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Guo Y, Zhang L, Zhang N, Chen L, Luo Q, Liu M, Yang D, Chen J. Bcl-2 and Noxa are potential prognostic indicators for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Endocrine 2022; 78:159-168. [PMID: 35895181 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03114-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Bcl-2 family proteins are of great significance in the pathogenesis and development of tumors. In this study, the correlations between the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins and clinicopathological features and prognosis of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) were further investigated. METHODS 105 Patients diagnosed with gastroenteropancreatic NENs (GEP-NENs) with the paraffin specimen of the tumor available were retrospectively included. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins in paraffin-embedded samples. Student's t-test and Chi-square test were applied to compare the difference of quantitative and categorical variables, respectively. Survival analysis was conducted according to Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis were used to identify the independent prognostic factors. RESULTS The IHC score of Bcl-2 was significantly higher in neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) patients (65.6%), while a higher IHC score of Noxa was more common in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients (49.3%). Survival analysis indicated that patients with higher Bcl-2 expression and lower Noxa expression had worse 5-year survival (39.3% vs. 75.6%, p < 0.001; 40.6% vs. 84.9%, p < 0.001). Multivariate cox analysis indicated that high Bcl-2 expression was an independent factor associated with inferior DFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.092; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.106-3.955; p = 0.023) and OS (HR: 2.784; 95% CI: 1.326-5.846; p = 0.007), while higher Noxa expression was associated with superior DFS (HR:0.398; 95% CI: 0.175-0.907; p = 0.028) and OS (HR: 0.274; 95% CI: 0.110-0.686; p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Higher expression of Bcl-2 and lower expression of Noxa were associated with unfavorable prognosis of GEP-NENs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Luohai Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qiuyun Luo
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Dajun Yang
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Head & Neck tumors and Neuroendocrine Tumors, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center Shanghai, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Identification of NOXA as a pivotal regulator of resistance to CAR T-cell therapy in B-cell malignancies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:98. [PMID: 35370290 PMCID: PMC8977349 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00915-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractDespite the remarkable success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for treating hematologic malignancies, resistance and recurrence still occur, while the markers or mechanisms underlying this resistance remain poorly understood. Here, via an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening, we identified loss of NOXA, a B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family protein in B-cell malignancies, as a pivotal regulator of resistance to CAR T-cell therapy by impairing apoptosis of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, low NOXA expression in tumor samples was correlated with worse survival in a tandem CD19/20 CAR T clinical trial in relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. In contrast, pharmacological augmentation of NOXA expression by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors dramatically sensitized cancer cells to CAR T cell-mediated clearance in vitro and in vivo. Our work revealed the essentiality of NOXA in resistance to CAR T-cell therapy and suggested NOXA as a predictive marker for response and survival in patients receiving CAR T-cell transfusions. Pharmacological targeting of NOXA might provide an innovative therapeutic strategy to enhance CAR T-cell therapy.
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Abdul Rahman SF, Azlan A, Lo KW, Azzam G, Mohana-Kumaran N. Dual inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and MCL-1 enhances cytotoxicity of Nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:9. [PMID: 35201512 PMCID: PMC8814124 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00470-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the many strategies that cancer cells evade death is through up-regulation of the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. Hence, these proteins have become attractive therapeutic targets. Given that different cell populations rely on different anti-apoptotic proteins for survival, it is crucial to determine which proteins are important for Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell survival. Here we determined the survival requirements for the NPC cells using a combination of the CRISPR/Cas9 technique and selective BH3-mimetics. A human apoptosis RT2 Profiler PCR Array was first employed to profile the anti-apoptotic gene expressions in NPC cell lines HK-1 and C666-1. The HK-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic genes (MCL-1, BFL-1, BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-w). Similarly, the C666-1 cells expressed all the anti-apoptotic genes except BFL-1 (undetectable level). Notably, both cell lines highly expressed MCL-1. Deletion of MCL-1 sensitized the NPC cells to BCL-XL selective inhibitor A-1331852, suggesting that MCL-1 and BCL-XL may be important for NPC cell survival. Co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-2 with MCL-1 selective inhibitor S63845 and BCL-2 selective inhibitor ABT-199 inhibited NPC cell proliferation but the effect on cell viability was more profound with co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL with S63845 and A-1331852, implying that MCL-1 and BCL-XL are crucial for NPC cell survival. Furthermore, co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL inhibited the growth and invasion of NPC spheroids. Deletion of BFL-1 sensitized NPC cells to A-1331852 suggesting that BFL-1 may play a role in NPC cell survival. Taken together co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1/BFL-1 could be potential treatment strategies for NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Azali Azlan
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Kwok-Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology and State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Central Ave, Hong Kong
| | - Ghows Azzam
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Malaysia Genome and Vaccine Institute, 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
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Abstract
AbstractTumour spheroid experiments are routinely used to study cancer progression and treatment. Various and inconsistent experimental designs are used, leading to challenges in interpretation and reproducibility. Using multiple experimental designs, live-dead cell staining, and real-time cell cycle imaging, we measure necrotic and proliferation-inhibited regions in over 1000 4D tumour spheroids (3D space plus cell cycle status). By intentionally varying the initial spheroid size and temporal sampling frequencies across multiple cell lines, we collect an abundance of measurements of internal spheroid structure. These data are difficult to compare and interpret. However, using an objective mathematical modelling framework and statistical identifiability analysis we quantitatively compare experimental designs and identify design choices that produce reliable biological insight. Measurements of internal spheroid structure provide the most insight, whereas varying initial spheroid size and temporal measurement frequency is less important. Our general framework applies to spheroids grown in different conditions and with different cell types.
