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Ma X, Zhuang H, Xu M, Hou F, Xue C. Association between cathepsins and skin cancers: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13905. [PMID: 39138831 PMCID: PMC11322223 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13905] [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: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several cathepsins have been identified as being involved in the development of cancer. Nevertheless, the connection between cathepsins and skin cancers remained highly elusive. METHODS A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to investigate the causal association between cathepsins and skin malignancies. The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data for cathepsins, malignant melanoma (MM), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were obtained from European research. The primary method employed was inverse variance weighted. In addition, MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode were also executed. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO. RESULTS From univariable MR (UVMR), cathepsin H, and S were determined to have a causal relationship with BCC. Additionally, cathepsin H was identified as associated with MM. Multivariable MR (MVMR) showed that after correcting for risk factors of skin carcinoma, cathepsin H was detected to be protective against BCC, whereas cathepsin S has been observed as a risk factor for BCC. No substantial pleiotropy and heterogeneity were identified in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION This study was the first to establish a direct link between cathepsins and skin malignancies. Cathepsin H and S have the potential to serve as new biomarkers for BCC, offering valuable assistance in the prompt identification, treatment, and prevention of the disease. Nevertheless, additional clinical trials are required to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Ma
- Department of Plastic SurgeryChanghai HospitalNaval Military Medical UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Haocheng Zhuang
- Department of Plastic SurgeryChanghai HospitalNaval Military Medical UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mingze Xu
- Department of Plastic SurgeryChanghai HospitalNaval Military Medical UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Fangzhen Hou
- Department of Plastic SurgeryChanghai HospitalNaval Military Medical UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Chunyu Xue
- Department of Plastic SurgeryChanghai HospitalNaval Military Medical UniversityShanghaiPeople's Republic of China
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Manoharan S, Ying Ying L. Pyrimethamine reduced tumour growth in pre-clinical cancer models: a systematic review to identify potential pre-clinical studies for subsequent human clinical trials. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae021. [PMID: 38618181 PMCID: PMC11014785 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyrimethamine (PYR), a STAT3 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce tumour burden in mouse cancer models. It is unclear how much of a reduction occurred or whether the PYR dosages and route of administration used in mice were consistent with the FDA's recommendations for drug repurposing. Search engines such as ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, and other databases, including Google Scholar, were thoroughly searched, as was the reference list. The systematic review includes fourteen (14) articles. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using SYRCLE's guidelines. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, no meta-analysis was performed. According to the RoB assessment, 13/14 studies fall into the moderate RoB category, with one study classified as high RoB. None adhered to the ARRIVE guideline for transparent research reporting. Oral (FDA-recommended) and non-oral routes of PYR administration were used in mice, with several studies reporting very high PYR dosages that could lead to myelosuppression, while oral PYR dosages of 30 mg/kg or less are considered safe. Direct human equivalent dose translation is probably not the best strategy for comparing whether the used PYR dosages in mice are in line with FDA-approved strength because pharmacokinetic profiles, particularly PYR's half-life (t1/2), between humans (t1/2 = 96 h) and mice (t1/2 = 6 h), must also be considered. Based on the presence of appropriate control and treatment groups, as well as the presence of appropriate clinically proven chemotherapy drug(s) for comparison purposes, only one study (1/14) involving liver cancer can be directed into a clinical trial. Furthermore, oesophageal cancer too can be directed into clinical trials, where the indirect effect of PYR on the NRF2 gene may suppress oesophageal cancer in patients, but this must be done with caution because PYR is an investigational drug for oesophageal cancer, and combining it with proven chemotherapy drug(s) is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivananthan Manoharan
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lee Ying Ying
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, Johor Bahru 81750, Johor, Malaysia
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Wang J, Su Q, Chen K, Wu Q, Ren J, Tang W, Hu Y, Zhu Z, Cheng C, Tu K, He H, Zhang Y. Pyrimethamine upregulates BNIP3 to interfere SNARE-mediated autophagosome-lysosomal fusion in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:211-224. [PMID: 38464783 PMCID: PMC10921246 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common tumor types and remains a major clinical challenge. Increasing evidence has revealed that mitophagy inhibitors can enhance the effect of chemotherapy on HCC. However, few mitophagy inhibitors have been approved for clinical use in humans. Pyrimethamine (Pyr) is used to treat infections caused by protozoan parasites. Recent studies have reported that Pyr may be beneficial in the treatment of various tumors. However, its mechanism of action is still not clearly defined. Here, we found that blocking mitophagy sensitized cells to Pyr-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, Pyr potently induced the accumulation of autophagosomes by inhibiting autophagosome-lysosome fusion in human HCC cells. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that Pyr blocked autophagosome-lysosome fusion by upregulating BNIP3 to inhibit synaptosomal-associated protein 29 (SNAP29)-vesicle-associated membrane protein 8 (VAMP8) interaction. Moreover, Pyr acted synergistically with sorafenib (Sora) to induce apoptosis and inhibit HCC proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Pyr enhances the sensitivity of HCC cells to Sora, a common chemotherapeutic, by inhibiting mitophagy. Thus, these results provide new insights into the mechanism of action of Pyr and imply that Pyr could potentially be further developed as a novel mitophagy inhibitor. Notably, Pyr and Sora combination therapy could be a promising treatment for malignant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qi Su
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Kun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Qing Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jiayan Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wenjuan Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yu Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Zeren Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Kaihui Tu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Huaizhen He
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
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Paiboonrungruang C, Xiong Z, Lamson D, Li Y, Bowman B, Chembo J, Huang C, Li J, Livingston EW, Frank JE, Chen V, Li Y, Weissman B, Yuan H, Williams KP, Ben Major M, Chen X. Small molecule screen identifies pyrimethamine as an inhibitor of NRF2-driven esophageal hyperplasia. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102901. [PMID: 37776708 PMCID: PMC10558795 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102901] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE NRF2 is a master transcription factor that regulates the stress response. NRF2 is frequently mutated and activated in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which drives resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Therefore, a great need exists for NRF2 inhibitors for targeted therapy of NRF2high ESCC. DESIGN We performed high-throughput screening of two compound libraries from which hit compounds were further validated in human ESCC cells and a genetically modified mouse model. The mechanism of action of one compound was explored by biochemical assays. RESULTS Using high-throughput screening of two small molecule compound libraries, we identified 11 hit compounds as potential NRF2 inhibitors with minimal cytotoxicity at specified concentrations. We then validated two of these compounds, pyrimethamine and mitoxantrone, by demonstrating their dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effects on the expression of NRF2 and its target genes in two NRF2Mut human ESCC cells (KYSE70 and KYSE180). RNAseq and qPCR confirmed the suppression of global NRF2 signaling by these two compounds. Mechanistically, pyrimethamine reduced NRF2 half-life by promoting NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation in KYSE70 and KYSE180 cells. Expression of an Nrf2E79Q allele in mouse esophageal epithelium (Sox2CreER;LSL-Nrf2E79Q/+) resulted in an NRF2high phenotype, which included squamous hyperplasia, hyperkeratinization, and hyperactive glycolysis. Treatment with pyrimethamine (30 mg/kg/day, p.o.) suppressed the NRF2high esophageal phenotype with no observed toxicity. CONCLUSION We have identified and validated pyrimethamine as an NRF2 inhibitor that may be rapidly tested in the clinic for NRF2high ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chorlada Paiboonrungruang
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - Zhaohui Xiong
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - David Lamson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - Yahui Li
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - Brittany Bowman
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Julius Chembo
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Caizhi Huang
- Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - Jianying Li
- Euclados Bioinformatics Solutions, Cary, NC, 27519, USA
| | - Eric W Livingston
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 277599, USA
| | - Jon E Frank
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 277599, USA
| | - Vivian Chen
- Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Bernard Weissman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 277599, USA
| | - Hong Yuan
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 277599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 277599, USA; Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 277599, USA
| | - Kevin P Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA.
| | - M Ben Major
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Xiaoxin Chen
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; Cancer Research Program, Julius L. Chambers Biomedical Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA; Surgical Research Lab, Department of Surgery, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA; Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA.
