Modulation of Acid Sphingomyelinase in Melanoma Reprogrammes the Tumour Immune Microenvironment

(S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate has the potential to improve atopic dermatitis symptoms in NC/Nga mice by upregulating epidermal barrier function and inhibiting type 2 alarmin cytokine induction

Atopic dermatitis is a multi-pathogenic disease characterized by chronic skin inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Therefore, improving the skin's ability to form an epidermal barrier and suppressing the production of cytokines that induce type 2 inflammatory responses are important for controlling atopic dermatitis symptoms. (-)-Blebbistatin, a non-muscle myosin II inhibitor, has been suggested to improve pulmonary endothelial barrier function and control inflammation by suppressing immune cell migration; however, its efficacy in atopic dermatitis is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate, a derivative of (-)-blebbistatin, improves dermatitis symptoms in a mite antigen-induced atopic dermatitis model using NC/Nga mice. The efficacy of the compound was confirmed using dermatitis scores, ear thickness measurements, serum IgE levels, histological analysis of lesions, and filaggrin expression analysis, which is important for barrier function. (S)-(-)-Blebbistatin O-benzoate treatment significantly reduced the dermatitis score and serum IgE levels compared to those in the vehicle group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the histological analysis revealed enhanced filaggrin production and a decreased number of mast cells (p < 0.05), indicating that (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate improved atopic dermatitis symptoms in a pathological model. In vitro analysis using cultured keratinocytes revealed increased expression of filaggrin, loricrin, involucrin, and ceramide production pathway-related genes, suggesting that (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate promotes epidermal barrier formation. Furthermore, the effect of (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate on type 2 alarmin cytokines, which are secreted from epidermal cells upon scratching or allergen stimulation and are involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, was evaluated using antigens derived from mite feces. The results showed that (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate inhibited the upregulation of these cytokines. Based on the above, (S)-(-)-blebbistatin O-benzoate has the potential to be developed as an atopic dermatitis treatment option that controls dermatitis symptoms by suppressing inflammation and improving barrier function by acting on multiple aspects of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.

FTO demethylates m6A modifications in CDKAL1 mRNA and promotes gastric cancer chemoresistance by altering mitochondrial dynamics

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common mRNA modification that is considered a new layer of mRNA epigenetic regulation. Demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) are important in the dynamic regulation of m6A, but their role in gastric cancer (GC) is not fully understood. This study revealed that FTO and CDKAL1 were up-regulated in GC cells and tissue. CDKAL1 is the downstream target of FTO-mediated m6A modification, with FTO promoting GC cell proliferation through CDKAL1 and inducing mitochondrial fusion, eventually causing GC chemoresistance. In conclusion, FTO contributes to the increasing resistance of GC cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) by upregulating CDKAL1 and inducing mitochondrial fusion.

Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency: A Clinical and Immunological Perspective

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme, leading to the accumulation of varying degrees of sphingomyelin. Lipid storage leads to foam cell infiltration in tissues, and clinical features including hepatosplenomegaly, pulmonary insufficiency and in some cases central nervous system involvement. ASM enzyme replacement therapy is currently in clinical trial being the first treatment addressing the underlying pathology of the disease. Therefore, presently, it is critical to better comprehend ASMD to improve its diagnose and monitoring. Lung disease, including recurrent pulmonary infections, are common in ASMD patients. Along with lung disease, several immune system alterations have been described both in patients and in ASMD animal models, thus highlighting the role of ASM enzyme in the immune system. In this review, we summarized the pivotal roles of ASM in several immune system cells namely on macrophages, Natural Killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, B cells and T cells. In addition, an overview of diagnose, monitoring and treatment of ASMD is provided highlighting the new enzyme replacement therapy available.

