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Besse A, Sedlarikova L, Buechler L, Kraus M, Yang CH, Strakova N, Soucek K, Navratil J, Svoboda M, Welm AL, Joerger M, Driessen C, Besse L. HIV-protease inhibitors potentiate the activity of carfilzomib in triple-negative breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:918-930. [PMID: 38969867 PMCID: PMC11368961 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02774-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to chemotherapy is a major problem in the treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Preclinical data suggest that TNBC is dependent on proteasomes; however, clinical observations indicate that the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors in TNBC may be limited, suggesting the need for combination therapies. METHODS We compared bortezomib and carfilzomib and their combinations with nelfinavir and lopinavir in TNBC cell lines and primary cells with regard to their cytotoxic activity, functional proteasome inhibition, and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Furthermore, we evaluated the involvement of sXBP1, ABCB1, and ABCG2 in the cytotoxic activity of drug combinations. RESULTS Carfilzomib, via proteasome β5 + β2 inhibition, is more cytotoxic in TNBC than bortezomib, which inhibits β5 + β1 proteasome subunits. The cytotoxicity of carfilzomib was significantly potentiated by nelfinavir or lopinavir. Carfilzomib with lopinavir induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and pro-apoptotic UPR through the accumulation of excess proteasomal substrate protein in TNBC in vitro. Moreover, lopinavir increased the intracellular availability of carfilzomib by inhibiting carfilzomib export from cells that express high levels and activity of ABCB1, but not ABCG2. CONCLUSION Proteasome inhibition by carfilzomib combined with nelfinavir/lopinavir represents a potential treatment option for TNBC, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Sedlarikova
- Babak Myeloma Group, Department of Pathological Physiology, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Lorina Buechler
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Kraus
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Chieh-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nicol Strakova
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
- Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Soucek
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 612 00, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Navratil
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Svoboda
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Markus Joerger
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Driessen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, 9000, Switzerland.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic.
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2
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Shaji UP, Tuti N, Alim SK, Mohan M, Das S, Meur G, Swamy MJ, Anindya R. Inhibition of human DNA alkylation damage repair enzyme ALKBH2 by HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 141:103732. [PMID: 39094381 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103732] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The human DNA repair enzyme AlkB homologue-2 (ALKBH2) repairs methyl adducts from genomic DNA and is overexpressed in several cancers. However, there are no known inhibitors available for this crucial DNA repair enzyme. The aim of this study was to examine whether the first-generation HIV protease inhibitors having strong anti-cancer activity can be repurposed as inhibitors of ALKBH2. We selected four such inhibitors and performed in vitro binding analysis against ALKBH2 based on alterations of its intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and differential scanning fluorimetry. The effect of these HIV protease inhibitors on the DNA repair activity of ALKBH2 was also evaluated. Interestingly, we observed that one of the inhibitors, ritonavir, could inhibit ALKBH2-mediated DNA repair significantly via competitive inhibition and sensitized cancer cells to alkylating agent methylmethane sulfonate (MMS). This work may provide new insights into the possibilities of utilizing HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir as a DNA repair antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unnikrishnan P Shaji
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Nikhil Tuti
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India
| | - S K Alim
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India
| | - Monisha Mohan
- Department of Science and Humanities, Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIIT-DM) Kancheepuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600127, India
| | - Susmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India
| | - Gargi Meur
- ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana 500007, India
| | - Musti J Swamy
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500046, India
| | - Roy Anindya
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sanga Reddy, Telangana 502284, India.
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3
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Liu Y, Meng Y, Zhang J, Gu L, Shen S, Zhu Y, Wang J. Pharmacology Progresses and Applications of Chloroquine in Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6777-6809. [PMID: 38983131 PMCID: PMC11232884 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s458910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Chloroquine is a common antimalarial drug and is listed in the World Health Organization Standard List of Essential Medicines because of its safety, low cost and ease of use. Besides its antimalarial property, chloroquine also was used in anti-inflammatory and antivirus, especially in antitumor therapy. A mount of data showed that chloroquine mainly relied on autophagy inhibition to exert its antitumor effects. However, recently, more and more researches have revealed that chloroquine acts through other mechanisms that are autophagy-independent. Nevertheless, the current reviews lacked a comprehensive summary of the antitumor mechanism and combined pharmacotherapy of chloroquine. So here we focused on the antitumor properties of chloroquine, summarized the pharmacological mechanisms of antitumor progression of chloroquine dependent or independent of autophagy inhibition. Moreover, we also discussed the side effects and possible application developments of chloroquine. This review provided a more systematic and cutting-edge knowledge involved in the anti-tumor mechanisms and combined pharmacotherapy of chloroquine in hope of carrying out more in-depth exploration of chloroquine and obtaining more clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Junzhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Jigang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
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Hinton AO, N'jai AU, Vue Z, Wanjalla C. Connection Between HIV and Mitochondria in Cardiovascular Disease and Implications for Treatments. Circ Res 2024; 134:1581-1606. [PMID: 38781302 PMCID: PMC11122810 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.324296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy alter mitochondrial function, which can progressively lead to mitochondrial damage and accelerated aging. The interaction between persistent HIV reservoirs and mitochondria may provide insight into the relatively high rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality in persons living with HIV. In this review, we explore the intricate relationship between HIV and mitochondrial function, highlighting the potential for novel therapeutic strategies in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We reflect on mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein in the context of HIV. Furthermore, we summarize how toxicities related to early antiretroviral therapy and current highly active antiretroviral therapy can contribute to mitochondrial dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and poor clinical outcomes. There is a need to understand the mechanisms and develop new targeted therapies. We further consider current and potential future therapies for HIV and their interplay with mitochondria. We reflect on the next-generation antiretroviral therapies and HIV cure due to the direct and indirect effects of HIV persistence, associated comorbidities, coinfections, and the advancement of interdisciplinary research fields. This includes exploring novel and creative approaches to target mitochondria for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.O.H., Z.V.)
| | - Alhaji U N'jai
- Biological Sciences, Fourah Bay College and College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone and Koinadugu College, Kabala (A.U.N.)
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN (A.O.H., Z.V.)
| | - Celestine Wanjalla
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (C.W.)
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5
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Li M, Smith BJ, Lee J, Petr J, Anders NM, Wiseman R, Rudek MA, Ambinder RF, Desai PJ. Nelfinavir inhibition of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus protein expression and capsid assembly. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:7. [PMID: 38439055 PMCID: PMC10913605 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00566-7] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiviral therapies that target herpesviruses are clinically important. Nelfinavir is a protease inhibitor that targets the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) aspartyl protease. Previous studies demonstrated that this drug could also inhibit Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) production. Our laboratory demonstrated nelfinavir can effectively inhibit herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication. For HSV-1 we were able to determine that virus capsids were assembled and exited the nucleus but did not mature in the cytoplasm indicating the drug inhibited secondary envelopment of virions. METHODS For KSHV, we recently derived a tractable cell culture system that allowed us to analyze the virus replication cycle in greater detail. We used this system to further define the stage at which nelfinavir inhibits KSHV replication. RESULTS We discovered that nelfinavir inhibits KSHV extracellular virus production. This was seen when the drug was incubated with the cells for 3 days and when we pulsed the cells with the drug for 1-5 min. When KSHV infected cells exposed to the drug were examined using ultrastructural methods there was an absence of mature capsids in the nucleus indicating a defect in capsid assembly. Because nelfinavir influences the integrated stress response (ISR), we examined the expression of viral proteins in the presence of the drug. We observed that the expression of many were significantly changed in the presence of drug. The accumulation of the capsid triplex protein, ORF26, was markedly reduced. This is an essential protein required for herpesvirus capsid assembly. CONCLUSIONS Our studies confirm that nelfinavir inhibits KSHV virion production by disrupting virus assembly and maturation. This is likely because of the effect of nelfinavir on the ISR and thus protein synthesis and accumulation of the essential triplex capsid protein, ORF26. Of interest is that inhibition requires only a short exposure to drug. The source of infectious virus in saliva has not been defined in detail but may well be lymphocytes or other cells in the oral mucosa. Thus, it might be that a "swish and spit" exposure rather than systemic administration would prevent virion production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Li
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barbara J Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jaeyeun Lee
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Petr
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole M Anders
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Present address: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Robyn Wiseman
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle A Rudek
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard F Ambinder
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Prashant J Desai
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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6
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Chuang PH, Tzang BS, Tzang CC, Chiu CC, Lin CY, Hsu TC. Impact of oseltamivir on the risk of cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1329986. [PMID: 38469236 PMCID: PMC10925756 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1329986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Mounting evidence has revealed the anti-cancer activity of various anti-viral drugs. Oseltamivir phosphate (OP), namely Tamiflu®, is routinely used to combat influenza infections. Although evidence has indicated the anti-cancer effects of OP in vitro and in vivo, little information is known about the effect of OP use on cancers in humans. Methods A nationwide population-based cohort study involving 13,977,101 cases with 284,733 receiving OP was performed to examine the association between OP use and cancers using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan between 2009 and 2018. Results The cohort study found that OP users showed a significantly lower incidence of lung cancer, colon cancer, liver, and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, oral cancer, pancreas cancer, esophagus cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer. Additionally, OP users exhibited a lower risk of cancer-related mortality (adjusted HR=0.779; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.743-0.817; p<0.001) and a reduced risk of developing liver cancer (adjusted HR=0.895; 95% CI 0.824-0.972; p=0.008), esophagus cancer (adjusted HR=0.646; 95% CI 0.522-0.799; p<0.001) and oral cancer (adjusted HR=0.587; 95% CI 0.346-0.995; p=0.048). Notably, OP users had a significant reduction in liver cancer occurrence over a 10-year period follow-up and a lower cancer stage at liver cancer diagnosis. Conclusion These findings first suggest the beneficial effects and therapeutic potential of OP use for certain cancers, especially liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hua Chuang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Show Tzang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Immunology Research Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chen Tzang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ching Chiu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology and Department of Medical Intensive Care Unit, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yu Lin