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Targeting the BCL-2-regulated apoptotic pathway for the treatment of solid cancers. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2397-2410. [PMID: 34581776 PMCID: PMC8589438 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deregulation of apoptosis is a key contributor to tumourigenesis as it can lead to the unwanted survival of rogue cells. Drugs known as the BH3-mimetics targeting the pro-survival members of the BCL-2 protein family to induce apoptosis in cancer cells have achieved clinical success for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, despite our increasing knowledge of the pro-survival factors mediating the unwanted survival of solid tumour cells, and our growing BH3-mimetics armamentarium, the application of BH3-mimetic therapy in solid cancers has not reached its full potential. This is mainly attributed to the need to identify clinically safe, yet effective, combination strategies to target the multiple pro-survival proteins that typically mediate the survival of solid tumours. In this review, we discuss current and exciting new developments in the field that has the potential to unleash the full power of BH3-mimetic therapy to treat currently recalcitrant solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Douglas Fairlie
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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Chen RZ, Yang F, Zhang M, Sun ZG, Zhang N. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pristimerin in Cancer Therapy: Recent Advances. Front Oncol 2021; 11:671548. [PMID: 34026649 PMCID: PMC8138054 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.671548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Seeking an efficient and safe approach to eliminate tumors is a common goal of medical fields. Over these years, traditional Chinese medicine has attracted growing attention in cancer treatment due to its long history. Pristimerin is a naturally occurring quinone methide triterpenoid used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various cancers. Recent studies have identified alterations in cellular events and molecular signaling targets of cancer cells under pristimerin treatment. Pristimerin induces cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy to exhibit anti-proliferation effects against tumors. Pristimerin also inhibits the invasion, migration, and metastasis of tumor cells via affecting cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cells, and angiogenesis. Molecular factors and pathways are associated with the anti-cancer activities of pristimerin. Furthermore, pristimerin reverses multidrug resistance of cancer cells and exerts synergizing effects with other chemotherapeutic drugs. This review aims to discuss the anti-cancer potentials of pristimerin, emphasizing multi-targeted biological and molecular regulations in cancers. Further investigations and clinical trials are warranted to understand the advantages and disadvantages of pristimerin treatment much better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Ze Chen
- Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Co-Operativity between MYC and BCL-2 Pro-Survival Proteins in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062841. [PMID: 33799592 PMCID: PMC8000576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), c-MYC and related proteins are arguably amongst the most widely studied in all of biology. Every year there are thousands of papers reporting on different aspects of their biochemistry, cellular and physiological mechanisms and functions. This plethora of literature can be attributed to both proteins playing essential roles in the normal functioning of a cell, and by extension a whole organism, but also due to their central role in disease, most notably, cancer. Many cancers arise due to genetic lesions resulting in deregulation of both proteins, and indeed the development and survival of tumours is often dependent on co-operativity between these protein families. In this review we will discuss the individual roles of both proteins in cancer, describe cancers where co-operativity between them has been well-characterised and finally, some strategies to target these proteins therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Douglas Fairlie
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia;
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3084, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Patel A, Shah H, Shah U, Bambharoliya T, Patel M, Panchal I, Parikh V, Nagani A, Patel H, Vaghasiya J, Solanki N, Patel S, Shah A, Parmar G. A Review on the Synthetic Approach of Marinopyrroles: A Natural Antitumor Agent from the Ocean. LETT ORG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1570178617999200718004012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural products play an important role in various drug discovery and development approaches.