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5
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Ramchandani S, Mohan CD, Mistry JR, Su Q, Naz I, Rangappa KS, Ahn KS. The multifaceted antineoplastic role of pyrimethamine against different human malignancies. IUBMB Life 2021; 74:198-212. [PMID: 34921584 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The chemotherapeutic agents that are in clinical practice possess a broad range of severe adverse effects towards vital organs which emphasizes the importance of the discovery of new therapeutic agents or repurposing of existing drugs for the treatment of human cancers. Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic drug used for the treatment of malaria and toxoplasmosis with a well-documented excellent safety profile. In the last five years, numerous efforts have been made to explore the anticancer potential of pyrimethamine in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models and to repurpose it as an anticancer agent. The studies have demonstrated that pyrimethamine inhibits oncogenic proteins such as STAT3, NF-κB, DX2, MAPK, DHFR, thymidine phosphorylase, telomerase, and many more in a different types of cancer models. Moreover, pyrimethamine has been reported to work in synergy with other anticancer agents, such as temozolomide, to induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Recently, the results of phase-1/2 clinical trials demonstrated that pyrimethamine administration reduces the expression of STAT3 signature genes in tumor tissues of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with a good therapeutic response. In the present article, we have reviewed most of the published papers related to the antitumor effects of pyrimethamine in malignancies of breast, liver, lung, skin, ovary, prostate, pituitary, and leukemia in in vitro and in vivo settings. We have also discussed the pharmacokinetic profile and results of clinical trials obtained after pyrimethamine treatment. From these studies, we believe that pyrimethamine has the potential to be repurposed as an anticancer drug. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanaya Ramchandani
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Jenaifer Rustom Mistry
- Jenaifer Rustom Mistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Ave, 639798, Singapore
| | - Qi Su
- Qi Su, Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Rd, Singapore
| | - Irum Naz
- Irum Naz, Qaid-i-Azam, University of Islamabad & Institute of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, The Islamia University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 24 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Karunakaran KB, Yanamala N, Boyce G, Becich MJ, Ganapathiraju MK. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Interactome with 364 Novel Protein-Protein Interactions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1660. [PMID: 33916178 PMCID: PMC8037232 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer affecting the outer lining of the lung, with a median survival of less than one year. We constructed an 'MPM interactome' with over 300 computationally predicted protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and over 2400 known PPIs of 62 literature-curated genes whose activity affects MPM. Known PPIs of the 62 MPM associated genes were derived from Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets (BioGRID) and Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD). Novel PPIs were predicted by applying the HiPPIP algorithm, which computes features of protein pairs such as cellular localization, molecular function, biological process membership, genomic location of the gene, and gene expression in microarray experiments, and classifies the pairwise features as interacting or non-interacting based on a random forest model. We validated five novel predicted PPIs experimentally. The interactome is significantly enriched with genes differentially ex-pressed in MPM tumors compared with normal pleura and with other thoracic tumors, genes whose high expression has been correlated with unfavorable prognosis in lung cancer, genes differentially expressed on crocidolite exposure, and exosome-derived proteins identified from malignant mesothelioma cell lines. 28 of the interactors of MPM proteins are targets of 147 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. By comparing disease-associated versus drug-induced differential expression profiles, we identified five potentially repurposable drugs, namely cabazitaxel, primaquine, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim and gliclazide. Preclinical studies may be con-ducted in vitro to validate these computational results. Interactome analysis of disease-associated genes is a powerful approach with high translational impact. It shows how MPM-associated genes identified by various high throughput studies are functionally linked, leading to clinically translatable results such as repurposed drugs. The PPIs are made available on a webserver with interactive user interface, visualization and advanced search capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani B. Karunakaran
- Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
| | - Naveena Yanamala
- Exposure Assessment Branch, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Center for Disease Control, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (N.Y.); (G.B.)
| | - Gregory Boyce
- Exposure Assessment Branch, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Center for Disease Control, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (N.Y.); (G.B.)
| | - Michael J. Becich
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA;
| | - Madhavi K. Ganapathiraju
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA;
- Intelligent Systems Program, School of Computing and Information, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Enshaei H, Puiggalí-Jou A, Saperas N, Alemán C. Conducting polymer nanoparticles for a voltage-controlled release of pharmacological chaperones. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:3314-3321. [PMID: 33629701 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00036e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are low-molecular weight chemical molecules used in patients for the treatment of some rare diseases caused primarily by protein instability. A controlled and on-demand release of PCs via nanoparticles is an alternative for cases in which long treatments are needed and prolonged oral administration could have adverse effects. In this work, pyrimethamine (PYR), which is a potent PC consisting of pyrimidine-2,4-diamine substituted at position 5 by a p-chlorophenyl group and at position 6 by an ethyl group, was successfully loaded in electroresponsive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanoparticles (PEDOT NPs). The PYR-loading capacity was 11.4 ± 1.5%, with both loaded and unloaded PEDOT NPs exhibiting similar sizes (215 ± 3 and 203 ± 1 nm, respectively) and net surface charges (-26 ± 7 and -29 ± 6 mV, respectively). In the absence of electrical stimulus, the release of PC from loaded NPs is very low (1.6% in 24 h and 18% in 80 days) in aqueous environments. Instead, electrical stimuli that sustained for 30 min enhanced the release of PYR, which was ∼50% when the voltage was scanned from -0.5 V to 0.5 V (cyclic voltammetry) and ∼35% when a constant voltage of 1.0 V was applied (chronoamperometry).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Enshaei
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany 10-14, Ed. I2, 08019 Barcelona, Spain.
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Pyrimethamine exerts significant antitumor effects on human ovarian cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 30:571-578. [PMID: 30614834 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pyrimethamine has been used principally to treat infections from protozoan parasites. Although previous studies have shown that pyrimethamine exhibited anticancer activity by inducing cellular apoptosis, there are none that show that pyrimethamine possesses anticancer activity with respect to ovarian cancer. We examined the roles of pyrimethamine on apoptosis and proliferation, DNA damage, and cell cycle distribution of human ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. To investigate the antitumor efficacy of pyrimethamine in vivo, we established two intraperitoneal ovarian carcinoma models in nude mice. Pyrimethamine significantly induced apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells via growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and nuclear DNA damage in vitro and manifested antitumor activity by inhibiting tumor growth, thereby prolonging the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. We also demonstrated that pyrimethamine increased the expression of caspase-9 and decreased the expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. In conclusion, the antitumor effects of pyrimethamine were associated with enhanced apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibition of the growth of intratumoral microvessels. Our results indicate that pyrimethamine may provide an effective approach toward inhibiting the growth of ovarian cancer with minimal adverse effects.
