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Li SR, Tao SY, Li Q, Hu CY, Sun ZJ. Harnessing nanomaterials for copper-induced cell death. Biomaterials 2025; 313:122805. [PMID: 39250865 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Copper (Cu), an essential micronutrient with redox properties, plays a pivotal role in a wide array of pathological and physiological processes across virtually all cell types. Maintaining an optimal copper concentration is critical for cellular survival: insufficient copper levels disrupt respiration and metabolism, while excess copper compromises cell viability, potentially leading to cell death. Similarly, in the context of cancer, copper exhibits a dual role: appropriate amount of copper can promote tumor progression and be an accomplice, yet beyond befitting level, copper can bring about multiple types of cell death, including autophagy, apoptosis, ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis. These forms of cell death are beneficial against cancer progression; however, achieving precise copper regulation within tumors remains a significant challenge in the pursuit of effective cancer therapies. The emergence of nanodrug delivery systems, distinguished by their precise targeting, controlled release, high payload capacity, and the ability to co-deliver multiple agents, has revitalized interest in exploiting copper's precise regulatory capabilities. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of comprehensive review of copper's bidirectional effects on tumorigenesis and the role of copper-based nanomaterials in modulating tumor progression. This paper aims to address this gap by elucidating the complex role in cancer biology and highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Through an exploration of copper's dualistic nature and the application of nanotechnology, this review seeks to offer novel insights and guide future research in advancing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, PR China
| | - Shi-Yue Tao
- Bathune School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, PR China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chuan-Yu Hu
- Department of Stomatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430079, Hubei, PR China.
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2
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Zhang C, Huang T, Li L. Targeting cuproptosis for cancer therapy: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:68. [PMID: 39152464 PMCID: PMC11328505 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death induced by excessive copper (Cu) accumulation within cells. Mechanistically, cuproptosis results from Cu-induced aggregation of dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase, correlated with the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and the loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, ultimately resulting in proteotoxic stress and triggering cell death. Recently, cuproptosis has garnered significant interest in tumor research due to its potential as a crucial therapeutic strategy against cancer. In this review, we summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relationship with other types of cell death. Additionally, we reviewed the current drugs or strategies available to induce cuproptosis in tumor cells, including Cu ionophores, small compounds, and nanomedicine. Furthermore, we targeted cell metabolism and specific regulatory genes in cancer therapy to enhance tumor sensitivity to cuproptosis. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of targeting cuproptosis to overcome tumor chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance and suggested future research directions. This study suggested that targeting cuproptosis could open new avenues for developing tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Huang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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3
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Lei R, Liu X, Wu J. Nutrition and melanoma: the contribution of trace elements in onset, progression, and treatment of melanoma. Nutr Rev 2024; 82:1138-1149. [PMID: 37702535 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly malignant and drug-resistant disease that imposes a substantial economic burden on the world. There are many studies linking trace elements to diverse types of cancers, including melanoma. This review elucidates the relationship between trace elements exposure and melanoma. It was identified that copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, iron, and many other trace elements were associated with melanoma in humans. In terms of epidemiology, different elements have different correlations with melanoma. These trace elements affect the occurrence and development of melanoma through various mechanisms, such as oxidative stress and the MAPK pathway. The literature on the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis and treatment of melanoma depicts promising prospects for this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lei
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinfeng Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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4
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El Fawal GF, Abu-Serie MM. Preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers containing disulfiram-copper complex by electrospinning: a potential delivery system against melanoma. Daru 2024:10.1007/s40199-024-00527-w. [PMID: 38963538 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-024-00527-w] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma poses a significant threat to human health, making the development of a safe and effective treatment a crucial challenge. Disulfiram (DS) is a proven anticancer drug that has shown effectiveness when used in combination with copper (DS-Cu complex). OBJECTIVES This study focuses on encapsulation of DS-copper complex into nanofiber scaffold from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (DS-Cu@PVA). In order to increase bioavailability towards melanoma cell lines and decrease its toxicity. METHODS The scaffold was fabricated through an electrospinning process using an aqueous solution, and subsequently analyzed using ART-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ART-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Additionally, cellular cytotoxicity, flow cytometry analysis, and determination of caspase 3 activity were conducted to further characterize the scaffold. RESULTS The results confirmed that encapsulation of DS-Cu complex into PVA was successful via different characterization. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the diameter of the nanofibers remained consistent despite the addition of DS-Cu. Additionally, ATR-FTIR confirmed that the incorporation of DS-Cu into PVA did not significantly alter the characteristic peaks of PVA. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity assessment of the DS-Cu@PVA nanofibrous scaffold using human normal skin cells (HFB4) demonstrated its superior biocompatibility compared to DS-Cu-free counterparts. Notably, the presence of DS-Cu maintained its effectiveness in promoting apoptosis by increasing cellular reactive oxygen species, proapoptotic gene expression, and caspase 3 activity, while simultaneously reducing glutathione levels and oncogene expression in human and mouse melanoma cell lines (A375 and B16F10, respectively). Overall, these findings suggest that the addition of DS-Cu to PVA nanofibers enhances their biocompatibility and cytotoxic effects on melanoma cells, making them a promising candidate for biomedical applications. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that the targeted delivery of DS-Cu onto a PVA nanofiber scaffold holds potential approach to enhance the efficacy of DS-Cu in combating melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gomaa F El Fawal
- Polymer Materials Research Department, Advanced Technology and New Materials Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Marwa M Abu-Serie
- Medical Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Mohapatra D, Senapati PC, Senapati S, Pandey V, Dubey PK, Singh S, Sahu AN. Quality-by-design-based microemulsion of disulfiram for repurposing in melanoma and breast cancer therapy. Ther Deliv 2024; 15:521-544. [PMID: 38949622 PMCID: PMC11412148 DOI: 10.1080/20415990.2024.2363136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: The current study aims to develop and optimize microemulsions (ME) through Quality-by-Design (QbD) approach to improve the aqueous solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drug disulfiram (DSF) for repurposing in melanoma and breast cancer therapy.Materials & methods: The ME was formulated using Cinnamon oil & Tween® 80, statistically optimized using a D-optimal mixture design-based QbD approach to develop the best ME with low vesicular size (Zavg) and polydispersity index (PDI).Results: The DSF-loaded optimized stable ME showed enhanced dissolution, in-vitro cytotoxicity and improved cellular uptake in B16F10 and MCF-7 cell lines compared with their unformulated free DSF.Conclusion: Our investigations suggested the potential of the statistically designed DSF-loaded optimized ME for repurposing melanoma and breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debadatta Mohapatra
- Phytomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Varanasi- 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Shantibhusan Senapati
- Tumor Microenvironment & Animal Models Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar- 751023, Odisha, India
| | - Vivek Pandey
- Centre for Genetics Disorders, Institute of Science (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pawan K Dubey
- Centre for Genetics Disorders, Institute of Science (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Nanomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Varanasi- 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Alakh N Sahu
- Phytomedicine Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, IIT (BHU), Varanasi- 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Li L, Zhou H, Zhang C. Cuproptosis in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:91. [PMID: 38918694 PMCID: PMC11201306 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a newly identified copper (Cu)-dependent form of cell death, stands out due to its distinct mechanism that sets it apart from other known cell death pathways. The molecular underpinnings of cuproptosis involve the binding of Cu to lipoylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This interaction triggers enzyme aggregation and proteotoxic stress, culminating in cell death. The specific mechanism of cuproptosis has yet to be fully elucidated. This newly recognized form of cell death has sparked numerous investigations into its role in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on Cu metabolism and its link to cancer. Furthermore, we delineated the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and summarized the roles of cuproptosis-related genes in cancer. Finally, we offered a comprehensive discussion of the most recent advancements in Cu ionophores and nanoparticle delivery systems that utilize cuproptosis as a cutting-edge strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Houfeng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Pei P, Yang K, Guo L, Li Y. Copper in colorectal cancer: From copper-related mechanisms to clinical cancer therapies. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1724. [PMID: 38804588 PMCID: PMC11131360 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Copper, a trace element and vital cofactor, plays a crucial role in the maintenance of biological functions. Recent evidence has established significant correlations between copper levels, cancer development and metastasis. The strong redox-active properties of copper offer both benefits and disadvantages to cancer cells. The intestinal tract, which is primarily responsible for copper uptake and regulation, may suffer from an imbalance in copper homeostasis. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent primary cancer of the intestinal tract and is an aggressive malignant disease with limited therapeutic options. Current research is primarily focused on the relationship between copper and CRC. Innovative concepts, such as cuproplasia and cuproptosis, are being explored to understand copper-related cellular proliferation and death. Cuproplasia is the regulation of cell proliferation that is mediated by both enzymatic and nonenzymatic copper-modulated activities. Whereas, cuproptosis refers to cell death induced by excess copper via promoting the abnormal oligomerisation of lipoylated proteins within the tricarboxylic acid cycle, as well as by diminishing the levels of iron-sulphur cluster proteins. A comprehensive understanding of copper-related cellular proliferation and death mechanisms offers new avenues for CRC treatment. In this review, we summarise the evolving molecular mechanisms, ranging from abnormal intracellular copper concentrations to the copper-related proteins that are being discovered, and discuss the role of copper in the pathogenesis, progression and potential therapies for CRC. Understanding the relationship between copper and CRC will help provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation for innovative treatment strategies in CRC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Wang
- Department of PathologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of PathologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Pei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of PathologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and ProtectionSchool of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD‐X)Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education InstitutionsSoochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Lingchuan Guo
- Department of PathologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of PathologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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Benkő BM, Tóth G, Moldvai D, Kádár S, Szabó E, Szabó ZI, Kraszni M, Szente L, Fiser B, Sebestyén A, Zelkó R, Sebe I. Cyclodextrin encapsulation enabling the anticancer repositioning of disulfiram: Preparation, analytical and in vitro biological characterization of the inclusion complexes. Int J Pharm 2024; 657:124187. [PMID: 38697585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Drug repositioning is a high-priority and feasible strategy in the field of oncology research, where the unmet medical needs are continuously unbalanced. Disulfiram is a potential non-chemotherapeutic, adjuvant anticancer agent. However, the clinical translation is limited by the drug's poor bioavailability. Therefore, the molecular encapsulation of disulfiram with cyclodextrins is evaluated to enhance the solubility and stability of the drug. The present work describes for the first time the complexation of disulfiram with randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin. A parallel analytical andin vitrobiological comparison of disulfiram inclusion complexes with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, randomly methylated-β-cyclodextrin and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin is conducted. A significant drug solubility enhancement by about 1000-folds and fast dissolution in 1 min is demonstrated. Thein vitrodissolution-permeation studies and proliferation assays demonstrate the solubility-dependent efficacy of the drug. Throughout the different cancer cell lines' characteristics and disulfiram unspecific antitumoral activity, the inhibitory efficacy of the cyclodextrin encapsulated drug on melanoma (IC50 about 100 nM) and on glioblastoma (IC50 about 7000 nM) cell lines differ by a magnitude. This pre-formulation screening experiment serves as a proof of concept of using cyclodextrin encapsulation as a platform tool for further drug delivery development in repositioning areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta-Mária Benkő
- University Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Administration, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Str. 7-9., Budapest 1092, Hungary.
