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Nishimura J, Morita Y, Tobe-Nishimoto A, Kitahira Y, Takayama S, Kishimoto S, Matsumiya-Matsumoto Y, Takeshita A, Matsunaga K, Imai T, Uzawa N. CDDP-induced desmoplasia-like changes in oral cancer tissues are related to SASP-related factors induced by the senescence of cancer cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112377. [PMID: 38838554 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112377] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) concept has been proposed and is currently being actively studied. The development of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the TME is known as desmoplasia and is observed in many solid tumors. It has also been strongly associated with poor prognosis and resistance to drug therapy. Recently, cellular senescence has gained attention as an effect of drug therapy on cancer cells. Cellular senescence is a phenomenon wherein proliferating cells become resistant to growth-promoting stimuli, secrete the SASP (senescence-associated phenotypic) factors, and stably arrest the cell cycle. These proteins are rich in pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1, C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, CCL5, and matrix metalloproteinase 3. This study aimed to investigate the desmoplasia-like changes in the TME before and after cancer drug therapy in oral squamous cell carcinomas, evaluate the effect of anticancer drugs on the TME, and the potential involvement of cancer cell senescence. Using a syngeneic oral cancer transplant mouse model, we confirmed that cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) administration caused desmoplasia-like changes in cancer tissues. Furthermore, CDDP treatment-induced senescence in tumor-bearing mouse tumor tissues and cultured cancer cells. These results suggest CDDP administration-induced desmoplasia-like structural changes in the TME are related to cellular senescence. Our findings suggest that the administration of anticancer drugs alters the TME of oral cancer cells. Additionally, oral cancer cells undergo senescence, which may influence the TME through the production of SASP factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Nishimura
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Morita
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Ayano Tobe-Nishimoto
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kitahira
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shun Takayama
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoko Kishimoto
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuka Matsumiya-Matsumoto
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Akinori Takeshita
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Matsunaga
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Imai
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Narikazu Uzawa
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Oncology and Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Carpenter V, Saleh T, Chakraborty E, Min Lee S, Murray G, Reed J, Souers A, Faber AC, Harada H, Gewirtz DA. Androgen deprivation-induced senescence confers sensitivity to a senolytic strategy in prostate cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 226:116385. [PMID: 38909784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116385] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that androgen-dependent prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines enter a state of senescence following exposure to androgen deprivation therapies (ADT). ADT-induced senescence was found to be transient, as senescent cells develop castration resistance and re-emerge into a proliferative state even under continuous androgen deprivation in vitro. Moreover, the BCL-XL/BCL-2 inhibitor, ABT-263 (navitoclax), an established senolytic agent, promoted apoptosis of senescent PCa cells, suppressing proliferative recovery and subsequent tumor cell outgrowth. As this strategy has not previously been validated in vivo, we used a clinically relevant, syngeneic murine model of PCa, where mice were either castrated or castrated followed by the administration of ABT-263. Our results largely confirm the outcomes previously reported in vitro; specifically, castration alone results in a transient tumor growth suppression with characteristics of senescence, which is prolonged by exposure to ABT-263. Most critically, mice that underwent castration followed by ABT-263 experienced a statistically significant prolongation in survival, with an increase of 14.5 days in median survival time (56 days castration alone vs. 70.5 days castration + ABT-263). However, as is often the case in studies combining the promotion of senescence with a senolytic (the "one-two" punch approach), the suppression of tumor growth by the inclusion of the senolytic agent was transient, allowing for tumor regrowth once the drug treatment was terminated. Nevertheless, the results of this work suggest that the "one-two" punch senolytic strategy in PCa may effectively interfere with, diminish, or delay the development of the lethal castration-resistant phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Carpenter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Cancer and Cell Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Eesha Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - So Min Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Graeme Murray
- Department of Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jason Reed
- Department of Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Andrew Souers
- AbbVie, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anthony C Faber