They are known to be the rich resources for the identification of new chemical entities
(NCEs) intended to treat various diseases. Many drugs have been discovered and developed from natural
sources. Indeed, collaborative efforts involving biologists as well as organic, medicinal, and phytochemists
usually facilitate the identification of potent NCEs derived from natural sources. Over the past
20 years, more than 50% of NCEs have been derived either from marine sources or synthetic/
semisynthetic derivatives of natural products. Indeed, many drug molecules have been designed by
considering natural products as the starting scaffold. The first bis-pyrrole alkaloid derivative of
marinopyrroles was obtained from the marine-derived streptomycete species. In the laboratory, it can
be synthesized via Clauson-Kaas and Friedel-Crafts arylation as well as copper-mediated N-arylation
process under microwave irradiation. The marinopyrrole A (±)-28 was discovered to overcome resistance
against human cancer cells by antagonizing B-cell lymphoma extra-large (Bcl-xL) and induced
myeloid leukaemia cell (Mcl-1). In this review, we elaborated on various synthetic pathways of
marinopyrroles possessing anti-cancer potential, which could encourage researchers to discover promising
anti-tumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Patel
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, Ta. Petlad, Dist. Anand, Gujarat,India
| | - Hirak Shah
- Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat,India
| | - Umang Shah
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, Ta. Petlad, Dist. Anand, Gujarat,India
| | | | - Mehul Patel
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, Ta. Petlad, Dist. Anand, Gujarat,India
| | - Ishan Panchal
- Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat,India
| | - Vruti Parikh
- Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat,India
| | - Afzal Nagani
- Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat,India
| | - Harnisha Patel
- Parul Institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat,India
| | | | - Nilay Solanki
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, Ta. Petlad, Dist. Anand, Gujarat,India
| | - Swayamprakash Patel
- Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, Ta. Petlad, Dist. Anand, Gujarat,India
| | - Ashish Shah
- Department of Pharmacy, Sumandeep Vidhyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat,India
| | - Ghanshyam Parmar
- Department of Pharmacy, Sumandeep Vidhyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat,India
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Trisciuoglio D, Del Bufalo D. New insights into the roles of antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family in melanoma progression and therapy. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1126-1135. [PMID: 33545382 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prosurvival and antiapoptotic B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins are often overexpressed in cutaneous melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of human cancer. They are also implicated in resistance to therapy and participate in melanoma progression by regulating various processes, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings related to prosurvival members of the Bcl-2 family beyond their canonical functions in the apoptotic pathway, mainly focusing on their potential roles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cutaneous melanoma. We also provide an overview of different approaches used to inhibit Bcl-2 proteins in preclinical and clinical studies, which are mainly based on the inhibition of protein expression or the disruption of their antiapoptotic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, Italy; Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, via degli Apuli 4, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, Italy.
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Zhao Q, Bi Y, Guo J, Liu Y, Zhong J, Liu Y, Pan L, Guo Y, Tan Y, Yu X. Effect of pristimerin on apoptosis through activation of ROS/ endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated noxa in colorectal cancer. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 80:153399. [PMID: 33202325 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pristimerin, a natural quinonemethid triterpenoid found in different spp. of Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae families, has been reported to exhibit potent antitumor activities against colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms underlying pristimerin-induced apoptosis in CRC is not clear. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of pristimerin-induced apoptosis against CRC in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Cell viability and cell apoptosis analyses were conducted to assess the effects of pristimerin on CRC. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proteins affected by pristimerin in vitro and in vivo. HCT116 colon cancer xenografts and APCmin/+ mouse models were used to evaluate the anti-CRC effect of pristimerin in vivo. RESULTS Our data showed that pristimerin induced apoptosis by regulating proapoptotic proteins of which Noxa showed higher expression. Pristimerin triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling activation. Pristimerin significantly elevated the expression of ER stress-related proteins, resulting in activation of the IRE1α and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signal pathway through the formation of the IRE1α-TRAF2-ASK1 complex. Pristimerin exhibited apoptosis-inducing activities in HCT116 colon cancer xenografts and APCmin/+ mice. CONCLUSION Both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that pristimerin induced Noxa expression and apoptosis through activation of the ROS/ER stress/JNK axis in CRC. Thus, pristimerin may be a promising antitumor agent for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhao
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yun Bi
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yingxiang Liu
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Jing Zhong
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Products Research and Development, College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Longrui Pan
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yang Guo
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China.