| | - Gergő Tóth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Str. 7-9., Budapest 1092, Hungary.
| | - Dorottya Moldvai
- Tumor Biology, Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26., Budapest 1085, Hungary.
| | - Szabina Kádár
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Str. 7-9., Budapest 1092, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary.
| | - Edina Szabó
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary.
| | - Zoltán-István Szabó
- Faculty of Pharmacy Department of Drugs Industry and Pharmaceutical Management, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Gheorghe Marinescu Str. 38, Târgu Mureș 540142, Romania.
| | - Márta Kraszni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Str. 7-9., Budapest 1092, Hungary.
| | - Lajos Szente
- CycloLab Cyclodextrin Research & Development Laboratory Ltd., Illatos út 7, Budapest 1097, Hungary.
| | - Béla Fiser
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, University of Miskolc, Egyetemváros, Miskolc 3515, Hungary; Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian College of Higher Education, 90200 Beregszász, Transcarpathia, Ukraine.
| | - Anna Sebestyén
- Tumor Biology, Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory, 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26., Budapest 1085, Hungary.
| | - Romána Zelkó
- University Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Administration, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Str. 7-9., Budapest 1092, Hungary.
| | - István Sebe
- University Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Administration, Semmelweis University, Hőgyes Endre Str. 7-9., Budapest 1092, Hungary; Egis Pharmaceuticals Plc., R&D Directorate, P.O. Box 100, Budapest 1475, Hungary.
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9
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Li P, Sun Q, Bai S, Wang H, Zhao L. Combination of the cuproptosis inducer disulfiram and anti‑PD‑L1 abolishes NSCLC resistance by ATP7B to regulate the HIF‑1 signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2024; 53:19. [PMID: 38186308 PMCID: PMC10781418 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is used to treat non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). DSF significantly increases expression of programmed death‑ligand 1 (PD‑L1), which may enhance immunosuppression and immune escape of tumors. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of combined treatment of DSF and anti‑PD‑L1 in NSCLC resistance. The viability and apoptosis of A549 cells were detected by the Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of ATPase copper‑transporting β (ATP7B) and PD‑L1 in A549 cells were detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in A549 cells were detected by respective assay kits. The expression levels of cuproptosis‑associated proteins ferredoxin‑1 (FDX1), ATP7B, solute carrier family 31 member 1 (SLC31A1), succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB), PD‑L1 and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‑1A were analyzed by western blotting in A549 cells. DSF inhibited the viability of A549 cells and promoted expression levels of ATP7B and PD‑L1 at both mRNA and protein levels in A549 cells. The viability of cisplatin (DPP)‑treated A549 cells was increased following DSF treatment. JQ‑1 (a PD‑L1 inhibitor) suppressed the viability of DPP‑treated A549 cells pretreated with DSF. DSF increased expression levels of ATP7B and PD‑L1. The combination treatment of DSF and JQ‑1 in A549 cells increased levels of ROS and MDA, as well as expression levels of FDX1 and SLC31A1; however, combination treatment decreased levels of SOD, as well as expression levels of ATP7B, SDHB, PD‑L1, and HIF‑1A. PX478 (an HIF‑1 inhibitor) acted with DSF to enhance the inhibitory effects on the viability and on the induction of apoptosis of A549 cells. PX478 upregulated the levels of ROS and MDA, while it downregulated levels of SOD in DSF‑treated A549 cells. PX478 promoted expression levels of FDX1 and SLC31A1, while it suppressed expression levels of ATP7B, PD‑L1, and HIF‑1A in DSF‑treated A549 cells. In conclusion, the combined treatment of A549 cells with anti‑PD‑L1 and DSF enhanced the effect of cuproptosis on the inhibition of NSCLC cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Radiology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Shuping Bai
- The Second Department of Respiratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Wang
- The Second Department of Respiratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhao
- The Second Department of Respiratory, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, P.R. China
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10
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Zhao Y, Zhu S. Nrf2/HO-1 Alleviates Disulfiram/Copper-Induced Ferroptosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:144-155. [PMID: 37286868 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that the disulfiram/copper complex (DSF/Cu) has been shown to have potent antitumor activity against various cancers. This research evaluated the effects and probable mechanisms of DSF/Cu on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we report the toxicity of the DSF/Cu to OSCC both in vitro and in vivo. Our study showed that DSF/Cu reduced the proliferation and clonogenicity of OSCC cells. DSF/Cu also induced ferroptosis. Importantly, we confirmed that DSF/Cu could increase the free iron pool, enhance lipid peroxidation, and eventually result in ferroptosis cell death. Inhibition of NRF2 or HO-1 enhances the sensitivity of OSCC cells to DSF/Cu-induced ferroptosis. DSF/Cu inhibited the xenograft growth of OSCC cells by suppressing the expression of Nrf2/HO-1. In conclusion, these results provide experimental evidence that Nrf2/HO-1 alleviates DSF/Cu-induced ferroptosis in OSCC. We propose that this therapy could be a novel strategy for treating OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjuan Zhao
- Department of Stomatology, TianJin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300190, China
| | - Shujin Zhu
- Department of Stomatology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 88 Changling Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300190, China.
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11
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Meraz-Torres F, Niessner H, Plöger S, Riel S, Schörg B, Casadei N, Kneilling M, Schaller M, Flatz L, Macek B, Eigentler T, Rieß O, Garbe C, Amaral T, Sinnberg T. Augmenting MEK inhibitor efficacy in BRAF wild-type melanoma: synergistic effects of disulfiram combination therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:30. [PMID: 38263136 PMCID: PMC10804659 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MEK inhibitors (MEKi) were shown to be clinically insufficiently effective in patients suffering from BRAF wild-type (BRAF WT) melanoma, even if the MAPK pathway was constitutively activated due to mutations in NRAS or NF-1. Thus, novel combinations are needed to increase the efficacy and duration of response to MEKi in BRAF WT melanoma. Disulfiram and its metabolite diethyldithiocarbamate are known to have antitumor effects related to cellular stress, and induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was found to synergize with MEK inhibitors in NRAS-mutated melanoma cells. Therefore, we investigated the combination of both therapeutics to test their effects on BRAF-WT melanoma cells and compared them with monotherapy using the MEKi trametinib. METHODS The effects of combined therapy with disulfiram or its metabolite diethyldithiocarbamate and the MEKi trametinib were evaluated in a series of BRAF-WT melanoma cell lines by measuring cell viability and apoptosis induction. Cytotoxicity was additionally assessed in 3D spheroids, ex vivo melanoma slice cultures, and in vivo xenograft mouse models. The response of melanoma cells to treatment was studied at the RNA and protein levels to decipher the mode of action. Intracellular and intratumoral copper measurements were performed to investigate the role of copper ions in the antitumor cytotoxicity of disulfiram and its combination with the MEKi. RESULTS Diethyldithiocarbamate enhanced trametinib-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in 2D and 3D melanoma culture models. Mechanistically, copper-dependent induction of oxidative stress and ER stress led to Janus kinase (JNK)-mediated apoptosis in melanoma cells. This mechanism was also detectable in patient-derived xenograft melanoma models and resulted in a significantly improved therapeutic effect compared to monotherapy with the MEKi trametinib. CONCLUSIONS Disulfiram and its metabolite represent an attractive pharmaceutical approach to induce ER stress in melanoma cells that potentiates the antitumor effect of MEK inhibition and may be an interesting candidate for combination therapy of BRAF WT melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heike Niessner
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Sarah Plöger
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Simon Riel
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Barbara Schörg
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- NGS Competence Center Tübingen, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manfred Kneilling
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Laboratory for Preclinical Imaging and Imaging Technology of the Werner Siemens-Foundation, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Flatz
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Boris Macek
- Proteome Center Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Olaf Rieß
- NGS Competence Center Tübingen, Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Claus Garbe
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Teresa Amaral
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Department of Dermatology, Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin, 10117, Germany.