Acid Sphingomyelinase Controls Early Phases of Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by Shaping the Macrophage Phenotype

Skeletal muscle regeneration is a complex process involving crosstalk between immune cells and myogenic precursor cells, i.e., satellite cells. In this scenario, macrophage recruitment in damaged muscles is a mandatory step for tissue repair since pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages promote the activation of satellite cells, stimulating their proliferation and then, after switching into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, they prompt satellite cells' differentiation into myotubes and resolve inflammation. Here, we show that acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase), a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, is activated after skeletal muscle injury induced in vivo by the injection of cardiotoxin. ASMase ablation shortens the early phases of skeletal muscle regeneration without affecting satellite cell behavior. Of interest, ASMase regulates the balance between M1 and M2 macrophages in the injured muscles so that the absence of the enzyme reduces inflammation. The analysis of macrophage populations indicates that these events depend on the altered polarization of M1 macrophages towards an M2 phenotype. Our results unravel a novel role of ASMase in regulating immune response during muscle regeneration/repair and suggest ASMase as a supplemental therapeutic target in conditions of redundant inflammation that impairs muscle recovery.

Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 Heightens Anti-Melanoma Immune Responses and Anti-PD-1 Therapy Efficacy

Dysregulation of lipid metabolism affects the behavior of cancer cells, but how this happens is not completely understood. Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2), encoded by SMPD3, catalyzes the breakdown of sphingomyelin to produce the anti-oncometabolite ceramide. We found that this enzyme was often downregulated in human metastatic melanoma, likely contributing to immune escape. Overexpression of nSMase2 in mouse melanoma reduced tumor growth in syngeneic wild-type but not CD8-deficient mice. In wild-type mice, nSMase2-overexpressing tumors showed accumulation of both ceramide and CD8⁺ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and this was associated with increased level of transcripts encoding IFNγ and CXCL9. Overexpressing the catalytically inactive nSMase2 failed to alter tumor growth, indicating that the deleterious effect nSMase2 has on melanoma growth depends on its enzymatic activity. In vitro, small extracellular vesicles from melanoma cells overexpressing wild-type nSMase2 augmented the expression of IL12, CXCL9, and CCL19 by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, suggesting that melanoma nSMase2 triggers T helper 1 (Th1) polarization in the earliest stages of the immune response. Most importantly, overexpression of wild-type nSMase2 increased anti-PD-1 efficacy in murine models of melanoma and breast cancer, and this was associated with an enhanced Th1 response. Therefore, increasing SMPD3 expression in melanoma may serve as an original therapeutic strategy to potentiate Th1 polarization and CD8⁺ T-cell-dependent immune responses and overcome resistance to anti-PD-1.

Effect of 1α,25(OH)2 Vitamin D3 in Mutant P53 Glioblastoma Cells: Involvement of Neutral Sphingomyelinase1

Glioblastoma is one the most aggressive primary brain tumors in adults, and, despite the fact that radiation and chemotherapy after surgical approaches have been the treatments increasing the survival rates, the prognosis of patients remains poor. Today, the attention is focused on highlighting complementary treatments that can be helpful in improving the classic therapeutic approaches. It is known that 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3, a molecule involved in bone metabolism, has many serendipidy effects in cells. It targets normal and cancer cells via genomic pathway by vitamin D3 receptor or via non-genomic pathways. To interrogate possible functions of 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 in multiforme glioblastoma, we used three cell lines, wild-type p53 GL15 and mutant p53 U251 and LN18 cells. We demonstrated that 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 acts via vitamin D receptor in GL15 cells and via neutral sphingomyelinase1, with an enrichment of ceramide pool, in U251 and LN18 cells. Changes in sphingomyelin/ceramide content were considered to be possibly responsible for the differentiating and antiproliferative effect of 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D in U251 and LN18 cells, as shown, respectively, in vitro by immunofluorescence and in vivo by experiments of xenotransplantation in eggs. This is the first time 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 is interrogated for the response of multiforme glioblastoma cells in dependence on the p53 mutation, and the results define neutral sphingomyelinase1 as a signaling effector.