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11
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Hartman ML, Gajos-Michniewicz A, Talaj JA, Mielczarek-Lewandowska A, Czyz M. BH3 mimetics potentiate pro-apoptotic activity of encorafenib in BRAF V600E melanoma cells. Cancer Lett 2020; 499:122-136. [PMID: 33259900 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BRAFV600- and MEK1/2-targeting therapies rarely produce durable response in melanoma patients. We investigated five BRAFV600E melanoma cell lines derived from drug-naïve tumor specimens to assess cell death response to encorafenib (Braftovi), a recently FDA-approved BRAFV600 inhibitor. Drug-naïve cell lines (i) did not harbor damaging alterations in genes encoding core apoptotic machinery, but they differed in (ii) mitochondrial priming as demonstrated by whole-cell BH3 profiling, and (iii) levels of selected anti-apoptotic proteins. Encorafenib modulated the balance between apoptosis-regulating proteins as it upregulated BIM and BMF, and attenuated NOXA, but did not affect the levels of pro-survival proteins except for MCL-1 and BCL-XL in selected cell lines. Induction of apoptosis could be predicted using Dynamic BH3 profiling. The extent of apoptosis was dependent on both (i) cell-intrinsic proximity to the apoptotic threshold (initial mitochondrial priming) and (ii) the abundance of encorafenib-induced BIM (iBIM; drug-induced change in priming). While co-inhibition of MCL-1 and BCL-XL/BCL-2 was indispensable for apoptosis in drug-naïve cells, encorafenib altered cell dependence to MCL-1, and reliance on BCL-XL/BCL-2 was additionally found in cell lines that were highly primed to apoptosis by encorafenib. This translated into robust apoptosis when encorafenib was combined with selective BH3 mimetics. Our study provides a mechanistic insight into the role of proteins from the BCL-2 family in melanoma cell response to targeted therapy, and presents preclinical evidence that (i) MCL-1 is a druggable target to potentiate encorafenib activity, whereas (ii) pharmacological inhibition of BCL-XL/BCL-2 might be relevant but only for a narrow group of encorafenib-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz L Hartman
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | - Julita A Talaj
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
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Xiang BLS, Kwok-Wai L, Soo-Beng AK, Mohana-Kumaran N. Single Agent and Synergistic Activity of Maritoclax with ABT-263 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) Cell Lines. Trop Life Sci Res 2020; 31:1-13. [PMID: 33214852 PMCID: PMC7652248 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2020.31.3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins are over-expressed in many cancers and hence are attractive therapeutic targets. In this study, we tested the sensitivity of two Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) cell lines HK1 and C666-1 to Maritoclax, which is reported to repress anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 and BH3 mimetic ABT-263, which selectively inhibits anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-2, BCL-XL and BCL-w. We investigated the sensitisation of the NPC cell lines to these drugs using the SYBR Green I assay and 3D NPC spheroids. We report that Maritoclax repressed anti-apoptotic proteins MCL-1, BCL-2, and BCL-XL in a dose- and time-dependent manner and displayed a single agent activity in inhibiting cell proliferation of the NPC cell lines. Moreover, combination of Maritoclax and ABT-263 exhibited synergistic antiproliferative effect in the HK1 cells. Similar results were obtained in the 3D spheroids generated from the HK1 cells. More notably, 3D HK1 spheroids either treated with single agent Maritoclax or combination with ABT-263, over 10 days, did not develop resistance to the treatment rapidly. Collectively, the findings illustrate that Maritoclax as a single agent or combination with BH3 mimetics could be potentially useful as treatment strategies for the management of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lo Kwok-Wai
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology and State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Central Ave, Hong Kong
| | - Alan Khoo Soo-Beng
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, 50588 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nethia Mohana-Kumaran
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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13
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Sarif Z, Tolksdorf B, Fechner H, Eberle J. Mcl-1 targeting strategies unlock the proapoptotic potential of TRAIL in melanoma cells. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1256-1268. [PMID: 32885857 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. For melanoma, the targeting of TRAIL signaling appears highly attractive, due to pronounced TRAIL receptor expression in tumor tissue. However, mechanisms of TRAIL resistance observed in melanoma cells may limit its clinical use. The Bcl-2 family members are critical regulators of cell-intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Thus, the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) is overexpressed in many tumor types and was linked to chemotherapy resistance in melanoma. In this study, we evaluated the involvement of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL , Bcl-w, Mcl-1, Bcl-A1, and Bcl-B) in TRAIL resistance. They were targeted by small interfering RNA-mediated silencing in TRAIL-sensitive (A-375, Mel-HO) and in TRAIL-resistant melanoma cell lines (Mel-2a, MeWo). This highlighted Mcl-1 as the most efficient target to overcome TRAIL resistance. In this context, we investigated the effects of Mcl-1-targeting microRNAs as well as the Mcl-1-selective inhibitor S63845. Both miR-193b and S63845 resulted in significant enhancement of TRAIL-induced apoptosis, associated with decreased cell viability. Apoptosis induction was mediated by caspase-3 processing as well as by Bax and Bak activation, indicating the critical involvement of intrinsic apoptosis pathways. These data may indicate a high relevance of Mcl-1 targeting also in melanoma therapy. Furthermore, the data may suggest to consider the use of the tumor suppressor miR-193b as a strategy for countering TRAIL resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zina Sarif
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology, Skin Cancer Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (University Medical Center Charité), Berlin, Germany
| | - Beatrice Tolksdorf
