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Wagner PM, Fornasier SJ, Guido ME. Pharmacological Modulation of the Cytosolic Oscillator Affects Glioblastoma Cell Biology. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:51. [PMID: 38907776 PMCID: PMC11193694 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01485-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The circadian system is a conserved time-keeping machinery that regulates a wide range of processes such as sleep/wake, feeding/fasting, and activity/rest cycles to coordinate behavior and physiology. Circadian disruption can be a contributing factor in the development of metabolic diseases, inflammatory disorders, and higher risk of cancer. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive grade 4 brain tumor that is resistant to conventional therapies and has a poor prognosis after diagnosis, with a median survival of only 12-15 months. GBM cells kept in culture were shown to contain a functional circadian oscillator. In seeking more efficient therapies with lower side effects, we evaluated the pharmacological modulation of the circadian clock by targeting the cytosolic kinases glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and casein kinase 1 ε/δ (CK1ε/δ) with specific inhibitors (CHIR99021 and PF670462, respectively), the cryptochrome protein stabilizer (KL001), or circadian disruption after Per2 knockdown expression in GBM-derived cells. CHIR99021-treated cells had a significant effect on cell viability, clock protein expression, migration, and cell cycle distribution. Moreover, cultures exhibited higher levels of reactive oxygen species and alterations in lipid droplet content after GSK-3 inhibition compared to control cells. The combined treatment of CHIR99021 with temozolomide was found to improve the effect on cell viability compared to temozolomide therapy alone. Per2 disruption affected both GBM migration and cell cycle progression. Overall, our results suggest that pharmacological modulation or molecular clock disruption severely affects GBM cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M Wagner
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC)-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Santiago J Fornasier
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC)-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Mario E Guido
- Centro de Investigaciones en Química Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC)-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
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2
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Lai S, Wang P, Gong J, Zhang S. New insights into the role of GSK-3β in the brain: from neurodegenerative disease to tumorigenesis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16635. [PMID: 38107562 PMCID: PMC10722984 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase widely expressed in various tissues and organs. Unlike other kinases, GSK-3 is active under resting conditions and is inactivated upon stimulation. In mammals, GSK-3 includes GSK-3 α and GSK-3β isoforms encoded by two homologous genes, namely, GSK3A and GSK3B. GSK-3β is essential for the control of glucose metabolism, signal transduction, and tissue homeostasis. As more than 100 known proteins have been identified as GSK-3β substrates, it is sometimes referred to as a moonlighting kinase. Previous studies have elucidated the regulation modes of GSK-3β. GSK-3β is involved in almost all aspects of brain functions, such as neuronal morphology, synapse formation, neuroinflammation, and neurological disorders. Recently, several comparatively specific small molecules have facilitated the chemical manipulation of this enzyme within cellular systems, leading to the discovery of novel inhibitors for GSK-3β. Despite these advancements, the therapeutic significance of GSK-3β as a drug target is still complicated by uncertainties surrounding the potential of inhibitors to stimulate tumorigenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate mechanisms of this enzyme and evaluates the existing evidence regarding the therapeutic potential of GSK-3β in brain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, mood disorders, and glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenjin Lai
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingru Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Hellmold D, Kubelt C, Daunke T, Beckinger S, Janssen O, Hauck M, Schütt F, Adelung R, Lucius R, Haag J, Sebens S, Synowitz M, Held-Feindt J. Sequential Treatment with Temozolomide Plus Naturally Derived AT101 as an Alternative Therapeutic Strategy: Insights into Chemoresistance Mechanisms of Surviving Glioblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109075. [PMID: 37240419 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a poorly treatable disease due to the fast development of tumor recurrences and high resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. To overcome the highly adaptive behavior of GBMs, especially multimodal therapeutic approaches also including natural adjuvants have been investigated. However, despite increased efficiency, some GBM cells are still able to survive these advanced treatment regimens. Given this, the present study evaluates representative chemoresistance mechanisms of surviving human GBM primary cells in a complex in vitro co-culture model upon sequential application of temozolomide (TMZ) combined with AT101, the R(-) enantiomer of the naturally occurring cottonseed-derived gossypol. Treatment with TMZ+AT101/AT101, although highly efficient, yielded a predominance of phosphatidylserine-positive GBM cells over time. Analysis of the intracellular effects revealed phosphorylation of AKT, mTOR, and GSK3ß, resulting in the induction of various pro-tumorigenic genes in surviving GBM cells. A Torin2-mediated mTOR inhibition combined with TMZ+AT101/AT101 partly counteracted the observed TMZ+AT101/AT101-associated effects. Interestingly, treatment with TMZ+AT101/AT101 concomitantly changed the amount and composition of extracellular vesicles released from surviving GBM cells. Taken together, our analyses revealed that even when chemotherapeutic agents with different effector mechanisms are combined, a variety of chemoresistance mechanisms of surviving GBM cells must be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Hellmold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Carolin Kubelt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Tina Daunke
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Silje Beckinger
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ottmar Janssen
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Margarethe Hauck
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143 Kiel, Germany
| | - Fabian Schütt
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143 Kiel, Germany
| | - Rainer Adelung
- Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Kiel University, 24143 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ralph Lucius
- Institute of Anatomy, Kiel University, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jochen Haag
- Department of Pathology, Kiel University, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Synowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Janka Held-Feindt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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Manfreda L, Rampazzo E, Persano L. Wnt Signaling in Brain Tumors: A Challenging Therapeutic Target. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050729. [PMID: 37237541 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of Wnt signaling in normal tissue homeostasis and disease has been widely demonstrated over the last 20 years. In particular, dysregulation of Wnt pathway components has been suggested as a relevant hallmark of several neoplastic malignancies, playing a role in cancer onset, progression, and response to treatments. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the instructions provided by Wnt signaling during organogenesis and, particularly, brain development. Moreover, we recapitulate the most relevant mechanisms through which aberrant Wnt pathway activation may impact on brain tumorigenesis and brain tumor aggressiveness, with a particular focus on the mutual interdependency existing between Wnt signaling components and the brain tumor microenvironment. Finally, the latest anti-cancer therapeutic approaches employing the specific targeting of Wnt signaling are extensively reviewed and discussed. In conclusion, here we provide evidence that Wnt signaling, due to its pleiotropic involvement in several brain tumor features, may represent a relevant target in this context, although additional efforts will be needed to: (i) demonstrate the real clinical impact of Wnt inhibition in these tumors; (ii) overcome some still unsolved concerns about the potential systemic effects of such approaches; (iii) achieve efficient brain penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Manfreda
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Rampazzo
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
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Emmerich TD, Hayes JM. In Silico-Motivated Discovery of Novel Potent Glycogen Synthase-3 Inhibitors: 1-(Alkyl/arylamino)-3H-naphtho[1,2,3-de]quinoline-2,7-dione Identified as a Scaffold for Kinase Inhibitor Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050661. [PMID: 37242443 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) isoforms α and β have diverse roles within cell biology, and have been linked with multiple diseases that include prominent CNS conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and several psychiatric disorders. In this study, motivated by computation, we aimed to identify novel ATP-binding site inhibitors of GSK-3 with CNS-active potential. A ligand screening (docking) protocol against GSK-3β was first optimized, employing an active/decoy benchmarking set, with the final protocol selected based on statistical performance analysis. The optimized protocol involved pre-filtering of ligands using a three-point 3D-pharmacophore, followed by Glide-SP docking applying hinge region hydrogen bonding constraints. Using this approach, the Biogenic subset of the ZINC15 compound database was screened, focused on compounds with potential for CNS-activity. Twelve compounds (generation I) were selected for experimental validation using in vitro GSK-3β binding assays. Two hit compounds, 1 and 2, with 6-amino-7H-benzo[e]perimidin-7-one and 1-(phenylamino)-3H-naphtho[1,2,3-de]quinoline-2,7-dione type scaffolds were identified with IC50 values of 1.63 µM and 20.55 µM, respectively. Ten analogues of 2 (generation II) were selected for structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis and revealed four low micromolar inhibitors (<10 µM), with 19 (IC50 = 4.1 µM)~five times more potent than initial hit compound 2. Selectivity screening of low micromolar inhibitors 14 and 19 (comparing aryl- and alkyl-substituents) against 10 homologous kinases revealed unique selectivity profiles, with both compounds more potent against the GSK-3α isoform (IC50s~2 µM) and, additionally, inhibitors of PKBβ (IC50s < 25 µM). Compound 14 also inhibited ERK2 and 19, PKCγ, but generally good selectivity for GSK-3 isoforms over the other kinases was observed. The compounds had excellent predicted oral bioavailability and CNS-activity profiles, presenting promising candidates for future testing in cellular models of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Emmerich
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Joseph M Hayes
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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6
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He Q, Wu S, Gao F, Xu X, Wang S, Xu Z, Huang M, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Quan F. Diluent pH affects sperm motility via GSK3 α/β-hexokinase pathway for the efficient enrichment of X-sperm to increase the female kids rate of dairy goats. Theriogenology 2023; 201:1-11. [PMID: 36801817 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.012] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Dairy goats are the goats bred with the ability to produce large quantities of milk, and the increase of the female kid rate of breeding dairy goats is beneficial for milk production and economic benefits of dairy goat farms. Our previous study revealed that regulating the pH of dairy goat semen diluent to 6.2 or 7.4 respectively, the proportion of X chromosome bearing sperm (X-sperm) in the up and down layers of the tube after incubation was significantly higher than that of Y chromosome bearing sperm (Y-sperm) i.e. enriched X-sperm. In this study, fresh dairy goat semen collected in different seasons was diluted in different pH solutions to calculate the number and rate of X-sperm and to measure the functional parameters of enriched sperm. The artificial insemination experiments were performed with enriched X-sperm. The mechanisms of regulating the pH of diluent affecting sperm enrichment were further studied. The results showed that the proportion of enriched X-sperm in pH 6.2 and 7.4 diluents of sperm collected in different seasons showed no significantly different, but were significantly higher than that of the control group (pH 6.8). The in vitro functional parameters of X-sperm enriched in pH 6.2 and 7.4 diluent solution were not significantly different from those of the control group (P > 0.05). After artificial insemination with X-sperm enriched in pH7.4 diluent, the proportion of female offspring was significantly higher than that of the control group. It was found that the regulating pH of the diluent affected sperm mitochondrial activity and glucose uptake capacity via phosphorylating NF-κB and GSK3α/β proteins. The motility activity of X-sperm was enhanced under acidic conditions and weakened under alkaline conditions, which was conducive to the effective enrichment of X-sperm. This study demonstrated that the number and proportion of X-sperm enriched using pH 7.4 diluent were elevated, and the proportion of female kids was increased. This technology can be used for the reproduction and production of dairy goats in farms at large scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifu He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shenghui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xuerui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shaowen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhiming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Fusheng Quan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Northwest A&F University, Taicheng Road, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Deka K, Li Y. Transcriptional Regulation during Aberrant Activation of NF-κB Signalling in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050788. [PMID: 36899924 PMCID: PMC10001244 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The NF-κB signalling pathway is a major signalling cascade involved in the regulation of inflammation and innate immunity. It is also increasingly recognised as a crucial player in many steps of cancer initiation and progression. The five members of the NF-κB family of transcription factors are activated through two major signalling pathways, the canonical and non-canonical pathways. The canonical NF-κB pathway is prevalently activated in various human malignancies as well as inflammation-related disease conditions. Meanwhile, the significance of non-canonical NF-κB pathway in disease pathogenesis is also increasingly recognized in recent studies. In this review, we discuss the double-edged role of the NF-κB pathway in inflammation and cancer, which depends on the severity and extent of the inflammatory response. We also discuss the intrinsic factors, including selected driver mutations, and extrinsic factors, such as tumour microenvironment and epigenetic modifiers, driving aberrant activation of NF-κB in multiple cancer types. We further provide insights into the importance of the interaction of NF-κB pathway components with various macromolecules to its role in transcriptional regulation in cancer. Finally, we provide a perspective on the potential role of aberrant NF-κB activation in altering the chromatin landscape to support oncogenic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamalakshi Deka
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Yinghui Li
- School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6316-2947
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Lithium: A Promising Anticancer Agent. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020537. [PMID: 36836894 PMCID: PMC9966411 DOI: 10.3390/life13020537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lithium is a therapeutic cation used to treat bipolar disorders but also has some important features as an anti-cancer agent. In this review, we provide a general overview of lithium, from its transport into cells, to its innovative administration forms, and based on genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Lithium formulations such as lithium acetoacetate (LiAcAc), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium citrate (Li3C6H5O7), and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) induce apoptosis, autophagy, and inhibition of tumor growth and also participate in the regulation of tumor proliferation, tumor invasion, and metastasis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, lithium is synergistic with standard cancer therapies, enhancing their anti-tumor effects. In addition, lithium has a neuroprotective role in cancer patients, by improving their quality of life. Interestingly, nano-sized lithium enhances its anti-tumor activities and protects vital organs from the damage caused by lipid peroxidation during tumor development. However, these potential therapeutic activities of lithium depend on various factors, such as the nature and aggressiveness of the tumor, the type of lithium salt, and its form of administration and dosage. Since lithium has been used to treat bipolar disorder, the current study provides an overview of its role in medicine and how this has changed. This review also highlights the importance of this repurposed drug, which appears to have therapeutic cancer potential, and underlines its molecular mechanisms.