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Immunology Research Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Xiong JX, Li YT, Tan XY, Chen T, Liu BH, Fu L. Targeting PRSS23 with tipranavir induces gastric cancer stem cell apoptosis and inhibits growth of gastric cancer via the MKK3/p38 MAPK-IL24 pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:405-421. [PMID: 37814123 PMCID: PMC10789761 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01165-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) contribute to the refractory features of gastric cancer (GC) and are responsible for metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. The key factors drive GCSC function and affect the clinical outcome of GC patients remain poorly understood. PRSS23 is a novel serine protease that is significantly up-regulated in several types of cancers and cancer stem cells, and related to tumor progression and drug resistance. In this study, we investigated the role of PRSS23 in GCSCs as well as the mechanism by which PRSS23 regulated the GCSC functions. We demonstrated that PRSS23 was critical for sustaining GCSC survival. By screening a collection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (PIs), we identified tipranavir as a PRSS23-targeting drug, which effectively killed both GCSC and GC cell lines (its IC50 values were 4.7 and 6.4 μM in GCSC1 cells and GCSC2 cells, respectively). Administration of tipranavir (25 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p., for 8 days) in GCSC-derived xenograft mice markedly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous GCSC tumors without apparent toxicity. In contrast, combined treatment with 5-FU plus cisplatin did not affect the tumor growth but causing significant weight loss. Furthermore, we revealed that tipranavir induced GCSC cell apoptosis by suppressing PRSS23 expression, releasing MKK3 from the PRSS23/MKK3 complex to activate p38 MAPK, and thereby activating the IL24-mediated Bax/Bak mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In addition, tipranavir was found to kill other types of cancer cell lines and drug-resistant cell lines. Collectively, this study demonstrates that by targeting both GCSCs and GC cells, tipranavir is a promising anti-cancer drug, and the clinical development of tipranavir or other drugs specifically targeting the PRSS23/MKK3/p38MAPK-IL24 mitochondrial apoptotic pathway may offer an effective approach to combat gastric and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Xian Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yu-Ting Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Tie Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bao-Hua Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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van der Putten E, Wosikowski K, Beijnen JH, Imre G, Freund CR. Ritonavir reverses resistance to docetaxel and cabazitaxel in prostate cancer cells with acquired resistance to docetaxel. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:3. [PMID: 38318527 PMCID: PMC10838382 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Aim: Docetaxel is a microtubule-stabilizing drug used for the treatment of several cancers, including prostate cancer. Resistance to docetaxel can either occur through intrinsic resistance or develop under therapeutic pressure, i.e., acquired resistance. A possible explanation for the occurrence of acquired resistance to docetaxel is increased drug efflux via P-glycoprotein (P-gp) drug transporters. Methods: We have generated docetaxel-resistant cell lines DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8 by exposing parental cell lines DU-145DOC and 22Rv1 to increasing levels of docetaxel. Gene expression levels between DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8 were compared with those of their respective originator cell lines. Both parental and resistant cell lines were treated with the taxane drugs docetaxel and cabazitaxel in combination with the P-gp/CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir and the P-gp inhibitor elacridar. Results: In the docetaxel-resistant cell lines DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8, the ABCB1 (P-gp) gene was highly up-regulated. Expression of the P-gp protein was also significantly increased in the docetaxel-resistant cell lines in a Western blotting assay. The addition of ritonavir to docetaxel resulted in a return of the sensitivity to docetaxel in the DU-145DOC10 and 22Rv1DOC8 to a level similar to the sensitivity in the originator cells. We found that these docetaxel-resistant cell lines could also be re-sensitized to cabazitaxel in a similar manner. In a Caco-2 P-gp transporter assay, functional inhibition of P-gp-mediated transport of docetaxel with ritonavir was demonstrated. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that ritonavir restores sensitivity to both docetaxel and cabazitaxel in docetaxel-resistant cell lines, most likely by inhibiting P-gp-mediated drug efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jos H. Beijnen
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Gábor Imre
- SOLVO Biotechnology, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Colin R. Freund
- Modra Pharmaceuticals B.V., Amsterdam 1083 HN, the Netherlands
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Hill RM, Fok M, Grundy G, Parsons JL, Rocha S. The role of autophagy in hypoxia-induced radioresistance. Radiother Oncol 2023; 189:109951. [PMID: 37838322 PMCID: PMC11046710 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109951] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a widely used treatment modality against cancer, and although survival rates are increasing, radioresistant properties of tumours remain a significant barrier for curative treatment. Tumour hypoxia is one of the main contributors to radioresistance and is common in most solid tumours. Hypoxia is responsible for many molecular changes within the cell which helps tumours to survive under such challenging conditions. These hypoxia-induced molecular changes are predominantly coordinated by the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and have been linked with the ability to confer resistance to radiation-induced cell death. To overcome this obstacle research has been directed towards autophagy, a cellular process involved in self degradation and recycling of macromolecules, as HIF plays a large role in its coordination under hypoxic conditions. The role that autophagy has following radiotherapy treatment is conflicted with evidence of both cytoprotective and cytotoxic effects. This literature review aims to explore the intricate relationship between radiotherapy, hypoxia, and autophagy in the context of cancer treatment. It provides valuable insights into the potential of targeting autophagy as a therapeutic strategy to improve the response of hypoxic tumours to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhianna Mae Hill
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Matthew Fok
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Gabrielle Grundy
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Jason Luke Parsons
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Sonia Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
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Li M, Smith B, Jaeyeun L, Petr J, Wiseman R, Anders N, Rudek M, Ambinder R, Desai P. Nelfinavir Inhibition of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus protein expression and capsid assembly. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3552962. [PMID: 37986957 PMCID: PMC10659537 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3552962/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Antiviral therapies that target herpesviruses are clinically important. Nelfinavir is a protease inhibitor that targets the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections aspartyl protease. Previous studies demonstrated that this drug could also inhibit Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) production. Our laboratory demonstrated nelfinavir can effectively inhibit herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication. For HSV-1 we were able to determine that virus capsids were assembled and exited the nucleus but did not mature in the cytoplasm indicating the drug inhibited secondary envelopment of virions. Methods For KSHV, we recently derived a tractable cell culture system that allowed us to analyze the virus replication cycle in detail. We used this system to further define the stage at which nelfinavir inhibits KSHV replication. Results We discovered that nelfinavir inhibits KSHV extracellular virus production. This was seen when the drug was incubated with the cells for 3 days and when we pulsed the cells with the drug for 1-5 minutes. When KSHV infected cells exposed to the drug were examined using ultrastructural methods there was an absence of mature capsids in the nucleus indicating a defect in capsid assembly. Because nelfinavir influences the integrated stress response (ISR), we examined the expression of viral proteins in the presence of the drug. We observed that the expression of many were significantly changed in the presence of drug. The accumulation of the capsid triplex protein ORF26 was markedly reduced. This is an essential protein required for herpesvirus capsid assembly. Conclusions Our studies confirm that nelfinavir inhibits KSHV virion production by disrupting virus assembly and maturation. Of interest is that inhibition requires only a short exposure to drug. The source of infectious virus in saliva has not been defined in detail but may well be lymphocytes or other cells in the oral mucosa. Thus, it might be that a "swish and spit" exposure rather than systemic administration would prevent virion production.
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Rodriguez M, Owens F, Perry M, Stone N, Soler Y, Almohtadi R, Zhao Y, Batrakova EV, El-Hage N. Implication of the Autophagy-Related Protein Beclin1 in the Regulation of EcoHIV Replication and Inflammatory Responses. Viruses 2023; 15:1923. [PMID: 37766329 PMCID: PMC10537636 DOI: 10.3390/v15091923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein Beclin1 (BECN1, a mammalian homologue of ATG6 in yeast) plays an important role in the initiation and the normal process of autophagy in cells. Moreover, we and others have shown that Beclin1 plays an important role in viral replication and the innate immune signaling pathways. We previously used the cationic polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI) conjugated to mannose (Man) as a non-viral tool for the delivery of a small interfering (si) Beclin1-PEI-Man nanoplex, which specifically targets mannose receptor-expressing glia (microglia and astrocytes) in the brain when administered intranasally to conventional mice. To expand our previous reports, first we used C57BL/6J mice infected with EcoHIV and exposed them to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). We show that EcoHIV enters the mouse brain, while intranasal delivery of the nanocomplex significantly reduces the secretion of HIV-induced inflammatory molecules and downregulates the expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kB. Since a spectrum of neurocognitive and motor problems can develop in people living with HIV (PLWH) despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy, we subsequently measured the role of Beclin1 in locomotor activities using EcoHIV-infected BECN1 knockout mice exposed to cART. Viral replication and cytokine secretion were reduced in the postmortem brains recovered from EcoHIV-infected Becn1+/- mice when compared to EcoHIV-infected Becn1+/+ mice, although the impairment in locomotor activities based on muscle strength were comparable. This further highlights the importance of Beclin1 in the regulation of HIV replication and in viral-induced cytokine secretion but not in HIV-induced locomotor impairments. Moreover, the cause of HIV-induced locomotor impairments remains speculative, as we show that this may not be entirely due to viral load and/or HIV-induced inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myosotys Rodriguez
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.R.); (F.O.); (M.P.); (N.S.); (Y.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Florida Owens
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.R.); (F.O.); (M.P.); (N.S.); (Y.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Marissa Perry
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.R.); (F.O.); (M.P.); (N.S.); (Y.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Nicole Stone
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.R.); (F.O.); (M.P.); (N.S.); (Y.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Yemmy Soler
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.R.); (F.O.); (M.P.); (N.S.); (Y.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Rianna Almohtadi
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.R.); (F.O.); (M.P.); (N.S.); (Y.S.); (R.A.)
| | - Yuling Zhao
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (Y.Z.); (E.V.B.)
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elena V. Batrakova
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (Y.Z.); (E.V.B.)
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Nazira El-Hage
- Department of Immunology and Nanomedicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; (M.R.); (F.O.); (M.P.); (N.S.); (Y.S.); (R.A.)