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12
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Ni X, Ye C, Yu X, Zhang Y, Hou Y, Zheng Q, Chen Z, Wang L, Weng X, Yang C, Liu X. Overcoming the compensatory increase in NRF2 induced by NPL4 inhibition enhances disulfiram/copper-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis in renal cell carcinoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176110. [PMID: 37838104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, and it appears to be highly susceptible to ferroptosis. Disulfiram, an alcoholism drug, has been shown to have anticancer properties in various studies, including those on RCC. However, the mechanism of the anticancer effect of disulfiram/copper on RCC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of disulfiram/copper on RCC treatment using both RCC cells and mouse subcutaneous tumor models. Our findings demonstrate that disulfiram/copper treatment reduced the viability of RCC cells, inhibited their invasion and migration, and disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis, ultimately leading to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Mechanistically, disulfiram/copper treatment prolonged the half-life of NRF2 and reduced its degradation, but had no effect on transcription, indicating that the disulfiram/copper-induced increase in NRF2 was not related to transcription. Furthermore, we observed that disulfiram/copper treatment reduced the expression of NPL4, a ubiquitin protein-proteasome system involved in NRF2 degradation, while overexpression of NPL4 reversed NRF2 levels and enhanced disulfiram/copper-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis. These results suggest that overcoming the compensatory increase in NRF2 induced by NPL4 inhibition enhances disulfiram/copper-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis in RCC. In addition, our in vivo experiments revealed that disulfiram/copper synergized with sorafenib to inhibit the growth of RCC cells and induce ferroptosis. In conclusion, our study sheds light on a possible mechanism for disulfiram/copper treatment in RCC and provides a potential synergistic strategy to overcome sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Ni
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenglin Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanguang Hou
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingyuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaodong Weng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Chuan Yang
- Department of Urology, The People's Hospital of Hanchuan City, 431600, Hanchuan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Wuhan University Institute of Urologic Disease, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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13
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Becker AL, Indra AK. Oxidative Stress in Melanoma: Beneficial Antioxidant and Pro-Oxidant Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113038. [PMID: 37297001 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma ranks as the fifth most common cancer in the United States and represents one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. While recent advances in systemic targeted therapies and immunotherapies have positively impacted melanoma survival, the survival rate of stage IV melanoma remains at a meager 32%. Unfortunately, tumor resistance can impede the effectiveness of these treatments. Oxidative stress is a pivotal player in all stages of melanoma progression, with a somewhat paradoxical function that promotes tumor initiation but hinders vertical growth and metastasis in later disease. As melanoma progresses, it employs adaptive mechanisms to lessen oxidative stress in the tumor environment. Redox metabolic rewiring has been implicated in acquired resistance to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. A promising approach to enhance the response to therapy involves boosting intracellular ROS production using active biomolecules or targeting enzymes that regulate oxidative stress. The complex interplay between oxidative stress, redox homeostasis, and melanomagenesis can also be leveraged in a preventive context. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of oxidative stress in melanoma, and how the antioxidant system may be manipulated in a therapeutic context for improved efficacy and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa L Becker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Arup K Indra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Linus Pauling Science Center, Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
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14
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Kang X, Jadhav S, Annaji M, Huang CH, Amin R, Shen J, Ashby CR, Tiwari AK, Babu RJ, Chen P. Advancing Cancer Therapy with Copper/Disulfiram Nanomedicines and Drug Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1567. [PMID: 37376016 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is a thiocarbamate based drug that has been approved for treating alcoholism for over 60 years. Preclinical studies have shown that DSF has anticancer efficacy, and its supplementation with copper (CuII) significantly potentiates the efficacy of DSF. However, the results of clinical trials have not yielded promising results. The elucidation of the anticancer mechanisms of DSF/Cu (II) will be beneficial in repurposing DSF as a new treatment for certain types of cancer. DSF's anticancer mechanism is primarily due to its generating reactive oxygen species, inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity inhibition, and decreasing the levels of transcriptional proteins. DSF also shows inhibitory effects in cancer cell proliferation, the self-renewal of cancer stem cells (CSCs), angiogenesis, drug resistance, and suppresses cancer cell metastasis. This review also discusses current drug delivery strategies for DSF alone diethyldithocarbamate (DDC), Cu (II) and DSF/Cu (II), and the efficacious component Diethyldithiocarbamate-copper complex (CuET).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Kang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Sanika Jadhav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Manjusha Annaji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Chung-Hui Huang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rajesh Amin
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Jianzhong Shen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11431, USA
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - R Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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15
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Wang X, Oyane A, Inose T, Nakamura M. In Situ Synthesis of a Tumor-Microenvironment-Responsive Chemotherapy Drug. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041316. [PMID: 37111800 PMCID: PMC10141230 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Current chemotherapy still suffers from unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy, multi-drug resistance, and severe adverse effects, thus necessitating the development of techniques to confine chemotherapy drugs in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we fabricated nanospheres of mesoporous silica (MS) doped with Cu (MS-Cu) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated MS-Cu (PEG-MS-Cu) as exogenous copper supply systems to tumors. The synthesized MS-Cu nanospheres showed diameters of 30-150 nm with Cu/Si molar ratios of 0.041-0.069. Only disulfiram (DSF) and only MS-Cu nanospheres showed little cytotoxicity in vitro, whereas the combination of DSF and MS-Cu nanospheres showed significant cytotoxicity against MOC1 and MOC2 cells at concentrations of 0.2-1 μg/mL. Oral DSF administration in combination with MS-Cu nanospheres intratumoral or PEG-MS-Cu nanospheres intravenous administration showed significant antitumor efficacy against MOC2 cells in vivo. In contrast to traditional drug delivery systems, we herein propose a system for the in situ synthesis of chemotherapy drugs by converting nontoxic substances into antitumor chemotherapy drugs in a specific tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiupeng Wang
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ayako Oyane
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomoya Inose
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Maki Nakamura
- Nanomaterials Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8565, Ibaraki, Japan
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16
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Sutopo NC, Kim JH, Cho JY. Role of histone methylation in skin cancers: Histone methylation-modifying enzymes as a new class of targets for skin cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188865. [PMID: 36841366 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Histone methylation, one of the most prominent epigenetic modifications, plays a vital role in gene transcription, and aberrant histone methylation levels cause tumorigenesis. Histone methylation is a reversible enzyme-dependent reaction, and histone methyltransferases and demethylases are involved in this reaction. This review addresses the biological and clinical relevance of these histone methylation-modifying enzymes for skin cancer. In particular, the roles of histone lysine methyltransferases, histone arginine methyltransferase, lysine-specific demethylases, and JmjC demethylases in skin cancer are discussed in detail. In addition, we summarize the efficacy of several epigenetic inhibitors targeting histone methylation-modifying enzymes in cutaneous cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. In conclusion, we propose histone methylation-modifying enzymes as novel targets for next-generation pharmaceuticals in the treatment of skin cancers and further provide a rationale for the development of epigenetic drugs (epidrugs) that target specific histone methylases/demethylases in cutaneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji Hye Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Biocosmetics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Beutler M, Harnischfeger J, Weber MHW, Hahnel SR, Quack T, Blohm A, Ueberall ME, Timm T, Lochnit G, Rennar GA, Gallinger TL, Houhou H, Rahlfs S, Falcone FH, Becker K, Schlitzer M, Haeberlein S, Czermak P, Salzig D, Grevelding CG. Identification and characterisation of the tegument-expressed aldehyde dehydrogenase SmALDH_312 of Schistosoma mansoni, a target of disulfiram. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115179. [PMID: 36948075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma and affects approximately 200 million people worldwide. Since Praziquantel (PZQ) is the only drug for schistosomiasis, alternatives are needed. By a biochemical approach, we identified a tegumentally expressed aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) of S. mansoni, SmALDH_312. Molecular analyses of adult parasites showed Smaldh_312 transcripts in both genders and different tissues. Physiological and cell-biological experiments exhibited detrimental effects of the drug disulfiram (DSF), a known ALDH inhibitor, on larval and adult schistosomes in vitro. DSF also reduced stem-cell proliferation and caused severe tegument damage in treated worms. In silico-modelling of SmALDH_312 and docking analyses predicted DSF binding, which we finally confirmed by enzyme assays with recombinant SmALDH_312. Furthermore, we identified compounds of the Medicine for Malaria Venture (MMV) pathogen box inhibiting SmALDH_312 activity. Our findings represent a promising starting point for further development towards new drugs for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Beutler
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Julie Harnischfeger
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael H W Weber
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Steffen R Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Quack
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Ariane Blohm
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Monique E Ueberall
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany; Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Timm
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Günter Lochnit
- Protein Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Georg A Rennar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps Universität Marburg, Germany, Germany
| | - Tom L Gallinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps Universität Marburg, Germany, Germany
| | - Hicham Houhou
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Rahlfs
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Justus Liebig University, Germany
| | - Franco H Falcone
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Becker
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Centre, Justus Liebig University, Germany
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps Universität Marburg, Germany, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Czermak
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Denise Salzig
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen, Giessen, Germany
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18
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Xie J, Liu J, Zhao M, Li X, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Cao H, Ji M, Chen M, Hou P. Disulfiram/Cu Kills and Sensitizes BRAF-Mutant Thyroid Cancer Cells to BRAF Kinase Inhibitor by ROS-Dependently Relieving Feedback Activation of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043418. [PMID: 36834830 PMCID: PMC9968072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E, the most common genetic alteration, has become a major therapeutic target in thyroid cancer. Vemurafenib (PLX4032), a specific inhibitor of BRAFV600E kinase, exhibits antitumor activity in patients with BRAFV600E-mutated thyroid cancer. However, the clinical benefit of PLX4032 is often limited by short-term response and acquired resistance via heterogeneous feedback mechanisms. Disulfiram (DSF), an alcohol-aversion drug, shows potent antitumor efficacy in a copper (Cu)-dependent way. However, its antitumor activity in thyroid cancer and its effect on cellular response to BRAF kinase inhibitors remain unclear. Antitumor effects of DSF/Cu on BRAFV600E-mutated thyroid cancer cells and its effect on the response of these cells to BRAF kinase inhibitor PLX4032 were systematically assessed by a series of in vitro and in vivo functional experiments. The molecular mechanism underlying the sensitizing effect of DSF/Cu on PLX4032 was explored by Western blot and flow cytometry assays. DSF/Cu exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on the proliferation and colony formation of BRAFV600E-mutated thyroid cancer cells than DSF treatment alone. Further studies revealed that DSF/Cu killed thyroid cancer cells by ROS-dependent suppression of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Our data also showed that DSF/Cu strikingly increased the response of BRAFV600E-mutated thyroid cancer cells to PLX4032. Mechanistically, DSF/Cu sensitizes BRAF-mutant thyroid cancer cells to PLX4032 by inhibiting HER3 and AKT in an ROS-dependent way and subsequently relieving feedback activation of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. This study not only implies potential clinical use of DSF/Cu in cancer therapy but also provides a new therapeutic strategy for BRAFV600E-mutated thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Xie