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Chandel S, Singh R, Gautam A, Ravichandiran V. Screening of Azadirachta indica phytoconstituents as GSK-3β inhibitor and its implication in neuroblastoma: molecular docking, molecular dynamics, MM-PBSA binding energy, and in-vitro study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:12827-12840. [PMID: 34569452 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1977705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a constitutively active serine/threonine kinase, primary regulator of various cellular activities varying from glycogen metabolism to cell proliferation and regulation. GSK-3β is associated with the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorder, and Alzheimer's disease. In this study, Azadirachta indica compounds were selected and further screened on the BOILED-Egg model. The compounds showing good GIT absorption were docked with the crystal structure of GSK-3β. The compounds with high docking score were submitted for the molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) and Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA). Based upon the MDS and MM-PBSA study, gedunin showed the highest binding energy throughout the MDS process. Gedunin was isolated from the Azadirachta indica, and its efficacy on GSK-3β inhibition was studied in the human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Gedunin induced apoptosis and anti-proliferative activity by arresting G2/M phase, as evident by cell-cycle analysis. From immunoblot study, gedunin significantly enhanced the expression of an inhibitory form of GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β Ser9) in concentration-dependent manner. Our findings demonstrate that gedunin may act as an effective GSK-3β inhibitor suggesting that this compound may be used for the management of neuroblastoma. Further preclinical and clinical investigation is desirable.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Chandel
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Rajveer Singh
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Anupam Gautam
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School "From Molecules to Organisms", Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
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Hedna R, Kovacic H, Pagano A, Peyrot V, Robin M, Devred F, Breuzard G. Tau Protein as Therapeutic Target for Cancer? Focus on Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5386. [PMID: 36358803 PMCID: PMC9653627 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being extensively studied for several decades, the microtubule-associated protein Tau has not finished revealing its secrets. For long, Tau has been known for its ability to promote microtubule assembly. A less known feature of Tau is its capability to bind to cancer-related protein kinases, suggesting a possible role of Tau in modulating microtubule-independent cellular pathways that are associated with oncogenesis. With the intention of finding new therapeutic targets for cancer, it appears essential to examine the interaction of Tau with these kinases and their consequences. This review aims at collecting the literature data supporting the relationship between Tau and cancer with a particular focus on glioblastoma tumors in which the pathological significance of Tau remains largely unexplored. We will first treat this subject from a mechanistic point of view showing the pivotal role of Tau in oncogenic processes. Then, we will discuss the involvement of Tau in dysregulating critical pathways in glioblastoma. Finally, we will outline promising strategies to target Tau protein for the therapy of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayane Hedna
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Hervé Kovacic
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Alessandra Pagano
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Vincent Peyrot
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Robin
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), UMR 7263, CNRS, IRD 237, Aix-Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - François Devred
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Breuzard
- Faculté des Sciences Médicales et Paramédicales, Institut de Neurophysiopathologie (INP), UMR 7051, CNRS, Aix Marseille Université, 13005 Marseille, France
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Elsisi AE, Elmarhoumy EH, Osman EY. Protective effect of cilostazol and verapamil against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats may involve Nrf2/GSK-3β/NF-κB signaling pathway. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:718-729. [PMID: 36337252 PMCID: PMC9618097 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Verapamil (VER) and cilostazol (Cilo) are mostly used as cardiovascular drugs; they have beneficial effects on different organs toxicities. AIM we investigated whether the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway involved in the protective role of these drugs against Thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatotoxicity. METHOD male rats were randomized divided into five groups, each group (n = 10): control, TAA, VER+TAA, Cilo+TAA, and VER+Cilo+TAA groups. Hepatotoxicity induced in rats by TAA injection once on the 7th day of the experiment. RESULTS TAA-induced hepatotoxicity indicated by a significant elevated in serum markers (Alanine aminotransferases (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferases (AST), and bilirubin), oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Nitric oxide (NO)), and protein levels markers (NF-κB, and S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4)). Also, TAA decreased Nrf2, and increased GSK-3β genes expression. Histopathological alterations in the liver also appeared as a response to TAA injection. On the other hand VER and/or Cilo significantly prevented TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats through significantly decreased in ALT, AST, bilirubin, MDA, NO, NF-κB, and S100A4 protein levels. Also, they increased Nrf2 and decreased GSK-3β genes expression which caused improvement in the histopathological changes of the liver. CONCLUSION the addition of verapamil to cilostazol potentiated the hepatoprotective activity, and inhibited the progression of hepatotoxicity caused by TAA through the Nrf2/GSK-3β/NF-κBpathway and their activity on oxidative stress, inflammation, and NF-κB protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa E Elsisi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Esraa H Elmarhoumy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Enass Y Osman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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12
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Najdawi ZR, Abu-Asab MS. An Ultrastructural Perspective on Cell Death. JORDAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022; 56:10.35516/jmj.v56i1.232. [PMID: 36168597 PMCID: PMC9511926 DOI: 10.35516/jmj.v56i1.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the field of cell death, there is still a wide gap between the molecular models and their ultrastructural phenotypes. Because only very few published works included electron microscopy (EM) images, many ultrastructural features have not yet been incorporated into the descriptions of death modes. Some of the EM features that appear in dying cells have not been incorporated in describing death modes. It includes the accumulation of lipid droplets and glycogen, the appearance of extranuclear chromatin in the cytoplasm, and the various ways mitochondria become damaged. We argue that electron microscopy should be routinely included in these studies because it exposes some new features that molecular studies do not. It has successfully recognized new modes of cell death, such as entosis, methuosis, and paraptosis. Elucidating the precise sequence of events in death modes could be the cornerstone for offering the proper therapy of many diseases by slowing down or stopping the progression of degeneration. This review presents our own experience applying ultrastructural interpretations to death modes and explaining their biochemical implications. We complement the molecular and biochemical data and point out missing features that should be considered and studied.