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Korelin K, Oostveen M, Wahbi W, Ianevski F, Cavalcante B, Turunen L, Belevich I, Al-Samadi A, Salo T. Evaluation of BH3 mimetics as a combination therapy with irradiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116719. [PMID: 38749173 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116719] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer with a five-year survival rate around 60%, indicating a need for new treatments. BH3 mimetics are small molecules that inhibit anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, resulting in apoptosis induction. METHODS We performed a high-throughput screen using a Myogel matrix to identify the synergy between irradiation and the novel BH3 mimetics A-1155463, A-1331852, and navitoclax in 12 HNSCC cell lines, normal (NOF) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and dysplastic keratinocytes (ODA). Next, we examined synergy in an apoptosis assay, followed by a clonogenic assay and a Myogel spheroid on selected HNSCC cell lines. Finally, we applied zebrafish larvae xenograft to validate the effects of navitoclax and A-1331852. RESULTS All three BH3 mimetics exhibited a strong synergy with irradiation in eight HNSCC cell lines and ODAs, but not in NOFs and CAFs. A-1155463 and A-1331852 induced apoptosis and reduced proliferation, and together with irradiation, significantly increased apoptosis and arrested proliferation. A-1331852 and navitoclax significantly decreased the clonogenicity compared with the control, and combination treatment led to a decreased clonogenicity compared with monotherapy or irradiation. However, unlike navitoclax or A-1155463, only A-1331852 significantly reduced cancer cell invasion. Furthermore, in spheroid and zebrafish, irradiation appeared ineffective and failed to significantly increase the drug effect. In the zebrafish, A-1331852 and navitoclax significantly reduced the tumor area and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings encourage the further preclinical investigation of BH3 mimetics, particularly A-1331852, as a single agent or combined with irradiation as a treatment for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Korelin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland.
| | - Mayke Oostveen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Wafa Wahbi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Filipp Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Bruno Cavalcante
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40110-909, Brazil
| | - Laura Turunen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Ilya Belevich
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Ahmed Al-Samadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Institute of Dentistry, School of Medicine, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland; Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland; Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu 90220, Finland; Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki 00029, Finland
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Balducci L, Falandry C, Silvio Monfardini. Senotherapy, cancer, and aging. J Geriatr Oncol 2024; 15:101671. [PMID: 37977898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2023.101671] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to highlight the effects of senotherapy on the prevention and treatment of cancer in older individuals. The aim of senotherapy is to eliminate senescent cells. These cells express the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). With production of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and different type of proteases, the SASP is responsible for aging-associated disability and diseases. All mammalian cells experience senescence. The main agents of aging include fibroblasts and adipose cells. Senescent tumor cells may undergo genomic reprogramming and re-enter cell cycle with a stem cell phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a Medline search for the following key words: senotherapy, senolysis, senomorphic agents. We provide a narrative review of the finding. RESULTS Different agents may eliminate senescent cells from cell cultures and murine models. These include metformin, rapamycin, desatinib, quercitin, fisetin, ruloxitinib, and BCL2 inhibitors. A randomized controlled study of metformin in 3,000 patients aged 65-79 without glucose intolerance aiming to establish whether senotherapy may prevent or reverse disability and aging associated diseases, including cancer, is ongoing. Senotherapy prolongs the life span and decreases the incidence of cancer in experimental animal models, as well as delays and reverses disability. Senescent tumor cells are found prior to treatment and after chemotherapy and radiation. These elements may be responsible for tumor recurrence and treatment refractoriness. DISCUSSION Senotherapy may have substantial effects on cancer management including decreased incidence and aggressiveness of cancer, improved tolerance of antineoplastic treatment, and prevention of relapse after primary treatment. Senotherapy may ameliorate several complications of cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Falandry
- Service de Gériatrie, Centre Hospitaliser Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Bénite, France; Laboratoire CarMeN, Inserm U1060, INRA U1397, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, France.
| | - Silvio Monfardini
- Director Oncopaedia Project European School of Oncology. Director Emeritus Division of Medical Oncology Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Padova., Italy.