Sphingolipid Metabolism in Glioblastoma and Metastatic Brain Tumors: A Review of Sphingomyelinases and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary malignant brain tumor with a dismal prognosis, partially due to our inability to completely remove and kill all GBM cells. Rapid tumor recurrence contributes to a median survival of only 15 months with the current standard of care which includes maximal surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ), a blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrant chemotherapy. Radiation and TMZ cause sphingomyelinases (SMase) to hydrolyze sphingomyelins to generate ceramides, which induce apoptosis. However, cells can evade apoptosis by converting ceramides to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P has been implicated in a wide range of cancers including GBM. Upregulation of S1P has been linked to the proliferation and invasion of GBM and other cancers that display a propensity for brain metastasis. To mediate their biological effects, SMases and S1P modulate signaling via phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD). In addition, both SMase and S1P may alter the integrity of the BBB leading to infiltration of tumor-promoting immune populations. SMase activity has been associated with tumor evasion of the immune system, while S1P creates a gradient for trafficking of innate and adaptive immune cells. This review will explore the role of sphingolipid metabolism and pharmacological interventions in GBM and metastatic brain tumors with a focus on SMase and S1P.

New Insights into the Role of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is a deadly skin cancer whose aggressiveness is directly linked to its metastatic potency. Despite remarkable breakthroughs in term of treatments with the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the prognosis for metastatic patients remains uncertain mainly because of resistances. Better understanding the mechanisms responsible for melanoma progression is therefore essential to uncover new therapeutic targets. Interestingly, the sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated in melanoma and is associated with melanoma progression and resistance to treatment. This review summarises the impact of the sphingolipid metabolism on melanoma from the initiation to metastatic dissemination with emphasis on melanoma plasticity, immune responses and resistance to treatments.

Acid Sphingomyelinase Downregulation Enhances Mitochondrial Fusion and Promotes Oxidative Metabolism in a Mouse Model of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer. Its unique and heterogeneous metabolism, relying on both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, allows it to adapt to disparate conditions. Mitochondrial function is strictly interconnected with mitochondrial dynamics and both are fundamental in tumour progression and metastasis. The malignant phenotype of melanoma is also regulated by the expression levels of the enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (A-SMase). By modulating at transcriptional level A-SMase in the melanoma cell line B16-F1 cells, we assessed the effect of enzyme downregulation on mitochondrial dynamics and function. Our results demonstrate that A-SMase influences mitochondrial morphology by affecting the expression of mitofusin 1 and OPA1. The enhanced expression of the two mitochondrial fusion proteins, observed when A-SMase is expressed at low levels, correlates with the increase of mitochondrial function via the stimulation of the genes PGC-1alpha and TFAM, two genes that preside over mitochondrial biogenesis. Thus, the reduction of A-SMase expression, observed in malignant melanomas, may determine their metastatic behaviour through the stimulation of mitochondrial fusion, activity and biogenesis, conferring a metabolic advantage to melanoma cells.

Drp1 overexpression induces desmin disassembling and drives kinesin-1 activation promoting mitochondrial trafficking in skeletal muscle

Mitochondria change distribution across cells following a variety of pathophysiological stimuli. The mechanisms presiding over this redistribution are yet undefined. In a murine model overexpressing Drp1 specifically in skeletal muscle, we find marked mitochondria repositioning in muscle fibres and we demonstrate that Drp1 is involved in this process. Drp1 binds KLC1 and enhances microtubule-dependent transport of mitochondria. Drp1-KLC1 coupling triggers the displacement of KIF5B from kinesin-1 complex increasing its binding to microtubule tracks and mitochondrial transport. High levels of Drp1 exacerbate this mechanism leading to the repositioning of mitochondria closer to nuclei. The reduction of Drp1 levels decreases kinesin-1 activation and induces the partial recovery of mitochondrial distribution. Drp1 overexpression is also associated with higher cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (Cdk-1) activation that promotes the persistent phosphorylation of desmin at Ser-31 and its disassembling. Fission inhibition has a positive effect on desmin Ser-31 phosphorylation, regardless of Cdk-1 activation, suggesting that induction of both fission and Cdk-1 are required for desmin collapse. This altered desmin architecture impairs mechanotransduction and compromises mitochondrial network stability priming mitochondria transport through microtubule-dependent trafficking with a mechanism that involves the Drp1-dependent regulation of kinesin-1 complex.