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13
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Maksoud S. The DNA Double-Strand Break Repair in Glioma: Molecular Players and Therapeutic Strategies. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5326-5365. [PMID: 35696013 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02915-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the most frequent type of tumor in the central nervous system, which exhibit properties that make their treatment difficult, such as cellular infiltration, heterogeneity, and the presence of stem-like cells responsible for tumor recurrence. The response of this type of tumor to chemoradiotherapy is poor, possibly due to a higher repair activity of the genetic material, among other causes. The DNA double-strand breaks are an important type of lesion to the genetic material, which have the potential to trigger processes of cell death or cause gene aberrations that could promote tumorigenesis. This review describes how the different cellular elements regulate the formation of DNA double-strand breaks and their repair in gliomas, discussing the therapeutic potential of the induction of this type of lesion and the suppression of its repair as a control mechanism of brain tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semer Maksoud
- Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular Imaging Unit, Department of Neurology, Neuro-Oncology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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14
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Betge J, Rindtorff N, Sauer J, Rauscher B, Dingert C, Gaitantzi H, Herweck F, Srour-Mhanna K, Miersch T, Valentini E, Boonekamp KE, Hauber V, Gutting T, Frank L, Belle S, Gaiser T, Buchholz I, Jesenofsky R, Härtel N, Zhan T, Fischer B, Breitkopf-Heinlein K, Burgermeister E, Ebert MP, Boutros M. The drug-induced phenotypic landscape of colorectal cancer organoids. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3135. [PMID: 35668108 PMCID: PMC9170716 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived organoids resemble the biology of tissues and tumors, enabling ex vivo modeling of human diseases. They have heterogeneous morphologies with unclear biological causes and relationship to treatment response. Here, we use high-throughput, image-based profiling to quantify phenotypes of over 5 million individual colorectal cancer organoids after treatment with >500 small molecules. Integration of data using multi-omics modeling identifies axes of morphological variation across organoids: Organoid size is linked to IGF1 receptor signaling, and cystic vs. solid organoid architecture is associated with LGR5 + stemness. Treatment-induced organoid morphology reflects organoid viability, drug mechanism of action, and is biologically interpretable. Inhibition of MEK leads to cystic reorganization of organoids and increases expression of LGR5, while inhibition of mTOR induces IGF1 receptor signaling. In conclusion, we identify shared axes of variation for colorectal cancer organoid morphology, their underlying biological mechanisms, and pharmacological interventions with the ability to move organoids along them. The heterogeneity underlying cancer organoid phenotypes is not yet well understood. Here, the authors develop an imaging analysis assay for high throughput phenotypic screening of colorectal organoids that allows to define specific morphological changes that occur following different drug treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Betge
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Gastrointestinal Oncology and Preclinical Models, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Niklas Rindtorff
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Sauer
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Computational Genome Biology Group, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Rauscher
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clara Dingert
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Haristi Gaitantzi
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frank Herweck
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kauthar Srour-Mhanna
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Gastrointestinal Oncology and Preclinical Models, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thilo Miersch
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erica Valentini
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kim E Boonekamp
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Veronika Hauber
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Gutting
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine IV, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Larissa Frank
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Belle
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Timo Gaiser
- Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany.,Heidelberg University, Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Inga Buchholz
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ralf Jesenofsky
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nicolai Härtel
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tianzuo Zhan
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernd Fischer
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Computational Genome Biology Group, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Breitkopf-Heinlein
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Elke Burgermeister
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias P Ebert
- Heidelberg University, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany. .,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany. .,Mannheim Cancer Center, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Heidelberg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
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15
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Shafi O, Siddiqui G. Tracing the origins of glioblastoma by investigating the role of gliogenic and related neurogenic genes/signaling pathways in GBM development: a systematic review. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:146. [PMID: 35538578 PMCID: PMC9087910 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02602-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumors. The etiology and the factors determining its onset are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the origins of GBM, and for this purpose, it focuses primarily on developmental gliogenic processes. It also focuses on the impact of the related neurogenic developmental processes in glioblastoma oncogenesis. It also addresses why glial cells are at more risk of tumor development compared to neurons. Methods Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, involving glioblastoma, gliogenesis, neurogenesis, stemness, neural stem cells, gliogenic signaling and pathways, neurogenic signaling and pathways, and astrocytogenic genes. Results The origin of GBM is dependent on dysregulation in multiple genes and pathways that accumulatively converge the cells towards oncogenesis. There are multiple layers of steps in glioblastoma oncogenesis including the failure of cell fate-specific genes to keep the cells differentiated in their specific cell types such as p300, BMP, HOPX, and NRSF/REST. There are genes and signaling pathways that are involved in differentiation and also contribute to GBM such as FGFR3, JAK-STAT, and hey1. The genes that contribute to differentiation processes but also contribute to stemness in GBM include notch, Sox9, Sox4, c-myc gene overrides p300, and then GFAP, leading to upregulation of nestin, SHH, NF-κB, and others. GBM mutations pathologically impact the cell circuitry such as the interaction between Sox2 and JAK-STAT pathway, resulting in GBM development and progression. Conclusion Glioblastoma originates when the gene expression of key gliogenic genes and signaling pathways become dysregulated. This study identifies key gliogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis in glioblastoma cells, including p300, BMP, PAX6, HOPX, NRSF/REST, LIF, and TGF beta. It also identifies key neurogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis including PAX6, neurogenins including Ngn1, NeuroD1, NeuroD4, Numb, NKX6-1 Ebf, Myt1, and ASCL1. This study also postulates how aging contributes to the onset of glioblastoma by dysregulating the gene expression of NF-κB, REST/NRSF, ERK, AKT, EGFR, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais Shafi
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Ghazia Siddiqui
- Sindh Medical College - Jinnah Sindh Medical University / Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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16
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Kanwore K, Kanwore K, Adzika GK, Abiola AA, Guo X, Kambey PA, Xia Y, Gao D. Cancer Metabolism: The Role of Immune Cells Epigenetic Alteration in Tumorigenesis, Progression, and Metastasis of Glioma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:831636. [PMID: 35392088 PMCID: PMC8980436 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.831636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a type of brain and spinal cord tumor that begins in glial cells that support the nervous system neurons functions. Age, radiation exposure, and family background of glioma constitute are risk factors of glioma initiation. Gliomas are categorized on a scale of four grades according to their growth rate. Grades one and two grow slowly, while grades three and four grow faster. Glioblastoma is a grade four gliomas and the deadliest due to its aggressive nature (accelerated proliferation, invasion, and migration). As such, multiple therapeutic approaches are required to improve treatment outcomes. Recently, studies have implicated the significant roles of immune cells in tumorigenesis and the progression of glioma. The energy demands of gliomas alter their microenvironment quality, thereby inducing heterogeneity and plasticity change of stromal and immune cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which ultimately results in epigenetic modifications that facilitates tumor growth. PI3K is utilized by many intracellular signaling pathways ensuring the proper functioning of the cell. The activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR regulates the plasma membrane activities, contributing to the phosphorylation reaction necessary for transcription factors activities and oncogenes hyperactivation. The pleiotropic nature of PI3K/AKT/mTOR makes its activity unpredictable during altered cellular functions. Modification of cancer cell microenvironment affects many cell types, including immune cells that are the frontline cells involved in inflammatory cascades caused by cancer cells via high cytokines synthesis. Typically, the evasion of immunosurveillance by gliomas and their resistance to treatment has been attributed to epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which results from cancer metabolism. Hence, it is speculative that impeding cancer metabolism and/or circumventing the epigenetic alteration of immune cell functions in the tumor microenvironment might enhance treatment outcomes. Herein, from an oncological and immunological perspective, this review discusses the underlying pathomechanism of cell-cell interactions enhancing glioma initiation and metabolism activation and tumor microenvironment changes that affect epigenetic modifications in immune cells. Finally, prospects for therapeutic intervention were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouminin Kanwore
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Konimpo Kanwore
- Faculty Mixed of Medicine and Pharmacy, Lomé-Togo, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | - Ayanlaja Abdulrahman Abiola
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Guo
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Piniel Alphayo Kambey
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dianshuai Gao
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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17
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Development of inhibitors targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β for human diseases: Strategies to improve selectivity. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114301. [PMID: 35390715 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that participates in the transmission of multiple signaling pathways and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of human diseases, such as metabolic diseases, neurological diseases and cancer, making it to be a potential and promising drug target. To date, copious GSK-3β inhibitors have been synthesized, but only few have entered clinical trials. Most of them exerts poor selectivity, concomitant off-target effects and side effects. This review summarizes the structural characteristics, biological functions and relationship with diseases of GSK-3β, as well as the selectivity profile and therapeutic potential of different categories of GSK-3β inhibitors. Strategies for increasing selectivity and reducing adverse effects are proposed for the future design of GSK-3β inhibitors.
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18
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Alanazi R, Nakatogawa H, Wang H, Ji D, Luo Z, Golbourn B, Feng Z, Rutka JT, Sun H. Inhibition of TRPM7 with carvacrol suppresses glioblastoma functions
in vivo. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:1483-1491. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haitao Wang
- Departments of Surgery
- Departments of Surgery Physiology
| | | | - Zhengwei Luo
- Departments of Surgery
- Departments of Surgery Physiology
| | - Brian Golbourn
- Departments of Cell Biology SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto Canada
| | | | | | - Hong‐Shuo Sun
- Departments of Surgery
- Departments of Surgery Physiology
- Pharmacology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy University of Toronto Toronto Canada
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19
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Nguyen P, Doan P, Murugesan A, Ramesh T, Rimpilainen T, Candeias NR, Yli-Harja O, Kandhavelu M. GPR17 signaling activation by CHBC agonist induced cell death via modulation of MAPK pathway in glioblastoma. Life Sci 2022; 291:120307. [PMID: 35016881 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary adult brain tumor. GBM is characterized by a heterogeneous population of cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. Recently, we have synthesized CHBC, a novel indole derivative targeted to GBM biomarker G-protein-coupled receptor 17 and inhibitor of GBM cells. In this study, CHBC was further investigated to characterize the efficiency of this agonist at the molecular level and its underlying mechanism in GBM cell death induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of CHBC and TMZ was determined using time dependent inhibitor assay in glioblastoma cells, LN229 and SNB19. Drug induced cell cycle arrest was measured using PI staining followed by image analysis. The induction of apoptosis and mechanism of action of CHBC was studied using apoptosis, caspase 3/7 and mitochondrial membrane permeability assays. Modulation of the key genes involved in MAPK signaling pathway was also measured using immunoblotting array. KEY FINDINGS The inhibitory kinetic study has revealed that CHBC inhibited SNB19 and LN229 cell growth in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, CHBC with the IC50 of 85 μM, mediated cell death through an apoptosis mechanism in both studied cell lines. The study also has revealed that CHBC targets GPR17 leading to the induction of apoptosis via the activation of Caspase 3/7 and dysfunction of mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, CHBC treatment led to marked G2/M cell cycle arrest. The protein array has confirmed the anticancer effect of CHBC by the disruption of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK). SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, these results demonstrated that CHBC induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by disrupting MAPK signaling in human glioblastoma cells. This study concludes that CHBC represent a class of compounds for treating glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phung Nguyen
- Molecular Signaling Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33720, Finland; BioMeditech and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 553, 33101 Tampere, Finland
| | - Phuong Doan
- Molecular Signaling Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33720, Finland; BioMeditech and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 553, 33101 Tampere, Finland
| | - Akshaya Murugesan
- Molecular Signaling Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33720, Finland; Department of Biotechnology, Lady Doak College, Thallakulam, Madurai 625002, India
| | - Thiyagarajan Ramesh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tatu Rimpilainen
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, 33101 Tampere, Finland
| | - Nuno R Candeias
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, 33101 Tampere, Finland; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Olli Yli-Harja
- Computational Systems Biology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, P.O. Box 553, 33101 Tampere, Finland; Institute for Systems Biology, 1441N 34th Street, Seattle, WA 98103-8904, USA
| | - Meenakshisundaram Kandhavelu
- Molecular Signaling Lab, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere 33720, Finland; BioMeditech and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 553, 33101 Tampere, Finland.