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Anticancer Activity of Pyrimethamine via Ubiquitin Mediated Degradation of AIMP2-DX2. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122763. [PMID: 32549310 PMCID: PMC7355952 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2) is a tumor suppressor, its exon 2-depleted splice variant (AIMP2-DX2 or shortly DX2) is highly expressed in human lung cancer, and the ratio of DX2 to AIMP2 increases according to the progression of lung cancer. In this study, pyrimethamine inhibited the level of DX2 (IC50 = 0.73 µM) in A549 cells expressing nanoluciferase-tagged DX2. In a panel of 5 lung cancer cell lines with various DX2 levels, pyrimethamine most potently suppressed the growth of H460 cells, which express high levels of DX2 (GI50 = 0.01 µM). An immunoblot assay in H460 cells showed that pyrimethamine decreased the DX2 level dose-dependently but did not affect the AIMP2 level. Further experiments confirmed that pyrimethamine resulted in ubiquitination-mediated DX2 degradation. In an in vivo mouse xenograft assay using H460 cells, intraperitoneal administration of pyrimethamine significantly reduced the tumor size and weight, comparable with the effects of taxol, without affecting body weight. Analysis of tumor tissue showed a considerably high concentration of pyrimethamine with a decreased levels of DX2. These results suggest that pyrimethamine, currently used as anti-parasite drug, could be repurposed to treat lung cancer patients expressing high level of DX2.
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10
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Zhou X, Zhang J, Hu X, He P, Guo J, Li J, Lan T, Liu J, Peng L, Li H. Pyrimethamine Elicits Antitumor Effects on Prostate Cancer by Inhibiting the p38-NF-κB Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:758. [PMID: 32523533 PMCID: PMC7261869 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since incurable castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) inevitably develops following treatment with androgen deprivation therapy, there is an urgent need to devise new therapeutic strategies to treat this cancer. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimalarial drug, is known to exert an antitumor activity in various types of human cancer cells. However, whether pyrimethamine can inhibit prostate cancer is not well established. Hence, the present study aimed to characterize the mechanism of action of pyrimethamine on prostate cancer. We investigated the potential effect of pyrimethamine on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in metastatic DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells. We found that pyrimethamine inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in the S phase, and promoted cell apoptosis of prostate cells in vitro; it also suppressed tumor growth in xenograft models. In addition, we observed that pyrimethamine suppressed prostate cancer growth by inhibiting the p38-NF-κB axis in vitro and in vivo. Thus, this study demonstrates that pyrimethamine is a novel p38 inhibitor that can exert antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in prostate cancer by affecting cell cycle and intrinsic apoptotic signaling, thereby providing a novel strategy for using pyrimethamine in CRPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xumin Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinming Zhang
- Department of Respiration, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peiqing He
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyu Guo
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jumei Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lilan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Experimental Teaching Center of Preventive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Liu H, Qin Y, Zhai D, Zhang Q, Gu J, Tang Y, Yang J, Li K, Yang L, Chen S, Zhong W, Meng J, Liu Y, Sun T, Yang C. Antimalarial Drug Pyrimethamine Plays a Dual Role in Antitumor Proliferation and Metastasis through Targeting DHFR and TP. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:541-555. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Khan MW, Saadalla A, Ewida AH, Al-Katranji K, Al-Saoudi G, Giaccone ZT, Gounari F, Zhang M, Frank DA, Khazaie K. The STAT3 inhibitor pyrimethamine displays anti-cancer and immune stimulatory effects in murine models of breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:13-23. [PMID: 28875329 PMCID: PMC5783191 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor signal activator and transducer or transcription (STAT3), which regulates genes controlling proliferation, survival, and invasion, is activated inappropriately in many human cancers, including breast cancer. Activation of STAT3 can lead to both malignant cellular behavior and suppression of immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment. Through a chemical-biology screen, pyrimethamine (PYR), an FDA approved anti-microbial drug, was identified as an inhibitor of STAT3 function at concentrations known to be achieved safely in humans. We report that PYR shows therapeutic activity in two independent mouse models of breast cancer, with both direct tumor inhibitory and immune stimulatory effects. PYR-inhibited STAT3 activity in TUBO and TM40D-MB metastatic breast cancer cells in vitro and inhibited tumor cell proliferation and invasion into Matrigel basement membrane matrix. In tumor-transplanted mice, PYR had both direct and indirect tumor inhibitory effects. Tumor-bearing mice treated with PYR showed reduced STAT3 activation in tumor cells, attenuated tumor growth, and reduced tumor-associated inflammation. In addition, expression of Lamp1 by tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells was elevated, indicating enhanced release of cytotoxic granules. These findings suggest that PYR may have beneficial effects in the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad W Khan
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, NLS-407, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Saadalla
- Department of Immunology, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Guggenheim 3-42B, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ahmed H Ewida
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-250, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Khalid Al-Katranji
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-250, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ghadier Al-Saoudi
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-250, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Zachary T Giaccone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Fotini Gounari
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Chicago, JFK R314, 924 East 57th Street, MC 0930, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ming Zhang
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 3-250, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Khashayarsha Khazaie
- Department of Immunology, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Guggenheim 3-42B, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Jang JW, Song Y, Kim KM, Kim JS, Choi EK, Kim J, Seo H. Hepatocellular carcinoma-targeted drug discovery through image-based phenotypic screening in co-cultures of HCC cells with hepatocytes. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:810. [PMID: 27756242 PMCID: PMC5069815 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2816-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide and is associated with substantial mortality. Because HCCs have strong resistance to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve survival in HCC patients. Methods Here, we developed a fluorescence image-based phenotypic screening system in vitro to identify HCC-specific drugs in co-cultures of HCC cells with hepatocytes. To this end, we identified two distinctive markers of HCC, CHALV1 and AFP, which are highly expressed in HCC cell lines and liver cancer patient-derived materials. We applied these markers to an HCC-specific drug screening system. Results Through pilot screening, we identified three anti-folate compounds that had HCC-specific cytotoxicity. Among them, pyrimethamine exhibited the greatest HCC-specific cytotoxicity. Interestingly, pyrimethamine significantly increased the size and number of lysosomes and subsequently induced the release of cathepsin B from the lysosome to the cytosol, which triggered caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in Huh7 (HCC) but not Fa2N-4 cells (immortalized hepatocytes). Importantly, Fa2N-4 cells had strong resistance to pyrimethamine relative to Huh7 cells in 2D and 3D culture systems. Conclusion These results demonstrate that this in vitro image-based phenotypic screening platform has the potential to be widely adopted in drug discovery research, since we promptly estimated anticancer activity and hepatotoxicity and elucidated functional roles of pyrimethamine during the apoptosis process in HCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2816-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Woo Jang
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea.,Laboratory of Biochemistry, Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Yeonhwa Song
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea.,Laboratory of Biochemistry, Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Kang Mo Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ASAN Medical center, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpagu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Jin-Sun Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, ASAN Medical center, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpagu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Choi
- Division of Radiation Oncology, ASAN Medical center, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505, Korea
| | - Joon Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Korea.
| | - Haengran Seo
- Cancer Biology Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13488, Korea.
