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Peng X, Tang F, Li Y, Bai J, Li L, Zhang L. Combination of BCL-2 inhibitors and immunotherapy: a promising therapeutic strategy for hematological malignancies. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:311. [PMID: 39060763 PMCID: PMC11282050 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01161-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of high-throughput sequencing in recent years has facilitated great progress in the molecular-targeted therapy of hematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. BCL-2 inhibitors are among the most important molecular-targeted agents. Immunotherapy for hematologic malignancy has rapidly increased in popularity in recent years and has been proven to improve the overall survival rate. However, few clinical studies have investigated combination therapy with BCL-2 inhibitors and immunotherapies, such as immune molecule-targeted drugs or immune cell adoptive therapy. In this review, we discuss the drug discovery process, current clinical application status, and resistance and tolerance issues associated with BCL-2 inhibitors. We emphasize their important role in regulating the immune system and propose that the combination of BCL-2 inhibitors with immunotherapy may be one of the most promising treatment methods for hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Peng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive Tumor of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, The Second Hospital and Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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2
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Santinelli E, Pascale MR, Xie Z, Badar T, Stahl MF, Bewersdorf JP, Gurnari C, Zeidan AM. Targeting apoptosis dysregulation in myeloid malignancies - The promise of a therapeutic revolution. Blood Rev 2023; 62:101130. [PMID: 37679263 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101130] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the therapeutic landscape of myeloid malignancies has been completely revolutionized by the introduction of several new drugs, targeting molecular alterations or pathways crucial for leukemia cells survival. Particularly, many agents targeting apoptosis have been investigated in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. For instance, venetoclax, a pro-apoptotic agent active on BCL-2 signaling, has been successfully used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The impressive results achieved in this context have made the apoptotic pathway an attractive target also in other myeloid neoplasms, translating the experience of AML. Therefore, several drugs are now under investigation either as single or in combination strategies, due to their synergistic efficacy and capacity to overcome resistance. In this paper, we will review the mechanisms of apoptosis and the specific drugs currently used and under investigation for the treatment of myeloid neoplasia, identifying critical research necessities for the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Santinelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Pascale
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Zhuoer Xie
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Talha Badar
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Maximilian F Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jan P Bewersdorf
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmelo Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, PhD in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA.
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3
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Almehdi AM, Soliman SSM, El-Shorbagi ANA, Westwell AD, Hamdy R. Design, Synthesis, and Potent Anticancer Activity of Novel Indole-Based Bcl-2 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14656. [PMID: 37834104 PMCID: PMC10572575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Bcl-2 family plays a crucial role in regulating cell apoptosis, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. In this study, a series of indole-based compounds, U1-6, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anticancer activity against Bcl-2-expressing cancer cell lines. The binding affinity, safety profile, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis effects of the compounds were tested. The designed compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity at sub-micromolar IC50 concentrations against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and A549 cell lines. Notably, U2 and U3 demonstrated the highest activity, particularly against MCF-7 cells. Respectively, both U2 and U3 showed potential BCL-2 inhibition activity with IC50 values of 1.2 ± 0.02 and 11.10 ± 0.07 µM using an ELISA binding assay compared with 0.62 ± 0.01 µM for gossypol, employed as a positive control. Molecular docking analysis suggested stable interactions of compound U2 at the Bcl-2 binding site through hydrogen bonding, pi-pi stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, U2 demonstrated significant induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase. Importantly, U2 displayed a favourable safety profile on HDF human dermal normal fibroblast cells at 10-fold greater IC50 values compared with MDA-MB-231 cells. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of compound U2 as a Bcl-2 inhibitor and provide insights into its molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Almehdi
- College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
| | | | - Andrew D. Westwell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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4
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Castillo Bautista CM, Eismann K, Gentzel M, Pelucchi S, Mertens J, Walters HE, Yun MH, Sterneckert J. Obatoclax Rescues FUS-ALS Phenotypes in iPSC-Derived Neurons by Inducing Autophagy. Cells 2023; 12:2247. [PMID: 37759469 PMCID: PMC10527391 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182247] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with the disruption of protein homeostasis and causally contributes to multiple diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One strategy for restoring protein homeostasis and protecting neurons against age-dependent diseases such as ALS is to de-repress autophagy. BECN1 is a master regulator of autophagy; however, is repressed by BCL2 via a BH3 domain-mediated interaction. We used an induced pluripotent stem cell model of ALS caused by mutant FUS to identify a small molecule BH3 mimetic that disrupts the BECN1-BCL2 interaction. We identified obatoclax as a brain-penetrant drug candidate that rescued neurons at nanomolar concentrations by reducing cytoplasmic FUS levels, restoring protein homeostasis, and reducing degeneration. Proteomics data suggest that obatoclax protects neurons via multiple mechanisms. Thus, obatoclax is a candidate for repurposing as a possible ALS therapeutic and, potentially, for other age-associated disorders linked to defects in protein homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin Eismann
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany (M.G.)
| | - Marc Gentzel
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany (M.G.)
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA (J.M.)
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA (J.M.)
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Institute for Molecular Biology, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannah E. Walters
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (C.M.C.B.); (H.E.W.)
| | - Maximina H. Yun
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (C.M.C.B.); (H.E.W.)
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jared Sterneckert
- Center for Regenerative Therapies TU Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (C.M.C.B.); (H.E.W.)
- Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Li W, Li M, Huang Q, He X, Shen C, Hou X, Xue F, Deng Z, Luo Y. Advancement of regulating cellular signaling pathways in NSCLC target therapy via nanodrug. Front Chem 2023; 11:1251986. [PMID: 37744063 PMCID: PMC10512551 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1251986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of high cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of LC. The mechanisms of NSCLC evolution involve the alterations of multiple complex signaling pathways. Even with advances in biological understanding, early diagnosis, therapy, and mechanisms of drug resistance, many dilemmas still need to face in NSCLC treatments. However, many efforts have been made to explore the pathological changes of tumor cells based on specific molecular signals for drug therapy and targeted delivery. Nano-delivery has great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. In recent years, many studies have focused on different combinations of drugs and nanoparticles (NPs) to constitute nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDS), which deliver drugs regulating specific molecular signaling pathways in tumor cells, and most of them have positive implications. This review summarized the recent advances of therapeutic targets discovered in signaling pathways in NSCLC as well as the related NDDS, and presented the future prospects and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Li
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Mei Li
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Sichuan North Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- Sichuan North Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Chen Shen
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoming Hou
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fulai Xue
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiping Deng
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, Sichuan, China
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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6
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Siddiqui M, Konopleva M. Keeping up with venetoclax for leukemic malignancies: key findings, optimal regimens and clinical considerations. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1497-1512. [PMID: 34791957 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.2008239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Venetoclax has transformed the treatment landscape in hematologic malignancies, especially in elderly population. With high rates of remission, deep and durable responses, and safe toxicity profile, venetoclax in combination therapy has been extremely effective, garnering accelerated approval and becoming standard of care in lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. AREAS COVERED The role of venetoclax in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway is covered. This includes preclinical and clinical experience of venetoclax monotherapy and combination therapy in relapsed/refractory and frontline CLL, AML, ALL and high-risk MDS, with an emphasis on key clinical trials and efficacy of combination regimens in distinct mutational landscapes. Strategies to mitigate myelosuppression, manage dose adjustments and infectious complications are addressed. EXPERT OPINION Targeting BCL-2 offers a safe and highly effective adjunct to available therapies in hematologic malignancies. Despite success and frequent utilization of venetoclax, several resistance mechanisms have been elucidated, prompting development of novel combinatorial strategies. Further, on-target myelosuppression of venetoclax is a key obstacle in clinical practice, requiring diligent monitoring and practice-based knowledge of dose modifications. Despite these limitations, venetoclax has gained tremendous popularity in hematologic-oncology, becoming an integral component of numerous combination regimes, with ongoing plethora of clinical trials encompassing standard chemotherapy, targeted agents and immune-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siddiqui
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Liu F, Zhao Q, Su Y, Lv J, Gai Y, Liu S, Lin H, Wang Y, Wang G. Cotargeting of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 shows promising antileukemic activity against AML cells including those with acquired cytarabine resistance. Exp Hematol 2021; 105:39-49. [PMID: 34767916 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a clinical challenge. Venetoclax is an effective Bcl-2 selective inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of AML in patients who are 75 years and older or who have comorbidities. However, resistance to venetoclax limits its clinical efficacy. Mcl-1 has been identified as one determinant of resistance to venetoclax treatment. In this study, we investigate the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 in combination with venetoclax in AML cells. We found that S63845 synergizes with venetoclax in AML cell lines and primary patient samples. Bak/Bax double knockdown and treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK revealed that the combination induces intrinsic apoptosis in AML cells. Inhibition of Mcl-1 using another Mcl-1 selective inhibitor, AZD5991, also synergistically enhanced apoptosis induced by venetoclax in a caspase-dependent manner. Importantly, S63845 in combination with venetoclax can effectively combat AML cells with acquired resistance to the standard chemotherapy drug cytarabine. In light of these facts, the combined inhibition of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 shows promise against AML cells, including relapse/refractory AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbing Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiushi Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongwei Su
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Lv
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuqing Gai
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China;.