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20
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Odia Y, Cavalcante L, Safran H, Powell SF, Munster PN, Ma WW, Carneiro BA, Bastos BR, Mikrut S, Mikrut W, Giles FJ, Sahebjam S. Malignant glioma subset from actuate 1801: Phase I/II study of 9-ING-41, GSK-3β inhibitor, monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy for refractory malignancies. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac012. [PMID: 35402914 PMCID: PMC8989389 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background GSK3β serine/threonine kinase regulates metabolism and glycogen biosynthesis. GSK3β overexpression promotes progression and resistance through NF-κB and p53 apoptotic pathways. GSK3β inhibits immunomodulation by downregulating PD-L1 and LAG-3 checkpoints and increasing NK and T-cell tumor killing. 9-ING-41, a small-molecule, selective GSK3β inhibitor, showed preclinical activity in chemo-resistant PDX glioblastoma models, including enhanced lomustine antitumor effect. Methods Refractory malignancies (n = 162) were treated with 9-ING-41 monotherapy (n = 65) or combined with 8 cytotoxic regimens after prior exposure (NCT03678883). Recurrent gliomas (n = 18) were treated with 9-ING-41 IV TIW q21day cycles at 3.3, 5, 9.3, 15 mg/kg, as monotherapy or combined with lomustine 30 mg/m² PO weekly q84day cycles. Primary objective was safety. Results RP2D of 15 mg/kg IV TIW was confirmed across all 9 regimens, no accentuated chemotherapy toxicity noted. Glioma subtypes included: 13 glioblastoma, 2 anaplastic astrocytomas, 1 anaplastic oligodendroglioma, 1 astrocytoma. Median age 52 (30-69) years; 6 female, 12 male; median ECOG 1 (0-2); median recurrences 3 (1-6). All received upfront radiation/temozolomide (18/18), plus salvage nitrosoureas (15/18), bevacizumab (8/18), TTFields (6/18), or immunotherapy (4/18). IDH/mutation(3/18); 1p19q/codeletion(1/18); MGMT/methylated(1/18). Four received 9-ING-41 monotherapy, 14 concurrent with lomustine. No severe toxicities were attributed to 9-ING-41, only mild vision changes (9/18, 50%), or infusion reactions (4/18, 22%). Lomustine-related toxicities: G3/4 thrombocytopenia (3/14, 21%), G1/2 fatigue (4/14, 28%). Median days on therapy was 55 (4-305); 1 partial response (>50%) was noted. Median OS was 5.5 (95% CI: 2.8-11.4) months and PFS-6 was 16.7%. Conclusion 9-ING-41 plus/minus lomustine is safe and warrants further study in glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazmin Odia
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA,Corresponding Author: Yazmin Odia, MD MS FAAN, Chief of Neuro-Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, 8900 North Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33176, USA ()
| | | | - Howard Safran
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Cancer Center at Brown University, Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Pamela N Munster
- Department of Hematology Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Wen Wee Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Benedito A Carneiro
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Cancer Center at Brown University, Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Bruno R Bastos
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | | | | | - Solmaz Sahebjam
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA,Present affiliation: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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21
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HMGA1 stimulates MYH9-dependent ubiquitination of GSK-3β via PI3K/Akt/c-Jun signaling to promote malignant progression and chemoresistance in gliomas. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1147. [PMID: 34887392 PMCID: PMC8660812 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04440-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) plays an essential role in human diseases, including multiple cancers; however, little is known about its role in gliomas. In the present study, we revealed that HMGA1 and MYH9 were upregulated in gliomas and their expression correlated with WHO grade, and HMGA1 promoted the acquisition of malignant phenotypes and chemoresistance of glioma cells by regulating the expression of MYH9 through c-Jun-mediated transcription. Moreover, MYH9 interacted with GSK-3β to inhibit the expression of GSK-3β protein by promoting its ubiquitination; the downregulation of GSK-3β subsequently promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, enhancing growth, invasion, migration, and temozolomide resistance in glioma cells. Expression levels of HMGA1 and MYH9 were significantly correlated with patient survival and should be considered as independent prognostic factors. Our findings provide new insights into the role of HMGA1 and MYH9 in gliomagenesis and suggest the potential application of HMGA1 and MYH9 in cancer therapy in the future.
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22
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Bahmad HF, Daher D, Aljamal AA, Elajami MK, Oh KS, Alvarez Moreno JC, Delgado R, Suarez R, Zaldivar A, Azimi R, Castellano A, Sackstein R, Poppiti RJ. Repurposing of Anticancer Stem Cell Drugs in Brain Tumors. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:749-773. [PMID: 34165342 PMCID: PMC8647630 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211025482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors in adults may be infrequent when compared with other cancer etiologies, but they remain one of the deadliest with bleak survival rates. Current treatment modalities encompass surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, increasing resistance rates are being witnessed, and this has been attributed, in part, to cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells that reside within the tumor bulk and have the capacity for self-renewal and can differentiate and proliferate into multiple cell lineages. Studying those CSCs enables an increasing understanding of carcinogenesis, and targeting CSCs may overcome existing treatment resistance. One approach to weaponize new drugs is to target these CSCs through drug repurposing which entails using drugs, which are Food and Drug Administration-approved and safe for one defined disease, for a new indication. This approach serves to save both time and money that would otherwise be spent in designing a totally new therapy. In this review, we will illustrate drug repurposing strategies that have been used in brain tumors and then further elaborate on how these approaches, specifically those that target the resident CSCs, can help take the field of drug repurposing to a new level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F. Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Darine Daher
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of
Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abed A. Aljamal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Mohamad K. Elajami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai
Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida
| | - Kei Shing Oh
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Juan Carlos Alvarez Moreno
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Ruben Delgado
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Richard Suarez
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Ana Zaldivar
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Roshanak Azimi
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
| | - Amilcar Castellano
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert Sackstein
- Department of Translational Medicine,
Translational Glycobiology Institute, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine,
Florida International University, Miami, Florida
| | - Robert J. Poppiti
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach,
Florida
- Department of Pathology, Herbert Wertheim
College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
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23
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Brüning-Richardson A, Shaw GC, Tams D, Brend T, Sanganee H, Barry ST, Hamm G, Goodwin RJA, Swales JG, King H, Steele L, Morton R, Widyadari A, Ward TA, Esteves F, Boissinot M, Mavria G, Droop A, Lawler SE, Short SC. GSK-3 Inhibition Is Cytotoxic in Glioma Stem Cells through Centrosome Destabilization and Enhances the Effect of Radiotherapy in Orthotopic Models. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5939. [PMID: 34885051 PMCID: PMC8657225 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235939] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous data on glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) inhibition in cancer models support a cytotoxic effect with selectivity for tumor cells compared to normal tissue but the effect of these inhibitors in glioma has not been widely studied. Here, we investigate their potential as cytotoxics in glioma. METHODS We assessed the effect of pharmacologic GSK-3 inhibition on established (U87, U251) and patient-derived (GBM1, GBM4) glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines using cytotoxicity assays as well as undertaking a detailed investigation of the effect on cell cycle, mitosis, and centrosome biology. We also assessed drug uptake and efficacy of GSK-3 inhibition alone and in combination with radiation in xenograft models. RESULTS Using the selective GSK-3 inhibitor AZD2858, we demonstrated single agent cytotoxicity in two patient-derived glioma cell lines (GBM1, GBM4) and two established cell lines (U251 and U87) with IC50 in the low micromolar range promoting centrosome disruption, failed mitosis, and S-phase arrest. Glioma xenografts exposed to AZD2858 also showed growth delay compared to untreated controls. Combined treatment with radiation increased the cytotoxic effect of clinical radiation doses in vitro and in orthotopic glioma xenografts. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that GSK-3 inhibition promotes cell death in glioma through disrupting centrosome function and promoting mitotic failure and that AZD2858 is an effective adjuvant to radiation at clinical doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Brüning-Richardson
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Gary C. Shaw
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Daniel Tams
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Tim Brend
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Hitesh Sanganee
- Discovery Sciences BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK;
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK;
| | - Gregory Hamm
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK; (G.H.); (R.J.A.G.); (J.G.S.)
| | - Richard J. A. Goodwin
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK; (G.H.); (R.J.A.G.); (J.G.S.)
| | - John G. Swales
- Imaging and Data Analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 8PA, UK; (G.H.); (R.J.A.G.); (J.G.S.)
| | - Henry King
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Lynette Steele
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Ruth Morton
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Anastasia Widyadari
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Thomas A. Ward
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Filomena Esteves
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Marjorie Boissinot
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Georgia Mavria
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
| | - Alastair Droop
- Leeds MRC Medical Bioinformatics Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK;
| | - Sean E. Lawler
- Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | - Susan C. Short
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (G.C.S.); (D.T.); (T.B.); (H.K.); (L.S.); (R.M.); (A.W.); (T.A.W.); (F.E.); (M.B.); (G.M.)
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24
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Harrington CT, Sotillo E, Dang CV, Thomas-Tikhonenko A. Tilting MYC toward cancer cell death. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:982-994. [PMID: 34481764 PMCID: PMC8541926 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MYC oncoprotein promotes cell proliferation and serves as the key driver in many human cancers; therefore, considerable effort has been expended to develop reliable pharmacological methods to suppress its expression or function. Despite impressive progress, MYC-targeting drugs have not reached the clinic. Recent advances suggest that within a limited expression range unique to each tumor, MYC oncoprotein can have a paradoxical, proapoptotic function. Here we introduce a counterintuitive idea that modestly and transiently elevating MYC levels could aid chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and thus benefit the patients as much, if not more than MYC inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen T Harrington
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elena Sotillo
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Chi V Dang
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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25
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Targeting the coronavirus nucleocapsid protein through GSK-3 inhibition. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2113401118. [PMID: 34593624 PMCID: PMC8594528 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2113401118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is taking a major toll on personal health, healthcare systems, and the global economy. With three betacoronavirus epidemics in less than 20 y, there is an urgent need for therapies to combat new and existing coronavirus outbreaks. Our analysis of clinical data from over 300,000 patients in three major health systems demonstrates a 50% reduced risk of COVID-19 in patients taking lithium, a direct inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). We further show that GSK-3 is essential for phosphorylation of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and that GSK-3 inhibition blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung epithelial cells. These findings suggest an antiviral strategy for COVID-19 and new coronaviruses that may arise in the future. The coronaviruses responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV, and other coronavirus infections express a nucleocapsid protein (N) that is essential for viral replication, transcription, and virion assembly. Phosphorylation of N from SARS-CoV by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is required for its function and inhibition of GSK-3 with lithium impairs N phosphorylation, viral transcription, and replication. Here we report that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein contains GSK-3 consensus sequences and that this motif is conserved in diverse coronaviruses, raising the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 may be sensitive to GSK-3 inhibitors, including lithium. We conducted a retrospective analysis of lithium use in patients from three major health systems who were PCR-tested for SARS-CoV-2. We found that patients taking lithium have a significantly reduced risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio = 0.51 [0.35–0.74], P = 0.005). We also show that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein is phosphorylated by GSK-3. Knockout of GSK3A and GSK3B demonstrates that GSK-3 is essential for N phosphorylation. Alternative GSK-3 inhibitors block N phosphorylation and impair replication in SARS-CoV-2 infected lung epithelial cells in a cell-type–dependent manner. Targeting GSK-3 may therefore provide an approach to treat COVID-19 and future coronavirus outbreaks.