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14
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Tommasino C, Gambardella L, Buoncervello M, Griffin RJ, Golding BT, Alberton M, Macchia D, Spada M, Cerbelli B, d'Amati G, Malorni W, Gabriele L, Giammarioli AM. New derivatives of the antimalarial drug Pyrimethamine in the control of melanoma tumor growth: an in vitro and in vivo study. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:137. [PMID: 27599543 PMCID: PMC5013574 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background The antimalarial drug Pyrimethamine has been suggested to exert an antitumor activity by inducing apoptotic cell death in cancer cells, including metastatic melanoma cells. However, the dose of Pyrimethamine to be considered as an anticancer agent appears to be significantly higher than the maximum dose used as an antiprotozoal drug. Methods Hence, a series of Pyrimethamine analogs has been synthesized and screened for their apoptosis induction in two cultured metastatic melanoma cell lines. One of these analogs, the Methylbenzoprim, was further analyzed to evaluate cell-cycle and the mechanisms of cell death. The effects of Methylbenzoprim were also analyzed in a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-mouse xenotransplantation model. Results Low dose of Methylbenzoprim was capable of inducing cytotoxic activity and a potent growth-inhibitory effect by arresting cell cycle in S-phase in melanoma cells. Methylbenzoprim was also detected as powerful antineoplastic agents in SCID-mouse although used at very low dose and as a single agent. Conclusions Our screening approach led to the identification of a “low cost” newly synthesized drug (methylbenzoprim), which is able to act as an antineoplastic agent in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting melanoma tumor growth at very low concentrations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0409-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tommasino
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Section of Cell Aging and Degeneration, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Gambardella
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Section of Cell Aging and Degeneration, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Buoncervello
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roger J Griffin
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Bernard T Golding
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, School of Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Manuela Alberton
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Section of Cell Aging and Degeneration, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Macchia
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Spada
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruna Cerbelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Walter Malorni
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Section of Cell Aging and Degeneration, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giammarioli
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Section of Cell Aging and Degeneration, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Rabaça AN, Arruda DC, Figueiredo CR, Massaoka MH, Farias CF, Tada DB, Maia VC, Silva Junior PI, Girola N, Real F, Mortara RA, Polonelli L, Travassos LR. AC-1001 H3 CDR peptide induces apoptosis and signs of autophagy in vitro and exhibits antimetastatic activity in a syngeneic melanoma model. FEBS Open Bio 2016; 6:885-901. [PMID: 27642552 PMCID: PMC5011487 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody‐derived peptides modulate functions of the immune system and are a source of anti‐infective and antitumor substances. Recent studies have shown that they comprise amino acid sequences of immunoglobulin complementarity‐determining regions, but also fragments of constant regions. VH CDR3 of murine mAb AC‐1001 displays antimetastatic activities using B16F10‐Nex2 murine melanoma cells in a syngeneic model. The peptide was cytotoxic in vitro in murine and human melanoma cells inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis by the intrinsic pathway. Signs of autophagy were also suggested by the increased expression of LC3/LC3II and Beclin 1 and by ultrastructural evidence. AC‐1001 H3 bound to both G‐ and F‐actin and inhibited tumor cell migration. These results are important evidence of the antitumor activity of Ig CDR‐derived peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline N Rabaça
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX) Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
| | - Denise C Arruda
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX) Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil; Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes Brazil
| | - Carlos R Figueiredo
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX) Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
| | - Mariana H Massaoka
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX) Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
| | - Camyla F Farias
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX) Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
| | - Dayane B Tada
- Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) São José dos Campos Brazil
| | | | - Pedro I Silva Junior
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada Instituto Butantan São Paulo Brazil
| | - Natalia Girola
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX) Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
| | - Fernando Real
- Departamento de Parasitologia Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
| | - Renato A Mortara
- Departamento de Parasitologia Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
| | - Luciano Polonelli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit Department of Biomedical Biotechnological and Translational Sciences Universitá degli Studi di Parma Italy
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Unidade de Oncologia Experimental (UNONEX) Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil
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16
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Kundu CN, Das S, Nayak A, Satapathy SR, Das D, Siddharth S. Anti-malarials are anti-cancers and vice versa - one arrow two sparrows. Acta Trop 2015; 149:113-27. [PMID: 25963804 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Repurposing is the novel means of drug discovery in modern science due to its affordability, safety and availability. Here, we systematically discussed the efficacy and mode of action of multiple bioactive, synthetic compounds and their potential derivatives which are used to treat/prevent malaria and cancer. We have also discussed the detailed molecular pathway involved in anti-cancer potentiality of an anti-malarial drug and vice versa. Although the causative agents, pathophysiology and manifestation of both the diseases are different but special emphasis has been given on similar pathways governing disease manifestation and the drugs which act through deregulating those pathways. Finally, a future direction has been speculated to combat these two diseases by a single agent developed using nanotechnology. Extended combination and new formulation of existing drugs for one disease may lead to the discovery of drug for other diseases like an arrow for two sparrows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakya Nath Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, Department of Cancer Biology, KIIT University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India.
| | - Sarita Das
- School of Biotechnology, Department of Cancer Biology, KIIT University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Anmada Nayak
- School of Biotechnology, Department of Cancer Biology, KIIT University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Shakti Ranjan Satapathy
- School of Biotechnology, Department of Cancer Biology, KIIT University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Dipon Das
- School of Biotechnology, Department of Cancer Biology, KIIT University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
| | - Sumit Siddharth
- School of Biotechnology, Department of Cancer Biology, KIIT University, Campus-11, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India
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17
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Figueiredo CR, Matsuo AL, Pereira FV, Rabaça AN, Farias CF, Girola N, Massaoka MH, Azevedo RA, Scutti JAB, Arruda DC, Silva LP, Rodrigues EG, Lago JHG, Travassos LR, Silva RMG. Pyrostegia venusta heptane extract containing saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons induces apoptosis on B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells and displays antitumor activity in vivo. Pharmacogn Mag 2014; 10:S363-76. [PMID: 24991116 PMCID: PMC4078348 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.133284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pyrostegia venusta (Ker. Gawl.) Miers (Bignoniacea) is a medicinal plant from the Brazilian Cerrado used to treat leucoderma and common diseases of the respiratory system. Objective: To investigate the antitumor activity of P.venusta extracts against melanoma. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxic activity and tumor induced cell death of heptane extract (HE) from P. venusta flowers was evaluated against murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells in vitro and in a syngeneic model in vivo. Results: We found that HE induced apoptosis in melanoma cells by disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, induction of reactive oxygen species and late apoptosis evidenced by plasma membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface and activation of caspase-2,-3,-8,-9. HE was also protective against singeneyc subcutaneous melanoma HE compounds were also able to induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phases on tumor cells. On fractionation of HE in silica gel we isolated a cytotoxic fraction that contained a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons identified by 1H NMR and GC-MS analyses. Predominant species were octacosane (C28H58-36%) and triacontane (C30H62-13%), which individually showed significant cytotoxic activity against murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells in vitro and a very promising antitumor protection against subcutaneous melanoma in vivo. Conclusion: The results suggest that the components of the heptane extract, mainly octasane and triacontane, which showed antitumor properties in experimental melanoma upon regional administration, might also be therapeutic in human cancer, such as in the mostly epidermal and slowly invasive melanomas, such as acral lentiginous melanoma, as an adjuvant treatment to surgical excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos R Figueiredo
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alisson L Matsuo
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe V Pereira
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline N Rabaça
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Camyla F Farias
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nátalia Girola
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana H Massaoka
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A Azevedo
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jorge A B Scutti
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise C Arruda
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana P Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Phytochemistry Laboratory. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Elaine G Rodrigues
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Henrique G Lago
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Cell Biology Division and Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Regildo M G Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Phytochemistry Laboratory. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo State, Brazil
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Progress in tuberculosis vaccine development and host-directed therapies--a state of the art review. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2014; 2:301-20. [PMID: 24717627 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(14)70033-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis continues to kill 1·4 million people annually. During the past 5 years, an alarming increase in the number of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis has been noted, particularly in eastern Europe, Asia, and southern Africa. Treatment outcomes with available treatment regimens for drug-resistant tuberculosis are poor. Although substantial progress in drug development for tuberculosis has been made, scientific progress towards development of interventions for prevention and improvement of drug treatment outcomes have lagged behind. Innovative interventions are therefore needed to combat the growing pandemic of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. Novel adjunct treatments are needed to accomplish improved cure rates for multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. A novel, safe, widely applicable, and more effective vaccine against tuberculosis is also desperately sought to achieve disease control. The quest to develop a universally protective vaccine for tuberculosis continues. So far, research and development of tuberculosis vaccines has resulted in almost 20 candidates at different stages of the clinical trial pipeline. Host-directed therapies are now being developed to refocus the anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis-directed immune responses towards the host; a strategy that could be especially beneficial for patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis or extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. As we are running short of canonical tuberculosis drugs, more attention should be given to host-directed preventive and therapeutic intervention measures.