XIAP as a Target of New Small Organic Natural Molecules Inducing Human Cancer Cell Death

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an emerging crucial therapeutic target in cancer. We report on the discovery and characterisation of small organic molecules from Piper genus plants exhibiting XIAP antagonism, namely erioquinol, a quinol substituted in the 4-position with an alkenyl group and the alkenylphenols eriopodols A–C. Another isolated compound was originally identified as gibbilimbol B. Erioquinol was the most potent inhibitor of human cancer cell viability when compared with gibbilimbol B and eriopodol A was listed as intermediate. Gibbilimbol B and eriopodol A induced apoptosis through mitochondrial permeabilisation and caspase activation while erioquinol acted on cell fate via caspase-independent/non-apoptotic mechanisms, likely involving mitochondrial dysfunctions and aberrant generation of reactive oxygen species. In silico modelling and molecular approaches suggested that all molecules inhibit XIAP by binding to XIAP-baculoviral IAP repeat domain. This demonstrates a novel aspect of XIAP as a key determinant of tumour control, at the molecular crossroad of caspase-dependent/independent cell death pathway and indicates molecular aspects to develop tumour-effective XIAP antagonists.

3D Quantitative and Ultrastructural Analysis of Mitochondria in a Model of Doxorubicin Sensitive and Resistant Human Colon Carcinoma Cells

Drug resistance remains a major obstacle in cancer treatment. Because mitochondria mediate metabolic reprogramming in cancer drug resistance, we focused on these organelles in doxorubicin sensitive and resistant colon carcinoma cells. We employed soft X-ray cryo nano-tomography to map three-dimensionally these cells at nanometer-resolution and investigate the correlation between mitochondrial morphology and drug resistance phenotype. We have identified significant structural differences in the morphology of mitochondria in the two strains of cancer cells, as well as lower amounts of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in resistant than in sensitive cells. We speculate that these features could elicit an impaired mitochondrial communication in resistant cells, thus preventing the formation of the interconnected mitochondrial network as clearly detected in the sensitive cells. In fact, the qualitative and quantitative three-dimensional assessment of the mitochondrial morphology highlights a different structural organization in resistant cells, which reflects a metabolic cellular adaptation functional to survive to the offense exerted by the antineoplastic treatment.

The Natural Compound Climacostol as a Prodrug Strategy Based on pH Activation for Efficient Delivery of Cytotoxic Small Agents

We synthesized and characterized MOMO as a new small molecule analog of the cytotoxic natural product climacostol efficiently activated in mild extracellular acidosis. The synthesis of MOMO had a key step in the Wittig olefination for the construction of the carbon-carbon double bond in the alkenyl moiety of climacostol. The possibility of obtaining the target (Z)-alkenyl MOMO derivative in very good yield and without presence of the less active (E)-diastereomer was favored from the methoxymethyl ether (MOM)-protecting group of hydroxyl functions in aromatic ring of climacostol aldehyde intermediate. Of interest, the easy removal of MOM-protecting group in a weakly acidic environment allowed us to obtain a great quantity of climacostol in biologically active (Z)-configuration. Results obtained in free-living ciliates that share the same micro-environment of the climacostol natural producer Climacostomum virens demonstrated that MOMO is well-tolerated in a physiological environment, while its cytotoxicity is rapidly and efficiently triggered at pH 6.3. In addition, the cytostatic vs. cytotoxic effects of acidified-MOMO can be modulated in a dose-dependent manner. In mouse melanoma cells, MOMO displayed a marked pH-sensitivity since its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects become evident only in mild extracellular acidosis. Data also suggested MOMO being preferentially activated in the unique extra-acidic microenvironment that characterizes tumoural cells. Finally, the use of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster fed with an acidic diet supported the efficient activity and oral delivery of MOMO molecule in vivo. MOMO affected oviposition of mating adults and larvae eclosion. Reduced survival of flies was due to lethality during the larval stages while emerging larvae retained their ability to develop into adults. Interestingly, the gut of eclosed larvae exhibited an extended damage (cell death by apoptosis) and the brain tissue was also affected (reduced mitosis), demonstrating that orally activated MOMO efficiently targets different tissues of the developing fly. These results provided a proof-of-concept study on the pH-dependence of MOMO effects. In this respect, MOM-protection emerges as a potential prodrug strategy which deserves to be further investigated for the generation of efficient pH-sensitive small organic molecules as pharmacologically active cytotoxic compounds.