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26
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Mdivi-1 Modulates Macrophage/Microglial Polarization in Mice with EAE via the Inhibition of the TLR2/4-GSK3β-NF-κB Inflammatory Signaling Axis. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:1-16. [PMID: 34618332 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage/microglial modulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS), which is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system. Dynamin-related protein 1 is a cytoplasmic molecule that regulates mitochondrial fission. It has been proven that mitochondrial fission inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1), a small molecule inhibitor of Drp1, can relieve experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a preclinical animal model of MS. Whether macrophages/microglia are involved in the pathological process of Mdivi-1-treated EAE remains to be determined. Here, we studied the anti-inflammatory effect of Mdivi-1 on mice with oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide35-55 (MOG35-55)-induced EAE. We found that Drp1 phosphorylation at serine 616 in macrophages/microglia was decreased with Mdivi-1 treatment, which was accompanied by decreased antigen presentation capacity of the macrophages/microglia in the EAE mouse spinal cord. The Mdivi-1 treatment caused macrophage/microglia to produce low levels of proinflammatory molecules, such as CD16/32, iNOS, and TNF-α, and high levels of anti-inflammatory molecules, such as CD206, IL-10, and Arginase-1, suggesting that Mdivi-1 promoted the macrophage/microglia shift from the inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Moreover, Mdivi-1 was able to downregulate the expression of TRL2, TRL4, GSK-3β, and phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 and prevent NF-κB-mediated IL-1β and IL-6 production. In conclusion, these results indicate that Mdivi-1 significantly alleviates inflammation in mice with EAE by promoting M2 polarization by inhibiting TLR2/4- and GSK3β-mediated NF-κB activation.
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27
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Pecoraro C, Faggion B, Balboni B, Carbone D, Peters GJ, Diana P, Assaraf YG, Giovannetti E. GSK3β as a novel promising target to overcome chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 58:100779. [PMID: 34461526 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignancy with increasing incidence and poor prognosis due to its late diagnosis and intrinsic chemoresistance. Most pancreatic cancer patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease characterized by inherent resistance to chemotherapy. These features pose a series of therapeutic challenges and new targets are urgently needed. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase, which regulates key cellular processes including cell proliferation, DNA repair, cell cycle progression, signaling and metabolic pathways. GSK3β is implicated in non-malignant and malignant diseases including inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and cancer. GSK3β recently emerged among the key factors involved in the onset and progression of pancreatic cancer, as well as in the acquisition of chemoresistance. Intensive research has been conducted on key oncogenic functions of GSK3β and its potential as a druggable target; currently developed GSK3β inhibitors display promising results in preclinical models of distinct tumor types, including pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the latest findings about GSK-3β biology and its role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, we discuss therapeutic agents targeting GSK3β that could be administered as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs to surmount chemoresistance. Several studies are also defining potential gene signatures to identify patients who might benefit from GSK3β-based therapeutic intervention. This detailed overview emphasizes the urgent need of additional molecular studies on the impact of GSK3β inhibition as well as structural analysis of novel compounds and omics studies of predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Beatrice Faggion
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Beatrice Balboni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Computational and Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy, and Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme (Pisa), Italy.
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28
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Liu X, Verma A, Garcia G, Ramage H, Myers RL, Lucas A, Michaelson JJ, Coryell W, Kumar A, Charney AW, Kazanietz MG, Rader DJ, Ritchie MD, Berrettini WH, Schultz DC, Cherry S, Damoiseaux R, Arumugaswami V, Klein PS. Targeting the Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Protein through GSK-3 Inhibition. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [PMID: 33655282 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.17.21251933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The coronaviruses responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and other coronavirus infections express a nucleocapsid protein (N) that is essential for viral replication, transcription, and virion assembly. Phosphorylation of N from SARS-CoV by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is required for its function and inhibition of GSK-3 with lithium impairs N phosphorylation, viral transcription, and replication. Here we report that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein contains GSK-3 consensus sequences and that this motif is conserved in diverse coronaviruses, raising the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 may be sensitive to GSK-3 inhibitors including lithium. We conducted a retrospective analysis of lithium use in patients from three major health systems who were PCR tested for SARS-CoV-2. We found that patients taking lithium have a significantly reduced risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio = 0.51 [0.35 - 0.74], p = 0.005). We also show that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein is phosphorylated by GSK-3. Knockout of GSK3A and GSK3B demonstrates that GSK-3 is essential for N phosphorylation. Alternative GSK-3 inhibitors block N phosphorylation and impair replication in SARS-CoV-2 infected lung epithelial cells in a cell-type dependent manner. Targeting GSK-3 may therefore provide a new approach to treat COVID-19 and future coronavirus outbreaks. Significance COVID-19 is taking a major toll on personal health, healthcare systems, and the global economy. With three betacoronavirus epidemics in less than 20 years, there is an urgent need for therapies to combat new and existing coronavirus outbreaks. Our analysis of clinical data from over 300,000 patients in three major health systems demonstrates a 50% reduced risk of COVID-19 in patients taking lithium, a direct inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). We further show that GSK-3 is essential for phosphorylation of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and that GSK-3 inhibition blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung epithelial cells. These findings suggest an antiviral strategy for COVID-19 and new coronaviruses that may arise in the future.
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29
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Kafka A, Bukovac A, Brglez E, Jarmek AM, Poljak K, Brlek P, Žarković K, Njirić N, Pećina-Šlaus N. Methylation Patterns of DKK1, DKK3 and GSK3β Are Accompanied with Different Expression Levels in Human Astrocytoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112530. [PMID: 34064046 PMCID: PMC8196684 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated genetic and epigenetic changes and protein expression levels of negative regulators of Wnt signaling, DKK1, DKK3, and APC as well as glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3β) and β-catenin in 64 human astrocytomas of grades II-IV. Methylation-specific PCR revealed promoter methylation of DKK1, DKK3, and GSK3β in 38%, 43%, and 18% of samples, respectively. Grade IV comprised the lowest number of methylated GSK3β cases and highest of DKK3. Evaluation of the immunostaining using H-score was performed for β-catenin, both total and unphosphorylated (active) forms. Additionally, active (pY216) and inactive (pS9) forms of GSK3β protein were also analyzed. Spearman's correlation confirmed the prevalence of β-catenin's active form (rs = 0.634, p < 0.001) in astrocytoma tumor cells. The Wilcoxon test revealed that astrocytoma with higher levels of the active pGSK3β-Y216 form had lower expression levels of its inactive form (p < 0.0001, Z = -5.332). Changes in APC's exon 11 were observed in 44.44% of samples by PCR/RFLP. Astrocytomas with changes of APC had higher H-score values of total β-catenin compared to the group without genetic changes (t = -2.264, p = 0.038). Furthermore, a positive correlation between samples with methylated DKK3 promoter and the expression of active pGSK3β-Y216 (rs = 0.356, p = 0.011) was established. Our results emphasize the importance of methylation for the regulation of Wnt signaling. Large deletions of the APC gene associated with increased β-catenin levels, together with oncogenic effects of both β-catenin and GSK3β, are clearly involved in astrocytoma evolution. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of gliomas. Further studies should elucidate the clinical and therapeutic relevance of the observed molecular alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Kafka
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
| | - Anja Bukovac
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Emilija Brglez
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Ana-Marija Jarmek
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Karolina Poljak
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Petar Brlek
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Kamelija Žarković
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 10, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Division of Pathology, University Hospital Center “Zagreb”, Kišpatićeva 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Niko Njirić
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center “Zagreb”, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nives Pećina-Šlaus
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Cerrito MG, Grassilli E. Identifying Novel Actionable Targets in Colon Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050579. [PMID: 34065438 PMCID: PMC8160963 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the fourth cause of death from cancer worldwide, mainly due to the high incidence of drug-resistance toward classic chemotherapeutic and newly targeted drugs. In the last decade or so, the development of novel high-throughput approaches, both genome-wide and chemical, allowed the identification of novel actionable targets and the development of the relative specific inhibitors to be used either to re-sensitize drug-resistant tumors (in combination with chemotherapy) or to be synthetic lethal for tumors with specific oncogenic mutations. Finally, high-throughput screening using FDA-approved libraries of “known” drugs uncovered new therapeutic applications of drugs (used alone or in combination) that have been in the clinic for decades for treating non-cancerous diseases (re-positioning or re-purposing approach). Thus, several novel actionable targets have been identified and some of them are already being tested in clinical trials, indicating that high-throughput approaches, especially those involving drug re-positioning, may lead in a near future to significant improvement of the therapy for colon cancer patients, especially in the context of a personalized approach, i.e., in defined subgroups of patients whose tumors carry certain mutations.