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12
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Mohi-Ud-Din R, Chawla A, Sharma P, Mir PA, Potoo FH, Reiner Ž, Reiner I, Ateşşahin DA, Sharifi-Rad J, Mir RH, Calina D. Repurposing approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy: a comprehensive review of mechanisms, efficacy, and clinical prospects. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:345. [PMID: 37710280 PMCID: PMC10500791 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with predictions of increasing prevalence in the coming years due to limited prevention, late diagnosis, and inadequate success with current therapies. In addition, the high cost of new anti-cancer drugs creates barriers in meeting the medical needs of cancer patients, especially in developing countries. The lengthy and costly process of developing novel drugs further hinders drug discovery and clinical implementation. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in repurposing approved drugs for other diseases to address the urgent need for effective cancer treatments. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of the potential of approved non-oncology drugs as therapeutic options for cancer treatment. These drugs come from various chemotherapeutic classes, including antimalarials, antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antifungals, and have demonstrated significant antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and antimetastatic properties. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the repurposing of approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched using appropriate keywords. Studies focusing on the therapeutic potential, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and clinical prospects of repurposed drugs in cancer treatment were included in the analysis. The review highlights the promising outcomes of repurposing approved non-oncology drugs for cancer therapy. Drugs belonging to different therapeutic classes have demonstrated notable antitumor effects, including inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, modulating the immune response, and suppressing metastasis. These findings suggest the potential of these repurposed drugs as effective therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment. Repurposing approved non-oncology drugs provides a promising strategy for addressing the urgent need for effective and accessible cancer treatments. The diverse classes of repurposed drugs, with their demonstrated antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and antimetastatic properties, offer new avenues for cancer therapy. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to explore the full potential of these repurposed drugs and optimize their use in treating various cancer types. Repurposing approved drugs can significantly expedite the process of identifying effective treatments and improve patient outcomes in a cost-effective manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohi Mohi-Ud-Din
- Department of General Medicine, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190001, India
| | - Apporva Chawla
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Pooja Sharma
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Prince Ahad Mir
- Khalsa College of Pharmacy, G.T. Road, Amritsar, Punjab, 143001, India
| | - Faheem Hyder Potoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, 1982, 31441, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Željko Reiner
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivan Reiner
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dilek Arslan Ateşşahin
- Baskil Vocational School, Department of Plant and Animal Production, Fırat University, 23100, Elazıg, Turkey
| | | | - Reyaz Hassan Mir
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir, 190006, India.
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349, Craiova, Romania.
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Alaei M, Nazari SE, Pourali G, Asadnia A, Moetamani-Ahmadi M, Fiuji H, Tanzadehpanah H, Asgharzadeh F, Babaei F, Khojasteh-Leylakoohi F, Saeed Gataa I, Ali Kiani M, Ferns GA, Lam AKY, Hassanian SM, Khazaei M, Giovannetti E, Avan A. Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Using Lopinavir/Ritonavir in Colorectal Cancer: A Study in Monolayers, Spheroids and In Vivo Models. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3939. [PMID: 37568755 PMCID: PMC10417395 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153939] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme has been shown to be expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its dysregulation is linked to tumor progression and a poor prognosis. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of targeting CYP450 using lopinavir/ritonavir in CRC. The integrative systems biology method and RNAseq were utilized to investigate the differential levels of genes associated with patients with colorectal cancer. The antiproliferative activity of lopinavir/ritonavir was evaluated in both monolayer and 3-dimensional (3D) models, followed by wound-healing assays. The effectiveness of targeting CYP450 was examined in a mouse model, followed by histopathological analysis, biochemical tests (MDA, SOD, thiol, and CAT), and RT-PCR. The data of dysregulation expressed genes (DEG) revealed 1268 upregulated and 1074 down-regulated genes in CRC. Among the top-score genes and dysregulated pathways, CYPs were detected and associated with poor prognosis of patients with CRC. Inhibition of CYP450 reduced cell proliferation via modulating survivin, Chop, CYP13a, and induction of cell death, as detected by AnnexinV/PI staining. This agent suppressed the migratory behaviors of cells by induction of E-cadherin. Moreover, lopinavir/ritonavir suppressed tumor growth and fibrosis, which correlated with a reduction in SOD/thiol levels and increased MDA levels. Our findings illustrated the therapeutic potential of targeting the CYP450 using lopinavir/ritonavir in colorectal cancer, supporting future investigations on this novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (M.A.); (S.M.H.)
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Seyedeh Elnaz Nazari
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Ghazaleh Pourali
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - AliReza Asadnia
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Mehrdad Moetamani-Ahmadi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Hamid Tanzadehpanah
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91779-49367, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Asgharzadeh
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Fatemeh Babaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
| | - Fatemeh Khojasteh-Leylakoohi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | | | - Mohammad Ali Kiani
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK;
| | - Alfred King-yin Lam
- Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (M.A.); (S.M.H.)
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- Basic Sciences Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (H.F.); (M.A.K.)
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam U.M.C., VU. University Medical Center (VUMC), 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 13944-91388, Iran; (S.E.N.); (G.P.); (A.A.); (M.M.-A.); (H.T.); (F.A.); (F.B.); (F.K.-L.); (M.K.)
- College of Medicine, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala 56001, Iraq;
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
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Wu Y, Min L, Zhang P, Zhang L, Xu Y, Li D, Zheng M, Pei D, Wang Q. ORP5 promotes migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:395-407. [PMID: 37314629 PMCID: PMC10352219 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-023-01357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ORP5 is a transmembrane protein anchored to the endoplasmic reticulum, which mainly functions as a lipid transporter and has reportedly been linked to cancer. However, the specific mechanism of ORP5 action in cervical cancer (CC) is unclear. In this study, we found that ORP5 promotes the migration and invasive ability of CC cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, ORP5 expression was linked to endoplasmic reticulum stress, and ORP5 encouraged CC metastasis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress. Mechanistically, ORP5 inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress in CC cells by stimulating ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of SREBP1 to reduce its expression. In conclusion, ORP5 promotes the malignant progression of CC by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, providing a therapeutic target and strategy for CC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luyao Min
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Danhua Li
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maojin Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongsheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qingling Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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Souza TFD, Sym YV, Chehter EZ. HIV and neoplasms: What do we know so far? EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2023; 21:eRW0231. [PMID: 37341221 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2023rw0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic remains an important issue. In 2020, approximately 37.7 million people were living with the disease and there were more than 680 thousand deaths due to complications linked to the disease. Despite these exorbitant numbers, the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has marked a new era, changing the epidemiological profile of the infection and related pathologies, including neoplasms. OBJECTIVE We performed a literature review to assess the role of neoplasms in patients with HIV after the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. METHODS A literature review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, searching the MEDLINE, LILACS, and COCHRANE databases for articles published from 2010 onwards. RESULTS Using specific key terms, 1,341 articles were identified; two were duplicates, 107 were selected for full-text evaluation, and 20 were included in the meta-analysis. The selected studies included 2,605,869 patients. Fifteen of the 20 articles indicated a reduction in the global incidence of AIDS-defining neoplasms and 12 indicated an overall increase in non-AIDS-defining cancers after the introduction of antiretrovirals. This growth trend could be explained by a range of factors including the aging population with HIV, risky behaviors, and coinfection with oncogenic viruses. CONCLUSIONS There was a decreasing trend in the incidence of AIDS-defining neoplasms and increasing trend in non-AIDS-defining neoplasms. However, the carcinogenic effect of antiretrovirals could not be confirmed. In addition, studies focusing on the oncogenic role of HIV and screening for neoplasms in individuals with HIV are required.
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Sarkar A, Bhaskara Rao KV. Unraveling anticancer potential of a novel serine protease inhibitor from marine yeast Candida parapsilosis ABS1 against colorectal and breast cancer cells. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:225. [PMID: 37296286 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03670-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The study was planned to isolate a serine protease inhibitor compound with anticancer potential against colorectal and breast cancer cells from marine yeast. Protease enzymes play a crucial role in the mechanism of life-threatening diseases like cancer, malaria and AIDS. Hence, blocking these enzymes with potential inhibitors can be an efficient approach in drug therapy for these diseases. A total of 12 marine yeast isolates, recovered from mangrove swamps of Sundarbans, India, showed inhibition activity against trypsin. The yeast isolate ABS1 showed highest inhibition activity (89%). The optimum conditions for protease inhibitor production were found to be glucose, ammonium phosphate, pH 7.0, 30 °C and 2 M NaCl. The PI protein from yeast isolate ABS1 was purified using ethyl acetate extraction and anion exchange chromatography. The purified protein was characterized using denaturing SDS-PAGE, Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS), Reverse Phase High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The intact molecular weight of the PI protein was determined to be 25.584 kDa. The PI protein was further studied for in vitro anticancer activities. The IC50 value for MTT cell proliferation assay was found to be 43 µg/ml against colorectal cancer HCT15 cells and 48 µg/ml against breast cancer MCF7 cells. Hoechst staining, DAPI staining and DNA fragmentation assay were performed to check the apoptotic cells. The marine yeast was identified as Candida parapsilosis ABS1 (Accession No. MH782231) using 18s rRNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Sarkar
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K V Bhaskara Rao
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Kristensen SS, Diep DB, Kjos M, Mathiesen G. The role of site-2-proteases in bacteria: a review on physiology, virulence, and therapeutic potential. MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad025. [PMID: 37223736 PMCID: PMC10202637 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Site-2-proteases are a class of intramembrane proteases involved in regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Regulated intramembrane proteolysis is a highly conserved signaling mechanism that commonly involves sequential digestion of an anti-sigma factor by a site-1- and site-2-protease in response to external stimuli, resulting in an adaptive transcriptional response. Variation of this signaling cascade continues to emerge as the role of site-2-proteases in bacteria continues to be explored. Site-2-proteases are highly conserved among bacteria and play a key role in multiple processes, including iron uptake, stress response, and pheromone production. Additionally, an increasing number of site-2-proteases have been found to play a pivotal role in the virulence properties of multiple human pathogens, such as alginate production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, toxin production in Vibrio cholerae, resistance to lysozyme in enterococci and antimicrobials in several Bacillus spp, and cell-envelope lipid composition in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The prominent role of site-2-proteases in bacterial pathogenicity highlights the potential of site-2-proteases as novel targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we summarize the role of site-2-proteases in bacterial physiology and virulence, as well as evaluate the therapeutic potential of site-2-proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie S Kristensen
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1433 Ås, Norway
| | | | - Morten Kjos
- Corresponding author. NMBU, P.O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway. E-mail:
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Besse L, Kraus M, Besse A, Driessen C, Tarantino I. The cytotoxic activity of carfilzomib together with nelfinavir is superior to the bortezomib/nelfinavir combination in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4411. [PMID: 36932175 PMCID: PMC10023769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31400-6] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance is still a major problem in the treatment of patients with non-small-cell-lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and novel concepts for the induction of cytotoxicity in NSCLC are highly warranted. Proteotoxicity, the induction of cytotoxicity by targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system, represents an appealing innovative strategy. The combination of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) and the proteotoxic stress-inducing HIV drug nelfinavir (NFV) synergistically induces proteotoxicity and shows encouraging preclinical efficacy in NSCLC. The second-generation proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib (CFZ) is superior to BTZ and overcomes BTZ resistance in multiple myeloma patients. Here, we show that CFZ together with NFV is superior to the BTZ + NFV combination in inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress and proteotoxicity through the accumulation of excess proteasomal substrate protein in NSCLC in vitro and ex vivo. Interestingly, NFV increases the intracellular availability of CFZ through inhibition of CFZ export from NSCLC cells that express multidrug resistance (MDR) protein. Combining CFZ with NFV may therefore represent a future treatment option for NSCLC, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
- Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Rorschacherstrasse 95 Haus 09/218, 9007, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Marianne Kraus
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Andrej Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Driessen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Ignazio Tarantino
- Department of General, Visceral, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, 9000, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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19
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Loss of brain energy metabolism control as a driver for memory impairment upon insulin resistance. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:287-301. [PMID: 36606696 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanisms intersecting metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders include insulin resistance, which has a strong involvement of environmental factors. Besides central regulation of whole-body homeostasis, insulin in the central nervous system controls molecular signalling that is critical for cognitive performance, namely signalling through pathways that modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity, and metabolism in neurons and astrocytes. This review provides an overview on how insulin signalling in the brain might regulate brain energy metabolism, and further identified molecular mechanisms by which brain insulin resistance might impair synaptic fuelling, and lead to cognitive deterioration.