Formyl peptide receptor 1 signalling promotes experimental colitis in mice

Inflammatory bowel disease is characterised by intricate immune cell interactions with tissue cells and such cross-talks can become deregulated. The formyl peptide receptor 1 (Fpr1) is expressed by both immune and stromal cells including epithelial cells. We evaluated the development of the physiopathology of the DNBS induced colitis in Fpr1 KO mice on the C57BL/6 genetic background compared to C57BL/6 genetic background animals. We have assessed both macroscopic and histological markers of the diseased, together with the immunohistochemical and molecular changes. DNBS-treated Fpr1 KO mice showed a i) reduction in weight loss, ii) lower extent of colon injury and iii) an increase in MPO activity. Molecular analyses indicated that in absence of Fpr1 there was reduced NF-κB translocation into the nucleus, cytokines levels, FOXP3 and GATA3, CD4, CD8 and CD45 expression as well as a dysregulation of TGF-β signalling. In addition, the colon of DNBS-injected Fpr1 KO mice displayed a lower degree of expression of Bax and higher expression of Bcl-2 compared correspondent WT mice. Finally, intravital microscopy investigation of the microcirculation post-DNBS instillation revealed a lower degree of neutrophil-endothelial cell rolling and adhesion - mediated by P-selectin and ICAM-1 - in Fpr1 KO mice. All the main outcome in the study have a P-value, statistical significance of evidence, less than 0.05. We provide evidence for an important pathogenic role of mouse Fpr1 in experimental colitis, an outcome effected through modulation of immune cell recruitment together with a modulation of local cellular activation and survival.

Bioactivity and Structural Properties of Novel Synthetic Analogues of the Protozoan Toxin Climacostol

Climacostol (5-[(2Z)-non-2-en-1-yl]benzene-1,3-diol) is a resorcinol produced by the protozoan Climacostomum virens for defence against predators. It exerts a potent antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens, inhibits the growth of several human and rodent tumour cells, and is now available by chemical synthesis. In this study, we chemically synthesized two novel analogues of climacostol, namely, 2-methyl-5 [(2Z)-non-2-en-1-yl]benzene-1,3-diol (AN1) and 5-[(2Z)-non-2-en-1-yl]benzene-1,2,3-triol (AN2), with the aim to increase the activity of the native toxin, evaluating their effects on prokaryotic and free-living protists and on mammalian tumour cells. The results demonstrated that the analogue bearing a methyl group (AN1) in the aromatic ring exhibited appreciably higher toxicity against pathogen microbes and protists than climacostol. On the other hand, the analogue bearing an additional hydroxyl group (AN2) in the aromatic ring revealed its ability to induce programmed cell death in protistan cells. Overall, the data collected demonstrate that the introduction of a methyl or a hydroxyl moiety to the aromatic ring of climacostol can effectively modulate its potency and its mechanism of action.