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Cao L, Li Z, Ren Y, Wang M, Yang Z, Zhang W, Han X, Yao M, Sun Z, Nie S. Xuebijing Protects Against Septic Acute Liver Injury Based on Regulation of GSK-3β Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:627716. [PMID: 33995024 PMCID: PMC8120308 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.627716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Xuebijing (XBJ), the only drug approved for the sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction, and its protective effects against acute liver injury (ALI) and its mechanism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of XBJ on cecal ligation and perforation (CLP)-induced mouse ALI model and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell ALI model. Mice were pretreated with XBJ before the CLP model was established, and serum and liver tissues were collected at the end of the experiment to assess the levels of inflammatory factors and liver injury. Results showed that XBJ pretreatment reduced liver/body weight, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in serum, and inhibited levels of pro-inflammatory factors in serum. Cells were treatment with XBJ and modeled by LPS modeling increased cell viability in the XBJ-treated group compared to the model group and XBJ also decreased serum pro-inflammatory factors in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot detected that XBJ also up-regulated the phosphorylated levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β) and cAMP-response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and down-regulated the phosphorylated level of nuclear factor kappa-B (p-NF-κB) in liver and cell. After overexpression of GSK-3β in cells, the mechanism was further investigated using CO-IP analysis. The binding of p-NF-κB and p-CREB to CREB-binding protein (CBP) was increased and decreased, respectively, indicating that GSK-3β regulated inflammation by regulating the binding of p-NF-κB and p-CREB to CBP. The present studies suggested that the hepatoprotective effect of XBJ may be through up-regulation of GSK-3β (Ser9) and increasing the binding of p-CREB to CBP, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Cao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhizhou Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengya Yao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaorui Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shinan Nie
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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An Integrated Bioinformatics Study of a Novel Niclosamide Derivative, NSC765689, a Potential GSK3β/ β-Catenin/ STAT3/ CD44 Suppressor with Anti-Glioblastoma Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052464. [PMID: 33671112 PMCID: PMC7957701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite management efforts with standard surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, glioblastoma multiform (GBM) remains resistant to treatment, which leads to tumor recurrence due to glioma stem cells (GSCs) and therapy resistance. In this study, we used random computer-based prediction and target identification to assess activities of our newly synthesized niclosamide-derived compound, NSC765689, to target GBM oncogenic signaling. Using target prediction analyses, we identified glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), β-Catenin, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) as potential druggable candidates of NSC765689. The above-mentioned signaling pathways were also predicted to be overexpressed in GBM tumor samples compared to adjacent normal samples. In addition, using bioinformatics tools, we also identified microRNA (miR)-135b as one of the most suppressed microRNAs in GBM samples, which was reported to be upregulated through inhibition of GSK3β, and subsequently suppresses GBM tumorigenic properties and stemness. We further performed in silico molecular docking of NSC765689 with GBM oncogenes; GSK3β, β-Catenin, and STAT3, and the stem cell marker, CD44, to predict protein-ligand interactions. The results indicated that NSC765689 exhibited stronger binding affinities compared to its predecessor, LCC09, which was recently published by our laboratory, and was proven to inhibit GBM stemness and resistance. Moreover, we used available US National Cancer Institute (NCI) 60 human tumor cell lines to screen in vitro anticancer effects, including the anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activities of NSC765689 against GBM cells, and 50% cell growth inhibition (GI50) values ranged 0.23~5.13 μM. In summary, using computer-based predictions and target identification revealed that NSC765689 may be a potential pharmacological lead compound which can regulate GBM oncogene (GSK3β/β-Catenin/STAT3/CD44) signaling and upregulate the miR-135b tumor suppressor. Therefore, further in vitro and in vivo investigations will be performed to validate the efficacy of NSC765689 as a novel potential GBM therapeutic.
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Glibo M, Serman A, Karin-Kujundzic V, Bekavac Vlatkovic I, Miskovic B, Vranic S, Serman L. The role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in cancer with emphasis on ovarian cancer development and progression: A comprehensive review. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2021; 21:5-18. [PMID: 32767962 PMCID: PMC7861620 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2020.5036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a monomeric serine-threonine kinase discovered in 1980 in a rat skeletal muscle. It has been involved in various cellular processes including embryogenesis, immune response, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, wound healing, neurodegeneration, and carcinogenesis. GSK3 exists in two different isoforms, GSK3α and GSK3β, both containing seven antiparallel beta-plates, a short linking part and an alpha helix, but coded by different genes and variously expressed in human tissues. In the current review, we comprehensively appraise the current literature on the role of GSK3 in various cancers with emphasis on ovarian carcinoma. Our findings indicate that the role of GSK3 in ovarian cancer development cannot be decisively determined as the currently available data support both prooncogenic and tumor-suppressive effects. Likewise, the clinical impact of GSK3 expression on ovarian cancer patients and its potential therapeutic implications are also limited. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiological and clinical implications of GSK3 activity in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mislav Glibo
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alan Serman
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Valentina Karin-Kujundzic
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivanka Bekavac Vlatkovic
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Berivoj Miskovic
- Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Semir Vranic
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ljiljana Serman
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Centre of Excellence in Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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Snitow ME, Bhansali RS, Klein PS. Lithium and Therapeutic Targeting of GSK-3. Cells 2021; 10:255. [PMID: 33525562 PMCID: PMC7910927 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lithium salts have been in the therapeutic toolbox for better or worse since the 19th century, with purported benefit in gout, hangover, insomnia, and early suggestions that lithium improved psychiatric disorders. However, the remarkable effects of lithium reported by John Cade and subsequently by Mogens Schou revolutionized the treatment of bipolar disorder. The known molecular targets of lithium are surprisingly few and include the signaling kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), a group of structurally related phosphomonoesterases that includes inositol monophosphatases, and phosphoglucomutase. Here we present a brief history of the therapeutic uses of lithium and then focus on GSK-3 as a therapeutic target in diverse diseases, including bipolar disorder, cancer, and coronavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter S. Klein
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine,
University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.E.S.); (R.S.B.)
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Ashrafizadeh M, Zarabi A, Hushmandi K, Moghadam ER, Hashemi F, Daneshi S, Hashemi F, Tavakol S, Mohammadinejad R, Najafi M, Dudha N, Garg M. C-Myc Signaling Pathway in Treatment and Prevention of Brain Tumors. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 21:2-20. [PMID: 33069197 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666201016121005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain tumors are responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several factors such as the presence of blood-brain barrier (BBB), sensitive location in the brain, and unique biological features challenge the treatment of brain tumors. The conventional drugs are no longer effective in the treatment of brain tumors, and scientists are trying to find novel therapeutics for brain tumors. In this way, identification of molecular pathways can facilitate finding an effective treatment. c-Myc is an oncogene signaling pathway capable of regulation of biological processes such as apoptotic cell death, proliferation, survival, differentiation, and so on. These pleiotropic effects of c-Myc have resulted in much fascination with its role in different cancers, particularly brain tumors. In the present review, we aim to demonstrate the upstream and down-stream mediators of c-Myc in brain tumors such as glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, and medulloblastoma. The capacity of c-Myc as a prognostic factor in brain tumors will be investigated. Our goal is to define an axis in which the c-Myc signaling pathway plays a crucial role and to provide direction for therapeutic targeting in these signaling networks in brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Universite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanli, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Rahmani Moghadam
- Department of Anatomical sciences, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- DVM. Graduated, Young Researcher and Elite Club, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazeroon, Iran
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Fardin Hashemi
- Student Research Committee, Department of physiotherapy, Faculty of rehabilitation, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shima Tavakol
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Namrata Dudha
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, School of Sciences, Noida International University, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida-201313, India
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Bou-Gharios J, Assi S, Bahmad HF, Kharroubi H, Araji T, Chalhoub RM, Ballout F, Harati H, Fares Y, Abou-Kheir W. The potential use of tideglusib as an adjuvant radio-therapeutic treatment for glioblastoma multiforme cancer stem-like cells. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 73:227-239. [PMID: 33140310 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00180-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a stage IV astrocytoma, is the most common brain malignancy among adults. Conventional treatments of surgical resection followed by radio and/or chemotherapy fail to completely eradicate the tumor. Resistance to the currently available therapies is mainly attributed to a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) present within the tumor bulk that self-renew leading to tumor relapse with time. Therefore, identification of characteristic markers specific to these cells is crucial for the development of targeted therapies. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), a serine-threonine kinase, is deregulated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer. In GBM, GSK-3β is overexpressed and its suppression in vitro has been shown to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. METHODS In our study, we assessed the effect of GSK-3β inhibition with Tideglusib (TDG), an irreversible non-ATP competitive inhibitor, using two human GBM cell lines, U-251 MG and U-118 MG. In addition, we combined TDG with radiotherapy to assess whether this inhibition enhances the effect of standard treatment. RESULTS Our results showed that TDG significantly reduced cell proliferation, cell viability, and migration of both GBM cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner in vitro. Treatment with TDG alone and in combination with radiation significantly decreased the colony formation of U-251 MG cells and the sphere formation of both cell lines, by targeting and reducing their glioblastoma cancer stem-like cells (GSCs) population. Finally, cells treated with TDG showed an increased level of unrepaired radio-induced DNA damage and, thus, became sensitized toward radiation. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, TDG has proven its effectiveness in targeting the cancerous properties of GBM in vitro and may, hence, serve as a potential adjuvant radio-therapeutic agent to better target this deadly tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolie Bou-Gharios
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
- Chair of Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Assi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Hussein Kharroubi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Araji
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Reda M Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Farah Ballout
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Hayat Harati
- Chair of Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Chair of Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, DTS Bldg, Room 116-B, Riad el Solh, PO Box 110236/41, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon.
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Vishnoi K, Ke R, Saini KS, Viswakarma N, Nair RS, Das S, Chen Z, Rana A, Rana B. Berberine Represses β-Catenin Translation Involving 4E-BPs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 99:1-16. [PMID: 33130557 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin axis occurs in several gastrointestinal malignancies due to inactivating mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli (in colorectal cancer) or activating mutations of β-catenin itself [in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)]. These lead to β-catenin stabilization, increase in β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-mediated transcriptional activation, and target gene expression, many of which are involved in tumor progression. While studying pharmaceutical agents that can target β-catenin in cancer cells, we observed that the plant compound berberine (BBR), a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), can reduce β-catenin expression and downstream signaling in HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. More in-depth analyses to understand the mechanism revealed that BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin occurs independently of AMPK activation and does not involve transcriptional or post-translational mechanisms. Pretreatment with protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide antagonized BBR-induced β-catenin reduction, suggesting that BBR affects β-catenin translation. BBR treatment also antagonized mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity and was associated with increased recruitment of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) 1 in the translational complex, which was revealed by 7-methyl-cap-binding assays, suggesting inhibition of cap-dependent translation. Interestingly, knocking down 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 significantly attenuated BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin levels and expression of its downstream target genes. Moreover, cells with 4E-BP knockdown were resistant to BBR-induced cell death and were resensitized to BBR after pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin. Our findings indicate that BBR antagonizes β-catenin pathway by inhibiting β-catenin translation and mTOR activity and thereby reduces HCC cell survival. These also suggest that BBR could be used for targeting HCCs that express mutated/activated β-catenin variants that are currently undruggable. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: β-catenin signaling is aberrantly activated in different gastrointestinal cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, which is currently undruggable. In this study we describe a novel mechanism of targeting β-catenin translation via utilizing a plant compound, berberine. Our findings provide a new avenue of targeting β-catenin axis in cancer, which can be utilized toward the designing of effective therapeutic strategies to combat β-catenin-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Vishnoi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Rong Ke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Karan S Saini
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Rakesh Sathish Nair
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Subhasis Das
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
| | - Basabi Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology (K.V., R.K., K.S.S., N.V., R.S.N., S.D., A.R., B.R.), University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Cancer Center (S.D., A.R., B.R.), and Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health (Z.C.), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Biostatistics Shared Resource Core, University of Illinois Cancer Institute, Chicago, Illinois (Z.C.); and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois (A.R., B.R.)
