a marked increase in cell death and that this sensitivity to Bcl-xL inhibition correlated with Noxa expression levels. Interestingly, whereas co-targeting Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 led to massive cell death in all tested cell lines, down-regulation of Noxa promoted cell survival only in cell lines expressing higher levels of this BH3-only. Therefore, in glioma stem cells, the efficacy of Bcl-xL inhibition is closely associated with Mcl-1 activity and Noxa expression. Hence, a potentially effective strategy would consist of combining Bcl-xL inhibitors with chemotherapeutic agents capable of inducing Noxa, taking advantage of this pro-apoptotic factor.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang D, Veo B, Pierce A, Fosmire S, Madhavan K, Balakrishnan I, Donson A, Alimova I, Sullivan KD, Joshi M, Erlander M, Ridinger M, Foreman NK, Venkataraman S, Vibhakar R. A novel PLK1 inhibitor onvansertib effectively sensitizes MYC-driven medulloblastoma to radiotherapy. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:414-426. [PMID: 34477871 PMCID: PMC8917408 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group 3 medulloblastoma (MB) is often accompanied by MYC amplification. PLK1 is an oncogenic kinase that controls cell cycle and proliferation and has been preclinically validated as a cancer therapeutic target. Onvansertib (PCM-075) is a novel, orally available PLK1 inhibitor, which shows tumor growth inhibition in various types of cancer. We aim to explore the effect of onvansertib on MYC-driven medulloblastoma as a monotherapy or in combination with radiation. METHODS Crisper-Cas9 screen was used to discover essential genes for MB tumor growth. Microarray and immunohistochemistry on pediatric patient samples were performed to examine the expression of PLK1. The effect of onvansertib in vitro was measure by cell viability, colony-forming assays, extreme limiting dilution assay, and RNA-Seq. ALDH activity, cell-cycle distribution, and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. DNA damage was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Medulloblastoma xenografts were generated to explore the monotherapy or radio-sensitizing effect. RESULTS PLK1 is overexpressed in Group 3 MB. The IC50 concentrations of onvansertib in Group 3 MB cell lines were in a low nanomolar range. Onvansertib reduced colony formation, cell proliferation, stem cell renewal and induced G2/M arrest in vitro. Moreover, onvansertib in combination with radiation increased DNA damage and apoptosis compared with radiation treatment alone. The combination radiotherapy resulted in marked tumor regression in xenografts. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the efficacy of a novel PLK1 inhibitor onvansertib in vitro and in xenografts of Group 3 MB, which suggests onvansertib is an effective strategy as monotherapy or in combination with radiotherapy in MB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Bethany Veo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Angela Pierce
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Susan Fosmire
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Krishna Madhavan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ilango Balakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Andrew Donson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Irina Alimova
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelly D Sullivan
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, Children’s Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Molishree Joshi
- Functional Genomics Facility, University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | - Nicholas K Foreman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sujatha Venkataraman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rajeev Vibhakar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Corresponding Author: Rajeev Vibhakar, MD, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA ()
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Targeting the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway: A Window of Opportunity for Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010051. [PMID: 35008216 PMCID: PMC8750516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer treatment has improved over the last 20 years; despite this, approximately 33,000 men died from the disease in the United States in 2020. In view of this, new treatment options are urgently needed for advanced prostate cancer. Eradicating cancer cells by triggering apoptosis (a form of cell death) is an attractive strategy, and a novel class of drugs, called BH3 mimetics, have been designed to do this. They have been shown to work for blood cancers and may also have a role in solid cancers. Herein, we discuss cell death, focusing on the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and consider how BH3 mimetics may be used to help treat prostate cancer. Abstract Despite major improvements in the management of advanced prostate cancer over the last 20 years, the disease remains invariably fatal, and new effective therapies are required. The development of novel hormonal agents and taxane chemotherapy has improved outcomes, although primary and acquired resistance remains problematic. Inducing cancer cell death via apoptosis has long been an attractive goal in the treatment of cancer. Apoptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is a highly controlled process, split into two main pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic), and is stimulated by a multitude of factors, including cellular and genotoxic stress. Numerous therapeutic strategies targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway are in clinical development, and BH3 mimetics have shown promising efficacy for hematological malignancies. Utilizing these agents for solid malignancies has proved more challenging, though efforts are ongoing. Molecular characterization and the development of predictive biomarkers is likely to be critical for patient selection, by identifying tumors with a vulnerability in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review provides an up-to-date overview of cell death and apoptosis, specifically focusing on the intrinsic pathway. It summarizes the latest approaches for targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway with BH3 mimetics and discusses how these strategies may be leveraged to treat prostate cancer.