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20
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Caddeo C, Miglionico R, Rinaldi R, Nigro I, Lamorte D, Chiummiento L, Lupattelli P, Funicello M, D’Orsi R, Valenti D, Santoro V, Fadda AM, Bisaccia F, Vassallo A, Armentano MF. PEGylated Liposomes Loaded with Carbamate Inhibitor ANP0903 Trigger Apoptosis by Enhancing ER Stress in HepG2 Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054552. [PMID: 36901980 PMCID: PMC10002784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in the development of systemic therapies, but there is still the need for new drugs and technologies that can increase the survival and quality of life of patients. The present investigation reports the development of a liposomal formulation of a carbamate molecule, reported as ANP0903, previously tested as an inhibitor of HIV-1 protease and now evaluated for its ability to induce cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. PEGylated liposomes were prepared and characterized. Small, oligolamellar vesicles were produced, as demonstrated by light scattering results and TEM images. The physical stability of the vesicles in biological fluids was demonstrated in vitro, alongside the stability during storage. An enhanced cellular uptake was verified in HepG2 cells treated with liposomal ANP0903, resulting in a greater cytotoxicity. Several biological assays were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms explaining the proapoptotic effect of ANP0903. Our results allow us to hypothesize that the cytotoxic action in tumor cells is probably due to the inhibition of the proteasome, resulting in an increase in the amount of ubiquitinated proteins within the cells, which in turn triggers activation of autophagy and apoptosis processes, resulting in cell death. The proposed liposomal formulation represents a promising approach to deliver a novel antitumor agent to cancer cells and enhance its activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caddeo
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rocchina Miglionico
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Roberta Rinaldi
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Nigro
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Daniela Lamorte
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Lucia Chiummiento
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Paolo Lupattelli
- Department of Chimica, Sapienza University of Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Funicello
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosarita D’Orsi
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Valenti
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Santoro
- Department of Farmacia, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Fadda
- Department of Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Sezione di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Faustino Bisaccia
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Vassallo
- Department of Scienze, University of Basilicata, Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff TNcKILLERS s.r.l., Viale dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0971205624
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21
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Ghasemlou A, Uskoković V, Sefidbakht Y. Exploration of potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro considering its mutants via structure-based drug design, molecular docking, MD simulations, MM/PBSA, and DFT calculations. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2023; 70:439-457. [PMID: 35642754 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-COV-2 plays a vital role in the viral life cycle and pathogenicity. Due to its specific attributes, this 3-chymotrypsin like protease can be a reliable target for the drug design to combat COVID-19. Since the advent of COVID-19, Mpro has undergone many mutations. Here, the impact of 10 mutations based on their frequency and five more based on their proximity to the active site was investigated. For comparison purposes, the docking process was also performed against the Mpros of SARS-COV and MERS-COV. Four inhibitors with the highest docking score (11b, α-ketoamide 13b, Nelfinavir, and PF-07321332) were selected for the structure-based ligand design via fragment replacement, and around 2000 new compounds were thus obtained. After the screening of these new compounds, the pharmacokinetic properties of the best ones were predicted. In the last step, comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area calculations (MM/PBSA), and density functional theory calculations were performed. Among the 2000 newly designed compounds, three of them (NE1, NE2, and NE3), which were obtained by modifications of Nelfinavir, showed the highest affinity against all the Mpro targets. Together, NE1 compound is the best candidate for follow-up Mpro inhibition and drug development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vuk Uskoković
- TardigradeNano, LLC, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yahya Sefidbakht
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Clinical significance of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) in multiple myeloma progression. Int J Hematol 2022; 117:563-577. [PMID: 36522589 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-022-03513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are retrotransposons that infect human germline cells and occupy 5-8% of the human genome. Their expression, though inhibited by mutation, deletion, and epigenetic mechanisms under normal conditions, is associated with diseases including cancer. This study aimed to clarify the association between HERVs and multiple myeloma (MM) progression. We found that HERV-K envelope (env) and long-term repeat (LTR) expression was statistically significantly higher within plasma cells in MM than in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or controls. HERV-K env knockdown increased proliferation in the MM.1S cell line and decreased the expression of the tumor suppressor genes TP53 and CDKN1A. TP53 and CDKN1A were highly expressed in MM, and their expression was correlated with HERV-K expression. HERV-K knockdown reduced apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3F, 3G, and 3H expression by 10-20% in MM.1S cells. The anti-retroviral agents nevirapine and nelfinavir suppressed proliferation and increased HERV-K expression in MM cell lines. Our results suggest that HERV-K is involved in MM progression, but its role is likely to go beyond promoting cell proliferation. Clarifying the role of HERV-K in MM will lead to the discovery of novel treatment strategies and supply new insights into MM pathogenesis.
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Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Of particular interest for this topic are the signaling cascades that regulate cell survival and death, two opposite cell programs whose control is hijacked by viral infections. The AKT and the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathways, which maintain cell homeostasis by regulating these two programs, have been shown to be deregulated during SARS-CoVs infection as well as in the development of cancer, one of the most important comorbidities in relation to COVID-19. Recent evidence revealed two way crosstalk mechanisms between the AKT and the UPR pathways, suggesting that they might constitute a unified homeostatic control system. Here, we review the role of the AKT and UPR pathways and their interaction in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as in tumor onset and progression. Feedback regulation between AKT and UPR pathways emerges as a master control mechanism of cell decision making in terms of survival or death and therefore represents a key potential target for developing treatments for both viral infection and cancer. In particular, drug repositioning, the investigation of existing drugs for new therapeutic purposes, could significantly reduce time and costs compared to de novo drug discovery.
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24
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Parvathaneni V, Chilamakuri R, Kulkarni NS, Baig NF, Agarwal S, Gupta V. Exploring Amodiaquine's Repurposing Potential in Breast Cancer Treatment-Assessment of In-Vitro Efficacy & Mechanism of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11455. [PMID: 36232751 PMCID: PMC9569809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the heterogeneity of breast cancer, current available treatment options are moderately effective at best. Hence, it is highly recommended to comprehend different subtypes, understand pathogenic mechanisms involved, and develop treatment modalities. The repurposing of an old FDA approved anti-malarial drug, amodiaquine (AQ) presents an outstanding opportunity to explore its efficacy in treating majority of breast cancer subtypes. Cytotoxicity, scratch assay, vasculogenic mimicry study, and clonogenic assay were employed to determine AQ's ability to inhibit cell viability, cell migration, vascular formation, and colony growth. 3D Spheroid cell culture studies were performed to identify tumor growth inhibition potential of AQ in MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 cell lines. Apoptosis assays, cell cycle analysis, RT-qPCR assays, and Western blot studies were performed to determine AQ's ability to induce apoptosis, cell cycle changes, gene expression changes, and induction of autophagy marker proteins. The results from in-vitro studies confirmed the potential of AQ as an anti-cancer drug. In different breast cancer cell lines tested, AQ significantly induces cytotoxicity, inhibit colony formation, inhibit cell migration, reduces 3D spheroid volume, induces apoptosis, blocks cell cycle progression, inhibit expression of cancer related genes, and induces LC3BII protein to inhibit autophagy. Our results demonstrate that amodiaquine is a promising drug to repurpose for breast cancer treatment, which needs numerous efforts from further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Vivek Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, USA
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25
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Siddiqui S, Deshmukh AJ, Mudaliar P, Nalawade AJ, Iyer D, Aich J. Drug repurposing: re-inventing therapies for cancer without re-entering the development pipeline—a review. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2022; 34:33. [PMID: 35934727 PMCID: PMC9358112 DOI: 10.1186/s43046-022-00137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
While majority of the current treatment approaches for cancer remain expensive and are associated with several side effects, development of new treatment modalities takes a significant period of research, time, and expenditure. An alternative novel approach is drug repurposing that focuses on finding new applications for the previously clinically approved drugs. The process of drug repurposing has also been facilitated by current advances in the field of proteomics, genomics, and information computational biology. This approach not only provides cheaper, effective, and potentially safer drugs with less side effects but also increases the processing pace of drug development. In this review, we wish to highlight some recent developments in the area of drug repurposing in cancer with a specific focus on the repurposing potential of anti-psychotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral drugs, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal drugs.
