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Dong J, Zhang J, Xiang G, Yang L. Combining Mefloquine with an Mcl-1 Inhibitor as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Nutr Cancer 2024; 76:736-744. [PMID: 38795070 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2358561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Considering the established pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles, drug repurposing has emerged as an alternative therapeutic approach for treating cancer. Mefloquine has previously demonstrated inhibitory effects on multiple cancer types. This study aims to explore the impact of mefloquine on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We found that mefloquine, at pharmacologically achievable concentrations, displayed anti-NPC activity while sparing normal counterparts. Mefloquine inhibits proliferation and induces death by reducing the levels of Cyclin A2, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL. Intriguingly, we observed an increase in the levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. Mefloquine exerts its effects on NPC cells by inducing lysosomal-mediated ROS production, and the heightened expression of Mcl-1 is a consequence of ROS generation in mefloquine-treated NPC cells. The combination of an Mcl-1 inhibitor with mefloquine synergistically inhibits NPC growth in mice without causing substantial toxicity. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness and limited toxicity of mefloquine as a monotherapy and in combination with an Mcl-1 inhibitor. Our research underscores the promise of the mefloquine and Mcl-1 inhibitor combination as a potential treatment for NPC. Additionally, the elevation of Mcl-1 is a compensatory response in cells exposed to oxidative stress, offering a potential target to overcome resistance induced by pro-oxidant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Dong
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaojin Xiang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Shang R, Liao Y, Zheng X. Inhibition of Wnt Signaling by Atovaquone Inhibits Gastric Cancer and Enhances Chemotherapy Effectiveness Through Activation of Casein Kinase 1α. Nutr Cancer 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38494910 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2024.2328377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a driving force behind the progression of gastric cancer. Atovaquone, known as an antimalarial drug, has emerged as a potential candidate for anti-cancer therapy. This study investigated atovaquone's effects on gastric cancer and its underlying mechanisms. Using gastric cancer cell lines, we found that atovaquone, at concentrations relevant to clinical use, significantly reduced their viability. Notably, atovaquone exhibited a lower effectiveness in reducing the viability of normal gastric cells compared to gastric cancer cells. We further demonstrated that atovaquone inhibited gastric cancer growth and colony formation. Mechanism studies revealed that atovaquone inhibited mitochondrial respiration and induced oxidative stress. Experiments using ρ0 cells, deficient in mitochondrial respiration, indicated a slightly weaker effect of atovaquone on inducing apoptosis compared to wildtype cells. Atovaquone increased phosphorylated β-catenin at Ser45 and Ser33/37/Thr41, elevated Axin, and reduced β-catenin. The inhibitory effects of atovaquone on β-catenin were reversed upon depletion of CK1α. Furthermore, the combination of atovaquone with paclitaxel suppressed gastric cancer growth and improved overall survival in mice. Given that atovaquone is already approved for clinical use, these findings suggest its potential as a valuable addition to the drug arsenal available for treating gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Shang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Yingying Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xuejiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
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Sokolov S, Zyrina A, Akimov S, Knorre D, Severin F. Toxic Effects of Penetrating Cations. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:841. [PMID: 37888013 PMCID: PMC10608470 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13100841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
As mitochondria are negatively charged organelles, penetrating cations are used as parts of chimeric molecules to deliver specific compounds into mitochondria. In other words, they are used as electrophilic carriers for such chemical moieties as antioxidants, dyes, etc., to transfer them inside mitochondria. However, unmodified penetrating cations affect different aspects of cellular physiology as well. In this review, we have attempted to summarise the data about the side effects of commonly used natural (e.g., berberine) and artificial (e.g., tetraphenylphosphonium, rhodamine, methylene blue) penetrating cations on cellular physiology. For instance, it was shown that such types of molecules can (1) facilitate proton transport across membranes; (2) react with redox groups of the respiratory chain; (3) induce DNA damage; (4) interfere with pleiotropic drug resistance; (5) disturb membrane integrity; and (6) inhibit enzymes. Also, the products of the biodegradation of penetrating cations can be toxic. As penetrating cations accumulate in mitochondria, their toxicity is mostly due to mitochondrial damage. Mitochondria from certain types of cancer cells appear to be especially sensitive to penetrating cations. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of the toxic effects and the anti-cancer activity of penetrating cations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svyatoslav Sokolov
- Department of Molecular Energetics of Microorganisms, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Anna Zyrina
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Premises 8, Bldg. 1, Village of Institute of Poliomyelitis, Settlement “Moskovskiy”, 108819 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey Akimov
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 31/4 LeninskiyProspekt, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitry Knorre
- Department of Molecular Energetics of Microorganisms, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Fedor Severin
- Department of Molecular Energetics of Microorganisms, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.); (D.K.)