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38
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He R, Du S, Lei T, Xie X, Wang Y. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in tumorigenesis and oncotherapy (Review). Oncol Rep 2020; 44:2373-2385. [PMID: 33125126 PMCID: PMC7610307 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK 3β), a multifunctional serine and threonine kinase, plays a critical role in a variety of cellular activities, including signaling transduction, protein and glycogen metabolism, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. Therefore, aberrant regulation of GSK 3β results in a broad range of human diseases, such as tumors, diabetes, inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested that GSK 3β is correlated with tumorigenesis and progression. However, GSK 3β is controversial due to its bifacial roles of tumor suppression and activation. In addition, overexpression of GSK 3β is involved in tumor growth, whereas it contributes to the cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of GSK 3β in tumorigenesis remain obscure and require further in‑depth investigation. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the roles of GSK 3β in tumorigenesis and oncotherapy, and focus on its potentials as an available target in oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui He
- Department of Union, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Suya Du
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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39
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Noori MS, Courreges MC, Bergmeier SC, McCall KD, Goetz DJ. Modulation of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production by a novel glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 883:173340. [PMID: 32634441 PMCID: PMC7334664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is a serious condition that can lead to long-term organ damage and death. At the molecular level, the hallmark of sepsis is the elevated expression of a multitude of potent cytokines, i.e. a cytokine storm. For sepsis involving gram-negative bacteria, macrophages recognize lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shed from the bacteria, activating Toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4), and triggering a cytokine storm. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a highly active kinase that has been implicated in LPS-induced cytokine production. Thus, compounds that inhibit GSK-3 could be potential therapeutics for sepsis. Our group has recently described a novel and highly selective inhibitor of GSK-3 termed COB-187. In the present study, using THP-1 macrophages, we evaluated the ability of COB-187 to attenuate LPS-induced cytokine production. We found that COB-187 significantly reduced, at the protein and mRNA levels, cytokines induced by LPS (e.g. IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CXCL10, and IFN-β). Further, the data suggest that the inhibition could be due, at least in part, to COB-187 reducing NF-κB (p65/p50) DNA binding activity as well as reducing IRF-3 phosphorylation at Serine 396. Thus, COB-187 appears to be a potent inhibitor of the cytokine storm induced by LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh S Noori
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
| | - Maria C Courreges
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Stephen C Bergmeier
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Kelly D McCall
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA; Biomedical Engineering Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA; The Diabetes Institute, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA; Translational Biomedical Science Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
| | - Douglas J Goetz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA; Biomedical Engineering Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA.
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40
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Abdel-Wahab BA, Ali FEM, Alkahtani SA, Alshabi AM, Mahnashi MH, Hassanein EHM. Hepatoprotective effect of rebamipide against methotrexate-induced hepatic intoxication: role of Nrf2/GSK-3β, NF-κβ-p65/JAK1/STAT3, and PUMA/Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathways. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2020; 42:493-503. [PMID: 32865051 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2020.1811307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The fact that methotrexate (MTX) is hepatotoxic is an important reason to limit its clinical use. Rebamipide (REB) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is useful for the treatment of gastro-duodenal ulcers. This study investigated the impact and protective mechanisms of REB against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals were divided into four groups of six rats each: a control group, REB group (REB 100 mg/kg/day, orally), MTX control group (20 mg/kg, single i.p.), and MTX + REB group. RESULTS The administration of MTX induced marked hepatic injury in the form of hepatocyte inflammatory swelling, degeneration, apoptosis, and focal necrosis. In parallel, our biochemical investigations revealed a marked hepatic dysfunction associated with the disturbance of the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the group treated with only MTX. Moreover, MTX led to the down-regulation of the hepatic Nrf2 and Bcl-2 expressions along with a marked elevation in the hepatic NF-κβ-p65, GSK-3β, JAK1, STAT3, PUMA, and Bax expressions. On the other hand, co-treatment with REB significantly ameliorated the aforementioned histopathological, biochemical, and molecular defects caused by MTX treatment. CONCLUSION the outcomes of the present study showed REB's ability to protect from hepatic injury induced by MTX, possibly through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. These effects could be attributed to REB's ability to modulate, at least in part, the Nrf2/GSK-3β,NF-κβ-p65/JAK1/STAT3, and PUMA/Bax/Bcl-2signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basel A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Saad A Alkahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Alshabi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mater H Mahnashi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
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41
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Chen D, Wang Y, Lu R, Jiang X, Chen X, Meng N, Chen M, Xie S, Yan GR. E3 ligase ZFP91 inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metabolism Reprogramming by regulating PKM splicing. Theranostics 2020; 10:8558-8572. [PMID: 32754263 PMCID: PMC7392027 DOI: 10.7150/thno.44873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers, and few molecularly targeted anticancer therapies have been developed to treat it. Thus, the identification of new therapeutic targets is urgent. Metabolic reprogramming is an important hallmark of cancer. However, how ubiquitin ligases are involved in the regulation of cancer metabolism remains poorly understood. Methods: RT-PCR, western blot and IHC were used to determine ZFP91 expression. RNAi, cell proliferation, colony formation and transwell assays were used to determine the in vitro functions of ZFP91. Mouse xenograft models were used to study the in vivo effects of ZFP91. Co-IP together with mass spectrometry or western blot was utilized to investigate protein-protein interaction. Ubiquitination was analyzed using IP together with western blot. RNA splicing was assessed by using RT-PCR followed by restriction digestion. Lactate production and glucose uptake assays were used to analyze cancer metabolism. Results: We identified that an E3 ligase zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) suppressed HCC metabolic reprogramming, cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ZFP91 promoted the Lys48-linked ubiquitination of the oncoprotein hnRNP A1 at lysine 8 and proteasomal degradation, thereby inhibiting hnRNP A1-dependent PKM splicing, subsequently resulting in higher PKM1 isoform formation and lower PKM2 isoform formation and suppressing HCC glucose metabolism reprogramming, cell proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, HCC patients with lower levels of ZFP91 have poorer prognoses, and ZFP91 is an independent prognostic factor for patients with HCC. Conclusions: Our study identifies ZFP91 as a tumor suppressor of hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC metabolism reprogramming and proposes it as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Chen
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Ruixun Lu
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Xinhui Chen
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Nan Meng
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Min Chen
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Shan Xie
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Guang-Rong Yan
- Biomedicine Research Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
- Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
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42
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Duda P, Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Gizak A, Rakus D, McCubrey JA. GSK-3 and miRs: Master regulators of therapeutic sensitivity of cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118770. [PMID: 32524999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthetase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and microRNAs (miRs) affect many critical signaling pathways important in cell growth. GSK-3 is a serine/threonine (S/T) protein kinase. Often when GSK-3 phosphorylates other proteins, they are inactivated and the signaling pathway is shut down. The PI3K/PTEN/AKT/GSK3/mTORC1 pathway plays key roles in regulation of cell growth, apoptosis, drug resistance, malignant transformation and metastasis and is often deregulated in cancer. When GSK-3 is phosphorylated by AKT it is inactivated and this often leads to growth promotion. When GSK-3 is not phosphorylated by AKT or other kinases at specific negative-regulatory residues, it can modify the activity of many proteins by phosphorylation, some of these proteins promote while others inhibit cell proliferation. This is part of the conundrum regarding GSK-3. The central theme of this review is the ability of GSK-3 to serve as either a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter in cancer which is likely due to its diverse protein substrates. The effects of multiple miRs which bind mRNAs encoding GSK-3 and other signaling molecules and how they affect cell growth and sensitivity to various therapeutics will be discussed as they serve to regulate GSK-3 and other proteins important in controlling proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Duda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Brody Building 5N98C, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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43
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Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β in Cancer Biology and Treatment. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061388. [PMID: 32503133 PMCID: PMC7349761 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase with more than 100 substrates and interacting molecules. GSK3β is normally active in cells and negative regulation of GSK3β activity via phosphorylation of its serine 9 residue is required for most normal cells to maintain homeostasis. Aberrant expression and activity of GSK3β contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of common recalcitrant diseases such as glucose intolerance, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Despite recognized roles against several proto-oncoproteins and mediators of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, deregulated GSK3β also participates in tumor cell survival, evasion of apoptosis, proliferation and invasion, as well as sustaining cancer stemness and inducing therapy resistance. A therapeutic effect from GSK3β inhibition has been demonstrated in 25 different cancer types. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that GSK3β inhibition protects normal cells and tissues from the harmful effects associated with conventional cancer therapies. Here, we review the evidence supporting aberrant GSK3β as a hallmark property of cancer and highlight the beneficial effects of GSK3β inhibition on normal cells and tissues during cancer therapy. The biological rationale for targeting GSK3β in the treatment of cancer is also discussed at length.