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8
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Townsend PA, Kozhevnikova MV, Cexus ONF, Zamyatnin AA, Soond SM. BH3-mimetics: recent developments in cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:355. [PMID: 34753495 PMCID: PMC8576916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The hopeful outcomes from 30 years of research in BH3-mimetics have indeed served a number of solid paradigms for targeting intermediates from the apoptosis pathway in a variety of diseased states. Not only have such rational approaches in drug design yielded several key therapeutics, such outputs have also offered insights into the integrated mechanistic aspects of basic and clinical research at the genetics level for the future. In no other area of medical research have the effects of such work been felt, than in cancer research, through targeting the BAX-Bcl-2 protein-protein interactions. With these promising outputs in mind, several mimetics, and their potential therapeutic applications, have also been developed for several other pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and tissue fibrosis, thus highlighting the universal importance of the intrinsic arm of the apoptosis pathway and its input to general tissue homeostasis. Considering such recent developments, and in a field that has generated so much scientific interest, we take stock of how the broadening area of BH3-mimetics has developed and diversified, with a focus on their uses in single and combined cancer treatment regimens and recently explored therapeutic delivery methods that may aid the development of future therapeutics of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Townsend
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maria V Kozhevnikova
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russian Federation
| | - Surinder M Soond
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Panina SB, Pei J, Kirienko NV. Mitochondrial metabolism as a target for acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Cancer Metab 2021; 9:17. [PMID: 33883040 PMCID: PMC8058979 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-021-00253-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemias (AML) are a group of aggressive hematologic malignancies resulting from acquired genetic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells that affect patients of all ages. Despite decades of research, standard chemotherapy still remains ineffective for some AML subtypes and is often inappropriate for older patients or those with comorbidities. Recently, a number of studies have identified unique mitochondrial alterations that lead to metabolic vulnerabilities in AML cells that may present viable treatment targets. These include mtDNA, dependency on oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial metabolism, and pro-survival signaling, as well as reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial dynamics. Moreover, some mitochondria-targeting chemotherapeutics and their combinations with other compounds have been FDA-approved for AML treatment. Here, we review recent studies that illuminate the effects of drugs and synergistic drug combinations that target diverse biomolecules and metabolic pathways related to mitochondria and their promise in experimental studies, clinical trials, and existing chemotherapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingqi Pei
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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10
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Targeting BCL-2 in Cancer: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061292. [PMID: 33799470 PMCID: PMC8001391 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Apoptosis, a programmed form of cell death, represents the main mechanism by which cells die. Such phenomenon is highly regulated by the BCL-2 family of proteins, which includes both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival proteins. The decision whether cells live or die is tightly controlled by a balance between these two classes of proteins. Notably, the pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins are frequently overexpressed in cancer cells dysregulating this balance in favor of survival and also rendering cells more resistant to therapeutic interventions. In this review, we outlined the most important steps in the development of targeting the BCL-2 survival proteins, which laid the ground for the discovery and the development of the selective BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax as a therapeutic drug in hematological malignancies. The limitations and future directions are also discussed. Abstract The major form of cell death in normal as well as malignant cells is apoptosis, which is a programmed process highly regulated by the BCL-2 family of proteins. This includes the antiapoptotic proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1, BCLW, and BFL-1) and the proapoptotic proteins, which can be divided into two groups: the effectors (BAX, BAK, and BOK) and the BH3-only proteins (BIM, BAD, NOXA, PUMA, BID, BIK, HRK). Notably, the BCL-2 antiapoptotic proteins are often overexpressed in malignant cells. While this offers survival advantages to malignant cells and strengthens their drug resistance capacity, it also offers opportunities for novel targeted therapies that selectively kill such cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the extensive preclinical and clinical studies targeting BCL-2 proteins with various BCL-2 proteins inhibitors with emphasis on venetoclax as a single agent, as well as in combination with other therapeutic agents. This review also discusses recent advances, challenges focusing on drug resistance, and future perspectives for effective targeting the Bcl-2 family of proteins in cancer.
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Carter JL, Hege K, Yang J, Kalpage HA, Su Y, Edwards H, Hüttemann M, Taub JW, Ge Y. Targeting multiple signaling pathways: the new approach to acute myeloid leukemia therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:288. [PMID: 33335095 PMCID: PMC7746731 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults and the second most common form of acute leukemia in children. Despite this, very little improvement in survival rates has been achieved over the past few decades. This is partially due to the heterogeneity of AML and the need for more targeted therapeutics than the traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies that have been a mainstay in therapy for the past 50 years. In the past 20 years, research has been diversifying the approach to treating AML by investigating molecular pathways uniquely relevant to AML cell proliferation and survival. Here we review the development of novel therapeutics in targeting apoptosis, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling, hedgehog (HH) pathway, mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and c-Myc signaling. There has been an impressive effort into better understanding the diversity of AML cell characteristics and here we highlight important preclinical studies that have supported therapeutic development and continue to promote new ways to target AML cells. In addition, we describe clinical investigations that have led to FDA approval of new targeted AML therapies and ongoing clinical trials of novel therapies targeting AML survival pathways. We also describe the complexity of targeting leukemia stem cells (LSCs) as an approach to addressing relapse and remission in AML and targetable pathways that are unique to LSC survival. This comprehensive review details what we currently understand about the signaling pathways that support AML cell survival and the exceptional ways in which we disrupt them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Carter
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,MD/PhD Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Katie Hege
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jay Yang
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hasini A Kalpage
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yongwei Su
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Maik Hüttemann
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Yubin Ge
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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12
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Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of New Bioactive Oxadiazole Derivatives as Anticancer Agents Targeting Bcl-2. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238980. [PMID: 33256166 PMCID: PMC7730549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, 4a-m, were designed, synthesized and tested in vitro as potential pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 inhibitory anticancer agents based on our previously reported hit compounds. Synthesis of the target 1,3,4-oxadiazoles was readily accomplished through a cyclization reaction of indole carboxylic acid hydrazide 2 with substituted carboxylic acid derivatives 3a-m in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride. New compounds 4a-m showed a range of IC50 values concentrated in the low micromolar range selectively in Bcl-2 positive human cancer cell lines. The most potent candidate 4-trifluoromethyl substituted analogue 4j showed selective IC50 values of 0.52-0.88 μM against Bcl-2 expressing cell lines with no inhibitory effects in the Bcl-2 negative cell line. Moreover, 4j showed binding that was two-fold more potent than the positive control gossypol in the Bcl-2 ELISA binding affinity assay. Molecular modeling studies helped to further rationalize anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 binding and identified compound 4j as a candidate with drug-like properties for further investigation as a selective Bcl-2 inhibitory anticancer agent.