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26
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Parvathaneni V, Chilamakuri R, Kulkarni NS, Wang X, Agarwal S, Gupta V. Repurposing clofazimine for malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment - In-vitro assessment of efficacy and mechanism of action. Life Sci 2022; 306:120843. [PMID: 35908620 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer of lungs' pleural cavity, with minimally effective therapies available. Thus, there exists a necessity for drug repurposing which is an attractive strategy for drug development in MPM. Repurposing of an old FDA-approved anti-leprotic drug, Clofazimine (CFZ), presents an outstanding opportunity to explore its efficacy in treating MPM. MAIN METHODS Cytotoxicity, scratch assay, and clonogenic assays were employed to determine CFZ's ability to inhibit cell viability, cell migration, and colony growth. 3D Spheroid cell culture studies were performed to identify tumor growth inhibition potential of CFZ in MSTO-211H cell line. Gene expression analysis was performed using RT-qPCR assays to determine the CFZ's effect of key genes. Western blot studies were performed to determine CFZ's ability to induce apoptosis its effect to induce autophagy marker. KEY FINDINGS CFZ showed significant cytotoxicity against both immortalized and primary patient-derived cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.4 μM (MSTO-211H) to 7.1 μM (HAY). CFZ significantly impaired MPM cell cloning efficiency, migration, and tumor spheroid formation. 3D Spheroid model showed that CFZ resulted in reduction in spheroid volume. RT-qPCR data showed downregulation of genes β-catenin, BCL-9, and PRDX1; and upregulation of apoptosis markers such as PARP, Cleaved caspase 3, and AXIN2. Additionally, immunoblot analysis showed that CFZ down-regulates the expression of β-catenin (apoptosis induction) and up-regulates p62, LC3B protein II (autophagy inhibition). SIGNIFICANCE It can be concluded that CFZ could be a promising molecule to repurpose for MPM treatment which needs numerous efforts from further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineela Parvathaneni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Rameswari Chilamakuri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Nishant S Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Xuechun Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
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27
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The Burden of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Viruses in Ovarian Cancer Patients in Nairobi, Kenya. Infect Dis Rep 2022; 14:433-445. [PMID: 35735757 PMCID: PMC9222280 DOI: 10.3390/idr14030047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecological malignancy characterized by high morbidity and mortalities due to late-stage diagnosis because accurate early diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. Testing of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in OC patients is pertinent in light of the emerging evidence of their contribution to poor prognosis. We, for the first time, investigated the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections in a Kenyan cohort of OC to inform optimal management. We recruited a cohort of women above 18 years of age, comprising 86 OC patients and 50 healthy controls. Participants’ blood samples were serologically screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV. We found seroprevalence rates of 29.1%, 26.7%, and 1.2% for HBV, HIV, and HCV, respectively, in OC patients. The healthy control group had HBV and HIV seroprevalence rates of 3.9% for each with no positive HCV case. HBV/HIV coinfection was noted only in the OC group with a positivity rate of 17.4%. In summary, we found higher HBV and HIV seroprevalence in Kenyan OC patients compared to the healthy control group, whereas HCV prevalence was reflective of the general population. Hence, we recommend screening for HBV and HIV among OC patients destined for anticancer treatment.
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28
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Mello ALDN, Zancan P. Isoquinolines alkaloids and cancer metabolism: Pathways and targets to novel chemotherapy. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 99:944-956. [PMID: 35322534 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14043] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world. This is a complex disease where the development of resistance to chemotherapy is frequent driving the search for new anticancer compounds. In this sense, isoquinolines have gained attention in the past few years. This review aims to highlight the new advances related to the use of isoquinolines compounds against cancer cells, and we point out targets for their anti-tumor action. Isoquinolines are compounds found in plants that are important for their protection. In cancer, many representatives of this class of compounds have demonstrated their efficacy against cancer by acting on cancer metabolism, such as triggering cell death, reducing pro-survival protein expression, inducing ROS production, inhibiting pro-survival cell signaling pathways, among other effects. The mechanisms triggered by isoquinolines in cancer cells represent robust anticancer strategies, which support that this class of compounds are strong candidates for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Lauria do Nascimento Mello
- Laboratório de Oncobiologia Molecular (LabOMol), Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Zancan
- Laboratório de Oncobiologia Molecular (LabOMol), Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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29
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The aspartyl protease DDI2 drives adaptation to proteasome inhibition in multiple myeloma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:475. [PMID: 35589686 PMCID: PMC9120136 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04925-3] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib, are first-line therapy against multiple myeloma (MM). Unfortunately, patients frequently become refractory to this treatment. The transcription factor NRF1 has been proposed to initiate an adaptation program that regulates proteasome levels. In the context of proteasome inhibition, the cytosolic protease DDI2 cleaves NRF1 to release an active fragment that translocates to the nucleus to promote the transcription of new proteasome subunits. However, the contribution of the DDI2-NRF1 pathway to bortezomib resistance is poorly understood. Here we show that upon prolonged bortezomib treatment, MM cells become resistant to proteasome inhibition by increasing the expression of DDI2 and consequently activation of NRF1. Furthermore, we found that many MM cells became more sensitive to proteasome impairment in the context of DDI2 deficiency. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that both the protease and the HDD domains of DDI2 are required to activate NRF1. Finally, we show that partial inhibition of the DDI2-protease domain with the antiviral drug nelfinavir increased bortezomib susceptibility in treated MM cells. Altogether, these findings define the DDI2-NRF1 pathway as an essential program contributing to proteasome inhibition responses and identifying DDI2 domains that could be targets of interest in bortezomib-treated MM patients.
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Kostka L, Sivák L, Šubr V, Kovářová J, Šírová M, Říhová B, Sedlacek R, Etrych T, Kovář M. Simultaneous Delivery of Doxorubicin and Protease Inhibitor Derivative to Solid Tumors via Star-Shaped Polymer Nanomedicines Overcomes P-gp- and STAT3-Mediated Chemoresistance. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:2522-2535. [PMID: 35584053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The derivative of protease inhibitor ritonavir (5-methyl-4-oxohexanoic acid ritonavir ester; RD) was recently recognized as a potent P-gp inhibitor and cancerostatic drug inhibiting the proteasome and STAT3 signaling. Therefore, we designed high-molecular-weight HPMA copolymer conjugates with a PAMAM dendrimer core bearing both doxorubicin (Dox) and RD (Star-RD + Dox) to increase the circulation half-life to maximize simultaneous delivery of Dox and RD into the tumor. Star-RD inhibited P-gp activity, potently sensitizing both low- and high-P-gp-expressing cancer cells to the cytostatic and proapoptotic activity of Dox in vitro. Star-RD + Dox possessed higher cytostatic and proapoptotic activities compared to Star-Dox and the equivalent mixture of Star-Dox and Star-RD in vitro. Star-RD + Dox efficiently inhibited STAT3 signaling and induced caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation in cancer cells in vivo. Importantly, Star-RD + Dox was found to have superior antitumor activity in terms of tumor growth inhibition and increased survival of mice bearing P-gp-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libor Kostka
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Sivák
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Šubr
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Kovářová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milada Šírová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Říhová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radislav Sedlacek
- Czech Center of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Průmyslová 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Kovář
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
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31
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Tafazoli A. Cancer procoagulant inhibitors: New drugs for an old target. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022; 28:695-697. [PMID: 35040384 DOI: 10.1177/10781552211073606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Tafazoli
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, School of Pharmacy, 556492Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
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32
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Nelfinavir Induces Cytotoxicity towards High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells, Involving Induction of the Unfolded Protein Response, Modulation of Protein Synthesis, DNA Damage, Lysosomal Impairment, and Potentiation of Toxicity Caused by Proteasome Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010099. [PMID: 35008264 PMCID: PMC8750028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for 70% of all ovarian-cancer-related deaths. Mainstay treatment with platinum-based drugs following surgery results in favorable outcomes in the majority of patients; however, in >80% of cases, the disease relapses with eventual drug resistance. As such, urgent development of improved alternative therapies is necessary for HGSOC patients with lower life expectancy. Rapid repurposing of market available drugs for cancer therapy is a cost-effective alternative to bypass the decade-long traditional drug development pipeline. Among potential drug-repurposing candidates, nelfinavir (NFV)—an anti-infective agent to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)—has shown anti-cancer effects against diverse cancers; however, its remedial benefits against HGSOC are unknown. In this study, we explored how NFV targets HGSOC cells obtained from patients at platinum-sensitive and -resistant stages. We observed beneficial efficacy elicited by NFV against HGSOC in both disease conditions through multiple mechanistic avenues, suggesting positive drug-repurposing prospects. Abstract High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a significant cause of mortality among women worldwide. Traditional treatment consists of platinum-based therapy; however, rapid development of platinum resistance contributes to lower life expectancy, warranting newer therapies to supplement the current platinum-based protocol. Repurposing market-available drugs as cancer therapeutics is a cost- and time-effective way to avail new therapies to drug-resistant patients. The anti-HIV agent nelfinavir (NFV) has shown promising toxicity against various cancers; however, its role against HGSOC is unknown. Here, we studied the effect of NFV against HGSOC cells obtained from patients along disease progression and carrying different sensitivities to platinum. NFV triggered, independently of platinum sensitivity, a dose-dependent reduction in the HGSOC cell number and viability, and a parallel increase in hypo-diploid DNA content. Moreover, a dose-dependent reduction in clonogenic survival of cells escaping the acute toxicity was indicative of long-term residual damage. In addition, dose- and time-dependent phosphorylation of H2AX indicated NFV-mediated DNA damage, which was associated with decreased survival and proliferation signals driven by the AKT and ERK pathways. NFV also mediated a dose-dependent increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress-related molecules associated with long-term inhibition of protein synthesis and concurrent cell death; such events were accompanied by a proapoptotic environment, signaled by increased phospho-eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved executer caspase-7. Finally, we show that NFV potentiates the short-term cell cycle arrest and long-term toxicity caused by the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Overall, our in vitro study demonstrates that NFV can therapeutically target HGSOC cells of differential platinum sensitivities via several mechanisms, suggesting its prospective repurposing benefit considering its good safety profile.
