1
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Chen E, Wu J, Huang J, Zhu W, Sun H, Wang X, Lin D, Li X, Shi D, Liu Z, Huang J, Chen M, Xie F, Deng W. FLI1 promotes IFN-γ-induced kynurenine production to impair anti-tumor immunity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4590. [PMID: 38816360 PMCID: PMC11139667 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48397-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)-mediated immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME) frequently culminates in the failure of otherwise promising immunotherapies. In this study, we identify tumor-intrinsic FLI1 as a critical mediator in impairing T cell anti-tumor immunity. A mechanistic inquiry reveals that FLI1 orchestrates the expression of CBP and STAT1, facilitating chromatin accessibility and transcriptional activation of IDO1 in response to T cell-released IFN-γ. This regulatory cascade ultimately leads to augmented IDO1 expression, resulting in heightened synthesis of kynurenine (Kyn) in tumor cells. This, in turn, fosters CD8+ T cell exhaustion and regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation. Intriguingly, we find that pharmacological inhibition of FLI1 effectively obstructs the CBP/STAT1-IDO1-Kyn axis, thereby invigorating both spontaneous and checkpoint therapy-induced immune responses, culminating in enhanced tumor eradication. In conclusion, our findings delineate FLI1-mediated Kyn metabolism as an immune evasion mechanism in NPC, furnishing valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions.
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MESH Headings
- Kynurenine/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Animals
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism
- Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Humans
- Mice
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- STAT1 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/immunology
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/metabolism
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/drug therapy
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/immunology
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Tumor Escape/drug effects
- Mice, Knockout
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Affiliation(s)
- Enni Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wancui Zhu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haohui Sun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dagui Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingbo Shi
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiao Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Fangyun Xie
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wuguo Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong, China.
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2
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He A, Wu M, Pu Y, Li R, Zhang Y, He J, Xia Y, Ma Y. Fluoxetine as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Inhibiting Melanoma Brain and Lung Metastasis: Induction of Apoptosis, G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest, and Disruption of Autophagy Flux. J Cancer 2024; 15:3825-3840. [PMID: 38911391 PMCID: PMC11190770 DOI: 10.7150/jca.95592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases and lung metastases are major causes of treatment failure and related mortality in melanoma. Fluoxetine hydrochloride (FXT), a widely-used antidepressant, has emerged as a potential anticancer agent in preclinical studies. Previous research has shown its potential to inhibit melanoma. However, its efficacy and the underlying mechanisms in melanoma metastasis, especially concerning brain metastases and lung metastases, remain underexplored. This study investigates FXT's inhibitory effects on melanoma growth and metastasis to the lung and brain. Employing a combination of in vitro assays, we demonstrate FXT's potent suppression of melanoma growth through induction of intrinsic apoptosis, disruption of autophagic flux, and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. In in vivo mouse models, we found that FXT exhibits strong inhibitory activity against melanoma brain metastases and lung metastases. Our findings provide a foundation for future clinical exploration of FXT as a novel treatment strategy for melanoma, underscoring its ability to target both primary and metastatic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mengling Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yamin Pu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ru Li
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yimei Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
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3
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Sharma R, Zhang C, Narendran A. The Small-Molecule E26-Transformation-Specific Inhibitor TK216 Attenuates the Oncogenic Properties of Pediatric Leukemia. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1916. [PMID: 37895265 PMCID: PMC10606408 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101916] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The E26-transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factors regulate multiple aspects of the normal hematopoietic system. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting aberrant ETS activity and its contribution to leukemia initiation and progression. In this study, we evaluated the small-molecule ETS inhibitor TK216 and demonstrated its anti-tumor activity in pediatric leukemia. We found TK216 induced growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and inhibited the migratory capability of leukemic cells, without significantly inhibiting the cell viability of normal blood mononuclear cells. Priming the leukemic cells with 5-Azacitidine enhanced the cytotoxic effects of TK216 on pediatric leukemia cells. Importantly, we found purine-rich box1 (PU.1) to be a potential target of TK216 in myeloid and B-lymphoid leukemic cells. In addition, TK216 sharply decreased Mcl-1 protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this, TK216 also potentiated the cytotoxic effects of Bcl-2 inhibition in venetoclax-resistant cells. The sustained survival benefit provided to leukemic cells in the presence of bone-marrow-derived conditioned media is also found to be modulated by TK216. Taken together, our data indicates that TK216 could be a promising targeted therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute myeloid and B-lymphoid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aru Narendran