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13
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Cancela MB, Zugbi S, Winter U, Martinez AL, Sampor C, Sgroi M, Francis JH, Garippa R, Abramson DH, Chantada G, Schaiquevich P. A decision process for drug discovery in retinoblastoma. Invest New Drugs 2020; 39:426-441. [PMID: 33200242 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-01030-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Intraocular retinoblastoma treatment has changed radically over the last decade, leading to a notable improvement in ocular survival. However, eyes that relapse remain difficult to treat, as few alternative active drugs are available. More challenging is the scenario of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, in which almost no advancements have been made. Both clinical scenarios represent an urgent need for new drugs. Using an integrated multidisciplinary approach, we developed a decision process for prioritizing drug selection for local (intravitreal [IVi], intrathecal/intraventricular [IT/IVt]), systemic, or intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) treatment by means of high-throughput pharmacological screening of primary cells from two patients with intraocular tumor and CNS metastasis and a thorough database search to identify clinical and biopharmaceutical data. This process identified 169 compounds to be cytotoxic; only 8 are FDA-approved, lack serious toxicities and available for IVi administration. Four of these agents could also be delivered by IT/IVt. Twelve FDA-approved drugs were identified for systemic delivery as they are able to cross the blood-brain barrier and lack serious adverse events; four drugs are of oral usage and six compounds that lack vesicant or neurotoxicity could be delivered by IAC. We also identified promising compounds in preliminary phases of drug development including inhibitors of survivin, antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, methyltransferase, and kinesin proteins. This systematic approach may be applied more broadly to prioritize drugs to be repurposed or to identify novel hits for use in retinoblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belen Cancela
- Precision Medicine, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Zugbi
- Precision Medicine, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ursula Winter
- Pathology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Laura Martinez
- Precision Medicine, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Sampor
- Hematology-Oncology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Sgroi
- Ophthalmology Service, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jasmine H Francis
- Ophthalmic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute and Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ralph Garippa
- Gene Editing And Screening Core facility, Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute and Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - David H Abramson
- Ophthalmic Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute and Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Guillermo Chantada
- Precision Medicine, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Schaiquevich
- Precision Medicine, Hospital de Pediatría JP Garrahan, 1245, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, 1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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14
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Wei Y, Cao Y, Sun R, Cheng L, Xiong X, Jin X, He X, Lu W, Zhao M. Targeting Bcl-2 Proteins in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2020; 10:584974. [PMID: 33251145 PMCID: PMC7674767 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.584974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family proteins play an important role in intrinsic apoptosis. Overexpression of BCL-2 proteins in acute myeloid leukemia can circumvent resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. Considering this effect, the exploration of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 inhibitors is considered to have tremendous potential for the discovery of novel pharmacological modulators in cancer. This review outlines the impact of BCL-2 family proteins on intrinsic apoptosis and the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Furthermore, we will also review the new combination therapy with venetoclax that overcomes resistance to venetoclax and discuss biomarkers of treatment response identified in early-phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiong Wei
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaqing Cao
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Sun
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Cheng
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xia Xiong
- The First Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyuan He
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyi Lu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingfeng Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
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15
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Chen S, Ren Y, Duan P. Biomimetic nanoparticle loading obatoclax mesylate for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through suppressing Bcl-2 signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110371. [PMID: 32563984 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer still remains a leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. Obatoclax mesylate (OM), a B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family antagonist, is a potential antitumor drug. However, its poor aqueous solubility restricts its clinical application. Although these inherent defects, nanotechnology can be used to improve the solubility and tumor target of OM, promoting its antitumor efficiency. In the present study, the poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) (PLGA) was used and combined with red blood-cell membrane (RBCm) to explore if OM-loaded RBCm nanoparticles could improve the antitumor efficacy of OM for the treatment of lung cancer with relatively lower side effects compared with the free OM. The good physicochemical stability of the prepared RBCm-OM/PLGA nanoparticles was confirmed, and the optimal size of 153 nm was screened out, along with sustained drug release behavior. We found that RBCm-OM/PLGA nanoparticles effectively reduced the proliferation of lung cancer cells. Additionally, RBCm-OM/PLGA nanoparticles considerably induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells by reducing Bcl-2 expression levels, accompanied with the improved Cyto-c releases in cytoplasm and Caspase-3 activation. Mitochondrial membrane potential was also obviously impaired in lung cancer cells incubated with RBCm-OM/PLGA nanoparticles. Compared with free OM, RBCm-OM/PLGA nanoparticles could greatly prolong the drug circulation time in vivo and upgraded the drug concentration accumulated in tumor tissue. Furthermore, RBCm-OM/PLGA nanoparticles exerted stronger antitumor efficacy in vivo against lung cancer progression with superior safety. Therefore, RBCm-OM/PLGA nanoparticles provided new potential for lung cancer therapy with the improved safety and therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Chen
- Department of Radiology, XD Group Hospital, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, 710077, China
| | - Yujie Ren
- Department of CT Room, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, 257091, China
| | - Peng Duan
- Department of Oncology, The Third People's Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao City, Shandong Province, 266041, China.
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16
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Identification and Characterization of Novel Compounds with Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity against Influenza A and B Viruses. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.02149-19. [PMID: 31941776 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02149-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A (IAV) and influenza B (IBV) viruses are highly contagious pathogens that cause fatal respiratory disease every year, with high economic impact. In addition, IAV can cause pandemic infections with great consequences when new viruses are introduced into humans. In this study, we evaluated 10 previously described compounds with antiviral activity against mammarenaviruses for their ability to inhibit IAV infection using our recently described bireporter influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) H1N1 (BIRFLU). Among the 10 tested compounds, eight (antimycin A [AmA], brequinar [BRQ], 6-azauridine, azaribine, pyrazofurin [PF], AVN-944, mycophenolate mofetil [MMF], and mycophenolic acid [MPA]), but not obatoclax or Osu-03012, showed potent anti-influenza virus activity under posttreatment conditions [median 50% effective concentration (EC50) = 3.80 nM to 1.73 μM; selective index SI for 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, >28.90 to 13,157.89]. AmA, 6-azauridine, azaribine, and PF also showed potent inhibitory effect in pretreatment (EC50 = 0.14 μM to 0.55 μM; SI-MTT = 70.12 to >357.14) or cotreatment (EC50 = 34.69 nM to 7.52 μM; SI-MTT = 5.24 to > 1,441.33) settings. All of the compounds tested inhibited viral genome replication and gene transcription, and none of them affected host cellular RNA polymerase II activities. The antiviral activity of the eight identified compounds against BIRFLU was further confirmed with seasonal IAVs (A/California/04/2009 H1N1 and A/Wyoming/3/2003 H3N2) and an IBV (B/Brisbane/60/2008, Victoria lineage), demonstrating their broad-spectrum prophylactic and therapeutic activity against currently circulating influenza viruses in humans. Together, our results identified a new set of antiviral compounds for the potential treatment of influenza viral infections.IMPORTANCE Influenza viruses are highly contagious pathogens and are a major threat to human health. Vaccination remains the most effective tool to protect humans against influenza infection. However, vaccination does not always guarantee complete protection against drifted or, more noticeably, shifted influenza viruses. Although U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drugs are approved for the treatment of influenza infections, influenza viruses resistant to current FDA antivirals have been reported and continue to emerge. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find novel antivirals for the treatment of influenza viral infections in humans, a search that could be expedited by repurposing currently approved drugs. In this study, we assessed the influenza antiviral activity of 10 compounds previously shown to inhibit mammarenavirus infection. Among them, eight drugs showed antiviral activities, providing a new battery of drugs that could be used for the treatment of influenza infections.