Dysfunctional autophagy induced by the pro-apoptotic natural compound climacostol in tumour cells

Autophagy occurs at a basal level in all eukaryotic cells and may support cell survival or activate death pathways. Due to its pathophysiologic significance, the autophagic machinery is a promising target for the development of multiple approaches for anti-neoplastic agents. We have recently described the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic mechanisms, targeting the tumour suppressor p53, of climacostol, a natural product of the ciliated protozoan Climacostomum virens. We report here on how climacostol regulates autophagy and the involvement of p53-dependent mechanisms. Using both in vitro and in vivo techniques, we show that climacostol potently and selectively impairs autophagy in multiple tumour cells that are committed to die by apoptosis. In particular, in B16-F10 mouse melanomas climacostol exerts a marked and sustained accumulation of autophagosomes as the result of dysfunctional autophagic degradation. We also provide mechanistic insights showing that climacostol affects autophagosome turnover via p53-AMPK axis, although the mTOR pathway unrelated to p53 levels plays a role. In particular, climacostol activated p53 inducing the upregulation of p53 protein levels in the nuclei through effects on p53 stability at translational level, as for instance the phosphorylation at Ser15 site. Noteworthy, AMPKα activation was the major responsible of climacostol-induced autophagy disruption in the absence of a key role regulating cell death, thus indicating that climacostol effects on autophagy and apoptosis are two separate events, which may act independently on life/death decisions of the cell. Since the activation of p53 system is at the molecular crossroad regulating both the anti-autophagic action of climacostol and its role in the apoptosis induction, it might be important to explore the dual targeting of autophagy and apoptosis with agents acting on p53 for the selective killing of tumours. These findings also suggest the efficacy of ciliate bioactive molecules to identify novel lead compounds in drug discovery and development.

Nitric Oxide Generated by Tumor-Associated Macrophages Is Responsible for Cancer Resistance to Cisplatin and Correlated With Syntaxin 4 and Acid Sphingomyelinase Inhibition

Tumor microenvironment is fundamental for cancer progression and chemoresistance. Among stromal cells tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the largest population of infiltrating inflammatory cells in malignant tumors, promoting their growth, invasion, and immune evasion. M2-polarized TAMs are endowed with the nitric oxide (NO)-generating enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). NO has divergent effects on tumors, since it can either stimulate tumor cells growth or promote their death depending on the source of it; likewise the role of iNOS in cancer differs depending on the cell type. The role of NO generated by TAMs has not been investigated. Using different tumor models in vitro and in vivo we found that NO generated by iNOS of M2-polarized TAMs is able to protect tumor cells from apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (CDDP). Here, we demonstrate that the protective effect of NO depends on the inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase (A-SMase), which is activated by CDDP in a pathway involving the death receptor CD95. Mechanistic insights indicate that NO actions occur via generation of cyclic GMP and activation of protein kinase G (PKG), inducing phosphorylation of syntaxin 4 (synt4), a SNARE protein responsible for A-SMase trafficking and activation. Noteworthy, phosphorylation of synt4 at serine 78 by PKG is responsible for the proteasome-dependent degradation of synt4, which limits the CDDP-induced exposure of A-SMase to the plasma membrane of tumor cells. This inhibits the cytotoxic mechanism of CDDP reducing A-SMase-triggered apoptosis. This is the first demonstration that endogenous NO system is a key mechanism through which TAMs protect tumor cells from chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis. The identification of the pathway responsible for A-SMase activity downregulation in tumors leading to chemoresistance warrants further investigations as a means to identify new anti-cancer molecules capable of specifically inhibiting synt4 degradation.