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Drug Repurposing for Glioblastoma and Current Advances in Drug Delivery-A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121870. [PMID: 34944514 PMCID: PMC8699739 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults with an extremely poor prognosis. There is a dire need to develop effective therapeutics to overcome the intrinsic and acquired resistance of GBM to current therapies. The process of developing novel anti-neoplastic drugs from bench to bedside can incur significant time and cost implications. Drug repurposing may help overcome that obstacle. A wide range of drugs that are already approved for clinical use for the treatment of other diseases have been found to target GBM-associated signaling pathways and are being repurposed for the treatment of GBM. While many of these drugs are undergoing pre-clinical testing, others are in the clinical trial phase. Since GBM stem cells (GSCs) have been found to be a main source of tumor recurrence after surgery, recent studies have also investigated whether repurposed drugs that target these pathways can be used to counteract tumor recurrence. While several repurposed drugs have shown significant efficacy against GBM cell lines, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) can limit the ability of many of these drugs to reach intratumoral therapeutic concentrations. Localized intracranial delivery may help to achieve therapeutic drug concentration at the site of tumor resection while simultaneously minimizing toxicity and side effects. These strategies can be considered while repurposing drugs for GBM.
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Two Novel Precursors of the HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor Darunavir Target the UPR/Proteasome System in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line HepG2. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113052. [PMID: 34831275 PMCID: PMC8618555 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several pre-clinical and clinical reports suggest that HIV-1 protease inhibitors, in addition to the antiretroviral properties, possess pleiotropic pharmacological effects including anticancer action. Therefore, we investigated the pro-apoptotic activity in tumor cells of two molecules, RDD-19 and RDD-142, which are hydroxyethylamine derivatives’ precursors of darunavir and several HIV-1 protease inhibitors. Methods: Three hepatoma cell lines and one non-pathological cell line were treated with RDD-19 and RDD-142, and cell viability was assessed. The expression levels of several markers for ER stress, autophagy, cellular ubiquitination, and Akt activation were quantified in HepG2 cells treated with RDD-19 and RDD-142 to evaluate apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death. Results: RDD-19 and RDD-142 showed a greater dose-dependent cytotoxicity towards the hepatic tumor cell line HepG2 compared to the non-pathological hepatic cell line IHH. Both molecules caused two types of cell death, a caspase-dependent apoptosis, which was ascertained by a series of biochemical and morphological assays, and a caspase-independent death that was characterized by the induction of ER stress and autophagy. The strong increase of ubiquitinated proteins inside the cells suggested that the target of these molecules could be the proteasome and in silico molecular docking analysis that was used to support the plausibility of this hypothesis. Furthermore, cells treated with the two compounds displayed decreased levels of p-AKT, which interferes with cell survival and proliferation. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that two compounds, RDD-19 and RDD-142, have pleiotropic effects and that they may represent promising anticancer candidates.
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Yoder AK, Lakomy DS, Dong Y, Raychaudhury S, Royse K, Hartman C, Richardson P, White DL, Kramer JR, Lin LL, Chiao E. The association between protease inhibitors and anal cancer outcomes in veterans living with HIV treated with definitive chemoradiation: a retrospective study. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:776. [PMID: 34225709 PMCID: PMC8256603 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08514-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma has been increasing, particularly in people living with HIV (PLWH). There is concern that radiosensitizing drugs, such as protease inhibitors, commonly used in the management of HIV, may increase toxicities in patients undergoing chemoradiation. This study examines treatment outcomes and toxicities in PLWH managed with and without protease inhibitors who are receiving chemoradiation for anal cancer. METHODS Patient demographic, HIV management, and cancer treatment information were extracted from multiple Veterans Affairs databases. Patients were also manually chart reviewed. Among PLWH undergoing chemoradiation for anal carcinoma, therapy outcomes and toxicities were compared between those treated with and without protease inhibitors at time of cancer treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square, Cox regression analysis, and logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 219 PLWH taking anti-retroviral therapy undergoing chemoradiation for anal cancer were identified and included in the final analysis. The use of protease inhibitors was not associated with any survival outcome including colostomy-free survival, progression-free survival, or overall survival (all adjusted hazard ratio p-values> 0.05). Regarding toxicity, protease inhibitor use was not associated with an increased odds of hospitalizations or non-hematologic toxicities; however, protease inhibitor use was associated with increased hospitalizations for hematologic toxicities, including febrile neutropenia (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The use of protease inhibitors during chemoradiation for anal carcinoma was not associated with any clinical outcome or increase in non-hematologic toxicity. Their use was associated with increased hospitalizations for hematologic toxicities. Further prospective research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of protease inhibitors for patients undergoing chemoradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Yoder
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern School of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David S Lakomy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Yongquan Dong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Suchismita Raychaudhury
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn Royse
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA
| | - Christine Hartman
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter Richardson
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Donna L White
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer R Kramer
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lilie L Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth Chiao
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1155 Pressler St. Unit, Houston, 1340, USA.
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Repurposing of Antimicrobial Agents for Cancer Therapy: What Do We Know? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133193. [PMID: 34206772 PMCID: PMC8269327 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The substantial costs of clinical trials, the lengthy timelines of new drug discovery and development, along the high attrition rates underscore the need for alternative strategies for finding quickly suitable therapeutics agents. Given that most approved drugs possess more than one target tightly linked to other diseases, it encourages promptly testing these drugs in patients. Over the past decades, this has led to considerable attention for drug repurposing, which relies on identifying new uses for approved or investigational drugs outside the scope of the original medical indication. The known safety of approved drugs minimizes the possibility of failure for adverse toxicology, making them attractive de-risked compounds for new applications with potentially lower overall development costs and shorter development timelines. This latter case is an exciting opportunity, specifically in oncology, due to increased resistance towards the current therapies. Indeed, a large body of evidence shows that a wealth of non-cancer drugs has beneficial effects against cancer. Interestingly, 335 drugs are currently being evaluated in different clinical trials for their potential activities against various cancers (Redo database). This review aims to provide an extensive discussion about the anti-cancer activities exerted by antimicrobial agents and presents information about their mechanism(s) of action and stage of development/evaluation.
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Besse L, Besse A, Stolze SC, Sobh A, Zaal EA, van der Ham AJ, Ruiz M, Phuyal S, Büchler L, Sathianathan M, Florea BI, Borén J, Ståhlman M, Huber J, Bolomsky A, Ludwig H, Hannich JT, Loguinov A, Everts B, Berkers CR, Pilon M, Farhan H, Vulpe CD, Overkleeft HS, Driessen C. Treatment with HIV-Protease Inhibitor Nelfinavir Identifies Membrane Lipid Composition and Fluidity as a Therapeutic Target in Advanced Multiple Myeloma. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4581-4593. [PMID: 34158378 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The HIV-protease inhibitor nelfinavir has shown broad anticancer activity in various preclinical and clinical contexts. In patients with advanced, proteasome inhibitor (PI)-refractory multiple myeloma, nelfinavir-based therapy resulted in 65% partial response or better, suggesting that this may be a highly active chemotherapeutic option in this setting. The broad anticancer mechanism of action of nelfinavir implies that it interferes with fundamental aspects of cancer cell biology. We combined proteome-wide affinity-purification of nelfinavir-interacting proteins with genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9-based screening to identify protein partners that interact with nelfinavir in an activity-dependent manner alongside candidate genetic contributors affecting nelfinavir cytotoxicity. Nelfinavir had multiple activity-specific binding partners embedded in lipid bilayers of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Nelfinavir affected the fluidity and composition of lipid-rich membranes, disrupted mitochondrial respiration, blocked vesicular transport, and affected the function of membrane-embedded drug efflux transporter ABCB1, triggering the integrated stress response. Sensitivity to nelfinavir was dependent on ADIPOR2, which maintains membrane fluidity by promoting fatty acid desaturation and incorporation into phospholipids. Supplementation with fatty acids prevented the nelfinavir-induced effect on mitochondrial metabolism, drug-efflux transporters, and stress-response activation. Conversely, depletion of fatty acids/cholesterol pools by the FDA-approved drug ezetimibe showed a synergistic anticancer activity with nelfinavir in vitro. These results identify the modification of lipid-rich membranes by nelfinavir as a novel mechanism of action to achieve broad anticancer activity, which may be suitable for the treatment of PI-refractory multiple myeloma. SIGNIFICANCE: Nelfinavir induces lipid bilayer stress in cellular organelles that disrupts mitochondrial respiration and transmembrane protein transport, resulting in broad anticancer activity via metabolic rewiring and activation of the unfolded protein response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
| | - Andrej Besse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Sara C Stolze
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amin Sobh
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Esther A Zaal
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alwin J van der Ham
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Ruiz
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Santosh Phuyal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lorina Büchler
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marc Sathianathan
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Bogdan I Florea
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine/Wallenberg Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julia Huber
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arnold Bolomsky
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Ludwig
- Department of Medicine I, Wilhelminen Cancer Research Institute, Klinik Ottakring, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Thomas Hannich
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alex Loguinov
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bart Everts
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Celia R Berkers
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Pilon
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hesso Farhan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christopher D Vulpe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Christoph Driessen
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Clinic for Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Lopiccolo J, Kawabata S, Gills JJ, Dennis PA. Combining Nelfinavir With Chloroquine Inhibits In Vivo Growth of Human Lung Cancer Xenograft Tumors. In Vivo 2021; 35:141-145. [PMID: 33402459 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Nelfinavir is a human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor that is currently being repositioned as an anticancer drug. Chloroquine, an anti-malarial lysosomotropic drug, inhibits autophagy. It has been reported that the combination of nelfinavir and chloroquine significantly enhances endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and induces selective cell death in multiple cell line models (in vitro). MATERIALS AND METHODS We assessed the effects of the combination of these drugs on human NSCLC cell lines in vitro using cell proliferation assay and performed preclinical treatment studies using cell line-derived xenograft mouse models in vivo. RESULTS In vitro, this combination enhanced inhibition of NSCLC cell proliferation with increased proteotoxicity, including ER stress, and apoptosis. In vivo, the growth of human NSCLC xenograft tumors was inhibited, which correlated with increased apoptosis and induction of ER stress as well as NSCLC growth in vitro. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the induction of proteotoxicity provides a promising new target for developing anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Lopiccolo
- Medical Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, U.S.A
| | - Shigeru Kawabata
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A
| | - Joell J Gills
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A
| | - Phillip A Dennis
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A
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Off-Target-Based Design of Selective HIV-1 PROTEASE Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116070. [PMID: 34199858 PMCID: PMC8200130 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The approval of the first HIV-1 protease inhibitors (HIV-1 PRIs) marked a fundamental step in the control of AIDS, and this class of agents still represents the mainstay therapy for this illness. Despite the undisputed benefits, the necessary lifelong treatment led to numerous severe side-effects (metabolic syndrome, hepatotoxicity, diabetes, etc.). The HIV-1 PRIs are capable of interacting with "secondary" targets (off-targets) characterized by different biological activities from that of HIV-1 protease. In this scenario, the in-silico techniques undoubtedly contributed to the design of new small molecules with well-fitting selectivity against the main target, analyzing possible undesirable interactions that are already in the early stages of the research process. The present work is focused on a new mixed-hierarchical, ligand-structure-based protocol, which is centered on an on/off-target approach, to identify the new selective inhibitors of HIV-1 PR. The use of the well-established, ligand-based tools available in the DRUDIT web platform, in combination with a conventional, structure-based molecular docking process, permitted to fast screen a large database of active molecules and to select a set of structure with optimal on/off-target profiles. Therefore, the method exposed herein, could represent a reliable help in the research of new selective targeted small molecules, permitting to design new agents without undesirable interactions.