Collapse
|
9
|
Brüning-Richardson A, Shaw GC, Tams D, Brend T, Sanganee H, Barry ST, Hamm G, Goodwin RJA, Swales JG, King H, Steele L, Morton R, Widyadari A, Ward TA, Esteves F, Boissinot M, Mavria G, Droop A, Lawler SE, Short SC. GSK-3 Inhibition Is Cytotoxic in Glioma Stem Cells through Centrosome Destabilization and Enhances the Effect of Radiotherapy in Orthotopic Models. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5939. [PMID: 34885051 PMCID: PMC8657225 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous data on glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) inhibition in cancer models support a cytotoxic effect with selectivity for tumor cells compared to normal tissue but the effect of these inhibitors in glioma has not been widely studied. Here, we investigate their potential as cytotoxics in glioma. METHODS We assessed the effect of pharmacologic GSK-3 inhibition on established (U87, U251) and patient-derived (GBM1, GBM4) glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines using cytotoxicity assays as well as undertaking a detailed investigation of the effect on cell cycle, mitosis, and centrosome biology. We also assessed drug uptake and efficacy of GSK-3 inhibition alone and in combination with radiation in xenograft models. RESULTS Using the selective GSK-3 inhibitor AZD2858, we demonstrated single agent cytotoxicity in two patient-derived glioma cell lines (GBM1, GBM4) and two established cell lines (U251 and U87) with IC50 in the low micromolar range promoting centrosome disruption, failed mitosis, and S-phase arrest. Glioma xenografts exposed to AZD2858 also showed growth delay compared to untreated controls. Combined treatment with radiation increased the cytotoxic effect of clinical radiation doses in vitro and in orthotopic glioma xenografts. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that GSK-3 inhibition promotes cell death in glioma through disrupting centrosome function and promoting mitotic failure and that AZD2858 is an effective adjuvant to radiation at clinical doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Brüning-Richardson
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Gary C. Shaw
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Daniel Tams
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Tim Brend
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Hitesh Sanganee
- Discovery Sciences BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK;
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK;
| | - Gregory Hamm
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK; (G.H.); (R.J.A.G.); (J.G.S.)
| | - Richard J. A. Goodwin
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK; (G.H.); (R.J.A.G.); (J.G.S.)
| | - John G. Swales
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK; (G.H.); (R.J.A.G.); (J.G.S.)
| | - Henry King
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Lynette Steele
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Ruth Morton
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Anastasia Widyadari
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Thomas A. Ward
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Filomena Esteves
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Marjorie Boissinot
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Georgia Mavria
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Alastair Droop
- Leeds MRC Medical Bioinformatics Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK;
| | - Sean E. Lawler
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | - Susan C. Short
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Serrano-Del Valle A, Reina-Ortiz C, Benedi A, Anel A, Naval J, Marzo I. Future prospects for mitosis-targeted antitumor therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114655. [PMID: 34129859 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of cell cycle progression is a hallmark of cancer cells. In recent years, efforts have been devoted to the development of new therapies that target proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and mitosis. Novel targeted antimitotic drugs include inhibitors of aurora kinase family, polo-like kinase 1, Mps1, Eg5, CENP-5 and the APC/cyclosome complex. While certain new inhibitors reached the clinical trial stage, most were discontinued due to negative results. However, these therapies should not be readily dismissed. Based on recent advances concerning their mechanisms of action, new strategies could be devised to increase their efficacy and promote further clinical trials. Here we discuss three main lines of action to empower these therapeutic approaches: increasing cell death signals during mitotic arrest, targeting senescent cells and facilitating antitumor immune response through immunogenic cell death (ICD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chantal Reina-Ortiz
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Andrea Benedi
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Alberto Anel
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Javier Naval
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain
| | - Isabel Marzo
- Dept. Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza and IIS Aragón, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fa J. Dynamin 3 overexpression suppresses the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:524. [PMID: 34025791 PMCID: PMC8130055 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamin 3 (DNM3) functions as a tumor suppressor in various malignancies. However, the underlying mechanism of DNM3 in cervical cancer remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to indicate the function of DNM3 in cervical cancer. The expression of DNM3 in cervical tissues and cells was measured using bioinformatics analysis, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The pcDNA3.1 plasmid was used to overexpress DNM3 in SiHa and C33A cells. The effects of DNM3 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis was detected by the CCK-8, clone formation, Transwell, flow cytometry and western blotting