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Man Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Xinru Li
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Yubo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Yuelei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Hongxin Cao
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Meiju Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Mingwei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
| | - Peng Hou
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China
- Correspondence:
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19
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Johanssen T, McVeigh L, Erridge S, Higgins G, Straehla J, Frame M, Aittokallio T, Carragher NO, Ebner D. Glioblastoma and the search for non-hypothesis driven combination therapeutics in academia. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1075559. [PMID: 36733367 PMCID: PMC9886867 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1075559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a cancer of high unmet clinical need. Current standard of care for GBM, consisting of maximal surgical resection, followed by ionisation radiation (IR) plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ), provides less than 15-month survival benefit. Efforts by conventional drug discovery to improve overall survival have failed to overcome challenges presented by inherent tumor heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance attributed to GBM stem cells, and tumor niches supporting self-renewal. In this review we describe the steps academic researchers are taking to address these limitations in high throughput screening programs to identify novel GBM combinatorial targets. We detail how they are implementing more physiologically relevant phenotypic assays which better recapitulate key areas of disease biology coupled with more focussed libraries of small compounds, such as drug repurposing, target discovery, pharmacologically active and novel, more comprehensive anti-cancer target-annotated compound libraries. Herein, we discuss the rationale for current GBM combination trials and the need for more systematic and transparent strategies for identification, validation and prioritisation of combinations that lead to clinical trials. Finally, we make specific recommendations to the preclinical, small compound screening paradigm that could increase the likelihood of identifying tractable, combinatorial, small molecule inhibitors and better drug targets specific to GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Johanssen
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laura McVeigh
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Erridge
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey Higgins
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joelle Straehla
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Margaret Frame
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Neil O. Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Ebner
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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20
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Fontes SS, Nogueira ML, Dias RB, Rocha CAG, Soares MBP, Vannier-Santos MA, Bezerra DP. Combination Therapy of Curcumin and Disulfiram Synergistically Inhibits the Growth of B16-F10 Melanoma Cells by Inducing Oxidative Stress. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1600. [PMID: 36358950 PMCID: PMC9687191 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathophysiology of melanoma. Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenolic phytochemical that stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while disulfiram (DSS) is a US FDA-approved drug for the treatment of alcoholism that can act by inhibiting the intracellular antioxidant system. Therefore, we hypothesized that they act synergistically against melanoma cells. Herein, we aimed to study the antitumor potential of the combination of CUR with DSS in B16-F10 melanoma cells using in vitro and in vivo models. The cytotoxic effects of different combination ratios of CUR and DSS were evaluated using the Alamar Blue method, allowing the production of isobolograms. Apoptosis detection, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle distribution, and mitochondrial superoxide levels were quantified by flow cytometry. Tumor development in vivo was evaluated using C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-F10 cells. The combinations ratios of 1:2, 1:3, and 2:3 showed synergic effects. B16-F10 cells treated with these combinations showed improved apoptotic cell death and DNA fragmentation. Enhanced mitochondrial superoxide levels were observed at combination ratios of 1:2 and 1:3, indicating increased oxidative stress. In vivo tumor growth inhibition for CUR (20 mg/kg), DSS (60 mg/kg), and their combination were 17.0%, 19.8%, and 28.8%, respectively. This study provided data on the potential cytotoxic activity of the combination of CUR with DSS and may provide a useful tool for the development of a therapeutic combination against melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila S. Fontes
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil
| | - Mateus L. Nogueira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil
| | - Rosane B. Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil
- Department of Propedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-909, BA, Brazil
| | - Clarissa A. Gurgel Rocha
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil
- Department of Propedeutics, School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-909, BA, Brazil
| | - Milena B. P. Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil
- SENAI Institute for Innovation in Advanced Health Systems, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel P. Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil
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21
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Cao HZ, Yang WT, Zheng PS. Cytotoxic effect of disulfiram/copper on human cervical cancer cell lines and LGR5-positive cancer stem-like cells. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:521. [PMID: 35534815 PMCID: PMC9082913 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor resistance is a global challenge for tumor treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the main population of tumor cells for drug resistance. We have reported that high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity represents a functional marker for cervical CSCs. Here, we aimed at disulfiram (DSF), an ALDH inhibitor, that has the potential to be used for cervical cancer treatment. METHODS MTT assay, western blot, vector construction and transfection, cell sorting and in vivo anti-tumor assays were performed using cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and HeLa. Cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis were carried out by flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity of DSF was detected by MTT assay and cervical cancer xenograft models. RESULTS DSF was cytotoxic to cervical cancer cell lines in a copper (Cu)-dependent manner. Disulfiram/copper (DSF/Cu) complex induced deregulation of S-phase and inhibited the expression of stemness markers in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, DSF/Cu could also reduce the cancer stem cell-like LGR5+ cells which lead to cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer cells. DSF/Cu complex had the greater antitumor efficacy on cervical cancer than cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the cytotoxicity of DSF/Cu complex may be superior to cisplatin because of targeting LGR5-positive cervical cancer stem-like cells in cervical cancer. Thus, the DSF/Cu complex may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Zhe Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wen-Ting Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, China. .,Division of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical School, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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22
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Hua Y, Dai X, Xu Y, Xing G, Liu H, Lu T, Chen Y, Zhang Y. Drug repositioning: Progress and challenges in drug discovery for various diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 234:114239. [PMID: 35290843 PMCID: PMC8883737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Compared with traditional de novo drug discovery, drug repurposing has become an attractive drug discovery strategy due to its low-cost and high efficiency. Through a comprehensive analysis of the candidates that have been identified with drug repositioning potentials, it is found that although some drugs do not show obvious advantages in the original indications, they may exert more obvious effects in other diseases. In addition, some drugs have a synergistic effect to exert better clinical efficacy if used in combination. Particularly, it has been confirmed that drug repositioning has benefits and values on the current public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which proved the great potential of drug repositioning. In this review, we systematically reviewed a series of representative drugs that have been repositioned for different diseases and illustrated successful cases in each disease. Especially, the mechanism of action for the representative drugs in new indications were explicitly explored for each disease, we hope this review can provide important insights for follow-up research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hua
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xiaowen Dai
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Guomeng Xing
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haichun Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Tao Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yadong Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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23
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The Double-Edged Sword of Oxidative Stress in Skin Damage and Melanoma: From Physiopathology to Therapeutical Approaches. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040612. [PMID: 35453297 PMCID: PMC9027913 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is constantly exposed to exogenous and endogenous sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An adequate balance between ROS levels and antioxidant defenses is necessary for the optimal cell and tissue functions, especially for the skin, since it must face additional ROS sources that do not affect other tissues, including UV radiation. Melanocytes are more exposed to oxidative stress than other cells, also due to the melanin production process, which itself contributes to generating ROS. There is an increasing amount of evidence that oxidative stress may play a role in many skin diseases, including melanoma, being the primary cause or being a cofactor that aggravates the primary condition. Indeed, oxidative stress is emerging as another major force involved in all the phases of melanoma development, not only in the arising of the malignancy but also in the progression toward the metastatic phenotype. Furthermore, oxidative stress seems to play a role also in chemoresistance and thus has become a target for therapy. In this review, we discuss the existing knowledge on oxidative stress in the skin, examining sources and defenses, giving particular consideration to melanocytes. Therefore, we focus on the significance of oxidative stress in melanoma, thus analyzing the possibility to exploit the induction of oxidative stress as a therapeutic strategy to improve the effectiveness of therapeutic management of melanoma.
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24
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Carvalho LAC, Queijo RG, Baccaro ALB, Siena ÁDD, Silva WA, Rodrigues T, Maria-Engler SS. Redox-Related Proteins in Melanoma Progression. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:438. [PMID: 35326089 PMCID: PMC8944639 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Despite the available therapies, the minimum residual disease is still refractory. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) play a dual role in melanoma, where redox imbalance is involved from initiation to metastasis and resistance. Redox proteins modulate the disease by controlling ROS/RNS levels in immune response, proliferation, invasion, and relapse. Chemotherapeutics such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors promote oxidative stress, but high ROS/RNS amounts with a robust antioxidant system allow cells to be adaptive and cooperate to non-toxic levels. These proteins could act as biomarkers and possible targets. By understanding the complex mechanisms involved in adaptation and searching for new targets to make cells more susceptible to treatment, the disease might be overcome. Therefore, exploring the role of redox-sensitive proteins and the modulation of redox homeostasis may provide clues to new therapies. This study analyzes information obtained from a public cohort of melanoma patients about the expression of redox-generating and detoxifying proteins in melanoma during the disease stages, genetic alterations, and overall patient survival status. According to our analysis, 66% of the isoforms presented differential expression on melanoma progression: NOS2, SOD1, NOX4, PRX3, PXDN and GPX1 are increased during melanoma progression, while CAT, GPX3, TXNIP, and PRX2 are decreased. Besides, the stage of the disease could influence the result as well. The levels of PRX1, PRX5 and PRX6 can be increased or decreased depending on the stage. We showed that all analyzed isoforms presented some genetic alteration on the gene, most of them (78%) for increased mRNA expression. Interestingly, 34% of all melanoma patients showed genetic alterations on TRX1, most for decreased mRNA expression. Additionally, 15% of the isoforms showed a significant reduction in overall patient survival status for an altered group (PRX3, PRX5, TR2, and GR) and the unaltered group (NOX4). Although no such specific antioxidant therapy is approved for melanoma yet, inhibitors or mimetics of these redox-sensitive proteins have achieved very promising results. We foresee that forthcoming investigations on the modulation of these proteins will bring significant advances for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa A. C. Carvalho
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, São Paulo 05508-00, SP, Brazil; (L.A.C.C.); (R.G.Q.)
| | - Rodrigo G. Queijo
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, São Paulo 05508-00, SP, Brazil; (L.A.C.C.); (R.G.Q.)
| | - Alexandre L. B. Baccaro
- Centro de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa Oswaldo Cruz, Faculdade Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Brigadeiro Galvão, 535, Sao Paulo 01151-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ádamo D. D. Siena
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (Á.D.D.S.); (W.A.S.J.)
| | - Wilson A. Silva
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil; (Á.D.D.S.); (W.A.S.J.)
| | - Tiago Rodrigues
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Avenida dos Estados, 5001, Santo Andre 09210-580, SP, Brazil;
| | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, São Paulo 05508-00, SP, Brazil; (L.A.C.C.); (R.G.Q.)