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Elshazly AM, Shahin U, Al Shboul S, Gewirtz DA, Saleh T. A Conversation with ChatGPT on Contentious Issues in Senescence and Cancer Research. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:313-327. [PMID: 38458774 PMCID: PMC11026153 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.124.000871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, such as Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT), have achieved a high degree of popularity within the scientific community due to their utility in providing evidence-based reviews of the literature. However, the accuracy and reliability of the information output and the ability to provide critical analysis of the literature, especially with respect to highly controversial issues, has generally not been evaluated. In this work, we arranged a question/answer session with ChatGPT regarding several unresolved questions in the field of cancer research relating to therapy-induced senescence (TIS), including the topics of senescence reversibility, its connection to tumor dormancy, and the pharmacology of the newly emerging drug class of senolytics. ChatGPT generally provided responses consistent with the available literature, although occasionally overlooking essential components of the current understanding of the role of TIS in cancer biology and treatment. Although ChatGPT, and similar AI platforms, have utility in providing an accurate evidence-based review of the literature, their outputs should still be considered carefully, especially with respect to unresolved issues in tumor biology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Artificial Intelligence platforms have provided great utility for researchers to investigate biomedical literature in a prompt manner. However, several issues arise when it comes to certain unresolved biological questions, especially in the cancer field. This work provided a discussion with ChatGPT regarding some of the yet-to-be-fully-elucidated conundrums of the role of therapy-induced senescence in cancer treatment and highlights the strengths and weaknesses in utilizing such platforms for analyzing the scientific literature on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.M.E., D.A.G.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (A.M.E.); and Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan (U.S., S.A.S., T.S.)
| | - Uruk Shahin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.M.E., D.A.G.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (A.M.E.); and Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan (U.S., S.A.S., T.S.)
| | - Sofian Al Shboul
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.M.E., D.A.G.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (A.M.E.); and Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan (U.S., S.A.S., T.S.)
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.M.E., D.A.G.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (A.M.E.); and Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan (U.S., S.A.S., T.S.)
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (A.M.E., D.A.G.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt (A.M.E.); and Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan (U.S., S.A.S., T.S.)
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McGrath MK, Abolhassani A, Guy L, Elshazly AM, Barrett JT, Mivechi NF, Gewirtz DA, Schoenlein PV. Autophagy and senescence facilitate the development of antiestrogen resistance in ER positive breast cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1298423. [PMID: 38567308 PMCID: PMC10986181 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1298423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most common breast cancer diagnosed annually in the US with endocrine-based therapy as standard-of-care for this breast cancer subtype. Endocrine therapy includes treatment with antiestrogens, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs), and aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Despite the appreciable remission achievable with these treatments, a substantial cohort of women will experience primary tumor recurrence, subsequent metastasis, and eventual death due to their disease. In these cases, the breast cancer cells have become resistant to endocrine therapy, with endocrine resistance identified as the major obstacle to the medical oncologist and patient. To combat the development of endocrine resistance, the treatment options for ER+, HER2 negative breast cancer now include CDK4/6 inhibitors used as adjuvants to antiestrogen treatment. In addition to the dysregulated activity of CDK4/6, a plethora of genetic and biochemical mechanisms have been identified that contribute to endocrine resistance. These mechanisms, which have been identified by lab-based studies utilizing appropriate cell and animal models of breast cancer, and by clinical studies in which gene expression profiles identify candidate endocrine resistance genes, are the subject of this review. In addition, we will discuss molecular targeting strategies now utilized in conjunction with endocrine therapy to combat the development of resistance or target resistant breast cancer cells. Of approaches currently being explored to improve endocrine treatment efficacy and patient outcome, two adaptive cell survival mechanisms, autophagy, and "reversible" senescence, are considered molecular targets. Autophagy and/or senescence induction have been identified in response to most antiestrogen treatments currently being used for the treatment of ER+ breast cancer and are often induced in response to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Unfortunately, effective strategies to target these cell survival pathways have not yet been successfully developed. Thus, there is an urgent need for the continued interrogation of autophagy and "reversible" senescence in clinically relevant breast cancer models with the long-term goal of identifying new molecular targets for improved treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. McGrath