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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4
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Chung EYL, Sartori G, Ponzoni M, Cascione L, Priebe V, Xu-Monette ZY, Fang X, Zhang M, Visco C, Tzankov A, Rinaldi A, Sgrignani J, Zucca E, Rossi D, Cavalli A, Inghirami G, Scott DW, Young KH, Bertoni F. ETS1 phosphorylation at threonine 38 is associated with the cell of origin of diffuse large B cell lymphoma and sustains the growth of tumour cells. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:244-254. [PMID: 37584198 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19018] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The transcriptional factor ETS1 is upregulated in 25% of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, we studied the role of ETS1 phosphorylation at threonine 38, a marker for ETS1 activation, in DLBCL cellular models and clinical specimens. p-ETS1 was detected in activated B cell-like DLBCL (ABC), not in germinal centre B-cell-like DLBCL (GCB) cell lines and, accordingly, it was more common in ABC than GCB DLBCL diagnostic biopsies. MEK inhibition decreased both baseline and IgM stimulation-induced p-ETS1 levels. Genetic inhibition of phosphorylation of ETS1 at threonine 38 affected the growth and the BCR-mediated transcriptome program in DLBCL cell lines. Our data demonstrate that ETS1 phosphorylation at threonine 38 is important for the growth of DLBCL cells and its pharmacological inhibition could benefit lymphoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Y L Chung
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Sartori
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Maurilio Ponzoni
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital Scientific Institute, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Valdemar Priebe
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | - Xiaosheng Fang
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carlo Visco
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alexandar Tzankov
- Pathology, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Jacopo Sgrignani
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Zucca
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Davide Rossi
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Giorgio Inghirami
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Department, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - David W Scott
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ken H Young
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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5
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Gong H, Xue B, Ru J, Pei G, Li Y. Targeted Therapy for EWS-FLI1 in Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4035. [PMID: 37627063 PMCID: PMC10452796 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164035] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is a rare and predominantly pediatric malignancy of bone and soft tissue in children and adolescents. Although international collaborations have greatly improved the prognosis of most EwS, the occurrence of macrometastases or relapse remains challenging. The prototypic oncogene EWS-FLI1 acts as an aberrant transcription factor that drives the cellular transformation of EwS. In addition to its involvement in RNA splicing and the DNA damage response, this chimeric protein directly binds to GGAA repeats, thereby modifying the transcriptional profile of EwS. Direct pharmacological targeting of EWS-FLI1 is difficult because of its intrinsically disordered structure. However, targeting the EWS-FLI1 protein complex or downstream pathways provides additional therapeutic options. This review describes the EWS-FLI1 protein partners and downstream pathways, as well as the related target therapies for the treatment of EwS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helong Gong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
| | - Busheng Xue
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Jinlong Ru
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
| | - Guoqing Pei
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China;
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110004, China;
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6
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Zhao W, Xu C, Peng L, Ma L, Du M. cAMP/PKA signaling promotes AKT deactivation by reducing CIP2A expression, thereby facilitating decidualization. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 571:111946. [PMID: 37127088 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
cAMP signaling is widely known to be indispensable for decidualization, but the details are not fully understood. Here, we show that cAMP signaling promotes AKT deactivation in endometrial stromal cells, which favors their decidualization. The deactivation of AKT is found to be a consequence of the reduced expression of several inhibitors of PP2A, the major phosphatase of AKT, with CIP2A being the most prominent. CIP2A reduction is obligatory for decidualization, as persistent CIP2A expression impairs chromatin remodeling and the expression of several decidualization markers (IGFBP1, PRL, MAOA, and IL-15). Furthermore, analyses of the responsiveness of the CIP2A promoter to cAMP signaling suggest the ETS family to be a bridge between cAMP signaling and CIP2A reduction. Our results provide novel insights into the role of cAMP signaling in decidualization and might benefit the development of novel therapies for decidualization deficiency, AKT-driven tumors, and the reverse, insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Lijin Peng
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Meirong Du
- Laboratory of Reproduction Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200090, China.