assays. In the present study, it was revealed that DNM3 was expressed at significantly low levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines compared with normal cervical tissues and cell lines. In addition, the low expression of DNM3 was significantly associated with high pathological grading of cervical cancer. The overall survival rate of patients with low DNM3 expression was significantly improved compared with patients with high DNM3 expression. In addition, the overexpression of DNM3 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical carcinoma cells and induced cell apoptosis. The findings of the present study further revealed that the overexpression of DNM3 may inhibit cell migration and invasion by inactivating the epithelial mesenchymal transition process. In summary, the present study demonstrated that DNM3 was a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer progression and that it may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with cervical carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi Cancer Hospital, Linyi, Shandong 276000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pan Y, Zhao S, Chen F. The potential value of dequalinium chloride in the treatment of cancer: Focus on malignant glioma. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:445-454. [PMID: 33496065 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dequalinium chloride has been known as one kind of antibiotic that displays a broad antimicrobial spectrum and has been clinically proven to be very safe. In recent years, studies have shown that dequalinium chloride can inhibit the growth of malignant tumours, and reports were mainly used for solid tumours. Glioblastoma is the most common malignant neuroepithelial tumour of the central nervous system in adults, and the prognosis of glioblastoma is poor as it has a high resistance to apoptosis. This review summarizes the current understanding of dequalinium chloride-induced cancer cell apoptosis and its potential role in glioblastoma resistance and progression. Particularly, we focus on dequalinium chloride as it exerts a wide range of anti-cancer activity through its ability to target and accumulate in the mitochondria, and it effectively inhibits the growth of glioblastoma cells in vitro and vivo. Dequalinium chloride is an inhibitor of XIAP and can also act as a mitochondrial targeting agent, which gives it an interesting perspective regarding recent advances in the treatment of malignant glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuehai Pan
- Department of Hand and foot surgery, The affiliated hospital of QingDao university, ShangDong, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The affiliated hospital of QingDao university, ShangDong, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li H, Cui R, Ji M, Jin SY. CUDC-101 enhances the chemosensitivity of gemcitabine-treated lymphoma cells. Leuk Res 2021; 106:106575. [PMID: 33878513 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2021.106575] [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] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metastasis and recurrence of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent work suggests that drugs capable of targeting epigenetic regulatory mechanisms may be well suited to the treatment of such disease progression. METHODS This study was thus designed to evaluate the ability of the novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor CUDC-101 to synergize with gemcitabine in order to kill human HUT78 and Pfeiffer NHL cells. To that end, we analyzed the viability of these NHL cells via CCK-8 assay, while the incidence of apoptosis among treated cells was evaluated via Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and by the Western blotting-mediated evaluation of proteins associate with apoptosis and related signaling pathways. RESULTS We found that CUDC-101 and gemcitabine interacted synergistically to reduce NHL cell viability and to induce the apoptotic death of these cells via the EGFR/ PI3K/Akt and Erk pathways, which were regulated by HDAC signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Together, our results highlight the anti-cancer properties of CUDC-101 alone or in combination with gemcitabine as an approach to inducing the apoptotic death of lymphoma cells in vitro, while also offering insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms governing this activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Li
- Department of Hematology, Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | - Rihua Cui
- Department of Hematology, Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | - Meiying Ji
- Research center of Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Jin
- Department of Hematology, Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China; Research center of Yanbian University Hospital, Jilin, Yanji, 133000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
It's time to die: BH3 mimetics in solid tumors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118987. [PMID: 33600840 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The removal of cells by apoptosis is an essential process regulating tissue homeostasis. Cancer cells acquire the ability to circumvent apoptosis and survive in an unphysiological tissue context. Thereby, the Bcl-2 protein family plays a key role in the initiation of apoptosis, and overexpression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins is one of the molecular mechanisms protecting cancer cells from apoptosis. Recently, small molecules targeting the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins have been identified, and with venetoclax the first of these BH3 mimetics has been approved for the treatment of leukemia. In solid tumors the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL are frequently overexpressed or genetically amplified. In this review, we summarize the role of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL in solid tumors and compare the different BH3 mimetics targeting Mcl-1 or Bcl-xL.