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25
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Ajiboye TO, Ajiboye TT, Marzouki R, Onwudiwe DC. The Versatility in the Applications of Dithiocarbamates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1317. [PMID: 35163241 PMCID: PMC8836150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dithiocarbamate ligands have the ability to form stable complexes with transition metals, and this chelating ability has been utilized in numerous applications. The complexes have also been used to synthesize other useful compounds. Here, the up-to-date applications of dithiocarbamate ligands and complexes are extensively discussed. Some of these are their use as enzyme inhibitor and treatment of HIV and other diseases. The application as anticancer, antimicrobial, medical imaging and anti-inflammatory agents is examined. Moreover, the application in the industry as vulcanization accelerator, froth flotation collector, antifouling, coatings, lubricant additives and sensors is discussed. The various ways in which they have been employed in synthesis of other compounds are highlighted. Finally, the agricultural uses and remediation of heavy metals via dithiocarbamate compounds are comprehensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy O Ajiboye
- Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Titilope T Ajiboye
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Riadh Marzouki
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia
| | - Damian C Onwudiwe
- Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
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26
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Combination of the 6-thioguanine and disulfiram/Cu synergistically inhibits proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells by enhancing DNA damage and disrupting DNA damage checkpoint. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1869:119169. [PMID: 34763028 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Because of the lack of specific molecular targeted therapies, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has high tumour recurrence and metastasis rates. It is urgent to develop novel chemotherapeutic strategies to improve patient survival. DNA damaging agents have been shown to sensitize cancer to genotoxic chemotherapies. We first found that 6-thioguanine (6-TG) can activate the NF-кB signalling pathway. Our results showed that NF-кB signalling was reduced when cells were treated with 6-TG/disulfiram (DSF)/Cu. DSF/Cu enhanced the 6-TG-mediated inhibition of proliferation. 6-TG/DSF/Cu inhibited cell cycle progression, causing cell cycle arrest in the S phase and G2/M phase. Moreover, the combined effect of 6-TG and DSF/Cu induced apoptosis, and either agent alone was able to induce apoptosis. The accumulation of γH2A indicated that DSF/Cu increased the DNA damage induced by 6-TG. Combined treatment with 6-TG and DSF/Cu synergistically reduced the levels of both phosphorylated and total ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated-and-Rad3-related kinase (ATR), suggesting that DSF/Cu promoted 6-TG-induced DNA damage by suppressing ATR protein kinases, therefore enhancing cell apoptosis. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the combination of 6-TG and DSF/Cu exerted a significant synergistic antitumour effect on human TNBC in vitro and in vivo by enhancing DNA damage and disrupting DNA damage checkpoints. We propose that this combination therapy could be a novel strategy for the treatment of TNBC.
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27
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Kannappan V, Ali M, Small B, Rajendran G, Elzhenni S, Taj H, Wang W, Dou QP. Recent Advances in Repurposing Disulfiram and Disulfiram Derivatives as Copper-Dependent Anticancer Agents. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:741316. [PMID: 34604310 PMCID: PMC8484884 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.741316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) plays a pivotal role in cancer progression by acting as a co-factor that regulates the activity of many enzymes and structural proteins in cancer cells. Therefore, Cu-based complexes have been investigated as novel anticancer metallodrugs and are considered as a complementary strategy for currently used platinum agents with undesirable general toxicity. Due to the high failure rate and increased cost of new drugs, there is a global drive towards the repositioning of known drugs for cancer treatment in recent years. Disulfiram (DSF) is a first-line antialcoholism drug used in clinics for more than 65 yr. In combination with Cu, it has shown great potential as an anticancer drug by targeting a wide range of cancers. The reaction between DSF and Cu ions forms a copper diethyldithiocarbamate complex (Cu(DDC)2 also known as CuET) which is the active, potent anticancer ingredient through inhibition of NF-κB and ubiquitin-proteasome system as well as alteration of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, DSF/Cu inhibits several molecular targets related to drug resistance, stemness, angiogenesis and metastasis and is thus considered as a novel strategy for overcoming tumour recurrence and relapse in patients. Despite its excellent anticancer efficacy, DSF has proven unsuccessful in several cancer clinical trials. This is likely due to the poor stability, rapid metabolism and/or short plasma half-life of the currently used oral version of DSF and the inability to form Cu(DDC)2 at relevant concentrations in tumour tissues. Here, we summarize the scientific rationale, molecular targets, and mechanisms of action of DSF/Cu in cancer cells and the outcomes of oral DSF ± Cu in cancer clinical trials. We will focus on the novel insights on harnessing the immune system and hypoxic microenvironment using DSF/Cu complex and discuss the emerging delivery strategies that can overcome the shortcomings of DSF-based anticancer therapies and provide opportunities for translation of DSF/Cu or its Cu(DDC)2 complex into cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinodh Kannappan
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.,Disulfican Ltd, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Misha Ali
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Benjamin Small
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Gowtham Rajendran
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salena Elzhenni
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Hamza Taj
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Research Institute in Healthcare Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.,Disulfican Ltd, University of Wolverhampton Science Park, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Q Ping Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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28
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Ren X, Li Y, Zhou Y, Hu W, Yang C, Jing Q, Zhou C, Wang X, Hu J, Wang L, Yang J, Wang H, Xu H, Li H, Tong X, Wang Y, Du J. Overcoming the compensatory elevation of NRF2 renders hepatocellular carcinoma cells more vulnerable to disulfiram/copper-induced ferroptosis. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102122. [PMID: 34482117 PMCID: PMC8416961 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the paramount causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite recent advances have been made in clinical treatments of HCC, the general prognosis of patients remains poor. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a less toxic and more effective therapeutic strategy. Currently, series of cellular, molecular, and pharmacological experimental approaches were utilized to address the unrecognized characteristics of disulfiram (DSF), pursuing the goal of repurposing DSF for cancer therapy. We found that DSF/Cu selectively exerted an efficient cytotoxic effect on HCC cell lines, and potently inhibited migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HCC cells. Importantly, we confirmed that DSF/Cu could intensively impair mitochondrial homeostasis, increase free iron pool, enhance lipid peroxidation, and eventually result in ferroptotic cell death. Of note, a compensatory elevation of NRF2 accompanies the process of ferroptosis, and contributes to the resistance to DSF/Cu. Mechanically, we found that DSF/Cu dramatically activated the phosphorylation of p62, which facilitates competitive binding of Keap1, thus prolonging the half-life of NRF2. Notably, inhibition of NRF2 expression via RNA interference or pharmacological inhibitors significantly facilitated the accumulation of lipid peroxidation, and rendered HCC cells more sensitive to DSF/Cu induced ferroptosis. Conversely, fostering NRF2 expression was capable of ameliorating the cell death activated by DSF/Cu. Additionally, DSF/Cu could strengthen the cytotoxicity of sorafenib, and arrest tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, by simultaneously inhibiting the signal pathway of NRF2 and MAPK kinase. In summary, these results provide experimental evidence that inhibition of the compensatory NRF2 elevation strengthens HCC cells more vulnerable to DSF/Cu induced ferroptosis, which facilitates the synergistic cytotoxicity of DSF/Cu and sorafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Ren
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Wanye Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Qiangan Jing
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Chaoting Zhou
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Xu Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province, Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Jiayu Hu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Luyang Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Hairui Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Haifeng Xu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Huanjuan Li
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China; Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China; Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China; Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
| | - Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310014, China.
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Babak MV, Ahn D. Modulation of Intracellular Copper Levels as the Mechanism of Action of Anticancer Copper Complexes: Clinical Relevance. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080852. [PMID: 34440056 PMCID: PMC8389626 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper (Cu) is a vital element required for cellular growth and development; however, even slight changes in its homeostasis might lead to severe toxicity and deleterious medical conditions. Cancer patients are typically associated with higher Cu content in serum and tumor tissues, indicating increased demand of cancer cells for this micronutrient. Cu is known to readily cycle between the +1 and +2 oxidation state in biological systems. The mechanism of action of Cu complexes is typically based on their redox activity and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to deadly oxidative stress. However, there are a number of other biomolecular mechanisms beyond ROS generation that contribute to the activity of anticancer Cu drug candidates. In this review, we discuss how interfering with intracellular Cu balance via either diet modification or addition of inorganic Cu supplements or Cu-modulating compounds affects tumor development, progression, and sensitivity to treatment modalities. We aim to provide the rationale for the use of Cu-depleting and Cu-overloading conditions to generate the best possible patient outcome with minimal toxicity. We also discuss the advantages of the use of pre-formed Cu complexes, such as Cu-(bis)thiosemicarbazones or Cu-N-heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones, in comparison with the in situ formed Cu complexes with metal-binding ligands. In this review, we summarize available clinical and mechanistic data on clinically relevant anticancer drug candidates, including Cu supplements, Cu chelators, Cu ionophores, and Cu complexes.