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17
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Luedtke DA, Su Y, Ma J, Li X, Buck SA, Edwards H, Polin L, Kushner J, Dzinic SH, White K, Lin H, Taub JW, Ge Y. Inhibition of CDK9 by voruciclib synergistically enhances cell death induced by the Bcl-2 selective inhibitor venetoclax in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:17. [PMID: 32296028 PMCID: PMC7042303 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax, an FDA-approved Bcl-2 selective inhibitor for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is tolerated well in elderly patients with AML and has good overall response rates; however, resistance remains a concern. In this study, we show that targeting CDK9 with voruciclib in combination with venetoclax results in synergistic antileukemic activity against AML cell lines and primary patient samples. CDK9 inhibition enhances venetoclax activity through downregulation of Mcl-1 and c-Myc. However, downregulation of Mcl-1 is transient, which necessitates an intermittent treatment schedule to allow for repeated downregulation of Mcl-1. Accordingly, an every other day schedule of the CDK9 inhibitor is effective in vitro and in vivo in enhancing the efficacy of venetoclax. Our preclinical data provide a rationale for an intermittent drug administration schedule for the clinical evaluation of the combination treatment for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Luedtke
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Yongwei Su
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 130021, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 130021, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 130021, Changchun, China
| | - Steven A Buck
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA, 48201.,Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Lisa Polin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Juiwanna Kushner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Sijana H Dzinic
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Kathryn White
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 130021, Changchun, China
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA, 48201.,Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Yubin Ge
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA. .,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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18
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Patil S, Ghosh D, Radhakrishna M, Basu S. Mitochondrial Impairment by Cyanine-Based Small Molecules Induces Apoptosis in Cancer Cells. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:23-28. [PMID: 31938458 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrion, the powerhouse of the cells, has emerged as one of the unorthodox targets in anticancer therapy due to its involvement in several cellular functions. However, the development of small molecules for selective mitochondrial damage in cancer cells remained limited and less explored. To address this, in our work, we have synthesized a natural product inspired cyanine-based 3-methoxy pyrrole small molecule library by a concise strategy. This strategy involves Vilsmeier and Pd(0) catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reactions as key steps. The screening of the library members in HeLa cervical cancer cells revealed two new molecules that localized into subcellular mitochondria and damaged them. These small molecules perturbed antiapoptotic (Bcl-2/Bcl-xl) and pro-apoptotic (Bax) proteins to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular docking studies showed that both molecules bind more tightly with the BH3 domain of Bcl-2 proteins compared to obatoclax (a pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor). These novel small molecules arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, cleaved caspase-3/9, and finally prompted late apoptosis. This small molecule-mediated mitochondrial damage induced remarkably high cervical cancer cell death. These unique small molecules can be further explored as chemical biology tools and next-generation organelle-targeted anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohan Patil
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
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19
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Pollyea DA, Amaya M, Strati P, Konopleva MY. Venetoclax for AML: changing the treatment paradigm. Blood Adv 2019; 3:4326-4335. [PMID: 31869416 PMCID: PMC6929394 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a specific B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitor that can restore activation of apoptosis in malignancies, the survival of which depends on dysregulation of this pathway. Preclinical data, using various model systems including cell lines and patient samples, suggested targeting BCL-2 could be a successful therapeutic strategy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). As predicted by this work, the use of venetoclax in the clinical setting has resulted in promising outcomes for patients with this disease. Although venetoclax showed limited activity as a single agent in the relapsed disease setting, recent studies have shown that when combined with a backbone therapy of a hypomethylating agent or low-dose cytarabine, high response rates with encouraging remission durations for older patients with newly diagnosed AML who were not candidates for intensive induction chemotherapy were observed. Furthermore, venetoclax-based therapies allowed for rapid responses and were able to effectively target the leukemia stem cell population. Here we review the preclinical data that supported the development of venetoclax in AML, as well as the results of the promising clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Pollyea
- Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; and
| | - Maria Amaya
- Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO; and
| | | | - Marina Y Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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20
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Targeting Apoptotic Pathways in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111660. [PMID: 31717784 PMCID: PMC6895902 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia is a devastating disease that continues to have a poor outcome for the majority of patients. In recent years, however, a number of drugs have received FDA approval, following on from successful clinical trial results. This parallels the characterization of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) over the last decade, which has led to the development of drugs targeting newly identified recurring mutations. In addition, basic biological research into the pathobiology of AML has identified aberrant programmed cell death pathways in AML. Following on from successful outcomes in lymphoid malignancies, drugs targeting the B Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family of anti-apoptotic proteins have been explored in AML. In this review, we will outline the preclinical and clinical work to date supporting the role of drugs targeting BCL-2, with Venetoclax being the most advanced to date. We will also highlight rationale combinations using Venetoclax, ongoing clinical trials and biomarkers of response identified from the early phase clinical trials performed.
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21
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Current overview on the clinical update of Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic inhibitors for cancer therapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 862:172655. [PMID: 31494078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is one of the major mechanisms exhibited in response to cell death and induction of apoptosis in tumour cells signifies a potential target for cancer therapy. Bcl-2 family proteins play a key role in regulation of the apoptotic pathway. Bcl-2 overexpression is commonly associated with various cancers including breast cancer, prostate cancer, B-cell lymphomas and colorectal adenocarcinomas etc. Thus, Bcl-2 is a novel anti-cancer target attracting medicinal chemists across the globe. Research investigations underlying Bcl-2 target have resulted in the generation of small molecule inhibitors, named as 'BH3-mimetics' (Bcl-2 homology 3 mimetics). These drugs display binding to pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins resulting in actuation of apoptosis of cancer cells. The first BH3 mimetics discovered as an outcome of structure-based drug design and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based screening was ABT-263, an N-acylsulfonamide analogue. Thrombocytopenia a major dose-limiting toxicity, associated with ABT-263 had provoked the invention of a highly selective Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Several Bcl-2 inhibitors as small molecules are under clinical development and the results indicated that these molecules alone or in combination could be of potential application in cancer therapy. This review summarizes an up to date knowledge of the available small molecule inhibitors, their discovery, synthesis, current clinical and pre-clinical status.
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22