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19
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Hooft van Huijsduijnen R, Guy RK, Chibale K, Haynes RK, Peitz I, Kelter G, Phillips MA, Vennerstrom JL, Yuthavong Y, Wells TNC. Anticancer properties of distinct antimalarial drug classes. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82962. [PMID: 24391728 PMCID: PMC3877007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have tested five distinct classes of established and experimental antimalarial drugs for their anticancer potential, using a panel of 91 human cancer lines. Three classes of drugs: artemisinins, synthetic peroxides and DHFR (dihydrofolate reductase) inhibitors effected potent inhibition of proliferation with IC50s in the nM- low µM range, whereas a DHODH (dihydroorotate dehydrogenase) and a putative kinase inhibitor displayed no activity. Furthermore, significant synergies were identified with erlotinib, imatinib, cisplatin, dasatinib and vincristine. Cluster analysis of the antimalarials based on their differential inhibition of the various cancer lines clearly segregated the synthetic peroxides OZ277 and OZ439 from the artemisinin cluster that included artesunate, dihydroartemisinin and artemisone, and from the DHFR inhibitors pyrimethamine and P218 (a parasite DHFR inhibitor), emphasizing their shared mode of action. In order to further understand the basis of the selectivity of these compounds against different cancers, microarray-based gene expression data for 85 of the used cell lines were generated. For each compound, distinct sets of genes were identified whose expression significantly correlated with compound sensitivity. Several of the antimalarials tested in this study have well-established and excellent safety profiles with a plasma exposure, when conservatively used in malaria, that is well above the IC50s that we identified in this study. Given their unique mode of action and potential for unique synergies with established anticancer drugs, our results provide a strong basis to further explore the potential application of these compounds in cancer in pre-clinical or and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Richard K. Haynes
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | | | - Margaret A. Phillips
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jonathan L. Vennerstrom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Yongyuth Yuthavong
- BIOTEC, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand Science Park, Pathumthani, Thailand
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Dai C, Zhang B, Liu X, Guo K, Ma S, Cai F, Yang Y, Yao Y, Feng M, Bao X, Deng K, Jiao Y, Wei Z, Junji W, Xing B, Lian W, Wang R. Pyrimethamine sensitizes pituitary adenomas cells to temozolomide through cathepsin B-dependent and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:1982-93. [PMID: 23564480 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Congxin Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University; Dalian; Liaoning; People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohai Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University; Dalian; Liaoning; People's Republic of China
| | - Sihai Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Yakun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Xinjie Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Kan Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghui Jiao
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqing Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Junji
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lian
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
| | - Renzhi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery; Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College; Beijing; People's Republic of China
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Tiong IS, Strauss M, Lau MBY, Chiruka S. Cutaneous plasmablastic lymphoma in an immunocompetent patient with long-term pyrimethamine use for essential thrombocythemia: a case report and literature review. Case Rep Hematol 2013; 2013:541783. [PMID: 23476834 PMCID: PMC3580916 DOI: 10.1155/2013/541783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Epstein-Barr-virus-(EBV-) positive primary cutaneous plasmablastic lymphoma in a human-immunodeficiency-virus-(HIV-) negative, immunocompetent 62-year-old female patient. We postulate that her lymphoma development is due to the longstanding use of pyrimethamine for essential thrombocythemia. This has never been described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ing Soo Tiong
- Southern Blood and Cancer Service, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Magreet Strauss
- Division of Haematology, Southern Community Laboratories, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michael B. Y. Lau
- Division of Haematology, Southern Community Laboratories, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Shingirai Chiruka
- Southern Blood and Cancer Service, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- Division of Haematology, Southern Community Laboratories, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
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22
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Nilubol N, Zhang L, Shen M, Zhang YQ, He M, Austin CP, Kebebew E. Four clinically utilized drugs were identified and validated for treatment of adrenocortical cancer using quantitative high-throughput screening. J Transl Med 2012; 10:198. [PMID: 22999104 PMCID: PMC3493320 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug repurposing for cancer treatment is an emerging approach to discover clinically approved drugs that demonstrate antineoplastic effect. The effective therapeutics for patients with advanced adrenocortical carcinoma(ACC) are greatly needed. The objective of this study was to identify and validate drugs with antineoplastic effect in ACC cells using a novel quantitative high-throughput drug screening (qHTS) technique. METHODS A quantitative high-throughput proliferation assay of 2,816 clinically approved drugs was performed in the NCI-H295R ACC cell line. We validated the antiproliferative effect of candidate compounds in NCI-H295R cells. Further validation was performed in 3-dimensional multicellular aggregates (MCA) of NCI-H295R and SW-13 cell lines. RESULTS We identified 79 active compounds against ACC cells; 21 had an efficacy ≥ 60% and IC50 <1 μM. The top drug categories enriched were cardiotonic, antiseptic, and antineoplastic. We selected Bortezomib, ouabain, Methotrexate, pyrimethamine for validation. All had an antiproliferative effect in monolayer culture of NCI-H295R cells at clinical achievable serum level. Bortezomib and ouabain inhibited growth of MCA in both cell lines at a low concentration (10 fold below IC50). Methotrexate inhibited growth and caused disintegration of MCA in both cell lines at concentrations well below the maximum serum level (10 to 100 fold of IC50). Pyrimethamine caused growth inhibition in both cell lines at 10 fold of IC50 concentration. CONCLUSIONS qHTS of previously approved compounds is an effective and efficient method to identify anticancer drugs for a rare cancer such as ACC. We have validated the antineoplastic effect of Bortezomib, ouabain, Methotrexate and pyrimethamine, which could be translated into clinical trials in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naris Nilubol
- Endocrine Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1201, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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23