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Ali Abolhassani
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Luke Guy
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - John T. Barrett
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Nahid F. Mivechi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Patricia V. Schoenlein
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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Softah A, Alotaibi MR, Alhoshani AR, Saleh T, Alhazzani K, Almutairi MM, AlRowis R, Alshehri S, Albekairy NA, Harada H, Boyd R, Chakraborty E, Gewirtz DA, As Sobeai HM. The Combination of Radiation with PARP Inhibition Enhances Senescence and Sensitivity to the Senolytic, Navitoclax, in Triple Negative Breast Tumor Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3066. [PMID: 38002066 PMCID: PMC10669784 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113066] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer, this disease continues to pose a clinical challenge, with many patients ultimately suffering from relapse. Tumor cells that recover after entering into a state of senescence after chemotherapy or radiation have been shown to develop a more aggressive phenotype, and to contribute to disease recurrence. By combining the PARP inhibitor (PARPi), talazoparib, with radiation, senescence was enhanced in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell lines (based on SA-β-gal upregulation, increased expression of CDKN1A and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) marker, IL6). Subsequent treatment of the radiation- and talazoparib-induced senescent 4T1 and MDA-MB231 cells with navitoclax (ABT-263) resulted in significant apoptotic cell death. In immunocompetent tumor-bearing mice, navitoclax exerted a modest growth inhibitory effect when used alone, but dramatically interfered with the recovery of 4T1-derived tumors induced into senescence with ionizing radiation and talazoparib. These findings support the potential utility of a senolytic strategy in combination with the radiotherapy/PARPi combination to mitigate the risk of disease recurrence in triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Softah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Moureq R. Alotaibi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Ali R. Alhoshani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Raed AlRowis
- Department of Periodontics and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Samiyah Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Norah A. Albekairy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Rowan Boyd
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Eesha Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Homood M. As Sobeai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.); (M.R.A.); (A.R.A.); (K.A.); (M.M.A.); (S.A.); (N.A.A.)
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8
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Saleh T, Bloukh S, Hasan M, Al Shboul S. Therapy-induced senescence as a component of tumor biology: Evidence from clinical cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188994. [PMID: 37806641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Therapy-Induced Senescence (TIS) is an established response to anticancer therapy in a variety of cancer models. Ample evidence has characterized the triggers, hallmarks, and functional outcomes of TIS in preclinical studies; however, limited evidence delineates TIS in clinical cancer (human tumor samples). We examined the literature that investigated the induction of TIS in samples derived from human cancers and highlighted the major findings that suggested that TIS represents a main constituent of tumor biology. The most frequently utilized approach to identify TIS in human cancers was to investigate the protein expression of senescence-associated markers (such as cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, Ki67, DNA damage repair response markers, DEC1, and DcR1) via immunohistochemical techniques using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples and/or testing the upregulation of Senescence-Associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) in frozen sections of unfixed tumor samples. Collectively, and in studies where the extent of TIS was determined, TIS was detected in 31-66% of tumors exposed to various forms of chemotherapy. Moreover, TIS was not only limited to both malignant and non-malignant components of tumoral tissue but was also identified in samples of normal (non-transformed) tissue upon chemo- or radiotherapy exposure. Nevertheless, the available evidence continues to be limited and requires a more rigorous assessment of in vivo senescence based on novel approaches and more reliable molecular signatures. The accurate assessment of TIS will be beneficial for determining its relevant contribution to the overall outcome of cancer therapy and the potential translatability of senotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13115, Jordan.