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Lai HL, Fan XX, Li RZ, Wang YW, Zhang J, Liu L, Neher E, Yao XJ, Leung ELH. Roles of Ion Fluxes, Metabolism, and Redox Balance in Cancer Therapy. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 34:1108-1127. [PMID: 33115253 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent Advances: The 2019 Nobel Prize awarded to the mechanisms for oxygen sensing and adaptation according to oxygen availability, highlighting the fundamental importance of gaseous molecules. Gaseous molecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), can interact with different cations generated during metabolic and redox dysregulation in cancer cells. Cross talk between calcium signaling and metabolic/redox pathways leads to network-based dyregulation in cancer. Significance: Recent discovery on using small molecules targeting the ion channels, redox signaling, and protein modification on metabolic enzymes can effectively inhibit cancer growth. Several FDA-approved drugs and clinical trials are ongoing to target the calcium channels, such as TRPV6 and TRPM8. Multiple small molecules from natural products target metablic and redox enzymes to exert an anticancer effect. Critical Issues: Small molecules targeting key ion channels, metabolic enzymes that control key aspects of metabolism, and redox proteins are promising, but their action mechanisms of the target are needed to be elucidated with advanced-omic technologies, which can give network-based and highly dimensioal data. In addition, small molecules that can directly modify the protein residues have emerged as a novel anticancer strategy. Future Directions: Advanced technology accelerates the detection of ions and metabolic and redox changes in clinical samples for diagnosis and informs the decision of cancer treatment. The improvement of ROS detection, ROS target identification, and computational-aid drug discovery also improves clincal outcome.Overall, network-based or holistic regulations of cancer via ion therapy and metabolic and redox intervention are promising as new anticancer strategies. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 1108-1127.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Ling Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Run-Ze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Yu-Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.,School of Pharmacy & State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Erwin Neher
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China.,Membrane Biophysics Emeritus Group, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Xiao-Jun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
| | - Elaine Lai-Han Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute For Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau (SAR), China
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Kelley KC, Grossman KF, Brittain-Blankenship M, Thorne KM, Akerley WL, Terrazas MC, Kosak KM, Boucher KM, Buys SS, McGregor KA, Werner TL, Agarwal N, Weis JR, Sharma S, Ward JH, Kennedy TP, Sborov DW, Shami PJ. A Phase 1 dose-escalation study of disulfiram and copper gluconate in patients with advanced solid tumors involving the liver using S-glutathionylation as a biomarker. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:510. [PMID: 33957901 PMCID: PMC8103752 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disulfiram and metals inactivate key oncoproteins resulting in anti-neoplastic activity. The goal of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of copper when administered with disulfiram in patients with advanced solid tumors and liver involvement. METHODS Disulfiram 250 mg was administered daily in 28-day cycles. Four doses of copper gluconate were tested (2, 4, 6, and 8 mg of elemental copper) in a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation design. Patients were evaluated for dose limiting toxicities and response. Protein S-glutathionylation was evaluated as a pharmacodynamic marker. RESULTS Twenty-one patients were enrolled and 16 patients were evaluable for dose limiting toxicities. Among the 21 patients, there was a median of 4 lines of prior chemotherapy. Five Grade 3 toxicities were observed (anorexia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase or AST, elevated alkaline phosphatase, fever, and fatigue). Response data was available for 15 patients. Four patients had stable disease with the longest duration of disease control being 116 days. The median duration of treatment for evaluable patients was 55 days (range 28-124). Reasons for discontinuation included functional decline, disease progression, and disease-associated death. Increased S-glutathionylation of serum proteins was observed with treatment. CONCLUSION Disulfiram 250 mg daily with copper gluconate (8 mg of elemental copper) was well-tolerated in patients with solid tumors involving the liver and was not associated with dose limiting toxicities. While temporary disease stabilization was noted in some patients, no objective responses were observed. Treatment was associated with an increase in S-glutathionylation suggesting that this combination could exert a suppressive effect on cellular growth and protein function. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT00742911 , first posted 28/08/2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen C Kelley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kenneth F Grossman
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | - Kelli M Thorne
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Wallace L Akerley
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Moises C Terrazas
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Ken M Kosak
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kenneth M Boucher
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Saundra S Buys
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kimberly A McGregor
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Theresa L Werner
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Neeraj Agarwal
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - John R Weis
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sunil Sharma
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - John H Ward
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Thomas P Kennedy
- Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Environmental Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
| | - Douglas W Sborov
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Paul J Shami
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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Chen SY, Chang YL, Liu ST, Chen GS, Lee SP, Huang SM. Differential Cytotoxicity Mechanisms of Copper Complexed with Disulfiram in Oral Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073711. [PMID: 33918312 PMCID: PMC8038175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF), an irreversible aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor, is being used in anticancer therapy, as its effects in humans are known and less adverse than conventional chemotherapy. We explored the potential mechanism behind the cytotoxicity of DSF-Cu+/Cu2+ complexes in oral epidermoid carcinoma meng-1 (OECM-1) and human gingival epithelial Smulow-Glickman (SG) cells. Exposure to CuCl2 or CuCl slightly but concentration-dependently decreased cell viability, while DSF-Cu+/Cu2+ induced cell death in OECM-1 cells, but not SG cells. DSF-Cu+/Cu2+ also increased the subG1 population and decreased the G1, S, and G2/M populations in OECM-1 cells, but not SG cells, and suppressed cell proliferation in both OECM-1 and SG cells. ALDH enzyme activity was inhibited by CuCl and DSF-Cu+/Cu2+ in SG cells, but not OECM-1 cells. ROS levels and cellular senescence were increased in DSF-Cu+/Cu2+-treated OECM-1 cells, whereas they were suppressed in SG cells. DSF-Cu+/Cu2+ induced mitochondrial fission in OECM-1 cells and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. CuCl2 increased but DSF- Cu2+ impaired oxygen consumption rates and extracellular acidification rates in OECM-1 cells. CuCl2 stabilized HIF-1α expression under normoxia in OECM-1 cells, and complex with DSF enhanced that effect. Levels of c-Myc protein and its phosphorylation at Tyr58 and Ser62 were increased, while levels of the N-terminal truncated form (Myc-nick) were decreased in DSF-Cu+/Cu2-treated OECM-1 cells. These effects were all suppressed by pretreatment with the ROS scavenger NAC. Overexpression of c-Myc failed to induce HIF-1α expression. These findings provide novel insight into the potential application of DSF-CuCl2 complex as a repurposed agent for OSCC cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ssu-Yu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (S.-Y.C.); (Y.-L.C.); (S.-T.L.)
| | - Yung-Lung Chang
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (S.-Y.C.); (Y.-L.C.); (S.-T.L.)
| | - Shu-Ting Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (S.-Y.C.); (Y.-L.C.); (S.-T.L.)
| | - Gunng-Shinng Chen
- School of Dentistry, Department of Dentistry of Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (G.-S.C.); (S.-P.L.); (S.-M.H.)
| | - Shiao-Pieng Lee
- School of Dentistry, Department of Dentistry of Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (G.-S.C.); (S.-P.L.); (S.-M.H.)
| | - Shih-Ming Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114, Taiwan; (S.-Y.C.); (Y.-L.C.); (S.-T.L.)
- Correspondence: (G.-S.C.); (S.-P.L.); (S.-M.H.)
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Belaid C, Sbartai I. Assessing the effects of Thiram to oxidative stress responses in a freshwater bioindicator cladoceran (Daphnia magna). CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 268:128808. [PMID: 33160653 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thiram (TMTD) is able to induce antioxidant defense and oxidative stress in different organisms. Moreover, Thiram can act as a prooxidant resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the oxidative stress induced by Thiram in the cladoceran Daphnia magna. At present, literature focus on the determination of toxicity in vertebrate organisms or cells, however, very few studies were interested to evaluate Thiram's effects in aquatic organisms such as cladoceran. To assess these effects, antioxidant GSH content, CAT and GST enzyme activities, cellular damages and lipid peroxidation indicators (MDA) were evaluated as oxidative stress biomarkers. Our results showed that acute Thiram exposure resulted in significant biochemical responses, demonstrating that Thiram induced oxidative damage. Indeed, following exposure to Thiram, we noticed an intracellular (GSH) depletion, associated with a marked increase of lipid membrane peroxidation as shown by high (MDA) production. Moreover, a dose-dependent induction of antioxidant key enzymes (CAT) and (GST) was found which led to an oxidative stress and finally death of Daphnia magna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahrazad Belaid
- Laboratory of Cellular Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Badji Mokhtar, Annaba, B.P. 12, Annaba, 23000, Algeria.
| | - Ibtissem Sbartai
- Laboratory of Cellular Toxicology, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Badji Mokhtar, Annaba, B.P. 12, Annaba, 23000, Algeria
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MacDonagh L, Santiago RM, Gray SG, Breen E, Cuffe S, Finn SP, O'Byrne KJ, Barr MP. Exploitation of the vitamin A/retinoic acid axis depletes ALDH1-positive cancer stem cells and re-sensitises resistant non-small cell lung cancer cells to cisplatin. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101025. [PMID: 33550205 PMCID: PMC7868629 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in personalised medicine and the emerging role of immune checkpoints in directing treatment decisions in subsets of lung cancer patients, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The development of drug resistance plays a key role in the relapse of lung cancer patients in the clinical setting, mainly due to the unlimited renewal capacity of residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumour cell population during chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the function of the CSC marker, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) in retinoic acid cell signalling using an in vitro model of cisplatin resistant NSCLC. The addition of key components in retinoic acid cell signalling, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and retinol to cisplatin chemotherapy, significantly reduced ALDH1-positive cell subsets in cisplatin resistant NSCLC cells relative to their sensitive counterparts resulting in the re-sensitisation of chemo-resistant cells to the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin. Furthermore, combination of ATRA or retinol with cisplatin significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and increased cisplatin-induced apoptosis. This increase in apoptosis may, at least in part, be due to differential gene expression of the retinoic acid (RARα/β) and retinoid X (RXRα) nuclear receptors in cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells. These data support the concept of exploiting the retinoic acid signalling cascade as a novel strategy in targeting subsets of CSCs in cisplatin resistant lung tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren MacDonagh
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Rhyla Mae Santiago
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Steven G Gray
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Eamon Breen
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Sinead Cuffe
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Medical Oncology Department, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Stephen P Finn
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Histopathology Department, St James's Hospital & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Kenneth J O'Byrne
- Cancer & Ageing Research Program, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Martin P Barr
- Thoracic Oncology Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital & Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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Guo W, Zhang X, Lin L, Wang H, He E, Wang G, Zhao Q. The disulfiram/copper complex induces apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth in human osteosarcoma by activating the ROS/JNK signaling pathway. J Biochem 2021; 170:275-287. [PMID: 33792698 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the huge cost, long research and development (R&D) time and uncertain side effects of discovering new drugs, drug repositioning of those approved to treat diseases clinically as new drugs for other pathological conditions, especially cancers, is a potential alternative strategy. Disulfiram (DSF), an old drug used to treat alcoholism, has been found to exhibit anticancer activity and improve chemotherapeutic efficacy in cancers by an increasing number of studies. In addition, the combination of DSF and copper may be a more effective therapeutic strategy. In this study, we report the toxicity of the DSF/Cu complex to human osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo. DSF/Cu significantly inhibited the proliferation and clonogenicity of osteosarcoma cell lines. Furthermore, the generation of ROS was triggered by DSF/Cu, and cell arrest, autophagy and apoptosis were induced in a ROS-dependent manner. The underlying mechanism of this process was explored, and DSF/Cu may mainly inhibit osteosarcoma by inducing apoptosis by activating the ROS/JNK pathway. DSF/Cu also inhibited osteosarcoma growth in a xenograft model with low levels of organ-related toxicities. These results suggest that the DSF/Cu complex could be an efficient and safe option for the treatment of osteosarcoma in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaoxing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Longshuai Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Enjun He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Qinghua Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
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Li Z, Liu Y, Fang X, Shu Z. Nanomaterials Enhance the Immunomodulatory Effect of Molecular Targeted Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:1631-1661. [PMID: 33688183 PMCID: PMC7935456 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s290346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy, a tumor therapy strategy that inhibits specific oncogenic targets, has been shown to modulate the immune response. In addition to directly inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells, molecular targeted drugs can activate the immune system through a variety of mechanisms, including by promoting tumor antigen processing and presentation, increasing intratumoral T cell infiltration, enhancing T cell activation and function, and attenuating the immunosuppressive effect of the tumor microenvironment. However, poor water solubility, insufficient accumulation at the tumor site, and nonspecific targeting of immune cells limit their application. To this end, a variety of nanomaterials have been developed to overcome these obstacles and amplify the immunomodulatory effects of molecular targeted drugs. In this review, we summarize the impact of molecular targeted drugs on the antitumor immune response according to their mechanisms, highlight the advantages of nanomaterials in enhancing the immunomodulatory effect of molecular targeted therapy, and discuss the current challenges and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilun Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenbo Shu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People's Republic of China
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Disulfiram Acts as a Potent Radio-Chemo Sensitizer in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines and Transplanted Xenografts. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030517. [PMID: 33671083 PMCID: PMC7999545 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of locally advanced and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is primarily mediated by the functional properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. We investigated whether the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitor disulfiram (DSF) can enhance the sensitivity of therapy. Cell viability was assessed by the 1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan (MTT) and apoptosis assays, and the cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The radio-sensitizing effect was measured by a colony formation assay. The synergistic effects were calculated by combination index (CI) analyses. The DSF and DSF/Cu2+ inhibited the cell proliferation (inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of DSF and DSF/Cu2+ were 13.96 μM and 0.24 μM). DSF and cisplatin displayed a synergistic effect (CI values were <1). DSF or DSF/Cu2+ abolished the cisplatin-induced G2/M arrest (from 52.9% to 40.7% and 41.1%), and combining irradiation (IR) with DSF or DSF/Cu2+ reduced the colony formation and attenuated the G2/M arrest (from 53.6% to 40.2% and 41.9%). The combination of cisplatin, DSF or DSF/Cu2+, and IR enhanced the radio-chemo sensitivity by inducing apoptosis (42.04% and 32.21%) and ROS activity (46.3% and 37.4%). DSF and DSF/Cu2+ enhanced the sensitivity of HNSCC to cisplatin and IR. Confirming the initial data from patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) supported a strong rationale to repurpose DSF as a radio-chemosensitizer and to assess its therapeutic potential in a clinical setting.