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Pilling AB, Hwang C. Targeting prosurvival BCL2 signaling through Akt blockade sensitizes castration-resistant prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide. Prostate 2019; 79:1347-1359. [PMID: 31228231 PMCID: PMC6617752 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer that recurs after initial treatment inevitably progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), the lethal stage of the disease. Despite improvements in outcomes from next generation androgen receptor (AR)-axis inhibitors, CRPC remains incurable. Therapeutic strategies to target AR antagonist resistance are urgently needed to improve outcomes for men with this lethal form of prostate cancer. METHODS Apoptosis and BCL2 family signaling were characterized in cell line models of CRPC. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to determine BCL2 expression levels. Drug sensitivity was determined by proliferation, survival and apoptosis analysis. Protein-protein interactions were evaluated by coimmunoprecipitation followed by Western blot detection. RESULTS In the present study, we identify antiapoptotic BCL2 protein signaling as a mechanism of resistance to AR antagonist enzalutamide. In CRPC cell line models, we found that BCL-xL and MCL-1 proteins block apoptosis through binding and sequestering proapoptotic proteins BIM and BAX, resulting in cell survival in response to enzalutamide. Treatment with BH3-mimetics targeting BCL-xL or MCL-1 disrupts these interactions and activates apoptosis, sensitizing CRPC cells to enzalutamide. Importantly, we demonstrate that PI3K/Akt signaling is activated in response to enzalutamide and mediates apoptosis evasion through inactivation of BAD, a BH3-only protein that activates proapoptotic signlaing through inhbition of BCL-xL. Inhibition of Akt activates BAD, resulting in increased apoptosis and sensitivity to enzalutamide, demonstrating an alternative therapeutic strategy to target drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that CRPC cells employ multiple mechanisms to mediate apoptosis evasion through BCL2 signaling, suggesting this pathway is critical for survival. This study provides a strong preclinical rationale for developing therapeutic strategies to target antiapoptotic BCL2 signaling in combination with AR antagonists to improve treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Pilling
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Henry Ford Health SystemHenry Ford Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| | - Clara Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Henry Ford Health SystemHenry Ford Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
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23
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Abstract
Apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death, occurs normally during development and aging. Members of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family of proteins are central regulators of apoptosis, and resistance to apoptosis is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Targeting the apoptotic pathway via BCL2 inhibitors has been considered a promising treatment strategy in the past decade. Initial efforts with small molecule BH3 mimetics such as ABT-737 and ABT-263 (navitoclax) pioneered the development of the first-in-class Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oral BCL2 inhibitor, venetoclax. Venetoclax was approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, and is now being studied in a number of hematologic malignancies. Several other inhibitors targeting different BCL2 family members are now in early stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fevzi F Yalniz
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - William G Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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24
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Matarlo JS, Krumpe LRH, Heinz WF, Oh D, Shenoy SR, Thomas CL, Goncharova EI, Lockett SJ, O'Keefe BR. The Natural Product Butylcycloheptyl Prodiginine Binds Pre-miR-21, Inhibits Dicer-Mediated Processing of Pre-miR-21, and Blocks Cellular Proliferation. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1133-1142.e4. [PMID: 31155509 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Identification of RNA-interacting pharmacophores could provide chemical probes and, potentially, small molecules for RNA-based therapeutics. Using a high-throughput differential scanning fluorimetry assay, we identified small-molecule natural products with the capacity to bind the discrete stem-looped structure of pre-miR-21. The most potent compound identified was a prodiginine-type compound, butylcycloheptyl prodiginine (bPGN), with the ability to inhibit Dicer-mediated processing of pre-miR-21 in vitro and in cells. Time-dependent RT-qPCR, western blot, and transcriptomic analyses showed modulation of miR-21 expression and its target genes such as PDCD4 and PTEN upon treatment with bPGN, supporting on-target inhibition. Consequently, inhibition of cellular proliferation in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells was also observed when treated with bPGN. The discovery that bPGN can bind and modulate the expression of regulatory RNAs such as miR-21 helps set the stage for further development of this class of natural product as a molecular probe or therapeutic agent against miRNA-dependent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe S Matarlo
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lauren R H Krumpe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - William F Heinz
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daniel Oh
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shilpa R Shenoy
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Cheryl L Thomas
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ekaterina I Goncharova
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Directorate, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Stephen J Lockett
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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25
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McBride A, Houtmann S, Wilde L, Vigil C, Eischen CM, Kasner M, Palmisiano N. The Role of Inhibition of Apoptosis in Acute Leukemias and Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Front Oncol 2019; 9:192. [PMID: 30972300 PMCID: PMC6445951 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoidance of apoptosis is a key mechanism that malignancies, including acute leukemias and MDS, utilize in order to proliferate and resist chemotherapy. Recently, venetoclax, an inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, has been approved for the treatment of upfront AML in an unfit, elderly population. This paper reviews the pre-clinical and clinical data for apoptosis inhibitors currently in development for the treatment of AML, ALL, and MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda McBride
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sarah Houtmann
- Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lindsay Wilde
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Carlos Vigil
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Christine M Eischen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Margaret Kasner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Neil Palmisiano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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26
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Jiménez-Guerrero R, Gasca J, Flores ML, Pérez-Valderrama B, Tejera-Parrado C, Medina R, Tortolero M, Romero F, Japón MA, Sáez C. Obatoclax and Paclitaxel Synergistically Induce Apoptosis and Overcome Paclitaxel Resistance in Urothelial Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10120490. [PMID: 30563080 PMCID: PMC6316685 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10120490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel is a treatment option for advanced or metastatic bladder cancer after the failure of first-line cisplatin and gemcitabine, although resistance limits its clinical benefits. Mcl-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein that promotes resistance to paclitaxel in different tumors. Obatoclax, a BH3 mimetic of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, antagonizes Mcl-1 and hence may reverse paclitaxel resistance in Mcl-1-overexpressing tumors. In this study, paclitaxel-sensitive 5637 and -resistant HT1197 bladder cancer cells were treated with paclitaxel, obatoclax, or combinations of both. Apoptosis, cell cycle, and autophagy were measured by Western blot, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, Mcl-1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in bladder carcinoma tissues. Our results confirmed that paclitaxel alone induced Mcl-1 downregulation and apoptosis in 5637, but not in HT1197 cells; however, combinations of obatoclax and paclitaxel sensitized HT1197 cells to the treatment. In obatoclax-treated 5637 and obatoclax + paclitaxel-treated HT1197 cells, the blockade of the autophagic flux correlated with apoptosis and was associated with caspase-dependent cleavage of beclin-1. Obatoclax alone delayed the cell cycle in 5637, but not in HT1197 cells, whereas combinations of both retarded the cell cycle and reduced mitotic slippage. In conclusion, obatoclax sensitizes HT1197 cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis through the blockade of the autophagic flux and effects on the cell cycle. Furthermore, Mcl-1 is overexpressed in many invasive bladder carcinomas, and it is related to tumor progression, so Mcl-1 expression may be of predictive value in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Jiménez-Guerrero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Jessica Gasca
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - M Luz Flores
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | | | - Cristina Tejera-Parrado
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Rafael Medina
- Department of Urology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - María Tortolero
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Francisco Romero
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Miguel A Japón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain.