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Pyrvinium Pamoate: Past, Present, and Future as an Anti-Cancer Drug. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123249. [PMID: 36552005 PMCID: PMC9775650 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrvinium, a lipophilic cation belonging to the cyanine dye family, has been used in the clinic as a safe and effective anthelminthic for over 70 years. Its structure, similar to some polyaminopyrimidines and mitochondrial-targeting peptoids, has been linked with mitochondrial localization and targeting. Over the past two decades, increasing evidence has emerged showing pyrvinium to be a strong anti-cancer molecule in various human cancers in vitro and in vivo. This efficacy against cancers has been attributed to diverse mechanisms of action, with the weight of evidence supporting the inhibition of mitochondrial function, the WNT pathway, and cancer stem cell renewal. Despite the overwhelming evidence demonstrating the efficacy of pyrvinium for the treatment of human cancers, pyrvinium has not yet been repurposed for the treatment of cancers. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the history of pyrvinium as a therapeutic, the rationale and data supporting its use as an anticancer agent, and the challenges associated with repurposing pyrvinium as an anti-cancer agent.
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Huang S, Du K, Liu Z, Li J. Inhibition of mTOR by temsirolimus overcomes radio-resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:703-709. [PMID: 35488735 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Radio-resistance is a leading cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment failure and identification of sensitizing therapeutic target is an unmet need to enhance clinical management. Given that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling confers resistance to cancer therapy, we investigated whether mTOR contributes to radio-resistance in NPC and pharmacological inhibition of mTOR can overcome radio-resistance. We found that mTOR mRNA and protein levels, and phosphorylation of its downstream effector were increased in radio-resistant NPC compared with parental cells. mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in a panel of NPC cell lines. Importantly, temsirolimus acts synergistically with radiation and is effective against radio-resistant cells. Using radio-resistant xenograft mouse model, we validated the efficacy of temsirolimus in preventing tumor formation and inhibiting tumor growth. Temsirolimus overcome radio-resistance in NPC via inhibiting mTOR signaling. Our work provides the pre-clinical evidence that the combination of radiation and mTOR inhibitor may be a therapeutic strategy in NPC. Our findings might accelerate the initiation of clinical trials on radio-resistant NPC patients using temsirolimus. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Ke Du
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Zeng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Jiangping Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
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Zhang J, Jiang Y, Yu Y, Li J. Preclinical evaluation of the dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor sapanisertib in combination with cisplatin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 915:174688. [PMID: 34883074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of investigational drugs are being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), including PI3K-mTOR inhibitor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effective combination of TORC1/2 inhibitor sapanisertib and chemotherapy drug cisplatin in preclinical models of NPC. In our work, sapanisertib at nanomolar concentrations decreases viability and proliferation in NPC cells regardless of varying genetic backgrounds. Sapanisertib acts synergistically with cisplatin via induces more G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis. At the same concentration, sapanisertib neither decreases viability nor proliferation in normal nasal epithelial cells. Sapanisertib also decreases NPC cell migration. It decreases phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K and 4EBP1 in NPC cells. The in vitro findings on the inhibitory effects of sapanisertib on NPC growth and mTOR signaling were also evident in the NPC xenograft mouse model. In addition, combination of sapanisertib with cisplatin resulted in better efficacy than monotherapy to inhibit NPC growth in mice without causing significant toxicity. These data clearly demonstrate efficacy and insignificant toxicity of sapanisertib alone and its combination with cisplatin in NPC preclinical models. Our findings will accelerate clinical trials evaluating combination of sapanisertib and chemotherapy for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441021, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441021, China
| | - Ye Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441021, China.
| | - Jiangping Li
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441021, China.
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