LCRF-0006, a small molecule mimetic of the N-cadherin antagonist peptide ADH-1, synergistically increases multiple myeloma response to bortezomib

N-cadherin antagonism is bronchoprotective in severe asthma models

Severe asthma induces substantial mortality and chronic disability due to intractable airway obstruction, which may become resistant to currently available therapies including corticosteroids and β-adrenergic agonist bronchodilators. A key effector of these changes is exaggerated airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell contraction to spasmogens. No drugs in clinical use effectively prevent ASM hyperresponsiveness in asthma across all severities. We find that N-cadherin, a membrane cell-cell adhesion protein up-regulated in ASM from patients with severe asthma, is required for the development of airway obstruction induced by allergic airway inflammation in mice. Inhibition of N-cadherin by ADH-1 reduced airway hyperresponsiveness independent of allergic inflammation, prevented bronchoconstriction, and actively promoted bronchodilation of airways ex vivo. ADH-1 inhibited ASM contraction by disrupting N-cadherin-δ-catenin interactions, which decreased intracellular actin remodeling. These data provide evidence for an intercellular communication pathway mediating ASM contraction and identify N-cadherin as a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting bronchoconstriction in asthma.

Compromised transcription-mRNA export factor THOC2 causes R-loop accumulation, DNA damage and adverse neurodevelopment

We implicated the X-chromosome THOC2 gene, which encodes the largest subunit of the highly-conserved TREX (Transcription-Export) complex, in a clinically complex neurodevelopmental disorder with intellectual disability as the core phenotype. To study the molecular pathology of this essential eukaryotic gene, we generated a mouse model based on a hypomorphic Thoc2 exon 37-38 deletion variant of a patient with ID, speech delay, hypotonia, and microcephaly. The Thoc2 exon 37-38 deletion male (Thoc2Δ/Y) mice recapitulate the core phenotypes of THOC2 syndrome including smaller size and weight, and significant deficits in spatial learning, working memory and sensorimotor functions. The Thoc2Δ/Y mouse brain development is significantly impacted by compromised THOC2/TREX function resulting in R-loop accumulation, DNA damage and consequent cell death. Overall, we suggest that perturbed R-loop homeostasis, in stem cells and/or differentiated cells in mice and the patient, and DNA damage-associated functional alterations are at the root of THOC2 syndrome.

Targeting N-cadherin (CDH2) and the malignant bone marrow microenvironment in acute leukaemia

This review discusses current research on acute paediatric leukaemia, the leukaemic bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and recently discovered therapeutic opportunities to target leukaemia-niche interactions. The tumour microenvironment plays an integral role in conferring treatment resistance to leukaemia cells, this poses as a key clinical challenge that hinders management of this disease. Here we focus on the role of the cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin (CDH2) within the malignant BM microenvironment and associated signalling pathways that may bear promise as therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss microenvironment-driven treatment resistance and relapse, and elaborate the role of CDH2-mediated cancer cell protection from chemotherapy. Finally, we review emerging therapeutic approaches that directly target CDH2-mediated adhesive interactions between the BM cells and leukaemia cells.

Adhesion molecules in multiple myeloma oncogenesis and targeted therapy

Every day we march closer to finding the cure for multiple myeloma. The myeloma cells inflict their damage through specialized cellular meshwork and cytokines system. Implicit in these interactions are cellular adhesion molecules and their regulators which include but are not limited to integrins and syndecan-1/CD138, immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules, such as CD44, cadherins such as N-cadherin, and selectins, such as E-selectin. Several adhesion molecules are respectively involved in myelomagenesis such as in the transition from the precursor disorder monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to indolent asymptomatic multiple myeloma (smoldering myeloma) then to active multiple myeloma or primary plasma cell leukemia, and in the pathological manifestations of multiple myeloma.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of N-Cadherin Antagonists and Agonists

This review focuses on the cell adhesion molecule (CAM), known as neural (N)-cadherin (CDH2). The molecular basis of N-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion is discussed, as well as the intracellular signaling pathways regulated by this CAM. N-cadherin antagonists and agonists are then described, and several potential therapeutic applications of these intercellular adhesion modulators are considered. The usefulness of N-cadherin antagonists in treating fibrotic diseases and cancer, as well as manipulating vascular function are emphasized. Biomaterials incorporating N-cadherin modulators for tissue regeneration are also presented. N-cadherin antagonists and agonists have potential for broad utility in the treatment of numerous maladies.

Telmisartan anti‐cancer activities mechanism through targeting N‐cadherin by mimicking ADH‐1 function

This study aimed to investigate if Telmisartan as a novel N‐cadherin antagonist, can overcome cell migration of cancer cells. We investigated the mechanism and influence of Docetaxel and Telmisartan (as an analogous to ADH‐1, which is a well‐known N‐cadherin antagonist) on cancer cells. The effect of ADH‐1 and Telmisartan on cell attachment in PC3, DU145, MDA‐MB‐468 cell lines using recombinant human N‐cadherin was studied. Cell viability assay was performed to examine the anti‐proliferative effects of Telmisartan, ADH‐1 and Docetaxel. Migration was examined via wound healing assay, and apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of AKT‐1 as a downstream gene of N‐cadherin signalling pathway was assayed by real‐time PCR. Treatment of PC3, MDA‐MB‐468 and DU145 cells with Telmisartan (0.1 µM) and ADH‐1 (40 µM) resulted in 50%, 58% and approximately 20% reduction in cell attachment to N‐cadherin coated plate respectively. It shows reduction of cell attachment in PC3 and MDA‐MB‐468 cell lines appeared to be more sensitive than that of DU145 cells to the Telmisartan and ADH‐1 treatments. Telmisartan (0.1 µM) and Docetaxel (0.01 nM) significantly reduced cell migration in PC3 and MDA‐MB‐468 cell lines compared with the control group. Using Real‐time PCR, we found that Telmisartan, Docetaxel and ADH‐1 had significant influence on the AKT‐1 mRNA level. The results of the current study for the first time suggest that, Telmisartan, exerts anti‐proliferation and anti‐migration effects by targeting antagonistically N‐cadherin. Also, these data suggest that Telmisartan as a less expensive alternative to ADH‐1 could potentiate Docetaxel anticancer effects.