| | - Carmen Sáez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain.
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain.
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27
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Luedtke DA, Su Y, Liu S, Edwards H, Wang Y, Lin H, Taub JW, Ge Y. Inhibition of XPO1 enhances cell death induced by ABT-199 in acute myeloid leukaemia via Mcl-1. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:6099-6111. [PMID: 30596398 PMCID: PMC6237582 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins play critical roles in resistance to chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The Bcl-2-selective inhibitor ABT-199 (Venetoclax) shows promising antileukaemic activity against AML, though Mcl-1 limits its antileukaemic activity. XPO1 is a nuclear exporter overexpressed in AML cells and its inhibition decreases Mcl-1 levels in cancer cells. Thus, we hypothesized that the XPO1-selective inhibitor KPT-330 (Selinexor) can synergize with ABT-199 to induce apoptosis in AML cells through down-regulation of Mcl-1. The combination of KPT-330 and ABT-199 was found to synergistically induce apoptosis in AML cell lines and primary patient samples and cooperatively inhibit colony formation capacity of primary AML cells. KPT-330 treatment decreased Mcl-1 protein after apoptosis initiation. However, binding of Bim to Mcl-1 induced by ABT-199 was abrogated by KPT-330 at the same time as apoptosis initiation. KPT-330 treatment increased binding of Bcl-2 to Bim but was overcome by ABT-199 treatment, demonstrating that KPT-330 and ABT-199 reciprocally overcome apoptosis resistance. Mcl-1 knockdown and overexpression confirmed its critical role in the antileukaemic activity of the combination. In summary, KPT-330 treatment, alone and in combination with ABT-199, modulates Mcl-1, which plays an important role in the antileukaemic activity of the combination.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Drug Synergism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Hydrazines/administration & dosage
- Karyopherins/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Sulfonamides/administration & dosage
- Triazoles/administration & dosage
- Exportin 1 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Luedtke
- Cancer Biology Graduate ProgramWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - Yongwei Su
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS VaccineSchool of Life SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS VaccineSchool of Life SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of PediatricsWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of OncologyWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
- Molecular Therapeutics ProgramKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and OncologyThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Hematology and OncologyThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jeffrey W. Taub
- Department of PediatricsWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
- Molecular Therapeutics ProgramKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and OncologyChildren's Hospital of MichiganDetroitMIUSA
| | - Yubin Ge
- Cancer Biology Graduate ProgramWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
- Department of PediatricsWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
- Department of OncologyWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
- Molecular Therapeutics ProgramKarmanos Cancer InstituteWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMIUSA
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28
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Pohl SÖG, Agostino M, Dharmarajan A, Pervaiz S. Cross Talk Between Cellular Redox State and the Antiapoptotic Protein Bcl-2. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:1215-1236. [PMID: 29304561 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was discovered over three decades ago and is the prototype antiapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that comprises proteins with contrasting effects on cell fate. First identified as a consequence of chromosomal translocation (t 14:18) in human lymphoma, subsequent studies have revealed mutations and/or gene copy number alterations as well as post-translational modifications of Bcl-2 in a variety of human cancers. The canonical function of Bcl-2 is linked to its ability to inhibit mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, thereby regulating apoptosome assembly and activation by blocking the cytosolic translocation of death amplification factors. Of note, the identification of specific domains within the Bcl-2 family of proteins (Bcl-2 homology domains; BH domains) has not only provided a mechanistic insight into the various interactions between the member proteins but has also been the impetus behind the design and development of small molecule inhibitors and BH3 mimetics for clinical use. Recent Advances: Aside from its role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity, recent evidence provides testimony to a novel facet in the biology of Bcl-2 that involves an intricate cross talk with cellular redox state. Bcl-2 overexpression modulates mitochondrial redox metabolism to create a "pro-oxidant" milieu, conducive for cell survival. However, under states of oxidative stress, overexpression of Bcl-2 functions as a redox sink to prevent excessive buildup of reactive oxygen species, thereby inhibiting execution signals. Emerging evidence indicates various redox-dependent transcriptional changes and post-translational modifications with different functional outcomes. CRITICAL ISSUES Understanding the complex interplay between Bcl-2 and the cellular redox milieu from the standpoint of cell fate signaling remains vital for a better understanding of pathological states associated with altered redox metabolism and/or aberrant Bcl-2 expression. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Based on its canonical functions, Bcl-2 has emerged as a potential druggable target. Small molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2 and/or other family members with similar function, as well as BH3 mimetics, are showing promise in the clinic. The emerging evidence for the noncanonical activity linked to cellular redox metabolism provides a novel avenue for the design and development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against cancers refractory to conventional chemotherapy by the overexpression of this prosurvival protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Öther-Gee Pohl
- 1 Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University , Bentley, Western Australia .,2 School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University , Perth, Western Australia
| | - Mark Agostino
- 1 Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University , Bentley, Western Australia .,2 School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University , Perth, Western Australia .,3 Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University , Perth, Western Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- 1 Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University , Bentley, Western Australia .,2 School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University , Perth, Western Australia
| | - Shazib Pervaiz
- 2 School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University , Perth, Western Australia .,4 Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore .,5 NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore , Singapore, Singapore .,6 National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System , Singapore, Singapore
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29
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Oudenaarden CRL, van de Ven RAH, Derksen PWB. Re-inforcing the cell death army in the fight against breast cancer. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:131/16/jcs212563. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.212563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Metastatic breast cancer is responsible for most breast cancer-related deaths. Disseminated cancer cells have developed an intrinsic ability to resist anchorage-dependent apoptosis (anoikis). Anoikis is caused by the absence of cellular adhesion, a process that underpins lumen formation and maintenance during mammary gland development and homeostasis. In healthy cells, anoikis is mostly governed by B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) protein family members. Metastatic cancer cells, however, have often developed autocrine BCL2-dependent resistance mechanisms to counteract anoikis. In this Review, we discuss how a pro-apoptotic subgroup of the BCL2 protein family, known as the BH3-only proteins, controls apoptosis and anoikis during mammary gland homeostasis and to what extent their inhibition confers tumor suppressive functions in metastatic breast cancer. Specifically, the role of the two pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins BCL2-modifying factor (BMF) and BCL2-interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) will be discussed here. We assess current developments in treatment that focus on mimicking the function of the BH3-only proteins to induce apoptosis, and consider their applicability to restore normal apoptotic responses in anchorage-independent disseminating tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara R. L. Oudenaarden
- UMC Utrecht, Department of Pathology, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Lund University, Department of Experimental Oncology, Scheelevägen 2, 22363 Lund, Sweden
| | - Robert A. H. van de Ven
- UMC Utrecht, Department of Pathology, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Cell Biology, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrick W. B. Derksen
- UMC Utrecht, Department of Pathology, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
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30
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Shutting Down Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome with BCL-2 Family Protein Inhibition. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2018; 13:256-264. [DOI: 10.1007/s11899-018-0464-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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31
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Yogarajah M, Stone RM. A concise review of BCL-2 inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2018; 11:145-154. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2018.1420474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meera Yogarajah
- Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Richard M. Stone
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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32
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Zhao J, Niu X, Li X, Edwards H, Wang G, Wang Y, Taub JW, Lin H, Ge Y. Inhibition of CHK1 enhances cell death induced by the Bcl-2-selective inhibitor ABT-199 in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Oncotarget 2017; 7:34785-99. [PMID: 27166183 PMCID: PMC5085189 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to standard chemotherapy agents remains a major obstacle for improving treatment outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The Bcl-2-selective inhibitor ABT-199 has demonstrated encouraging preclinical results, drug resistance remains a concern. Mcl-1 has been demonstrated to contribute to ABT-199 resistance, thus combining with therapies that target Mcl-1 could overcome such resistance. In this study, we utilized a CHK1 inhibitor, LY2603618, to decrease Mcl-1 and enhance ABT-199 efficacy. We found that LY2603618 treatment resulted in abolishment of the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint and increased DNA damage, which was partially dependent on CDK activity. LY2603618 treatment resulted in decrease of Mcl-1, which coincided with the initiation of apoptosis. Overexpression of Mcl-1 in AML cells significantly attenuated apoptosis induced by LY2603618, confirming the critical role of Mcl-1 in apoptosis induced by the agent. Simultaneous treatment with LY2603618 and ABT-199 resulted in synergistic induction of apoptosis in both AML cell lines and primary patient samples. Our findings provide new insights into overcoming a mechanism of intrinsic ABT-199 resistance in AML cells and support the clinical development of combined ABT-199 and CHK1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyun Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Xiaojia Niu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yubin Ge
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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33
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Su Y, Li X, Ma J, Zhao J, Liu S, Wang G, Edwards H, Taub JW, Lin H, Ge Y. Targeting PI3K, mTOR, ERK, and Bcl-2 signaling network shows superior antileukemic activity against AML ex vivo. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 148:13-26. [PMID: 29208365 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains challenging to treat and needs more effective treatments. The PI3K/mTOR pathway is involved in cell survival and has been shown to be constitutively active in 50-80% of AML patients. However, targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway results in activation of the ERK pathway, which also plays an important role in cell survival. In addition, AML cells often overexpress antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins (e.g., Bcl-2), preventing cell death. Thus, our strategy here is to target the PI3K, mTOR (by VS-5584, a PI3K and mTOR dual inhibitor), ERK (by SCH772984, an ERK-selective inhibitor), and Bcl-2 (by ABT-199, a Bcl-2-selective inhibitor) signaling network to kill AML cells. In this study, we show that while inhibition of PI3K, mTOR, and ERK showed superior induction of cell death compared to inhibition of PI3K and mTOR, the levels of cell death were modest in some AML cell lines and primary patient samples tested. Although simultaneous inhibition of PI3K, mTOR, and ERK caused downregulation of Mcl-1 and upregulation of Bim, immunoprecipitation of Bcl-2 revealed increased binding of Bim to Bcl-2, which was abolished by the addition of ABT-199, suggesting that Bim was bound to Bcl-2 which prevented cell death. Treatment with combined VS-5584, SCH772984, and ABT-199 showed significant increase in cell death in AML cell lines and primary patient samples and significant reduction in AML colony formation in primary patient samples, while there was no significant effect on colony formation of normal human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. Taken together, our findings show that inhibition of PI3K, mTOR, and ERK synergistically induces cell death in AML cells, and addition of ABT-199 enhances cell death further. Thus, our data support targeting the PI3K, mTOR, ERK, and Bcl-2 signaling network for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Su
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Xinyu Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jun Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Jianyun Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Shuang Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, PR China
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, PR China.
| | - Yubin Ge
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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34
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Byun S, Lee E, Lee KW. Therapeutic Implications of Autophagy Inducers in Immunological Disorders, Infection, and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091959. [PMID: 28895911 PMCID: PMC5618608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an essential catabolic program that forms part of the stress response and enables cells to break down their own intracellular components within lysosomes for recycling. Accumulating evidence suggests that autophagy plays vital roles in determining pathological outcomes of immune responses and tumorigenesis. Autophagy regulates innate and adaptive immunity affecting the pathologies of infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. In cancer, autophagy appears to play distinct roles depending on the context of the malignancy by either promoting or suppressing key determinants of cancer cell survival. This review covers recent developments in the understanding of autophagy and discusses potential therapeutic interventions that may alter the outcomes of certain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanguine Byun
- Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea.
| | - Eunjung Lee
- Traditional Alcoholic Beverage Research Team, Korea Food Research Institute, Seongnam 13539, Korea.
| | - Ki Won Lee
- Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16495, Korea.
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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35
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Targeting apoptosis in acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Cancer 2017; 117:1089-1098. [PMID: 29017180 PMCID: PMC5674101 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a molecularly and clinically heterogeneous disease, and its incidence is increasing as the populations in Western countries age. Despite major advances in understanding the genetic landscape of AML and its impact on the biology of the disease, standard therapy has not changed significantly in the last three decades. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the best chance for cure, but can only be offered to a minority of younger fit patients. Molecularly targeted drugs aiming at restoring apoptosis in leukaemic cells have shown encouraging activity in early clinical trials and some of these drugs are currently being evaluated in randomised controlled trials. In this review, we discuss the current development of drugs designed to trigger cell death in AML.