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Disulfiram as a Therapeutic Agent for Metastatic Malignant Melanoma-Old Myth or New Logos? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123538. [PMID: 33260923 PMCID: PMC7760689 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, disulfiram has gained in attention as an anticancer drug due to its broad activity against various cancers, and its mechanisms and molecular targets have been deciphered in vitro and in vivo. One of these cancers is melanoma. Initial data from human studies show some benefit, but do not confirm its broad efficacy as a monotherapy. However, combination approaches could pave the way for exploiting the beneficial effects of disulfiram for cancer patients, including those with melanoma. Abstract New therapeutic concepts such as anti-PD-1-based immunotherapy or targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors have significantly improved the survival of melanoma patients. However, about 20% of patients with targeted therapy and up to 50% with immunotherapies do not respond to their first-line treatment or rapidly develop resistance. In addition, there is no approved targeted therapy for certain subgroups, namely BRAF wild-type melanomas, although they often bear aggressive tumor biology. A repurposing of already approved drugs is a promising strategy to fill this gap, as it will result in comparatively low costs, lower risks and time savings. Disulfiram (DSF), the first drug to treat alcoholism, which received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration more than 60 years ago, is such a drug candidate. There is growing evidence that DSF has great potential for the treatment of various human cancers, including melanoma. Several mechanisms of its antitumor activity have been identified, amongst them the inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, the induction of reactive oxygen species and various death signaling pathways. This article provides an overview of the application of DSF in humans, its molecular mechanisms and targets in cancer therapy with a focus on melanoma. The results of clinical studies and experimental combination approaches of DSF with various cancer therapies are discussed, with the aim of exploring the potential of DSF in melanoma therapy.
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Zhang J, Duan D, Song ZL, Liu T, Hou Y, Fang J. Small molecules regulating reactive oxygen species homeostasis for cancer therapy. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:342-394. [PMID: 32981100 DOI: 10.1002/med.21734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense systems have been recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Compared with normal cells, cancer cells exhibit increased ROS to maintain their malignant phenotypes and are more dependent on the "redox adaptation" mechanism. Thus, there are two apparently contradictory but virtually complementary therapeutic strategies for the regulation of ROS to prevent or treat cancer. The first strategy, that is, chemoprevention, is to prevent or reduce intracellular ROS either by suppressing ROS production pathways or by employing antioxidants to enhance ROS clearance, which protects normal cells from malignant transformation and inhibits the early stage of tumorigenesis. The second strategy is the ROS-mediated anticancer therapy, which stimulates intracellular ROS to a toxicity threshold to activate ROS-induced cell death pathways. Therefore, targeting the regulation of intracellular ROS-related pathways by small-molecule candidates is considered to be a promising treatment for tumors. We herein first briefly introduce the source and regulation of ROS, and then focus on small molecules that regulate ROS-related pathways and show efficacy in cancer therapy from the perspective of pharmacophores. Finally, we discuss several challenges in developing cancer therapeutic agents based on ROS regulation and propose the direction of future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongzhu Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry, Baoji University of Arts and Sciences, Baoji, China
| | - Zi-Long Song
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Yang Q, Yao Y, Li K, Jiao L, Zhu J, Ni C, Li M, Dou QP, Yang H. An Updated Review of Disulfiram: Molecular Targets and Strategies for Cancer Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:3248-3256. [PMID: 31419930 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190816233755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Repurposing already approved drugs as new anticancer agents is a promising strategy considering the advantages such as low costs, low risks and less time-consumption. Disulfiram (DSF), as the first drug for antialcoholism, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 60 years ago. Increasing evidence indicates that DSF has great potential for the treatment of various human cancers. Several mechanisms and targets of DSF related to cancer therapy have been proposed, including the inhibition of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), cancer cell stemness and cancer metastasis, and alteration of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This article provides a brief review about the history of the use of DSF in humans and its molecular mechanisms and targets of anticancer therapy, describes DSF delivery strategies for cancer treatment, summarizes completed and ongoing cancer clinical trials involving DSF, and offers strategies to better use DSF in cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhu Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Jiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Jiazhen Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Ni
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Q Ping Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Huanjie Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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Li H, Wang J, Wu C, Wang L, Chen ZS, Cui W. The combination of disulfiram and copper for cancer treatment. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1099-1108. [PMID: 32320854 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is a thiuram derivative that was developed to treat alcoholism but was also found to have antitumor activity. Copper (Cu), as a trace metal, has important roles in the body. Numerous studies have shown that the combination of DSF and copper (DSF/Cu) greatly enhances its antitumor efficacy. Given that the efficacy of DSF is well established and its safety profile is understood, repurposing DSF as a new anticancer drug is a promising strategy. Here, we summarize the pharmacological effects of DSF and the role of Cu in cancer, and focus on the antitumor effect of DSF/Cu, especially the mechanisms involved in enhancing drug sensibility by targeting specific molecules. We also provide rational strategies for using DSF as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Lihui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China.
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016, Shenyang, PR China.
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Xu Y, Zhou Q, Feng X, Dai Y, Jiang Y, Jiang W, Liu X, Xing X, Wang Y, Ni Y, Zheng C. Disulfiram/copper markedly induced myeloma cell apoptosis through activation of JNK and intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 126:110048. [PMID: 32145587 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is an FDA approved anti-alcoholism drug in use for more than 60 years. Recently, antitumor activity of the DSF/copper (DSF/Cu) complex has been identified. Its anti-multiple myeloma activity, however, has barely been investigated. In the present study, our results demonstrated that the DSF/Cu complex induced apoptosis of MM cells and MM primary cells. The results indicated that DSF/Cu significantly induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in MM.1S and RPMI8226 cells. Moreover, JC-1 and Western blot results showed that DSF/Cu disrupted mitochondrial membrane integrity and cleaved caspase-8 in MM cells, respectively, suggesting that it induced activation of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways. Interestingly, DSF/Cu induced caspase-3 activation was partly blocked by Z-VAD-FMK (zVAD), a pan-caspase inhibitor, indicating at caspase-dependent and -independent paths involved in DSF/Cu induced myeloma cell apoptosis machinery. Additionally, activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway was observed in DSF/Cu treated MM cells. More importantly, our results demonstrated that DSF/Cu significantly reduced tumor volumes and prolonged overall survival of MM bearing mice when compared with the controls. Taken together, our novel findings showed that DSF/Cu has potent anti-myeloma activity in vitro and in vivo highlighting valuable clinical potential of DSF/Cu in MM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China; Haemal Internal Medicine, Linyi Central Hospital, Yishui Country, Linyi, Shandong 276400, China
| | - Xiaoli Feng
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yibo Dai
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China; Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangling Xing
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 17164, Solna, Sweden
| | - Yongjing Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yihong Ni
- Department of Endocrine, the Second Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Chengyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaboration Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Cole AJ, Fayomi AP, Anyaeche VI, Bai S, Buckanovich RJ. An evolving paradigm of cancer stem cell hierarchies: therapeutic implications. Theranostics 2020; 10:3083-3098. [PMID: 32194856 PMCID: PMC7053211 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over a decade of research has confirmed the critical role of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in tumor initiation, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Increasingly, CSC hierarchies have begun to be defined with some recurring themes. This includes evidence that these hierarchies are 'flexible,' with both cell state transitions and dedifferentiation events possible. These findings pose therapeutic hurdles and opportunities. Here, we review cancer stem cell hierarchies and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the current therapeutic approaches designed to target CSC hierarchies and initial clinical trial results for CSC targeting agents. While cancer stem cell targeted therapies are still in their infancy, we are beginning to see encouraging results that suggest a positive outlook for CSC-targeting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Cole
- Department of Internal Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adetunji P Fayomi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Shoumei Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ronald J Buckanovich
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Adokoh CK. Therapeutic potential of dithiocarbamate supported gold compounds. RSC Adv 2020; 10:2975-2988. [PMID: 35496096 PMCID: PMC9048446 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra09682e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chrysotherapy or aurotherapy, the use of gold as medicine, is two thousand years old. Hitherto, numerous diverse gold stabilizing ligands for instance vitamins, pyridine, phosphines, naphthylamine and xanthanes have been developed and their 'chelating effect' in addition to their anti-proliferative properties have been extensively studied. Recent advances in the field of bioinorganic chemistry have led to the design of biologically relevant metal complexes with appropriate fine-tuned ligands such as metallic conjugates of dithiocarbamates (DTCs). DTC compounds have been recognised to possess diverse applications and have demonstrated interesting biological properties. For instance, the chemoprotective and antitumour properties of gold metal ions and DTC compounds respectively, presents an innovative and effective approach to cancer management. This review presents therefore the therapeutic potential of DTC ligand systems as a support for gold compounds. The importance of dithiocarbamate supported gold compounds as potential therapeutic agents is highlighted with emphasis on the therapeutic potential of gold(iii) and gold(i) dithiocarbamate derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian K Adokoh
- Department of Forensic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast Cape Coast Ghana
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45
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Recent advances in the delivery of disulfiram: a critical analysis of promising approaches to improve its pharmacokinetic profile and anticancer efficacy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 27:853-862. [PMID: 31758497 DOI: 10.1007/s40199-019-00308-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disulfiram (DSF) has a long history of being used as a first-line promising therapy for treatment of alcoholism in human. Besides its prominence in the treatment of alcoholism, extensive investigations have been carried out to explore other biomedical and pharmacological effects of DSF. Amongst other biomedical implications, plenty researches have shown evidence of promising anticancer efficacy of this agent for treatment of wide range of cancers such as breast cancer, liver cancer and lung carcinoma. METHODS Electronic databases, including Google scholar, PubMed and Web of science were searched with the keywords disulfiram, nanoparticles, cancer, drug delivery systems. RESULT Despite its excellent anticancer efficacy, the pharmaceutical significance and clinical applicability of DSF are hampered due to poor stability, low solubility, short plasma half-life, rapid metabolism, and early clearance from systemic circulation. Various attempts have been made to eradicate these issues. Nanotechnology based interventions have gained remarkable recognition in improving pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of DSF by improving its stability and avoiding its degradation. CONCLUSION The aim of the present review is to critically analyse all recent developments in designing various nanotechnology-based delivery systems, to ponder their relevance in improving stability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile, and achieving target-specific delivery of this agent to cancer cells to effectively eradicate cancer and abolish its metastasis. Nanotechnology is a novel approach for overcoming such obstacles faced presently, the results obtained so far using different novel drug delivery systems seem to be very promising to increase the stability and half-life of DSF. Graphical abstract Nanocrrier mediated drug delivery systems for disulfiram.