| | - Sarah Bloukh
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mira Hasan
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA
| | - Sofian Al Shboul
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13115, Jordan
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9
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Elshazly AM, Gewirtz DA. Cytoprotective, Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Roles of Autophagy in Response to BET Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12669. [PMID: 37628849 PMCID: PMC10454099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612669] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family inhibitors are small molecules that target the dysregulated epigenetic readers, BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT, at various transcription-related sites, including super-enhancers. BET inhibitors are currently under investigation both in pre-clinical cell culture and tumor-bearing animal models, as well as in clinical trials. However, as is the case with other chemotherapeutic modalities, the development of resistance is likely to constrain the therapeutic benefits of this strategy. One tumor cell survival mechanism that has been studied for decades is autophagy. Although four different functions of autophagy have been identified in the literature (cytoprotective, cytotoxic, cytostatic and non-protective), primarily the cytoprotective and cytotoxic forms appear to function in different experimental models exposed to BET inhibitors (with some evidence for the cytostatic form). This review provides an overview of the cytoprotective, cytotoxic and cytostatic functions of autophagy in response to BET inhibitors in various tumor models. Our aim is to determine whether autophagy targeting or modulation could represent an effective therapeutic strategy to enhance the response to these modalities and also potentially overcome resistance to BET inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 401 College St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
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10
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Elshazly AM, Sinanian MM, Neely V, Chakraborty E, Alshehri MA, McGrath MK, Harada H, Schoenlein PV, Gewirtz DA. BRD4 Inhibition as a Strategy to Prolong the Response to Standard of Care in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4066. [PMID: 37627092 PMCID: PMC10452571 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164066] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring malignancy in women and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. ER+ breast cancer constitutes approximately 70% of all breast cancer cases. The standard of care for ER+ breast cancer involves estrogen antagonists such as tamoxifen or fulvestrant in combination with CDK4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib. However, these treatments are often not curative, with disease recurrence and metastasis being responsible for patient mortality. Overexpression of the epigenetic regulator, BRD4, has been shown to be a negative prognostic indicator in breast cancer, and BET family inhibitors such as ARV-825 and ABBV-744 have garnered interest for their potential to improve and prolong the response to current therapeutic strategies. The current work examined the potential of utilizing ARV-825 and ABBV-744 to increase the effectiveness of tamoxifen or fulvestrant plus palbociclib. ARV-825 was effective in both p53 wild-type (WT) breast tumor cells and in cells lacking functional p53 either alone or in combination with tamoxifen, while the effectiveness of ABBV-744 was limited to fulvestrant plus palbociclib in p53 WT cells. These differential effects may be related to the capacity to suppress c-Myc, a downstream target of BRD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Melanie M. Sinanian
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
| | - Victoria Neely
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Eesha Chakraborty
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Muruj A. Alshehri
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael K. McGrath
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, MCG Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.K.M.); (P.V.S.)
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Patricia V. Schoenlein
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, MCG Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (M.K.M.); (P.V.S.)
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (A.M.E.); (M.M.S.); (M.A.A.)
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (E.C.); (H.H.)
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11
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Chen C, Wang W, Raymond M, Ahmadinejad F, Poklis JL, Em B, Gewirtz DA, Lichtman AH, Li N. Genetic Knockout of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Nephropathy in Mice. Mol Pharmacol 2023; 103:230-240. [PMID: 36702548 PMCID: PMC10029825 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a potent first-line therapy for many solid malignancies, such as breast, ovarian, lung, testicular, and head and neck cancer. However, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major dose-limiting toxicity in cisplatin therapy, which often hampers the continuation of cisplatin treatment. The endocannabinoid system, consisting of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol and cannabinoid receptors, participates in different kidney diseases. Inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the primary enzyme for the degradation of AEA and AEA-related N-acylethanolamines, elicits anti-inflammatory effects; however, little is known about its role in cisplatin nephrotoxicity. The current study tested the hypothesis that genetic deletion of Faah mitigates cisplatin-induced AKI. Male wild-type C57BL6 (WT) and Faah-/- mice were administered a single dose of intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (30 mg/kg) and euthanatized 72 hours later. Faah-/- mice showed a reduction of cisplatin-induced blood urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine levels, kidney injury markers, and tubular damage in comparison with WT mice. The renal protection from Faah deletion was associated with enhanced tone of AEA-related N-acylethanolamines (palmitoylethanolamide and oleoylethanolamide), attenuated nuclear factor-κB/p65 activity, DNA damage markers p53 and p21, and decreased expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β, as well as infiltration of macrophages and leukocytes in the kidneys. Notably, a selective FAAH inhibitor (PF-04457845) did not interfere with or perturb the antitumor effects of cisplatin in two head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, HN30 and HN12. Our work highlights that FAAH inactivation prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and that targeting FAAH could provide a novel strategy to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Mice lacking the Faah gene are protected from cisplatin-induced inflammation, DNA damage response, tubular damage, and kidney dysfunction. Inactivation of FAAH could be a potential strategy to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoling Chen