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang D, Pierce A, Veo B, Fosmire S, Danis E, Donson A, Venkataraman S, Vibhakar R. A Regulatory Loop of FBXW7-MYC-PLK1 Controls Tumorigenesis of MYC-Driven Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030387. [PMID: 33494392 PMCID: PMC7865656 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Group 3 medulloblastoma (MB) is often accompanied by MYC amplification and has a poor prognosis. FBXW7, a critical tumor suppressor in many types of cancer, regulates the proteasome-mediated degradation of oncoproteins including MYC. However, the role of FBXW7 in the tumorigenesis of group 3 MB has not been well studied. In this study, we show that FBXW7 is downregulated in group 3 MB patient samples, and FBXW7 stabilization is crucial for inhibiting c-MYC. We identified a FBXW7-MYC-PLK1 regulatory loop in MYC-driven MB, which provides a mechanism of using protein kinase inhibitors for translation in the future. Abstract Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is highly expressed in group 3 medulloblastoma (MB), and it has been preclinically validated as a cancer therapeutic target in medulloblastoma. Here, we demonstrate that PLK1 inhibition with PCM-075 or BI6727 significantly reduces the growth of MB cells and causes a decrease of c-MYC mRNA and protein levels. We show that MYC activates PLK1 transcription, while the inhibition of PLK1 suppresses MB tumor development and causes a decrease in c-MYC protein level by suppressing FBXW7 auto poly-ubiquitination. FBXW7 physically interacts with PLK1 and c-MYC, facilitating their protein degradation by promoting ubiquitination. These results demonstrate a PLK1-FBXW7-MYC regulatory loop in MYC-driven medulloblastoma. Moreover, FBXW7 is significantly downregulated in group 3 patient samples. The overexpression of FBXW7 induced apoptosis and suppressed proliferation in vitro and in vivo, while constitutive phosphorylation mutation attenuated its tumor suppressor function. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that PLK1 inhibition stabilizes FBXW7 in MYC-driven MB, thus revealing an important function of FBXW7 in suppressing medulloblastoma progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Angela Pierce
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Bethany Veo
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Susan Fosmire
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Etienne Danis
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Andrew Donson
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Sujatha Venkataraman
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rajeev Vibhakar
- Department of Pediatrics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.W.); (A.P.); (B.V.); (S.F.); (E.D.); (A.D.); (S.V.)
- Morgan Adams Foundation Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang H, Han P, Qi X, Li F, Li M, Fan L, Zhang H, Zhang X, Yang X. Bcl-2 Enhances Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Persistence by Reducing Activation-Induced Apoptosis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020197. [PMID: 33429845 PMCID: PMC7827522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T) have shown great success in the treatment of B-cell leukemia. However, their efficacy is compromised in B-cell-derived lymphoma and solid tumors. Optimization of CAR design to improve in vivo persistence is a focus of current CAR-T cell research. The aim of our study is to access the potential added value of integration of anti-apoptotic molecules for enhancing anti-tumor activity of CAR-T cells. We confirmed that integrating B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) into CAR-T cells improved the proliferation ability of CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo, which led to enhanced anti-tumor activity and prolonged survival in a mouse xenograft lymphoma model. This work provides proof of concept evidence for a new strategy to optimize the function of CAR-T cells against lymphoma. Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the potential added value of integrating anti-apoptotic molecules for improving the anti-tumor activity of CAR-T cells. Methods: Four small molecules inhibiting apoptosis were tested for their ability to prevent activated induced CAR-T cell death. Five CD20-targeting, CD137 (4-1BB) and CD3ζ integrated CAR-T cells (20BBZ) with constitutively expressed anti-apoptotic genes were established, and we screened out the strongest proliferation enhancer: Bcl-2. The memory subtype and the exhaustion markers of CAR-T cells were analyzed. The anti-tumor activities of Bcl-2 integrating CAR-T cells (20BBZ-Bcl-2) were evaluated in vitro and in a mouse xenograft lymphoma model. Conclusion: The 20BBZ-Bcl-2 CAR-T cells showed improved proliferation ability compared to 20BBZ CAR-T cells in vitro. In addition, activation-induced apoptosis was reduced in the 20BBZ-Bcl-2 CAR-T cells. Consistent with the enhanced proliferation in vitro, 20BBZ-Bcl-2 CAR-T cells exhibited improved anti-tumor activity in a mouse xenograft lymphoma model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyong Wang
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ping Han
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinyue Qi
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fanlin Li
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Min Li
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lilv Fan
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Huihui Zhang
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xuanming Yang
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (H.W.); (P.H.); (X.Q.); (F.L.); (M.L.); (L.F.); (H.Z.); (X.Z.)