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Arruda DC, Santos LCP, Melo FM, Pereira FV, Figueiredo CR, Matsuo AL, Mortara RA, Juliano MA, Rodrigues EG, Dobroff AS, Polonelli L, Travassos LR. β-Actin-binding complementarity-determining region 2 of variable heavy chain from monoclonal antibody C7 induces apoptosis in several human tumor cells and is protective against metastatic melanoma. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:14912-22. [PMID: 22334655 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.322362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) from monoclonal antibodies tested as synthetic peptides display anti-infective and antitumor activities, independent of the specificity of the native antibody. Previously, we have shown that the synthetic peptide C7H2, based on the heavy chain CDR 2 from monoclonal antibody C7, a mAb directed to a mannoprotein of Candida albicans, significantly reduced B16F10 melanoma growth and lung colony formation by triggering tumor apoptosis. The mechanism, however, by which C7H2 induced apoptosis in tumor cells remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that C7H2 interacts with components of the tumor cells cytoskeleton, being rapidly internalized after binding to the tumor cell surface. Mass spectrometry analysis and in vitro validation revealed that β-actin is the receptor of C7H2 in the tumor cells. C7H2 induces β-actin polymerization and F-actin stabilization, linked with abundant generation of superoxide anions and apoptosis. Major phenotypes following peptide binding were chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation, annexin V binding, lamin disruption, caspase 8 and 3 activation, and organelle alterations. Finally, we evaluated the cytotoxic efficacy of C7H2 in a panel of human tumor cell lines. All tumor cell lines studied were equally susceptible to C7H2 in vitro. The C7H2 amide without further derivatization significantly reduced lung metastasis of mice endovenously challenged with B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells. No significant cytotoxicity was observed toward nontumorigenic cell lines on short incubation in vitro or in naïve mice injected with a high dose of the peptide. We believe that C7H2 is a promising peptide to be developed as an anticancer drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise C Arruda
- Experimental Oncology Unit (UNONEX), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo SP 04023-062, Brazil
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24
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Kyriakou LG, Tzirogiannis KN, Demonakou MD, Kourentzi KT, Mykoniatis MG, Panoutsopoulos GI. Gadolinium chloride pretreatment ameliorates acute cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity. Toxicol Ind Health 2011; 29:624-32. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233711430971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium is a known industrial and environmental pollutant. It causes hepatotoxicity upon acute administration. Features of cadmium-induced acute hepatoxicity encompass necrosis, apoptosis, peliosis and inflammatory infiltration. Gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) may prevent cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity by suppressing Kupffer cells. The effect of GdCl3 pretreatment on a model of acute cadmium-induced liver injury was investigated. Male Wistar rats 4–5 months old were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline followed by cadmium chloride (CdCl2; 6.5 mg/kg) or GdCl3 (10 mg/kg) followed by CdCl2 (6.5 mg/kg; groups I and II, respectively). Rats of both the groups were killed at 9, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 60 h after cadmium intoxication. Liver sections were analyzed for necrosis, apoptosis, peliosis and mitoses. Liver regeneration was also evaluated by tritiated thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also determined. Hepatic necrosis, hepatocyte and nonparenchymal cell apoptosis and macroscopic and microscopic types of peliosis hepatis were minimized by gadolinium pretreatment. Serum levels of AST and ALT were also greatly diminished in rats of group II. Tritiated thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA was increased in gadolinium pretreatment rats. Kupffer cell activation was minimal in both the groups of rats. Gadolinium pretreatment attenuates acute cadmium-induced liver injury in young Wistar rats, with mechanisms other than Kupffer cell elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas G Kyriakou
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria D Demonakou
- Histopathology Laboratory, Sismanoglion G.D. Hospital, Marousi, Attiki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi T Kourentzi
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael G Mykoniatis
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios I Panoutsopoulos
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical School, Athens University, Athens, Greece
- Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, Orthias Artemidos and Plateon, Sparta, Lakonia, Greece
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25
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Giammarioli AM, Gambardella L, Barbati C, Pietraforte D, Tinari A, Alberton M, Gnessi L, Griffin RJ, Minetti M, Malorni W. Differential effects of the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose on the activity of pro-apoptotic agents in metastatic melanoma cells, and induction of a cytoprotective autophagic response. Int J Cancer 2011; 131:E337-47. [PMID: 21913183 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is a synthetic glucose analogue that inhibits glycolysis and blocks cancer cell growth. In this report, we evaluated the role of 2DG in the induction of cell death in human metastatic melanoma cells. We have also examined the effects of 2DG in combined treatments with four different pro-apoptotic agents: (i) Temozolomide (TMZ), a chemotherapic drug commonly used to treat metastatic melanoma, (ii) Pyrimethamine (Pyr), a pro-apoptotic antifolate drug recently reappraised in cancer therapy, (iii) Cisplatin (CisPt), a drug capable of directly binding to DNA ultimately triggering apoptosis of cancer cells and (iv) the kinase inhibitor Staurosporine (STS), a prototypical inducer of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. We found that 2DG per se: (i) induced a cell cycle arrest in G(0) /G(1) , (ii) promoted autophagy, (iii) was ineffective in inducing apoptosis in association with the chemotherapic drug TMZ, whereas (iv) it was synergistic with CisPt and STS pro-apoptotic drugs through a mechanism involving changes of mitochondrial homeostasis. Conversely, (v) 2DG hindered the pro-apoptotic effects of Pyr via a mechanism involving either the block of cell cycle in G(0) /G(1) or the modification of the free radical production of the cell, i.e., decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the production of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Moreover, a clear-cut autophagic response involving endoplasmic reticulum remodelling was detectable. Since autophagic cytoprotection has been suggested to contribute to the induction of chemoresistance, these results could provide useful clues as concerns the use of 2DG as anticancer agent in combinatory protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Giammarioli
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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26
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Takakura A, Nelson EA, Haque N, Humphreys BD, Zandi-Nejad K, Frank DA, Zhou J. Pyrimethamine inhibits adult polycystic kidney disease by modulating STAT signaling pathways. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:4143-54. [PMID: 21821671 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a commonly inherited disorder mostly caused by mutations in PKD1, encoding polycystin-1 (PC1). The disease is characterized by development and growth of epithelium-lined cyst in both kidneys, often leading to renal failure. There is no specific treatment for this disease. Here, we report a sustained activation of the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in ischemic injured and uninjured Pkd1 knockout polycystic kidneys and in human ADPKD kidneys. Through a chemical library screen, we identified the anti-parasitic compound pyrimethamine as an inhibitor of STAT3 function. Treatment with pyrimethamine decreases cell proliferation in human ADPKD cells and blocks renal cyst formation in an adult and a neonatal PKD mouse model. Moreover, we demonstrated that a specific STAT3 inhibitor, S3I-201, reduces cyst formation and growth in a neonatal PKD mouse model. Our results suggest that PC1 acts as a negative regulator of STAT3 and that blocking STAT3 signaling with pyrimethamine or similar drugs may be an attractive therapy for human ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumi Takakura
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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27