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44
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Shi Y, Cai EL, Yang C, Ye CY, Zeng P, Wang XM, Fang YY, Cheng ZK, Wang Q, Cao FY, Zhou XW, Tian Q. Protection of melatonin against acidosis-induced neuronal injuries. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:6928-6942. [PMID: 32364678 PMCID: PMC7299701 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidosis, a common feature of cerebral ischaemia and hypoxia, plays a key role in these pathological processes by aggravating the ischaemic and hypoxic injuries. To explore the mechanisms, in this research, we cultured primary neurons in an acidic environment (potential of hydrogen [pH]6.2, 24 hours) to mimic the acidosis. By proteomic analysis, 69 differentially expressed proteins in the acidic neurons were found, mainly related to stress and cell death, synaptic plasticity and gene transcription. And, the acidotic neurons developed obvious alterations including increased neuronal death, reduced dendritic length and complexity, reduced synaptic proteins, tau hyperphosphorylation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activation, abnormal lysosome‐related signals, imbalanced oxidative stress/anti‐oxidative stress and decreased Golgi matrix proteins. Then, melatonin (1 × 10−4 mol/L) was used to pre‐treat the cultured primary neurons before acidic treatment (pH6.2). The results showed that melatonin partially reversed the acidosis‐induced neuronal death, abnormal dendritic complexity, reductions of synaptic proteins, tau hyperphosphorylation and imbalance of kinase/phosphatase. In addition, acidosis related the activations of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and nuclear factor‐κB signals, ER stress and Golgi stress, and the abnormal autophagy‐lysosome signals were completely reversed by melatonin. These data indicate that melatonin is beneficial for neurons against acidosis‐induced injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Er-Li Cai
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Can Yang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Emergency Surgery, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao-Yuan Ye
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying-Yan Fang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Kang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fu-Yuan Cao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin-Wen Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Tao NN, Zhang ZZ, Ren JH, Zhang J, Zhou YJ, Wai Wong VK, Kwan Law BY, Cheng ST, Zhou HZ, Chen WX, Xu HM, Chen J. Overexpression of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 L3 in hepatocellular carcinoma potentiates apoptosis evasion by inhibiting the GSK3β/p65 pathway. Cancer Lett 2020; 481:1-14. [PMID: 32268166 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
UBE2L3 is a ubiquitin-conjugating protein belonging to the E2 family that consists of 153 amino acid residues. In this study, we found that UBE2L3 was generally upregulated in clinical HCC samples compared to non-tumour samples and that there was a strong association between high UBE2L3 expression and tumour size, clinical grade and prognosis in HCC patients. UBE2L3 depletion inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of HCC cells. At the molecular level, we observed that UBE2L3 depletion enhanced the protein stability of GSK3β, thus promoting the expression and activation of GSK3β. Subsequently, activated GSK3β phosphorylated p65 and promoted its nuclear translocation to increase the expression of target genes, including PUMA, Bax, Bim, Bad, and Bid. In vivo, knockout of UBE2L3 in HCC cells inhibited tumour growth in orthotopic liver injection nude mouse models. Moreover, inhibition of p65 or GSK3β significantly restored the effects induced by UBE2L3 knockout in HCC. Together, this study reveals the stimulatory effect of UBE2L3 on HCC cell proliferation, suggesting that UBE2L3 may be an important pro-tumorigenic factor in liver carcinogenesis and a potential therapeutic target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Na Tao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-Hua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Jiao Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Vincent Kam Wai Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Betty Yuen Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Sheng-Tao Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Zhong Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Xian Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Mei Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Hansen T, Thant C, White JA, Banerjee R, Thuamsang B, Gunawardena S. Excess active P13K rescues huntingtin-mediated neuronal cell death but has no effect on axonal transport defects. Apoptosis 2020; 24:341-358. [PMID: 30725352 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-019-01520-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
High levels of oxidative stress is detected in neurons affected by many neurodegenerative diseases, including huntington's disease. Many of these diseases also show neuronal cell death and axonal transport defects. While nuclear inclusions/accumulations likely cause cell death, we previously showed that cytoplasmic axonal accumulations can also contribute to neuronal death. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for activating cell death is unclear. One possibility is that perturbations in normal axonal transport alter the function of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-pathway, a signal transduction pathway that promotes survival/growth in response to extracellular signals. To test this proposal in vivo, we expressed active PI3K in the context of pathogenic huntingtin (HTT-138Q) in Drosophila larval nerves, which show axonal transport defects and neuronal cell death. We found that excess expression of active P13K significantly suppressed HTT-138Q-mediated neuronal cell death, but had no effect on HTT-138Q-mediated axonal transport defects. Expression of active PI3K also rescued Paraquat-mediated cell death. Further, increased levels of pSer9 (inactive) glycogen synthase kinase 3β was seen in HTT-138Q-mediated larval brains, and in dynein loss of function mutants, indicating the modulation of the pro-survival pathway. Intriguingly, proteins in the PI3K/AKT-pathway showed functional interactions with motor proteins. Taken together our observations suggest that proper axonal transport is likely essential for the normal function of the pro-survival PI3K/AKT-signaling pathway and for neuronal survival in vivo. These results have important implications for targeting therapeutics to early insults during neurodegeneration and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Hansen
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, US
| | - Claire Thant
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, US
| | - Joseph A White
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, US
| | - Rupkatha Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, US
| | - Bhasirie Thuamsang
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, US
| | - Shermali Gunawardena
- Department of Biological Sciences, The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14260, US. .,The State University of New York at Buffalo, 109 Cooke Hall, North/Amherst Campus, Buffalo, NY, 14260, US.
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Hirst NL, Nebel JC, Lawton SP, Walker AJ. Deep phosphoproteome analysis of Schistosoma mansoni leads development of a kinomic array that highlights sex-biased differences in adult worm protein phosphorylation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008115. [PMID: 32203512 PMCID: PMC7089424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although helminth parasites cause enormous suffering worldwide we know little of how protein phosphorylation, one of the most important post-translational modifications used for molecular signalling, regulates their homeostasis and function. This is particularly the case for schistosomes. Herein, we report a deep phosphoproteome exploration of adult Schistosoma mansoni, providing one of the richest phosphoprotein resources for any parasite so far, and employ the data to build the first parasite-specific kinomic array. Complementary phosphopeptide enrichment strategies were used to detect 15,844 unique phosphopeptides mapping to 3,176 proteins. The phosphoproteins were predicted to be involved in a wide range of biological processes and phosphoprotein interactome analysis revealed 55 highly interconnected clusters including those enriched with ribosome, proteasome, phagosome, spliceosome, glycolysis, and signalling proteins. 93 distinct phosphorylation motifs were identified, with 67 providing a ‘footprint’ of protein kinase activity; CaMKII, PKA and CK1/2 were highly represented supporting their central importance to schistosome function. Within the kinome, 808 phosphorylation sites were matched to 136 protein kinases, and 68 sites within 37 activation loops were discovered. Analysis of putative protein kinase-phosphoprotein interactions revealed canonical networks but also novel interactions between signalling partners. Kinomic array analysis of male and female adult worm extracts revealed high phosphorylation of transformation:transcription domain associated protein by both sexes, and CDK and AMPK peptides by females. Moreover, eight peptides including protein phosphatase 2C gamma, Akt, Rho2 GTPase, SmTK4, and the insulin receptor were more highly phosphorylated by female extracts, highlighting their possible importance to female worm function. We envision that these findings, tools and methodology will help drive new research into the functional biology of schistosomes and other helminth parasites, and support efforts to develop new therapeutics for their control. Schistosomes are formidable parasites that cause the debilitating and life-threatening disease human schistosomiasis. We need to better understand the cellular biology of these parasites to develop novel strategies for their control. Within cells, a process called protein phosphorylation controls many aspects of molecular communication or ‘signalling’ and is central to cellular function and homeostasis. Here, using complementary strategies, we have performed the first in-depth characterisation and functional annotation of protein phosphorylation events in schistosomes, providing one of the richest phosphoprotein resources for any parasite to date. Using this knowledge, we have developed a novel tool to simultaneously evaluate signalling processes in these worms and highlight sex-biased differences in adult worm protein phosphorylation. Several proteins were found to be more greatly phosphorylated by female worm extracts, suggesting their possible importance to female worm function. This work will help drive new research into the fundamental biology of schistosomes, as well as related parasites, and will support efforts to develop new drug or vaccine-based therapeutics for their control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Hirst
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Christophe Nebel
- School of Computer Science and Mathematics, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Walker
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Cyclocarya paliurus Polysaccharide Inhibits Glioma Cell U251 Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion and Promotes Apoptosis via the GSK3β/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. INT J POLYM SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/2391439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the effects of Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharide (CPP) on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of human glioma U251 cells and further explore the underlying mechanism. Methods. U251 cells were cultured in vitro and treated with various concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 μmol/L) of CPP for 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the activity of cell proliferation. Wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were used to measure the effects of CPP on the migration, invasion, and apoptosis of U251 cells, respectively. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression involved in the GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway and its downstream genes related to proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis including Cyr61, CCND1, Vimentin, and Slug. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of Cyr61, CCND1, Vimentin, and Slug. Results. We found that CPP not only could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of U251 cells but also promote its apoptosis in vitro. Besides, CPP could significantly inhibit the phosphorylation and decrease the protein levels of GSK3 β at ser9 site (p<0.05), and thus increasing the phosphorylation of β-Catenin at ser33/37 site (p<0.05), resulting in β-Catenin degradation. In addition, we also found that CPP could downregulate the mRNA (p<0.05) and protein expression (p<0.05) of downstream genes of GSK3 β/β-catenin signaling pathway including Cyr61, CCND1, Vimentin, and Slug, which are related to proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Conclusion. CPP could inhibit the expression of GSK3β, promote the degradation of β-catenin, and downregulate the levels of GSK3β/β-catenin downstream genes including Cyr61, CCND1, Vimentin, and Slug, which regulate the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of glioma cells.
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Yan R, Cui F, Dong L, Liu Y, Chen X, Fan R. Repression of PCGF1 Decreases the Proliferation of Glioblastoma Cells in Association with Inactivation of c-Myc Signaling Pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:253-261. [PMID: 32021272 PMCID: PMC6957096 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s234517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor with a poor therapeutic outcome. Polycomb group factor 1 (PCGF1), a member of the PcG (Polycomb group) family, is highly expressed in the developing nervous system of mice. However, the function and the mechanism of PCGF1 in GBM proliferation still remain unclear. Methods Knockdown of PCGF1 was performed in U87 GBM cell by shRNA strategy via lentivirus vector. MTT assay, colony formation assays, and flow cytometry were used to measure the properties of cell proliferation and cell cycle distribution, respectively. GeneChip analysis was performed to identify the downstream effector molecules. Rescue assay was constructed to verify the screening results. Results We first found that knockdown of PCGF1 led to the inhibition of U87 cells proliferation and decreased colony formation ability. The data from GeneChip expression profiling and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) indicated that many of the altered gene cells are associated with the cell proliferation control pathways. We have further confirmed the suppression of AKT/GSK3β/c-Myc/cyclinD1 expressions by Western blotting analysis. The over-expression of c-Myc could partly restore the attenuated proliferation ability caused by knockdown of PCGF1. Conclusion All the above evidences suggested that PCGF1 might be closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression of glioblastoma (GBM), in which process the oncoprotein c-Myc may participate. PCGF1 could thus be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmei Cui
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijin Dong
- Editorial Department, Logistic University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xi Qing Hospital, Tianjin 300380, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewei Chen
- Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Fan
- Central Laboratory, Xi Qing Hospital, Tianjin 300380, People's Republic of China
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Shriver JA, Wang KR, Patterson AC, DeYoung JR, Lipsius RJ. Exploring an anomaly: the synthesis of 7,7′-diazaindirubin through a 7-azaindoxyl intermediate. RSC Adv 2020; 10:36849-36852. [PMID: 35517962 PMCID: PMC9057083 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra07144g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Generation of 7-azaindoxyl under acidic conditions leads exclusively to 7,7′-diazaindirubin over 7,7′-diazaindigo through a condensation pathway.
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