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7
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A Novel Chalcone Derivative Regulates the Expression and Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by Inhibiting Fli-1 Promoter Activity for Preventing the Malignant Progression of Erythroleukemia. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal13010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute erythroleukemia is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia recognized by its distinct phenotypic attribute of erythroblasts proliferation. In this study, in vitro experiments showed that a newly synthesized chalcone (ZH-254) inhibited cell proliferation, caused apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase, and downregulated Fli-1 expression by inhibiting Fli-1 promoter activity. In vivo experiments showed that ZH-254 could effectively alleviate splenomegaly and prolong the survival of erythroleukemia mice. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that ZH-254 could regulate the expression of Fli-1 target genes and G1-phase-related cell cycle proteins, including Rb, Bcl-2, Bax, ERK1/2, Gata-1, P110, SHIP-1, p-ERK1, CDK4, C-myc, Cyclin D1, Smad-3, GSK-3, and p21. Among them, the compound most significantly regulated the expression and phosphorylation of ERK1, the target gene of Fli-1 involved in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, ZH-254 restricts the malignancy of erythroleukemia by causing the inactivation of Fli-1 expression via suppressing its promoter activity, further regulating the expression and phosphorylation of ERK1- and G1-phase-related genes. These results reveal the critical role of Fli-1 in the growth and survival of various hematological malignancies and point to chalcone derivatives as lead compounds for the development of anti-Fli-1 drugs for the treatment of erythroleukemia with overexpression of Fli-1.
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8
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Chellini L, Pieraccioli M, Sette C, Paronetto MP. The DNA/RNA helicase DHX9 contributes to the transcriptional program of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:178. [PMID: 35590370 PMCID: PMC9118622 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most commonly diagnosed male malignancy and an important cause of mortality. Androgen deprivation therapy is the first line treatment but, unfortunately, a large part of patients evolves to a castration-resistant stage, for which no effective cure is currently available. The DNA/RNA helicase DHX9 is emerging as an important regulator of cellular processes that are often deregulated in cancer.
Methods
To investigate whether DHX9 modulates PC cell transcriptome we performed RNA-sequencing analyses upon DHX9 silencing in the androgen-responsive cell line LNCaP. Bioinformatics and functional analyses were carried out to elucidate the mechanism of gene expression regulation by DHX9. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were mined to evaluate the potential role of DHX9 in PC.
Results
We found that up-regulation of DHX9 correlates with advanced stage and is associated with poor prognosis of PC patients. High-throughput RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that depletion of DHX9 in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells affects expression of hundreds of genes, which significantly overlap with known targets of the Androgen Receptor (AR). Notably, AR binds to the DHX9 promoter and induces its expression, while Enzalutamide-mediated inhibition of AR activity represses DHX9 expression. Moreover, DHX9 interacts with AR in LNCaP cells and its depletion significantly reduced the recruitment of AR to the promoter region of target genes and the ability of AR to promote their expression in response to 5α-dihydrotestosterone. Consistently, silencing of DXH9 negatively affected androgen-induced PC cell proliferation and migration.
Conclusions
Collectively, our data uncover a new role of DHX9 in the control of the AR transcriptional program and establish the existence of an oncogenic DHX9/AR axis, which may represent a new druggable target to counteract PC progression.
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9
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Steinhoff M, Alam M, Ahmad A, Uddin S, Buddenkotte J. Targeting oncogenic transcription factors in skin malignancies: An update on cancer stemness and therapeutic outcomes. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:98-116. [PMID: 36372325 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and prone to various diseases, including cancer; thus, provides the first line of defense against exogenous biological and non-biological agents. Skin cancer, a complex and heterogenic process, with steep incidence rate often metastasizes due to poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis and clinical challenges. Indeed, accumulating evidence indicates that deregulation of transcription factors (TFs) due to genetic, epigenetic and signaling distortions plays essential role in the development of cutaneous malignancies and therapeutic challenges including cancer stemness features and reprogramming. This review highlights the recent developments exploring underlying mechanisms how deregulated TFs (e.g., NF-κB, AP-1, STAT etc.,) orchestrates cutaneous onco-pathogenesis, reprogramming, stemness and poor clinical outcomes. Along this line, bioactive drugs, and their derivatives from natural and or synthetic origin has gained attention due to their multitargeting potential, potentially safer and effective therapeutic outcome for human malignancies. We also discussed therapeutic importance of targeting aberrantly expressed TFs in skin cancers with bioactive natural products and or synthetic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Majid Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
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10