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36
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Chadha N, Silakari O. Indoles as therapeutics of interest in medicinal chemistry: Bird's eye view. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 134:159-184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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37
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Chen M, Zhou B, Zhong P, Rajamanickam V, Dai X, Karvannan K, Zhou H, Zhang X, Liang G. Increased Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Mediates the Anti-Cancer Effects of WZ35 via Activating Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway in Prostate Cancer Cells. Prostate 2017; 77:489-504. [PMID: 27990666 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited treatment option for recurrent prostate cancer and eventual resistant to conventional chemotherapy drugs has fueled continued interest in finding new anti-neoplastic agents. WZ35, a chemical analog of curcumin, had been demonstrated to have high chemical stability and potential anticancer effects in gastric cancer cells. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-prostate cancer effects of WZ35 in vitro and in vivo as well as the underlying mechanism. METHODS Two prostate cancer cell lines RM-1 and DU145 were utilized to test the anti-cancer effects of WZ35 and the underlying mechanism. MTT assay was used to assess the cytotoxic effect of WZ35. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, alteration of ROS, and [Ca2+ ]i level were evaluated using flow cytometry. Western blotting assay was applied to measure the levels of proteins associated with apoptosis and cell cycle. Immunofluorescence staining and Electron micrographs were used to evaluate activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Tumor models in nude mice were induced by injection of RM-1 prostate cancer cells to test the in vivo anticancer action of WZ35. RESULTS Our results showed that WZ35 treatment induced loss of cell viability, cell apoptosis, and G2/M cycle arrest in both RM-1 and DU145 cells, coupled with ROS overproduction, intracellular calcium surge, and activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in RM-1 cells. Interestingly, all above changes induced by WZ35 were completely reversed by ROS blockage. In addition, prevention of [Ca2+ ]i elevation by BAPTA/AM also inhibited activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway induced by WZ35. In vivo studies, WZ35 treatment significantly inhibited RM-1 homograft tumor growth along with increased ROS accumulation, mitochondrial disruption, and cell apoptosis in tumor tissues. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this work provides a novel anticancer candidate for the treatment of prostate cancer and demonstrated that increased ROS mediate the anti-cancer effects of WZ35 via activating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Importantly, this work also reveals that targeting ROS generation might be an effective strategy in human androgen-resistant prostate cancer treatment. Prostate 77:489-504, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minxiao Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical Universtiy, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Zhong
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical Universtiy, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Vinothkumar Rajamanickam
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical Universtiy, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuanxuan Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kanchana Karvannan
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical Universtiy, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical Universtiy, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiuhua Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical Universtiy, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION BCL-2 proteins are key players in the balance of cell life and death. Their roles in the development and biology of cancer have been well established and continue to be investigated. Understanding the mechanisms by which these proteins regulate apoptosis has led to the development of small molecule targeted therapies that act to overcome the cell's ability to evade programmed cell death. Areas covered: The biology of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway is reviewed with attention to the varied roles of the anti-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 family. BH3 profiling is reviewed. Historical therapeutic agents are addressed, and currently investigated BH3 mimetics are described with attention to clinical significance. The limitations of BCL-2 family targeted drugs with regard to on-target and off-target toxicities are explored. Agents under development for targeting MCL-1 and other BCL-2 family members are discussed. Expert opinion: ABT-199 (venetoclax) and other BH3 mimetics have entered the clinical arena and show promising results in both hematologic and solid malignancies. Use of agents targeting this system will likely expand, and likely a number of malignant diseases will be successfully targeted resulting in improved treatment responses and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Levy
- a Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute , Hershey , PA , USA
| | - David F Claxton
- a Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center , Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute , Hershey , PA , USA
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Schenk RL, Strasser A, Dewson G. BCL-2: Long and winding path from discovery to therapeutic target. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 482:459-469. [PMID: 28212732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In 1988, the BCL-2 protein was found to promote cancer by limiting cell death rather than enhancing proliferation. This discovery set the wheels in motion for an almost 30 year journey involving many international research teams that has recently culminated in the approval for a drug, ABT-199/venetoclax/Venclexta that targets this protein in the treatment of cancer. This review will describe the long and winding path from the discovery of this protein and understanding the fundamental process of apoptosis that BCL-2 and its numerous homologues control, through to its exploitation as a drug target that is set to have significant benefit for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn L Schenk
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Targeting sphingosine kinase 1 induces MCL1-dependent cell death in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2016; 129:771-782. [PMID: 27956387 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-06-720433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy where despite improvements in conventional chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, overall survival remains poor. Sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) generates the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and has established roles in tumor initiation, progression, and chemotherapy resistance in a wide range of cancers. The role and targeting of SPHK1 in primary AML, however, has not been previously investigated. Here we show that SPHK1 is overexpressed and constitutively activated in primary AML patient blasts but not in normal mononuclear cells. Subsequent targeting of SPHK1 induced caspase-dependent cell death in AML cell lines, primary AML patient blasts, and isolated AML patient leukemic progenitor/stem cells, with negligible effects on normal bone marrow CD34+ progenitors from healthy donors. Furthermore, administration of SPHK1 inhibitors to orthotopic AML patient-derived xenografts reduced tumor burden and prolonged overall survival without affecting murine hematopoiesis. SPHK1 inhibition was associated with reduced survival signaling from S1P receptor 2, resulting in selective downregulation of the prosurvival protein MCL1. Subsequent analysis showed that the combination of BH3 mimetics with either SPHK1 inhibition or S1P receptor 2 antagonism triggered synergistic AML cell death. These results support the notion that SPHK1 is a bona fide therapeutic target for the treatment of AML.
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Prodigiosin inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and exerts anticancer activity in breast cancer cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:13150-13155. [PMID: 27799526 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616336113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prodigiosin, a natural red pigment produced by numerous bacterial species, has exhibited promising anticancer activity; however, the molecular mechanisms of action of prodigiosin on malignant cells remain unclear. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade is associated with numerous human cancers. In this study, we identified prodigiosin as a potent inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Prodigiosin blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting multiple sites of this pathway, including the low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein (LRP) 6, Dishevelled (DVL), and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β). In breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells, nanomolar concentrations of prodigiosin decreased phosphorylation of LRP6, DVL2, and GSK3β and suppressed β-catenin-stimulated Wnt target gene expression, including expression of cyclin D1. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenografts and MMTV-Wnt1 transgenic mice, administration of prodigiosin slowed tumor progression and reduced the expression of phosphorylated LRP6, phosphorylated and unphosphorylated DVL2, Ser9 phosphorylated GSK3β, active β-catenin, and cyclin D1. Through its ability to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling and reduce cyclin D1 levels, prodigiosin could have therapeutic activity in advanced breast cancers.
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Gibson CJ, Davids MS. BCL-2 Antagonism to Target the Intrinsic Mitochondrial Pathway of Apoptosis. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 21:5021-9. [PMID: 26567361 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant improvements in treatment, cure rates for many cancers remain suboptimal. The rise of cytotoxic chemotherapy has led to curative therapy for a subset of cancers, though intrinsic treatment resistance is difficult to predict for individual patients. The recent wave of molecularly targeted therapies has focused on druggable-activating mutations, and is thus limited to specific subsets of patients. The lessons learned from these two disparate approaches suggest the need for therapies that borrow aspects of both, targeting biologic properties of cancer that are at once distinct from normal cells and yet common enough to make the drugs widely applicable across a range of cancer subtypes. The intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis represents one such promising target for new therapies, and successfully targeting this pathway has the potential to alter the therapeutic landscape of therapy for a variety of cancers. Here, we discuss the biology of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, an assay known as BH3 profiling that can interrogate this pathway, early attempts to target BCL-2 clinically, and the recent promising results with the BCL-2 antagonist venetoclax (ABT-199) in clinical trials in hematologic malignancies. See all articles in this CCR Focus section, "Cell Death and Cancer Therapy."
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Gibson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew S Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
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BH3 mimetic Obatoclax (GX15-070) mediates mitochondrial stress predominantly via MCL-1 inhibition and induces autophagy-dependent necroptosis in human oral cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 8:60060-60079. [PMID: 28947954 PMCID: PMC5601122 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported overexpression of antiapoptotic MCL-1 protein in human oral cancers and its association with therapy resistance and poor prognosis, implying it to be a potential therapeutic target. Hence, we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of action of Obatoclax, a BH3 mimetic pan BCL-2 inhibitor in human oral cancer cell lines. All cell lines exhibited high sensitivity to Obatoclax with complete clonogenic inhibition at 200-400 nM concentration which correlated with their MCL-1 expression. Mechanistic insights revealed that Obatoclax induced a caspase-independent cell death primarily by induction of a defective autophagy. Suppression of autophagy by ATG5 downregulation significantly blocked Obatoclax-induced cell death. Further, Obatoclax induced interaction of p62 with key components of the necrosome RIP1K and RIP3K. Necrostatin-1 mediated inhibition of RIP1K significantly protected the cells from Obatoclax induced cell death. Moreover, Obatoclax caused extensive mitochondrial stress leading to their dysfunction. Interestingly, MCL-1 downregulation alone caused mitochondrial stress, highlighting its importance for mitochondrial homeostasis. We also demonstrated in vivo efficacy of Obatoclax against oral cancer xenografts and its synergism with ionizing radiation in vitro. Our studies thus suggest that Obatoclax induces autophagy-dependent necroptosis in oral cancer cells and holds a great promise in the improved management of oral cancer patients.