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-34204065
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zha W, Guan S, Liu N, Li Y, Tian Y, Chen Y, Wang Y, Wu F. Let-7a inhibits Bcl-xl and YAP1 expression to induce apoptosis of trophoblast cells in early-onset severe preeclampsia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:139919. [PMID: 32721616 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the MicroRNA (miR) Let-7 family has been implicated in preeclampsia (PE). Abnormal trophoblast cell proliferation and apoptosis associate with the pathogenesis of PE. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis whether let-7a could regulate the biological functions of trophoblasts and explore the mechanism how it works in the development of early-onset severe PE. The putative target genes Bcl-xl and YAP1 of let-7a were verified by luciferase assay. The roles of let-7a, Bcl-xl and YAP1 in regulating JEG-3 cell functions were examined by altering their expression with mimic, overexpression plasmids or siRNAs. The methylation status of let-7a-3 in PE was assessed by methylation-specific and bisulfite sequencing PCR assays. JEG-3 cells were treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor to analyze whether let-7a-3 demethylation functioned in PE. Tumor growth and cell apoptosis were measured from nude mice inoculated with JEG-3 cells overexpressing let-7a. The results revealed let-7a was highly expressed in early-onset severe PE and let-7a-3 presented a low methylation level. Functionally, let-7a upregulation could inhibit the viability and cell cycle progression but induce the apoptosis of JEG-3 cells. Bcl-xl and YAP1, target genes of let-7a, could rescue cell apoptosis induced by let-7a. The demethylation of let-7a-3 was also observed to elevate the expression of let-7a and enhance JEG-3 cell apoptosis. Let-7a inhibited tumorigenic ability of JEG-3 cells and enhanced cell apoptosis in vivo. Altogether, let-7a could enhance cell apoptosis in trophoblasts through downregulation of Bcl-xl and YAP1, which suggests that let-7a might be a key regulator in the progression of PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Zha
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shuang Guan
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yang Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Fuju Wu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zafar A, Wang W, Liu G, Wang X, Xian W, McKeon F, Foster J, Zhou J, Zhang R. Molecular targeting therapies for neuroblastoma: Progress and challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:961-1021. [PMID: 33155698 PMCID: PMC7906923 DOI: 10.1002/med.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel therapies for childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, and accounts for ~15% of childhood cancer‐related mortality. Neuroblastomas exhibit genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the efficacy of existing treatment modalities. Gaining detailed knowledge of the molecular signatures and genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is necessary to develop safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease. Recent studies with advanced high‐throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genetic/genomic alterations and dysfunctional pathways that drive the onset, growth, progression, and resistance of neuroblastoma to therapy. A variety of molecular signatures are being evaluated to better understand the disease, with many of them being used as targets to develop new treatments for neuroblastoma patients. In this review, we have summarized the contemporary understanding of the molecular pathways and genetic aberrations, such as those in MYCN, BIRC5, PHOX2B, and LIN28B, involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, and provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigations, particularly those targeting ALK signaling, MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathways, as well as epigenetic regulators. We also give insights on the use of combination therapies involving novel agents that target various pathways. Further, we discuss the future directions that would help identify novel targets and therapeutics and improve the currently available therapies, enhancing the treatment outcomes and survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Section of Hematology-Oncology Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
An YW, Liu HQ, Zhou ZQ, Wang JC, Jiang GY, Li ZW, Wang F, Jin HT. Sinoporphyrin sodium is a promising sensitizer for photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy in glioma. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:1596-1604. [PMID: 32945475 PMCID: PMC7448408 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the antitumor effects of sinoporphyrin sodium (DVDMS)‑mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) in glioma, and to reveal the underlying mechanisms. The uptake of DVDMS by U‑118 MG cells was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). A 630‑nm semiconductor laser and 1‑MHz ultrasound were used to perform PDT and SDT, respectively. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, FCM and Hoechst 33258 staining, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to detect protein expression and phosphorylation levels. BALB/c nude mice were used to establish a xenograft model of U‑118 MG cells. DVDMS was injected intravenously and PDT and SDT were performed 24 h later. An in vivo imaging system was used to evaluate the fluorescence of DVDMS, to measure tumor sizes, and to evaluate the therapeutic effects. The uptake of DVDMS by U‑118 MG cells was optimal after 4 h. PDT and SDT following DVDMS injection significantly inhibited the proliferation and increased apoptosis of glioma cells in vitro (P<0.05, P<0.01) respectively. In vivo, the fluorescence intensity of DVDMS was lower in the PDT and SDT groups compared with the DVDMS group, while tumor cell proliferation and weight were lower in the PDT and SDT groups than in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). However, there was no significant difference when laser, ultrasound or DVDMS were applied individually, compared with the control group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining suggested that both PDT and SDT induced significant apoptosis and vascular obstruction in cancer tissues. DVDMS‑mediated PDT and SDT inhibited the expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Bcl‑xL, increased cleaved ‑caspase 3 levels, and decreased the protein phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Changes in the expression of PCNA, and Bcl‑xL and in the levels of cleaved‑caspase 3 were partly reversed by N‑acetyl‑L‑cysteine, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger. Similar results were obtained with FCM. DVDMS‑mediated PDT and SDT inhibited glioma cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, potentially by increasing the generation of ROS and affecting protein expression and phosphorylation levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen An
- School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
- Science and Education Department, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, P.R. China
| | - Han-Qing Liu
- Science and Education Department, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, P.R. China
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Zi-Qian Zhou
- Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518036, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Chun Wang
- Science and Education Department, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Yu Jiang
- Science and Education Department, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Wen Li
- Science and Education Department, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518118, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453002, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Tao Jin
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yumol J, Gabrielli B, Tayyar Y, McMillan NAJ, Idris A. Smart drug combinations for cervical cancer: dual targeting of Bcl-2 family of proteins and aurora kinases. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:3406-3414. [PMID: 33163279 PMCID: PMC7642645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent in cervical cancers. Recurrent cervical cancer is refractory to currently available treatments. Clearly there is an urgent unmet need to investigate new therapeutic strategies for both the newly diagnosed and recurrent patient populations. We have previously shown that the presence of HPV oncogenes sensitizes cells to inhibition of aurora kinases (AURKs), which induces mitotic delay eventually leading to apoptotic cell death. In this study, we explored whether a dual approach of combining an AURK inhibitor, MLN8237 (Alisertib), with a range of Bcl-2 family anti-apoptotic protein inhibitors would accelerate cancer cell killing. Enhanced and rapid cervical cancer cell killing was observed when Alisertib was combined with inhibitors of either Bcl-2 (Venetoclax), Bcl-XL (A1331852) or Mcl-1 (A1210477) proteins, likely by accelerating apoptosis during mitotic delay due to the loss of functional Bcl-2, Mcl-1, or Bcl-XL. This study presents a promising approach to treating aggressive cervical cancers and may apply to other HPV-related cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacklyn Yumol
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith UniversitySouthport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brian Gabrielli
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research InstituteBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yaman Tayyar
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith UniversitySouthport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nigel AJ McMillan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith UniversitySouthport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adi Idris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith UniversitySouthport, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Murray D, Mirzayans R. Cellular Responses to Platinum-Based Anticancer Drugs and UVC: Role of p53 and Implications for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165766. [PMID: 32796711 PMCID: PMC7461110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is intended to induce cancer cell death through apoptosis and other avenues. Unfortunately, as discussed in this article, moderate doses of genotoxic drugs such as cisplatin typical of those achieved in the clinic often invoke a cytostatic/dormancy rather than cytotoxic/apoptosis response in solid tumour-derived cell lines. This is commonly manifested by an extended apoptotic threshold, with extensive apoptosis only being seen after very high/supralethal doses of such agents. The dormancy response can be associated with senescence-like features, polyploidy and/or multinucleation, depending in part on the p53 status of the cells. In most solid tumour-derived cells, dormancy represents a long-term survival mechanism, ultimately contributing to disease recurrence. This review highlights the nonlinearity of key aspects of the molecular and cellular responses to bulky DNA lesions in human cells treated with chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., cisplatin) or ultraviolet light-C (a widely used tool for unraveling details of the DNA damage-response) as a function of the level of genotoxic stress. Such data highlight the growing realization that targeting dormant cancer cells, which frequently emerge following conventional anticancer treatments, may represent a novel strategy to prevent or, at least, significantly suppress cancer recurrence.