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Zhang K, Yu C, Tian R, Zhang W, Tang S, Wang G. Downregulation of the paired box gene 3 inhibits the progression of skin cutaneous melanoma by inhibiting c-MET tyrosine kinase : PAX3 downregulation inhibits melanoma progression. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:9137-9145. [PMID: 36057879 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07706-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PAX3 (paired box gene 3) gene is highly expressed in several cancer types. However, its underlying mechanism of action in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) remains unknown. METHODS In this study, we used the GEPIA database and western blotting to analyze the expression of PAX3. We performed the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of PAX3 in SKCM. Next, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was performed to evaluate the function of PAX3-related co-expressed genes. Additionally, the function and potential mechanism of action of PAX3 in SKCM were studied through functional experiments. Western blotting was used to detect the changes in the levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related and MET (c-MET tyrosine kinase) proteins following PAX3 knockdown. Finally, we assessed the correlation between PAX3 expression and the infiltration of CD4+/CD8+ T cells using the TISIDB database. RESULTS We found that PAX3 was overexpressed in the SKCM tissues and that these levels were indicative of a poor prognosis of SKCM. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that PAX3-related co-expressed genes were mainly associated with the oncogenic pathways. Knocking down PAX3 significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of SK-MEL-28 cells. The PAX3 expression was related significantly to the immune infiltration level of CD4+/CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that PAX3 knockdown could reverse the EMT of tumor cells, inhibit the growth, and progression of SKCM cells. Therefore, PAX3 may have implications as a potential therapeutic target and promising prognostic biomarker for SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, CN, China
| | - Chunfang Yu
- Department of Nursing, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, CN, China
| | - Ruoxi Tian
- School of Basic Medicine, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, CN, China
| | - Wancong Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, CN, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, CN, China
| | - Guiying Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hbei, CN, China
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11
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Povedano JM, Li V, Lake KE, Bai X, Rallabandi R, Kim J, Xie Y, De Brabander JK, McFadden DG. TK216 targets microtubules in Ewing sarcoma cells. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1325-1332.e4. [PMID: 35803262 PMCID: PMC9394687 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a pediatric malignancy driven by the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion protein formed by the chromosomal translocation t(11; 22). The small molecule TK216 was developed as a first-in-class direct EWSR1-FLI1 inhibitor and is in phase II clinical trials in combination with vincristine for patients with EWS. However, TK216 exhibits anti-cancer activity against cancer cell lines and xenografts that do not express EWSR1-FLI1, and the mechanism underlying cytotoxicity remains unresolved. We apply a forward-genetics screening platform utilizing engineered hypermutation in EWS cell lines and identify recurrent mutations in TUBA1B, encoding ⍺-tubulin, that prove sufficient to drive resistance to TK216. Using reconstituted microtubule (MT) polymerization in vitro and cell-based chemical probe competition assays, we demonstrate that TK216 acts as an MT destabilizing agent. This work defines the mechanism of cytotoxicity of TK216, explains the synergy observed with vincristine, and calls for a reexamination of ongoing clinical trials with TK216. Recurrent TUBA1B mutations were identified in TK216-resistant Ewing sarcoma cells TUBA1B mutations independently drove resistance to TK216 TK216 suppressed tubulin polymerization in vitro in a stereo-selective manner TK216 and vincristine act on microtubules through distinct binding mechanisms
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Povedano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Vicky Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Katherine E Lake
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Xin Bai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Rameshu Rallabandi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Jiwoong Kim
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Yang Xie
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Jef K De Brabander
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - David G McFadden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA.
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12
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Huang L, Zhai Y, Fajardo CD, Lang D. YK-4-279 Attenuates Progression of Pre-Existing Pigmented Lesions to Nodular Melanoma in a Mouse Model. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:143. [PMID: 35008307 PMCID: PMC8749984 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
More options are needed for the effective treatment of melanoma. In a previous study, we discovered the small molecule drug YK-4-279 almost completely inhibited tumor progression in the BrafCA;Tyr-CreERT2;Ptenflox/flox transgenic mouse model. YK-4-279 had no effect on tumor initiation but blocked progression of invasive melanoma. Our current study was designed as a treatment model, where YK-4-279 was administered during pigmented lesion formation. The study design included the use of three groups: (1) a control group that received only DMSO without a drug (MOCK), (2) mice following our prior studies with YK-4-279 administered at the time of tumor induction (YK-4-279), and (3) mice treated during tumor initiation (YK-4-279 delay). While the MOCK mice had progression of tumors, both YK-4-279 and YK-4-279 delay groups had a significant block or delay of progression. The majority of mice in the YK-4-279 groups had a block of progression, while the YK-4-279 delay group had either a partial block (60% in male mice or 29% in females) or a delay in disease progression in females (28 days in controls to 50 days in YK-4-279 delay group). Here, we demonstrate that YK-4-279 has a significant impact on blocking or delaying tumor progression in a pre-clinical treatment model of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Deborah Lang
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (L.H.); (Y.Z.); (C.D.F.)
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