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Shafer D, Grant S. Update on rational targeted therapy in AML. Blood Rev 2016; 30:275-83. [PMID: 26972558 PMCID: PMC4956515 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a challenge to both patients and clinicians. Despite improvements in our understanding of the disease, treatment has changed minimally and outcomes remain poor for the majority of patients. Within the last decade, there have been an increasing number of potential targets and pathways identified for development in AML. The classes of agents described in this review include but are not limited to epigenetic modifiers such as IDH inhibitors, BET inhibitors, and HDAC inhibitors as well as cell cycle and signaling inhibitors such as Aurora kinase inhibitors and CDK inhibitors. While the developments are encouraging, it is unlikely that targeting a single pathway will result in long-term disease control. Accordingly, we will also highlight potential rational partners for the novel agents described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven Grant
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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45
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Zhang N, Huang Y, Wu F, Zhao Y, Li X, Shen P, Yang L, Luo Y, Yang L, He G. Codelivery of a miR-124 Mimic and Obatoclax by Cholesterol-Penetratin Micelles Simultaneously Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits Autophagic Flux in Breast Cancer in Vitro and in Vivo. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:2466-83. [PMID: 27266580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Fengbo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yinbo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Pengfei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Lu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Gu He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative
Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Department of Pharmacy and Department
of Urology, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
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Mallick A, More P, Syed MMK, Basu S. Nanoparticle-Mediated Mitochondrial Damage Induces Apoptosis in Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:13218-13231. [PMID: 27160664 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Detouring of conventional DNA damaging anticancer drugs into mitochondria to damage mitochondrial DNA is evolving as a promising strategy in chemotherapy. Inhibiting single target in mitochondria would eventually lead to the emergence of drug resistance. Moreover, targeting mitochondria selectively in cancer cells, keeping them intact in healthy cells, remains a major challenge. Herein, triphenylphosphine (TPP)-coated positively charged 131.6 nm spherical nanoparticles (NPs) comprised of α-tocopheryl succinate (TOS, inhibitor of complex II in electron transport chain) and obatoclax (Obt, inhibitor of Bcl-2) were engineered. The TOS-TPP-Obt-NPs entered into acidic lysosomes via macropinocytosis, followed by lysosomal escape and finally homed into mitochondria over a period of 24 h. Subsequently, these TOS-TPP-Obt-NPs triggered mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) by inhibiting antiapoptotic Bcl-2, leading to Cytochrome C release. These TOS-TPP-Obt-NPs mediated mitochondrial damage induced cellular apoptosis through caspase-9 and caspase-3 cleavage to show improved efficacy in HeLa cells. Moreover, TOS-TPP-Obt-NPs induced MOMP in drug-resistant triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), leading to remarkable efficacy, compared to the combination of free drugs in higher drug concentrations. Results presented here clearly stimulate the usage of multiple drugs to perturb simultaneously diverse targets, selectively in mitochondria, as next-generation cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhik Mallick
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Pune , Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Piyush More
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Pune , Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Muhammed Muazzam Kamil Syed
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Pune , Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sudipta Basu
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Pune , Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
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Niu X, Zhao J, Ma J, Xie C, Edwards H, Wang G, Caldwell JT, Xiang S, Zhang X, Chu R, Wang ZJ, Lin H, Taub JW, Ge Y. Binding of Released Bim to Mcl-1 is a Mechanism of Intrinsic Resistance to ABT-199 which can be Overcome by Combination with Daunorubicin or Cytarabine in AML Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:4440-51. [PMID: 27103402 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-3057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying intrinsic resistance to ABT-199. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Western blots and real-time RT-PCR were used to determine levels of Mcl-1 after ABT-199 treatment alone or in combination with cytarabine or daunorubicin. Immunoprecipitation of Bim and Mcl-1 were used to determine the effect of ABT-199 treatment on their interactions with Bcl-2 family members. Lentiviral short hairpin RNA knockdown of Bim and CRISPR knockdown of Mcl-1 were used to confirm their role in resistance to ABT-199. JC-1 assays and flow cytometry were used to determine drug-induced apoptosis. RESULTS Immunoprecipitation of Bim from ABT-199-treated cell lines and a primary patient sample demonstrated decreased association with Bcl-2, but increased association with Mcl-1 without corresponding change in mitochondrial outer membrane potential. ABT-199 treatment resulted in increased levels of Mcl-1 protein, unchanged or decreased Mcl-1 transcript levels, and increased Mcl-1 protein half-life, suggesting that the association with Bim plays a role in stabilizing Mcl-1 protein. Combining conventional chemotherapeutic agent cytarabine or daunorubicin with ABT-199 resulted in increased DNA damage along with decreased Mcl-1 protein levels, compared with ABT-199 alone, and synergistic induction of cell death in both AML cell lines and primary patient samples obtained from AML patients at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that sequestration of Bim by Mcl-1 is a mechanism of intrinsic ABT-199 resistance and supports the clinical development of ABT-199 in combination with cytarabine or daunorubicin for the treatment of AML. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4440-51. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojia Niu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China. Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Jianyun Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Ma
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chengzhi Xie
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Holly Edwards
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Guan Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - J Timothy Caldwell
- MD/PhD Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Shengyan Xiang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, USF Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida. Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Roland Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Zhihong J Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, Michigan.
| | - Yubin Ge
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan. Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan.
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Ludwig LM, Nassin ML, Hadji A, LaBelle JL. Killing Two Cells with One Stone: Pharmacologic BCL-2 Family Targeting for Cancer Cell Death and Immune Modulation. Front Pediatr 2016; 4:135. [PMID: 28066751 PMCID: PMC5174130 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2016.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial component of regulating organismal homeostasis is maintaining proper cell number and eliminating damaged or potentially malignant cells. Apoptosis, or programed cell death, is the mechanism responsible for this equilibrium. The intrinsic apoptotic pathway is also especially important in the development and maintenance of the immune system. Apoptosis is essential for proper positive and negative selection during B- and T-cell development and for efficient contraction of expanded lymphocytes following an immune response. Tight regulation of the apoptotic pathway is critical, as excessive cell death can lead to immunodeficiency while apoptotic resistance can lead to aberrant lymphoproliferation and autoimmune disease. Dysregulation of cell death is implicated in a wide range of hematological malignancies, and targeting various components of the apoptotic machinery in these cases is an attractive chemotherapeutic strategy. A wide array of compounds has been developed with the purpose of reactivating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. These compounds, termed BH3 mimetics are garnering considerable attention as they gain greater clinical oncologic significance. As their use expands, it will be imperative to understand the effects these compounds have on immune homeostasis. Uncovering their potential immunomodulatory activity may allow for administration of BH3 mimetics for direct tumor cell killing as well as novel therapies for a wide range of immune-based directives. This review will summarize the major proteins involved in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway and define their roles in normal immune development and disease. Clinical and preclinical BH3 mimetics are described within the context of what is currently known about their ability to affect immune function. Prospects for future antitumor immune amplification and immune modulation are then proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Ludwig
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michele L Nassin
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital , Chicago, IL , USA
| | - Abbas Hadji
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital , Chicago, IL , USA
| | - James L LaBelle
- Section of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Zhang BB, Wang DG, Guo FF, Xuan C. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species in cancer stem cells. Fam Cancer 2015; 14:19-23. [PMID: 25266577 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-014-9757-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed as the initiators of the occurrence, development and recurrence of malignant tumors. Targeting this unique cell population would provide a less toxic approach than regular chemotherapeutic agents that kill bulk rapid proliferating tumor cells and also normal cells which divide rapidly. To date, major research effort has been aimed at identifying and eradicating CSC population. The metabolism heterogeneity of mitochondria in CSCs shows a big promise for cancer research. Of them, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reflecting the functional status of the mitochondrion is proved to be highly related to cancer malignancy. Reactive oxygen species, mainly produced from mitochondria, are also increased in many types of cancer cells. However, their statuses in CSCs remain poorly understood. Here we shall review the mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species of CSCs and propose the novel potential targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-bei Zhang
- Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie, Japan
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Saikia S, Kolita B, Dutta PP, Dutta DJ, Nath S, Bordoloi M, Quan PM, Thuy TT, Phuong DL, Long PQ. Marine steroids as potential anticancer drug candidates: In silico investigation in search of inhibitors of Bcl-2 and CDK-4/Cyclin D1. Steroids 2015; 102:7-16. [PMID: 26111591 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Star fishes (Asteroidea) are rich in polar steroids with diverse structural characteristics. The structural modifications of star fish steroids occur at 3β, 4β, 5α, 6α (or β), 7α (or β), 8, 15α (or β) and 16β positions of the steroidal nucleus and in the side chain. Widely found polar steroids in starfishes include polyhydroxysteroids, steroidal sulfates, glycosides, steroid oligoglycosides etc. Bioactivity of these steroids is less studied; only a few reports like antibacterial, cytotoxic activity etc. are available. In continuation of our search for bioactive molecules from natural sources, we undertook in silico screening of steroids from star fishes against Bcl-2 and CDK-4/Cyclin D1 - two important targets of progression and proliferation of cancer cells. We have screened 182 natural steroids from star fishes occurring in different parts of the world and their 282 soft-derivatives by in silico methods. Their physico-chemical properties, drug-likeliness, binding potential with the selected targets, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, toxicity) were predicted. Further, the results were compared with those of existing steroidal and non steroidal drugs and inhibitors of Bcl-2 and CDK-4/Cyclin D1. The results are promising and unveil that some of these steroids can be potent leads for cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surovi Saikia
- Natural Products Chemistry Division, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - Bhaskor Kolita
- Natural Products Chemistry Division, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - Partha P Dutta
- Natural Products Chemistry Division, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - Deep J Dutta
- Natural Products Chemistry Division, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - Shyamalendu Nath
- Natural Products Chemistry Division, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
| | - Manobjyoti Bordoloi
- Natural Products Chemistry Division, CSIR North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India.
| | - Pham Minh Quan
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Caugiay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tran Thu Thuy
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Caugiay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Doan Lan Phuong
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Caugiay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Pham Quoc Long
- Institute of Natural Products Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet St., Caugiay, Hanoi, Viet Nam
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