Collapse
|
22
|
The therapeutic potential of Aurora kinases targeting in glioblastoma: from preclinical research to translational oncology. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:495-512. [PMID: 32219470 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01895-x] [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] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common aggressive primary brain tumor. Standard care includes maximal safe surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy with temozolomide. However, the impact of this therapeutic approach on patient survival is disappointing and poor outcomes are frequently observed. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are needed to treat this potentially deadly tumor. Aurora kinases are one of today's most sought-after classes of therapeutic targets to glioblastoma therapy. They are a family of proteins composed of three members: Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C that play different roles in the cell division through regulation of chromosome segregation. Deregulation of these genes has been reported in glioblastoma and a progressive number of studies have shown that inhibition of these proteins could be a promising strategy for the treatment of this tumor. This review discusses the preclinical and early clinical findings on the potential use of the Aurora kinases as new targets for the treatment of glioblastoma. KEY MESSAGES: GBM is a very aggressive tumor with limited therapeutic options. Aurora kinases are a family of serine/threonine kinases implicated in GBM pathology. Aurora kinases are critical for glioblastoma cell growth, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Inhibition of Aurora kinases has a synergistic or sensitizing effect with chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapy, or with other targeted molecules in GBM. Several Aurora kinase inhibitors are currently in clinical trials.
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu X, Ding C, Tan W, Zhang A. Medulloblastoma: Molecular understanding, treatment evolution, and new developments. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 210:107516. [PMID: 32105673 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common childhood malignant brain tumor, accounting for approximately 20% of all pediatric central nervous system tumors. Current standard treatments involving surgical interventions followed by craniospinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy have severe motor and cognitive defects. Therefore, individualized treatment regimens with reduced toxicity designed according to the presence of specific oncogenic 'driver' genes are urgently demanded. To this end, recent genetic and epigenetic findings have advanced the classification of MB into the international consensus of four distinct MB molecular subgroups (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4) based on their respective molecular and histopathological characteristics. More recent studies have indicated that up to seven molecular subgroups exist in childhood MB. Moreover, studies on the inter- and intra-tumoral features of the four subgroups revealed that each subgroup contains variant subtypes. These results have greatly helped risk stratification of MB patients at diagnosis and significantly improved clinical treatment options. Herein, we highlight the recent advances and challenges associated with MB classification, and the development of therapeutic treatments targeting novel subgroup-specific molecular and epigenetic factors, especially those in the SHH-driven MB tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liu
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Ao Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Frontiers on Drug Discovery (RLMCBFDD), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sun Y, Zeng C, Gan S, Li H, Cheng Y, Chen D, Li R, Zhu W. LncRNA HOTTIP-Mediated HOXA11 Expression Promotes Cell Growth, Migration and Inhibits Cell Apoptosis in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020472. [PMID: 29415429 PMCID: PMC5855694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most common cause of cancer death in women, the pathogenesis of breast cancer still remains unclear. Here, we reported a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), HOTTIP (HOXA transcript at the distal tip), that may play an important role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Using gain-and-loss-of experiments in vitro and in vivo, we observed the marked upregulation of HOTTIP/HOXA11 in the breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, and the downregulation of HOTTIP or HOXA11, which might inhibit cell proliferation and migration but promote cell apoptosis in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In addition, by further rescue experiments with HOXA11 overexpression, we uncovered a novel potential regulatory mechanism between HOTTIP and one of its physical HOXA clusters, HOXA11. Hence, HOTTIP may mediate, at least partly, HOXA11 expression involved in cell growth, migration, and apoptosis of breast cancer MCF-7 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqin Sun
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Chao Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Siyuan Gan
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Ying Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Dongjie Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Rujia Li
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China.
| |
Collapse
|