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46
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Zhang HW, Hu XB, Qin Y, Jin ZH, Zhang XW, Liu YL, Huang WH. Conductive Polymer Coated Scaffold to Integrate 3D Cell Culture with Electrochemical Sensing. Anal Chem 2019; 91:4838-4844. [PMID: 30864440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable progresses have been made in electrochemical monitoring of living cells based on one-dimensional (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) sensors, but the cells cultured on 2D substrate under these circumstances are departed from their three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments in vivo. Significant advances have been made in developing 3D culture scaffolds to simulate the 3D microenvironment yet most of them are insulated, which greatly restricts their application in electrochemical sensing. Herein, we propose a versatile strategy to endow 3D insulated culture scaffolds with electrochemical performance while granting their biocompatibility through conductive polymer coating. More specifically, 3D polydimethylsiloxane scaffold is uniformly coated by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and further modified by platinum nanoparticles. The integrated 3D device demonstrates desirable biocompatibility for long-term 3D cell culture and excellent electrocatalytic ability for electrochemical sensing. This allows real-time monitoring of reactive oxygen species release from cancer cells induced by a novel potential anticancer drug and reveals its promising application in cancer treatment. This work provides a new idea to construct 3D multifunctional electrochemical sensors, which will be of great significance for physiological and pathological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , China
| | - Xue-Bo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , China
| | - Yu Qin
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , China
| | - Zi-He Jin
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , China
| | - Xin-Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , China
| | - Yan-Ling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , China
| | - Wei-Hua Huang
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , China
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Chefetz I, Grimley E, Yang K, Hong L, Vinogradova EV, Suciu R, Kovalenko I, Karnak D, Morgan CA, Chtcherbinine M, Buchman C, Huddle B, Barraza S, Morgan M, Bernstein KA, Yoon E, Lombard DB, Bild A, Mehta G, Romero I, Chiang CY, Landen C, Cravatt B, Hurley TD, Larsen SD, Buckanovich RJ. A Pan-ALDH1A Inhibitor Induces Necroptosis in Ovarian Cancer Stem-like Cells. Cell Rep 2019; 26:3061-3075.e6. [PMID: 30865894 PMCID: PMC7061440 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is typified by the development of chemotherapy resistance. Chemotherapy resistance is associated with high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymatic activity, increased cancer "stemness," and expression of the stem cell marker CD133. As such, ALDH activity has been proposed as a therapeutic target. Although it remains controversial which of the 19 ALDH family members drive chemotherapy resistance, ALDH1A family members have been primarily linked with chemotherapy resistant and stemness. We identified two ALDH1A family selective inhibitors (ALDH1Ai). ALDH1Ai preferentially kills CD133+ ovarian cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). ALDH1Ai induce necroptotic CSC death, mediated, in part, by the induction of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins and reduction in oxidative phosphorylation. ALDH1Ai is highly synergistic with chemotherapy, reducing tumor initiation capacity and increasing tumor eradication in vivo. These studies link ALDH1A with necroptosis and confirm the family as a critical therapeutic target to overcome chemotherapy resistance and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Chefetz
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Edward Grimley
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gynecology-Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kun Yang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Linda Hong
- Division of Gynecology-Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Radu Suciu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ilya Kovalenko
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David Karnak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cynthia A Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Mikhail Chtcherbinine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Cameron Buchman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brandt Huddle
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Scott Barraza
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Meredith Morgan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kara A Bernstein
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Euisik Yoon
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David B Lombard
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrea Bild
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Iris Romero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chun-Yi Chiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Charles Landen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Benjamin Cravatt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas D Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Scott D Larsen
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ronald J Buckanovich
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Gynecology-Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gynecology-Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Solovieva ME, Shatalin YV, Solovyev VV, Sazonov AV, Kutyshenko VP, Akatov VS. Hydroxycobalamin catalyzes the oxidation of diethyldithiocarbamate and increases its cytotoxicity independently of copper ions. Redox Biol 2019; 20:28-37. [PMID: 30290302 PMCID: PMC6171330 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that some metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Au) markedly increase the toxic effect of thiocarbamates. It was shown in the present study that hydroxycobalamin (a form of vitamin B12, HOCbl), which incorporates cobalt, significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), decreasing its IC50 value in tumor cells three to five times. The addition of HOCbl to aqueous DDC solutions accelerated the reduction of oxygen. No hydrogen peroxide accumulation was observed in DDC + HOCbl solutions; however, catalase slowed down the oxygen reduction rate. Catalase as well as the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH) partially inhibited the cytotoxic effect of DDC + HOCbl, whereas ascorbate, pyruvate, and tiron, a scavenger of superoxide anion, had no cytoprotective effect. The administration of HOCbl into DDC solutions (> 1 mM) resulted in the formation of a crystalline precipitate, which was inhibited in the presence of GSH. The data of UV and NMR spectroscopy and HPLC and Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) indicated that the main products of the reaction of DDC with HOCbl are disulfiram (DSF) and its oxidized forms, sulfones and sulfoxides. The increase in the cytotoxicity of DDC combined with HOCbl occurred both in the presence of Cu2+ in culture medium and in nominally Cu-free solutions, as well as in growth medium containing the copper chelator bathocuproine disulfonate (BCS). The results indicate that HOCbl accelerates the oxidation of DDC with the formation of DSF and its oxidized forms. Presumably, the main cause of the synergistic increase in the toxic effect of DDC + HOCbl is the formation of sulfones and sulfoxides of DSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Solovieva
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290 Russia
| | - Yu V Shatalin
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290 Russia
| | | | | | - V P Kutyshenko
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290 Russia
| | - V S Akatov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290 Russia.
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Bakthavatsalam S, Sleeper ML, Dharani A, George DJ, Zhang T, Franz KJ. Leveraging γ-Glutamyl Transferase To Direct Cytotoxicity of Copper Dithiocarbamates against Prostate Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:12780-12784. [PMID: 30025197 PMCID: PMC6372289 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201807582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A prodrug approach is presented to direct copper-dependent cytotoxicity to prostate cancer cells. The prochelator GGTDTC requires activation by γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to release the metal chelator diethyldithiocarbamate from a linker that masks its thiol reactivity and metal binding properties. In vitro studies demonstrated successful masking of copper binding as well as clean liberation of the chelator by GGT. GGTDTC was stable to non-specific degradation when incubated with a series of prostate cancer and normal cell lines, with selective release of diethyldithiocarbamate only occurring in cells with measurable GGT activity. The antiproliferative efficacy of the prochelator correlated with cellular GGT activity, with 24 h inhibitory concentrations ranging from 800 nm in prostate cancer lines 22Rv1 and LNCaP to over 15 μm in normal prostate PWR-1E cells. These findings underscore a new strategy to leverage the amplified copper metabolism of prostate cancer by conditional activation of a metal-binding pharmacophore.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark L. Sleeper
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Box 90346, Durham, NC 27708 (USA)
| | - Azim Dharani
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Box 90346, Durham, NC 27708 (USA)
| | - Daniel J. George
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine Duke Cancer Institute Durham, NC 27708 (USA)
| | - Tian Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine Duke Cancer Institute Durham, NC 27708 (USA)
| | - Katherine J. Franz
- Duke University, Department of Chemistry, Box 90346, Durham, NC 27708 (USA)
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Bakthavatsalam S, Sleeper ML, Dharani A, George DJ, Zhang T, Franz KJ. Leveraging γ‐Glutamyl Transferase To Direct Cytotoxicity of Copper Dithiocarbamates against Prostate Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201807582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark L. Sleeper
- Duke University Department of Chemistry POB 90346 Durham 27708 USA
| | - Azim Dharani
- Duke University Department of Chemistry POB 90346 Durham 27708 USA
| | - Daniel J. George
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine Duke Cancer Institute Durham 27708 USA
| | - Tian Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine Duke Cancer Institute Durham 27708 USA
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