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Rachakatla RS, Balivada S, Seo GM, Myers CB, Wang H, Samarakoon TN, Dani R, Pyle M, Kroh FO, Walker B, Leaym X, Koper OB, Chikan V, Bossmann SH, Tamura M, Troyer DL. Attenuation of mouse melanoma by A/C magnetic field after delivery of bi-magnetic nanoparticles by neural progenitor cells. ACS NANO 2010; 4:7093-104. [PMID: 21058696 PMCID: PMC3011034 DOI: 10.1021/nn100870z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Localized magnetic hyperthermia as a treatment modality for cancer has generated renewed interest, particularly if it can be targeted to the tumor site. We examined whether tumor-tropic neural progenitor cells (NPCs) could be utilized as cell delivery vehicles for achieving preferential accumulation of core/shell iron/iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) within a mouse model of melanoma. We developed aminosiloxane-porphyrin functionalized MNPs, evaluated cell viability and loading efficiency, and transplanted neural progenitor cells loaded with this cargo into mice with melanoma. NPCs were efficiently loaded with core/shell Fe/Fe(3)O(4) MNPs with minimal cytotoxicity; the MNPs accumulated as aggregates in the cytosol. The NPCs loaded with MNPs could travel to subcutaneous melanomas, and after A/C (alternating current) magnetic field (AMF) exposure, the targeted delivery of MNPs by the cells resulted in a measurable regression of the tumors. The tumor attenuation was significant (p < 0.05) a short time (24 h) after the last of three AMF exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Shekar Rachakatla
- Deryl Troyer, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, 228 Coles Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Sivasai Balivada
- Deryl Troyer, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, 228 Coles Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Gwi-Moon Seo
- Deryl Troyer, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, 228 Coles Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Carl B Myers
- Department of Diagnostic Pathobiology, 223 Mosier Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
| | - Hongwang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA, , phone: 785-532-6817, fax: 785-532-6666, http://www.k-state.edu/chem/
| | - Thilani N. Samarakoon
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA, , phone: 785-532-6817, fax: 785-532-6666, http://www.k-state.edu/chem/
| | - Raj Dani
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA, , phone: 785-532-6817, fax: 785-532-6666, http://www.k-state.edu/chem/
| | - Marla Pyle
- Deryl Troyer, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, 228 Coles Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Franklin O. Kroh
- NanoScale Corporation, 1310 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA, , phone: 785-537-0179, fax: 785-537-0226
| | - Brandon Walker
- NanoScale Corporation, 1310 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA, , phone: 785-537-0179, fax: 785-537-0226
| | - Xiaoxuan Leaym
- NanoScale Corporation, 1310 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA, , phone: 785-537-0179, fax: 785-537-0226
| | - Olga B. Koper
- NanoScale Corporation, 1310 Research Park Drive, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA, , phone: 785-537-0179, fax: 785-537-0226
| | - Viktor Chikan
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA, , phone: 785-532-6817, fax: 785-532-6666, http://www.k-state.edu/chem/
| | - Stefan H. Bossmann
- Department of Chemistry, 213 CBC Building, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA, , phone: 785-532-6817, fax: 785-532-6666, http://www.k-state.edu/chem/
| | - Masaaki Tamura
- Deryl Troyer, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, 228 Coles Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Deryl L. Troyer
- Deryl Troyer, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, 228 Coles Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Corresponding author: Deryl Troyer, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, 228 Coles Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA , phone: 785-532-4509, fax: 785-532-4557
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28
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Matarrese P, Ascione B, Ciarlo L, Vona R, Leonetti C, Scarsella M, Mileo AM, Catricalà C, Paggi MG, Malorni W. Cathepsin B inhibition interferes with metastatic potential of human melanoma: an in vitro and in vivo study. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:207. [PMID: 20684763 PMCID: PMC2925371 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cathepsins represent a group of proteases involved in determining the metastatic potential of cancer cells. Among these are cysteinyl- (e.g. cathepsin B and cathepsin L) and aspartyl-proteases (e.g. cathepsin D), normally present inside the lysosomes as inactive proenzymes. Once released in the extracellular space, cathepsins contribute to metastatic potential by facilitating cell migration and invasiveness. RESULTS In the present work we first evaluated, by in vitro procedures, the role of cathepsins B, L and D, in the remodeling, spreading and invasiveness of eight different cell lines: four primary and four metastatic melanoma cell lines. Among these, we considered two cell lines derived from a primary cutaneous melanoma and from a supraclavicular lymph node metastasis of the same patient. To this purpose, the effects of specific chemical inhibitors of these proteases, i.e. CA-074 and CA-074Me for cathepsin B, Cathepsin inhibitor II for cathepsin L, and Pepstatin A for cathepsin D, were evaluated. In addition, we also analyzed the effects of the biological inhibitors of these cathepsins, i.e. specific antibodies, on cell invasiveness. We found that i) cathepsin B, but not cathepsins L and D, was highly expressed at the surface of metastatic but not of primary melanoma cell lines and that ii) CA-074, or specific antibodies to cathepsin B, hindered metastatic cell spreading and dissemination, whereas neither chemical nor biological inhibitors of cathepsins D and L had significant effects. Accordingly, in vivo studies, i.e. in murine xenografts, demonstrated that CA-074 significantly reduced human melanoma growth and the number of artificial lung metastases. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a reappraisal of the use of cathepsin B inhibitors (either chemical or biological) as innovative strategy in the management of metastatic melanoma disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Matarrese
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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29
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Cystatin B inhibition of TRAIL-induced apoptosis is associated with the protection of FLIP(L) from degradation by the E3 ligase itch in human melanoma cells. Cell Death Differ 2010; 17:1354-67. [PMID: 20300110 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2010.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Past studies have identified a number of distinct mechanisms that contribute to the resistance of melanoma cells against apoptosis induced by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). In this report we show that cystatin B is another endogenous inhibitor of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Cystatin B-deficient melanoma cell lines established by shRNA knockdown displayed increased apoptosis that was associated with enhanced activation of caspase-8 induced by TRAIL. This was not related to the inhibitory effect of cystatin B on the lysosomal cysteine proteases, cathepsin B and L, as they did not have a role in TRAIL-induced apoptosis in most melanoma cell lines even when cystatin B was inhibited. Instead, sensitization of melanoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by inhibition of cystatin B appeared associated with decreased stability of FLIP(L) as the levels of FLIP(L) were reduced because of shortened half-life time in melanoma cells deficient in cystatin B. In contrast, over-expression of cystatin B increased the levels of FLIP(L), decreased the amount of the E3 ligase Itch associated with FLIP(L), and reduced FLIP(L) ubiquitination. Inhibition of Itch by siRNA restored the levels of FLIP(L) and blocked sensitization to TRAIL-induced apoptosis associated with deficiency in cystatin B. Taken together, these results indicate that cystatin B regulates Itch-mediated degradation of FLIP(L) and thereby TRAIL-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells.