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Zada S, Hwang JS, Ahmed M, Lai TH, Pham TM, Elashkar O, Kim DR. Cross talk between autophagy and oncogenic signaling pathways and implications for cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188565. [PMID: 33992723 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved metabolic process involved in the degradation of intracellular components including proteins and organelles. Consequently, it plays a critical role in recycling metabolic energy for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in response to various stressors. In cancer, autophagy either suppresses or promotes cancer progression depending on the stage and cancer type. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis are directly mediated by oncogenic signal proteins including SNAI1, SLUG, ZEB1/2, and NOTCH1, which are functionally correlated with autophagy. In this report, we discuss the crosstalk between oncogenic signaling pathways and autophagy followed by possible strategies for cancer treatment via regulation of autophagy. Although autophagy affects EMT and cancer metastasis, the overall signaling pathways connecting cancer progression and autophagy are still illusive. In general, autophagy plays a critical role in cancer cell survival by providing a minimum level of energy via self-digestion. Thus, cancer cells face nutrient limitations and challenges under stress during EMT and metastasis. Conversely, autophagy acts as a potential cancer suppressor by degrading oncogenic proteins, which are essential for cancer progression, and by removing damaged components such as mitochondria to enhance genomic stability. Therefore, autophagy activators or inhibitors represent possible cancer therapeutics. We further discuss the regulation of autophagy-dependent degradation of oncogenic proteins and its functional correlation with oncogenic signaling pathways, with potential applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahib Zada
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok Hwang
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Trang Huyen Lai
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Trang Minh Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Omar Elashkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju 527-27, Republic of Korea.
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Marima R, Hull R, Dlamini Z, Penny C. The profiling, identification, quantification and analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to drug treatment in lung cancer. MethodsX 2021; 8:101381. [PMID: 34430277 PMCID: PMC8374453 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2021.101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The profiling and identification of genes that are differentially expressed is frequently used to underpin the underlying molecular mechanisms of biological conditions and provides a molecular foothold on biological questions of interest. However, this can be a daunting task since there is a cross talk and overlap of some of the components of the signalling pathways. The deregulation of the cell cycle signalling pathway is a hallmark of cancer, including lung cancer. Proper regulation of the cell cycle results in cellular homeostasis between cell proliferation and cell death. The comprehension of the cell cycle regulation in drug metabolism studies is of significance. This study aimed at elucidating the regulation of cell cycle genes' in response to LPV/r in lung cells. Thus, this study describes methodology for revealing molecular mechanisms employed by LPV/r to induce stress on genomic DNA. This approach is based on the interrogation of a panel of 84 genes related to the cell cycle pathway, and how the differentially expressed genes' expression pattern corroborates loss in nuclear integrity (phenotypic observation). MAD2L2, AURKB and CASP3 gene expressions were further confirmed by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, the use of in-silico bioinformatics tools integrates the molecular profiles and phenotypic changes. This approach revealed the activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway in response to LPV/r treatment. The proposed methodology will aid in the comprehension of drug metabolism at genotypic and phenotypic levels.•Gene profiling often reveals the underlying molecular mechanisms.•RT2 PCR gene arrays have integrated patented quality controls and allow reliable gene expression analysis.•In-silico bioinformatics analysis help reveal pathways affected, that often correspond to phenotypic changes/features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaba Marima
- SAMRC/UP Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV‐Associated Cancers Extramural Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
| | - Rodney Hull
- SAMRC/UP Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV‐Associated Cancers Extramural Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC/UP Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV‐Associated Cancers Extramural Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, 2193, South Africa
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Jiang J, Peng L, Wang K, Huang C. Moonlighting Metabolic Enzymes in Cancer: New Perspectives on the Redox Code. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 34:979-1003. [PMID: 32631077 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Metabolic reprogramming is considered to be a critical adaptive biological event that fulfills the energy and biomass demands for cancer cells. One hallmark of metabolic reprogramming is reduced oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced aerobic glycolysis. Such metabolic abnormalities contribute to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the by-products of metabolic pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that ROS can in turn directly or indirectly affect the expression, activity, or subcellular localization of metabolic enzymes, contributing to the moonlighting functions outside of their primary roles. This review summarizes the multifunctions of metabolic enzymes and the involved redox modification patterns, which further reveal the inherent connection between metabolism and cellular redox state. Recent Advances: These noncanonical functions of metabolic enzymes involve the regulation of epigenetic modifications, gene transcription, post-translational modification, cellular antioxidant capacity, and many other fundamental cellular events. The multifunctional properties of metabolic enzymes further expand the metabolic dependencies of cancer cells, and confer cancer cells with a means of adapting to diverse environmental stimuli. Critical Issues: Deciphering the redox-manipulated mechanisms with specific emphasis on the moonlighting function of metabolic enzymes is important for clarifying the pertinence between metabolism and redox processes. Future Directions: Investigation of the redox-regulated moonlighting functions of metabolic enzymes will shed new lights into the mechanism by which metabolic enzymes gain noncanonical functions, and yield new insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment by targeting metabolic-redox abnormalities. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 979-1003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Cheney L, Barbaro JM, Berman JW. Antiretroviral Drugs Impact Autophagy with Toxic Outcomes. Cells 2021; 10:909. [PMID: 33920955 PMCID: PMC8071244 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral drugs have dramatically improved the morbidity and mortality of people living with HIV (PLWH). While current antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens are generally well-tolerated, risks for side effects and toxicity remain as PLWH must take life-long medications. Antiretroviral drugs impact autophagy, an intracellular proteolytic process that eliminates debris and foreign material, provides nutrients for metabolism, and performs quality control to maintain cell homeostasis. Toxicity and adverse events associated with antiretrovirals may be due, in part, to their impacts on autophagy. A more complete understanding of the effects on autophagy is essential for developing antiretroviral drugs with decreased off target effects, meaning those unrelated to viral suppression, to minimize toxicity for PLWH. This review summarizes the findings and highlights the gaps in our knowledge of the impacts of antiretroviral drugs on autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cheney
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - John M. Barbaro
- Department of Pathology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.B.); (J.W.B.)
| | - Joan W. Berman
- Department of Pathology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.B.); (J.W.B.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Sivák L, Šubr V, Kovářová J, Dvořáková B, Šírová M, Říhová B, Randárová E, Kraus M, Tomala J, Studenovský M, Vondráčková M, Sedláček R, Makovický P, Fučíková J, Vošáhlíková Š, Špíšek R, Kostka L, Etrych T, Kovář M. Polymer-ritonavir derivate nanomedicine with pH-sensitive activation possesses potent anti-tumor activity in vivo via inhibition of proteasome and STAT3 signaling. J Control Release 2021; 332:563-580. [PMID: 33722611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is a promising strategy for identifying new applications for approved drugs. Here, we describe a polymer biomaterial composed of the antiretroviral drug ritonavir derivative (5-methyl-4-oxohexanoic acid ritonavir ester; RD), covalently bound to HPMA copolymer carrier via a pH-sensitive hydrazone bond (P-RD). Apart from being more potent inhibitor of P-glycoprotein in comparison to ritonavir, we found RD to have considerable cytostatic activity in six mice (IC50 ~ 2.3-17.4 μM) and six human (IC50 ~ 4.3-8.7 μM) cancer cell lines, and that RD inhibits the migration and invasiveness of cancer cells in vitro. Importantly, RD inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation in CT26 cells in vitro and in vivo, and expression of the NF-κB p65 subunit, Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 in vitro. RD also dampens chymotrypsin-like and trypsin-like proteasome activity and induces ER stress as documented by induction of PERK phosphorylation and expression of ATF4 and CHOP. P-RD nanomedicine showed powerful antitumor activity in CT26 and B16F10 tumor-bearing mice, which, moreover, synergized with IL-2-based immunotherapy. P-RD proved very promising therapeutic activity also in human FaDu xenografts and negligible toxicity predetermining these nanomedicines as side-effect free nanosystem. The therapeutic potential could be highly increased using the fine-tuned combination with other drugs, i.e. doxorubicin, attached to the same polymer system. Finally, we summarize that described polymer nanomedicines fulfilled all the requirements as potential candidates for deep preclinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Sivák
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Šubr
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Kovářová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Dvořáková
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milada Šírová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Říhová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Randárová
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kraus
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Tomala
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Studenovský
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Vondráčková
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radislav Sedláček
- Czech Center of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Makovický
- Czech Center of Phenogenomics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Prumyslova 595, 25250 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Fučíková
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2(nd) Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, V uvalu 84, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; Sotio, Jankovcova 1518, 17000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Radek Špíšek
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2(nd) Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, V uvalu 84, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; Sotio, Jankovcova 1518, 17000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Kostka
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Marek Kovář
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Park S, Auyeung A, Lee DL, Lambert PF, Carchman EH, Sherer NM. HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors Slow HPV16-Driven Cell Proliferation through Targeted Depletion of Viral E6 and E7 Oncoproteins. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:949. [PMID: 33668328 PMCID: PMC7956332 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk human papillomavirus strain 16 (HPV16) causes oral and anogenital cancers through the activities of two viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, that dysregulate the host p53 and pRb tumor suppressor pathways, respectively. The maintenance of HPV16-positive cancers requires constitutive expression of E6 and E7. Therefore, inactivating these proteins could provide the basis for an anticancer therapy. Herein we demonstrate that a subset of aspartyl protease inhibitor drugs currently used to treat HIV/AIDS cause marked reductions in HPV16 E6 and E7 protein levels using two independent cell culture models: HPV16-transformed CaSki cervical cancer cells and NIKS16 organotypic raft cultures (a 3-D HPV16-positive model of epithelial pre-cancer). Treatment of CaSki cells with some (lopinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, and saquinavir) but not other (indinavir and atazanavir) protease inhibitors reduced E6 and E7 protein levels, correlating with increased p53 protein levels and decreased cell viability. Long-term (>7 day) treatment of HPV16-positive NIKS16 raft cultures with saquinavir caused epithelial atrophy with no discernible effects on HPV-negative rafts, demonstrating selectivity. Saquinavir also reduced HPV16's effects on markers of the cellular autophagy pathway in NIKS16 rafts, a hallmark of HPV-driven pre-cancers. Taken together, these data suggest HIV-1 protease inhibitors be studied further in the context of treating or preventing HPV16-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeong Park
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Deptartment of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.P.); (D.L.L.); (P.F.L.)