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Weili Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Marissa Raymond
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Fereshteh Ahmadinejad
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Brandon Em
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Aron H Lichtman
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ningjun Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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12
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Finnegan RM, Elshazly AM, Patel NH, Tyutyunyk-Massey L, Tran TH, Kumarasamy V, Knudsen ES, Gewirtz DA. The BET inhibitor/degrader ARV-825 prolongs the growth arrest response to Fulvestrant + Palbociclib and suppresses proliferative recovery in ER-positive breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:966441. [PMID: 36741704 PMCID: PMC9890056 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.966441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-estrogens or aromatase inhibitors in combination with cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are the current standard of care for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) Her-2 negative metastatic breast cancer. Although these combination therapies prolong progression-free survival compared to endocrine therapy alone, the growth-arrested state of residual tumor cells is clearly transient. Tumor cells that escape what might be considered a dormant or quiescent state and regain proliferative capacity often acquire resistance to further therapies. Our studies are based upon the observation that breast tumor cells arrested by Fulvestrant + Palbociclib enter into states of both autophagy and senescence from which a subpopulation ultimately escapes, potentially contributing to recurrent disease. Autophagy inhibition utilizing pharmacologic or genetic approaches only moderately enhanced the response to Fulvestrant + Palbociclib in ER+ MCF-7 breast tumor cells, slightly delaying proliferative recovery. In contrast, the BET inhibitor/degrader, ARV-825, prolonged the growth arrested state in both p53 wild type MCF-7 cells and p53 mutant T-47D cells and significantly delayed proliferative recovery. In addition, ARV-825 added after the Fulvestrant + Palbociclib combination promoted apoptosis and demonstrated efficacy in resistant RB deficient cell lines. These studies indicate that administration of BET inhibitors/degraders, which are currently being investigated in multiple clinical trials, may potentially improve standard of care therapy in metastatic ER+ breast cancer patients and may further prolong progression-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. Finnegan
- Departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Nipa H. Patel
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Liliya Tyutyunyk-Massey
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Tammy H. Tran
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Vishnu Kumarasamy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Erik S. Knudsen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Departments of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States,*Correspondence: David A. Gewirtz,
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13
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Saleh T, Khasawneh AI, Himsawi N, Abu-Raideh J, Ejeilat V, Elshazly AM, Gewirtz DA. Senolytic Therapy: A Potential Approach for the Elimination of Oncogene-Induced Senescent HPV-Positive Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415512. [PMID: 36555154 PMCID: PMC9778669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Senescence represents a unique cellular stress response characterized by a stable growth arrest, macromolecular alterations, and wide spectrum changes in gene expression. Classically, senescence is the end-product of progressive telomeric attrition resulting from the repetitive division of somatic cells. In addition, senescent cells accumulate in premalignant lesions, in part, as a product of oncogene hyperactivation, reflecting one element of the tumor suppressive function of senescence. Oncogenic processes that induce senescence include overexpression/hyperactivation of H-Ras, B-Raf, and cyclin E as well as inactivation of PTEN. Oncogenic viruses, such as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), have also been shown to induce senescence. High-risk strains of HPV drive the immortalization, and hence transformation, of cervical epithelial cells via several mechanisms, but primarily via deregulation of the cell cycle, and possibly, by facilitating escape from senescence. Despite the wide and successful utilization of HPV vaccines in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer, this measure is not effective in preventing cancer development in individuals already positive for HPV. Accordingly, in this commentary, we focus on the potential contribution of oncogene and HPV-induced senescence (OIS) in cervical cancer. We further consider the potential utility of senolytic agents for the elimination of HPV-harboring senescent cells as a strategy for reducing HPV-driven transformation and the risk of cervical cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tareq Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (D.A.G.)
| | - Ashraf I. Khasawneh
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Nisreen Himsawi
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Jumana Abu-Raideh
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology, and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Vera Ejeilat
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Ahmed M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - David A. Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (D.A.G.)
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