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30
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Averette KM, Pratt MR, Yang Y, Bassilian S, Whitelegge JP, Loo JA, Muir TW, Bradley KA. Anthrax lethal toxin induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cytosolic cathepsin release is Nlrp1b/Nalp1b-dependent. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7913. [PMID: 19924255 PMCID: PMC2775945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are a group of cytoplasmic molecules that recognize microbial invasion or 'danger signals'. Activation of NLRs can induce rapid caspase-1 dependent cell death termed pyroptosis, or a caspase-1 independent cell death termed pyronecrosis. Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT), is recognized by a subset of alleles of the NLR protein Nlrp1b, resulting in pyroptotic cell death of macrophages and dendritic cells. Here we show that LT induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). The presentation of LMP requires expression of an LT-responsive allele of Nlrp1b, and is blocked by proteasome inhibitors and heat shock, both of which prevent LT-mediated pyroptosis. Further the lysosomal protease cathepsin B is released into the cell cytosol and cathepsin inhibitors block LT-mediated cell death. These data reveal a role for lysosomal membrane permeabilization in the cellular response to bacterial pathogens and demonstrate a shared requirement for cytosolic relocalization of cathepsins in pyroptosis and pyronecrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Averette
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Pratt
- Laboratory of Synthetic Protein Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yanan Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Sara Bassilian
- The Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, The NPI-Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Julian P. Whitelegge
- The Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, The NPI-Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph A. Loo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Tom W. Muir
- Laboratory of Synthetic Protein Chemistry, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A. Bradley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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31
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Giammarioli AM, Vona R, Gambardella L, Ascione B, Maselli A, Barbati C, Tinari A, Malorni W. Interferon-gamma bolsters CD95/Fas-mediated apoptosis of astroglioma cells. FEBS J 2009; 276:5920-35. [PMID: 19740103 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2009.07271.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of the resistance to CD95-mediated cell death and the effects of interferon-gamma in modulating the susceptibility to CD95-induced apoptosis of human astroglioma cells. We found that interferon-gamma administration sensitized cancer cells to CD95-mediated apoptosis. The mechanism underlying this sensitization appeared to be associated with a framework of cell changes, including up-regulation of death receptor at the cell surface, pro-apoptotic molecule Bax and Bak over-expression and mitochondria hyperpolarization, as is known to be associated with cell sensitization to apoptosis. An involvement of the proteasome activity in the mechanism of sensitization by interferon-gamma was also detected, probably as a result of the differing expression of catalytic proteasome subunits. Taken together, these findings suggest that interferon-gamma could represent a promising candidate for modulating astroglioma cell apoptotic susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Giammarioli
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Rome, Italy.
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32
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Richardson A, de Antueno R, Duncan R, Hoskin DW. Intracellular delivery of bovine lactoferricin's antimicrobial core (RRWQWR) kills T-leukemia cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 388:736-41. [PMID: 19699713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.08.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) is a cationic antimicrobial peptide with potent cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. The antimicrobial activity of LfcinB resides in its RRWQWR amino acid sequence (referred to here as LfcinB6); however, the anticancer activity of LfcinB6 is not known. Here, we show that free LfcinB6 did not kill T-leukemia or breast cancer cells but LfcinB6 was strongly cytotoxic when delivered to the cytosolic compartment by fusogenic liposomes. LfcinB6 bound weakly to isolated mitochondria but, unlike LfcinB, did not permeabilize mitochondria or cause cytochrome c to be released. Cathepsin B and caspase activity were important for cytotoxicity caused by intracellular LfcinB6 whereas reactive oxygen species were not involved. The mechanism of LfcinB6-induced cytotoxicity is therefore different from that of LfcinB. We suggest that LfcinB6, in combination with a fusogenic liposome delivery system that selectively targets malignant cells, has potential as a novel anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Richardson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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33
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Yamai H, Sawada N, Yoshida T, Seike J, Takizawa H, Kenzaki K, Miyoshi T, Kondo K, Bando Y, Ohnishi Y, Tangoku A. Triterpenes augment the inhibitory effects of anticancer drugs on growth of human esophageal carcinoma cells in vitro and suppress experimental metastasis in vivo. Int J Cancer 2009; 125:952-60. [PMID: 19462449 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The antineoplastic effects of combinations of anticancer drugs (5-fluorouracil, irinotecan and cisplatin) and triterpenes (ursolic acid, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and a Japanese apricot extract (JAE) containing triterpenes) on esophageal squamous carcinoma cells were examined by the WST-8 (2-(2-methoxy- 4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt) assay in vitro and by an animal model in vivo. Triterpenes and JAE showed additive and synergistic cytotoxic effects, respectively, on esophageal squamous carcinoma cells (YES-2 cells) by combinational use of 5-fluorouracil. JAE and 5-fluorouracil induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and at S phase, respectively, and caused apoptosis in YES-2 cells. A new animal model of esophageal cancer causing tumor colonization of the peritoneal cavity and producing bloody ascites was made by injecting YES-2 cells into the peritoneal cavity of a severe combined immunodeficiency mouse. In this model, 5-fluorouracil inhibited colonization of tumor cells in the peritoneum. The addition of JAE to 5-fluorouracil augmented the suppression of experimental metastasis of the peritoneum. The numbers of peritoneal nodules of more than 2 mm in diameter in mice treated with 5-fluorouracil and JAE were less than those in mice treated with 5-fluorouracil alone or JAE alone. These results suggest that triterpenes, especially JAE, are effective supplements for enhancing the chemotherapeutic effect of 5-fluorouracil on esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Yamai
- Department of Thoracic, Endocrine Surgery and Oncology, Institute of Health Bioscience, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Chen M, Osman I, Orlow SJ. Antifolate activity of pyrimethamine enhances temozolomide-induced cytotoxicity in melanoma cells. Mol Cancer Res 2009; 7:703-12. [PMID: 19435820 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-08-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most metastatic melanoma patients fail to respond to available therapy, underscoring the need to develop more effective treatments. We screened 2,000 compounds from the Spectrum Library in human melanoma cell lines to identify compounds that enhanced the cytotoxic effect of temozolomide, a drug used to treat metastatic melanoma. Screening was done with the temozolomide-resistant melanoma cell line SK-MEL-19, and six compounds were identified that had little or no inherent cytotoxicity but significantly enhanced growth-inhibition by temozolomide. These compounds were tested in five additional melanoma cell lines. Cell proliferation and death assays were used to compare the efficacy of single agent temozolomide versus combination treatments. Effects of combination treatment on levels of DNA double-strand breaks, the DNA repair protein O(6)-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase, apoptosis [measured by cleaved caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase], and cell cycle were examined. Pyrimethamine, an antiparasitic, sensitized melanoma cells to temozolomide. Temozolomide combined with Pyrimethamine synergistically inhibited cell proliferation in melanoma cells with combination index values of 0.7 or less. In addition, combination treatment induced cell cycle arrest and increased both DNA damage and apoptosis. The increase in cell death due to combination treatment was rescued by leucovorin. Other folate antagonists were also effective enhancers of temozolomide-induced cytotoxicity, and the effects of antifolates were also evident in gliomas. Our screening approach led to the identification of Pyrimethamine, an orally available drug that efficiently crosses the blood-brain barrier, as a potent enhancer of the efficacy of temozolomide as an antineoplastic agent via inhibition of folate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, and the New York University Cancer Institute Clinical Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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