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.A.); (E.H.C.)
| | - Andrew Auyeung
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.A.); (E.H.C.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Denis L. Lee
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Deptartment of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.P.); (D.L.L.); (P.F.L.)
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.A.); (E.H.C.)
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Deptartment of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.P.); (D.L.L.); (P.F.L.)
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.A.); (E.H.C.)
| | - Evie H. Carchman
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.A.); (E.H.C.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Nathan M. Sherer
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Deptartment of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (S.P.); (D.L.L.); (P.F.L.)
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.A.); (E.H.C.)
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Tam C, Rao S, Waye MMY, Ng TB, Wang CC. Autophagy signals orchestrate chemoresistance of gynecological cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188525. [PMID: 33600824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gynecological cancers are characterized by a high mortality rate when chemoresistance develops. Autophagy collaborates with apoptosis and participates in homeostasis of chemoresistance. Recent findings supported that crosstalk of necrotic, apoptotic and autophagic factors, and chemotherapy-driven hypoxia, oxidative stress and ER stress play critical roles in chemoresistance in gynecological cancers. Meanwhile, current studies have shown that autophagy could be regulated by and cooperate with metabolic regulator, survival factors, stemness factors and specific post-translation modification in chemoresistant tumor cells. Meanwhile, non-coding RNA and autophagy crosstalk also contribute to the chemoresistance. Until now, analysis of individual autophagy factors towards the clinical significance and chemoresistance in gynecological cancer is still lacking. We suggest comprehensive integrated analysis of cellular homeostasis and tumor microenvironment to clarify the role of autophagy and the associated factors in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Panel screening of pan-autophagic factors will pioneer the development of risk models for predicting efficacy of chemotherapy and guidelines for systematic treatment and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chit Tam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Shitao Rao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Mary Miu Yee Waye
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Chiu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Reproduction and Development Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Yousefi H, Mashouri L, Okpechi SC, Alahari N, Alahari SK. Repurposing existing drugs for the treatment of COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 infection: A review describing drug mechanisms of action. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 183:114296. [PMID: 33191206 PMCID: PMC7581400 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a major public health concern across the globe. SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh coronavirus that is known to cause human disease. As of September 2020, SARS-CoV-2 has been reported in 213 countries and more than 31 million cases have been confirmed, with an estimated mortality rate of ∼3%. Unfortunately, a drug or vaccine is yet to be discovered to treat COVID-19. Thus, repurposing of existing cancer drugs will be a novel approach in treating COVID-19 patients. These drugs target viral replication cycle, viral entry and translocation to the nucleus. Some can enhance innate antiviral immune response as well. Hence this review focuses on comprehensive list of 22 drugs that work against COVID-19 infection. These drugs include fingolimod, colchicine, N4-hydroxycytidine, remdesivir, methylprednisone, oseltamivir, icatibant, perphanizine, viracept, emetine, homoharringtonine, aloxistatin, ribavirin, valrubicin, famotidine, almitrine, amprenavir, hesperidin, biorobin, cromolyn sodium, and antibodies- tocilzumab and sarilumab. Also, we provide a list of 31 drugs that are predicted to function against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In summary, we provide succinct overview of various therapeutic modalities. Among these 53 drugs, based on various clinical trials and literature, remdesivir, nelfinavir, methylpredinosolone, colchicine, famotidine and emetine may be used for COVID-19. SIGNIFICANCE: It is of utmost important priority to develop novel therapies for COVID-19. Since the effect of SARS-CoV-2 is so severe, slowing the spread of diseases will help the health care system, especially the number of visits to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of any country. Several clinical trials are in works around the globe. Moreover, NCI developed a recent and robust response to COVID-19 pandemic. One of the NCI's goals is to screen cancer related drugs for identification of new therapies for COVID-19. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/covid-19-cancer-nci-response?cid=eb_govdel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ladan Mashouri
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AK, USA
| | - Samuel C Okpechi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nikhilesh Alahari
- Department of Biological Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Suresh K Alahari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA; Stanley Scott Cancer Research Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Hariyono P, Patramurti C, Candrasari DS, Hariono M. An integrated virtual screening of compounds from Carica papaya leaves against multiple protein targets of SARS-Coronavirus-2. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2021; 3:100113. [PMID: 33619449 PMCID: PMC7889459 DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2021.100113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of SARS-Coronavirus-2 (Coronavirus-19) has been progressing by the increasing trend of the cases as well as deaths with neither vaccine nor drug is rationally used to stop the viral spread over. This study aims to perform an integrated virtual screening of compounds that had been identified from Carica papaya leaves, which are proposed to be a herbal treatment for SARS-Coronavirus-2. The screening was initiated by evaluating the 40 compounds from Carica papaya leaves for their drug-like likeness property. The selected compounds were then secondly screened using carcinogenic and toxicity filters. Further selected compounds were thirdly screened for their pharmacokinetic profile and the screening was lastly performed by docking the third selected compounds against multiple protein targets of SARS-Coronavirus-2 employing 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), papain-like protease (PLpro), RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp), endonuclease (EndoU), S1 and S2 region of spike protein. The results show that 20 of 40 compounds, which meet the requirements of drug-like likeness, carcinogenicity-toxicity filter, and pharmacokinetic profiles, can interact with the multiple protein targets of SARS-Coronavirus-2 with the order from high to low affinity as follows: S1 > 3CLpro > EndoU > RdRp > PLpro > S2. In conclusion, Carica papaya leaves are worth to be proposed for further in vitro study against SARS-Coronavirus-2 at both molecular and cellular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandu Hariyono
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University, Campus III, Paingan, Maguwoharjo, Sleman 55282, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Christine Patramurti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University, Campus III, Paingan, Maguwoharjo, Sleman 55282, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Damiana S Candrasari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University, Campus III, Paingan, Maguwoharjo, Sleman 55282, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Maywan Hariono
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University, Campus III, Paingan, Maguwoharjo, Sleman 55282, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Torkzaban B, Mohseni Ahooyi T, Duggan M, Amini S, Khalili K. Cross-talk between lipid homeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in neurodegeneration: Insights for HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Neurochem Int 2020; 141:104880. [PMID: 33065212 PMCID: PMC8208232 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dysregulation of lipid homeostasis is emerging as a hallmark of many CNS diseases. As aberrant protein regulation is suggested to be a shared pathological feature amongst many neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD), disruptions in neuronal lipid processing may contribute to disease progression in the CNS. Specifically, given the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dual role in lipid homeostasis as well as protein quality control (PQC) via unfolded protein response (UPR), lipid dysregulation in the CNS may converge on ER functioning and constitute a crucial mechanism underlying aberrant protein aggregation. In the current review, we discuss the diverse roles of lipid species as essential components of the CNS. Moreover, given the importance of both lipid dysregulation and protein aggregation in pathology of CNS diseases, we attempt to assess the potential downstream cross-talk between lipid dysregulation and ER dependent PQC mechanisms, with special focus on HIV-associated neurodegenerative disorders (HAND).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Torkzaban
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500, N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Taha Mohseni Ahooyi
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500, N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael Duggan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500, N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shohreh Amini
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500, N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kamel Khalili
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500, N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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The Anti-Cancer Properties of the HIV Protease Inhibitor Nelfinavir. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113437. [PMID: 33228205 PMCID: PMC7699465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To this day, cancer remains a medical challenge despite the development of cutting-edge diagnostic methods and therapeutics. Thus, there is a continual demand for improved therapeutic options for managing cancer patients. However, novel drug development requires decade-long time commitment and financial investments. Repurposing approved and market-available drugs for cancer therapy is a way to reduce cost and the timeframe for developing new therapies. Nelfinavir is an anti-infective agent that has extensively been used to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in adult and pediatric patients. In addition to its anti-infective properties, nelfinavir has demonstrated potent off-target anti-cancer effects, suggesting that it could be a suitable candidate for drug repurposing for cancer. In this review, we systematically compiled the therapeutic benefits of nelfinavir against cancer as a single drug or in combination with chemoradiotherapy, and outlined the possible underlying mechanistic pathways contributing to the anti-cancer effects. Abstract Traditional cancer treatments may lose efficacy following the emergence of novel mutations or the development of chemoradiotherapy resistance. Late diagnosis, high-cost of treatment, and the requirement of highly efficient infrastructure to dispense cancer therapies hinder the availability of adequate treatment in low-income and resource-limited settings. Repositioning approved drugs as cancer therapeutics may reduce the cost and timeline for novel drug development and expedite the availability of newer, efficacious options for patients in need. Nelfinavir is a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor that has been approved and is extensively used as an anti-infective agent to treat acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Yet nelfinavir has also shown anti-cancer effects in in vitro and in vivo studies. The anti-cancer mechanism of nelfinavir includes modulation of different cellular conditions, such as unfolded protein response, cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, the proteasome pathway, oxidative stress, the tumor microenvironment, and multidrug efflux pumps. Multiple clinical trials indicated tolerable and reversible toxicities during nelfinavir treatment in cancer patients, either as a monotherapy or in combination with chemo- or radiotherapy. Since orally available nelfinavir has been a safe drug of choice for both adult and pediatric HIV-infected patients for over two decades, exploiting its anti-cancer off-target effects will enable fast-tracking this newer option into the existing repertoire of cancer chemotherapeutics.
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