Essential role for acid sphingomyelinase-inhibited autophagy in melanoma response to cisplatin

The sphingolipid metabolising enzyme Acid Sphingomyelinase (A-SMase) has been recently shown to inhibit melanoma progression and correlate inversely to tumour grade. In this study we have investigated the role of A-SMase in the chemo-resistance to anticancer treatmentusing mice with melanoma allografts and melanoma cells differing in terms of expression/activity of A-SMase. Since autophagy is emerging as a key mechanism in tumour growth and chemo-resistance, we have also investigated whether an action of A-SMase in autophagy can explain its role. Melanoma sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin in terms of cell viability/apoptosis, tumour growth, and animal survival depended directly on the A-SMase levels in tumoural cells. A-SMase action was due to inhibition of autophagy through activation of Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Treatment of melanoma-bearing mice with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine restored sensitivity to cisplatin of tumours expressing low levels of A-SMase while no additive effects were observed in tumours characterised by sustained A-SMase levels. The fact that A-SMase in melanomas affects mTOR-regulated autophagy and plays a central role in cisplatin efficacy encourages pre-clinical testing on the modulation of A-SMase levels/activity as possible novel anti-neoplastic strategy.

Natural products from aquatic eukaryotic microorganisms for cancer therapy: Perspectives on anti-tumour properties of ciliate bioactive molecules

Several modern drugs, including those for cancer therapy, have been isolated from natural sources, are based on natural products and its derivatives, or mime natural products. Some of them are in clinical use, others in clinical trials. The success of natural products in drug discovery is related to their biochemical characteristics and to the technologic methods used to study their feature. Natural compounds may acts as chemo-preventive agents and as factors that increase therapeutic efficacy of existing drugs, thus overcoming cancer cell drug resistance that is the main factor determining the failure in conventional chemotherapy. Water environment, because of its physical and chemical conditions, shows an extraordinary collection of natural biological substances with an extensive structural and functional diversity. The isolation of bioactive molecules has been reported from a great variety of aquatic organisms; however, the therapeutic application of molecules from eukaryotic microorganisms remains inadequately investigated and underexploited on a systematic basis. Herein we describe the biological activities in mammalian cells of selected substances isolated from ciliates, free-living protozoa common almost everywhere there is water, focusing on their anti-tumour actions and their possible therapeutic activity. In particular, we unveil the cellular and molecular machine mediating the effects of cell type-specific signalling protein pheromone Er-1 and secondary metabolites, i.e. euplotin C and climacostol, in cancer cells. To support the feasibility of climacostol-based approaches, we also present novel findings and report additional mechanisms of action using both in vitro and in vivo models of mouse melanomas, with the scope of highlighting new frontiers that can be explored also in a therapeutic perspective. The high skeletal chemical difference of ciliate compounds, their sustainability and availability, also through the use of new organic synthesis/modifications processes, and the results obtained so far in biological studies provide a rationale to consider some of them a potential resource for the design of new anti-cancer drugs.

Climacostol reduces tumour progression in a mouse model of melanoma via the p53-dependent intrinsic apoptotic programme

Climacostol, a compound produced by the ciliated protozoan Climacostomum virens, displayed cytotoxic properties in vitro. This study demonstrates that it has anti-tumour potential. Climacostol caused a reduction of viability/proliferation of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells, a rapidly occurring DNA damage, and induced the intrinsic apoptotic pathway characterised by the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, the translocation of Bax to the mitochondria, the release of Cytochrome c from the mitochondria, and the activation of Caspase 9-dependent cleavage of Caspase 3. The apoptotic mechanism of climacostol was found to rely on the up-regulation of p53 and its targets Noxa and Puma. In vivo analysis of B16-F10 allografts revealed a persistent inhibition of tumour growth rate when melanomas were treated with intra-tumoural injections of climacostol. In addition, it significantly improved the survival of transplanted mice, decreased tumour weight, induced a remarkable reduction of viable cells inside the tumour, activated apoptosis and up-regulated the p53 signalling network. Importantly, climacostol toxicity was more selective against tumour than non-tumour cells. The anti-tumour properties of climacostol and the molecular events associated with its action indicate that it is a powerful agent that may be considered for the design of pro-apoptotic drugs for melanoma therapy.