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henry Fechner
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Eberle
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology, Skin Cancer Center Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (University Medical Center Charité), Berlin, Germany
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14
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Thanindratarn P, Dean DC, Feng W, Wei R, Nelson SD, Hornicek FJ, Duan Z. Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) in chordoma: prognostic and therapeutic value. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2020; 29:3214-3228. [PMID: 32691223 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-020-06543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) expression in chordoma patient tissues and cell lines, its correlation with oncologic outcomes, and its function in chordoma cell proliferation. METHODS A chordoma tissue microarray was constructed from fifty-six patient specimens and examined by immunohistochemistry to measure CDK12 expression and its correlation to patient clinical characteristics and survival. CDK12 expression in chordoma cell lines and patient tissues was evaluated via western blot. CDK12 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was applied to determine whether its inhibition attenuated chordoma cell growth and proliferation. RESULTS CDK12 was expressed in the majority of chordoma specimens, with notably higher expression in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. High CDK12 expression was an independent prognostic predictor for shorter overall and progression-free survival in chordoma by univariate and multivariate analysis. Western blot analysis revealed that CDK12 was also highly expressed in chordoma cell lines, with CDK12 specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knockdown decreasing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, inhibition of CDK12 decreased phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) and the anti-apoptotic proteins Survivin and Mcl-1. CONCLUSION High expression of CDK12 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in chordoma. Inhibition of CDK12 significantly decreased chordoma cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Our results support CDK12 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in chordoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pichaya Thanindratarn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chulabhorn Hospital, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wenlong Feng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Scott D Nelson
- Department of Pathology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Francis J Hornicek
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 615 Charles E. Young. Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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15
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Mukherjee N, Skees J, Todd KJ, West DA, Lambert KA, Robinson WA, Amato CM, Couts KL, Van Gulick R, MacBeth M, Nassar K, Tan AC, Zhai Z, Fujita M, Bagby SM, Dart CR, Lambert JR, Norris DA, Shellman YG. MCL1 inhibitors S63845/MIK665 plus Navitoclax synergistically kill difficult-to-treat melanoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:443. [PMID: 32513939 PMCID: PMC7280535 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma include molecular-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, a subset of melanomas are difficult-to-treat. These melanomas include those without the genetic markers for targeted therapy, non-responsive to immunotherapy, and those who have relapsed or exhausted their therapeutic options. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and explore other biological processes that may provide new therapeutic approaches. One of most appealing is targeting the apoptotic/anti-apoptotic system that is effective against leukemia. We used genetic knockdown and pharmacologic approaches of BH3 mimetics to target anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members and identified MCL1 and BCLXL as crucial pro-survival members in melanoma. We then examined the effects of combining BH3 mimetics to target MCL1 and BCLXL in vitro and in vivo. These include clinical-trial-ready compounds such as ABT-263 (Navitoclax) and S63845/S64315 (MIK655). We used cell lines derived from patients with difficult-to-treat melanomas. In vitro, the combined inhibition of MCL1 and BCLXL resulted in significantly effective cell killing compared to single-agent treatment (p < 0.05) in multiple assays, including sphere assays. The combination-induced cell death was independent of BIM, and NOXA. Recapitulated in our mouse xenograft model, the combination inhibited tumor growth, reduced sphere-forming capacity (p < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively), and had tolerable toxicity (p > 0.40). Taken together, this study suggests that dual targeting of MCL1 and BCLXL should be considered as a treatment option for difficult-to-treat melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabanita Mukherjee
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Jenette Skees
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Kaleb J Todd
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Drake A West
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Karoline A Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - William A Robinson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Carol M Amato
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Kasey L Couts
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Robert Van Gulick
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Morgan MacBeth
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Kelsey Nassar
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Aik-Choon Tan
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, US
| | - Zili Zhai
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Stacey M Bagby
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - Chiara R Dart
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - James R Lambert
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8104, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
| | - David A Norris
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dermatology Section, Denver, CO, 80220, US
| | - Yiqun G Shellman
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO, 80045, US.
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, US.
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16
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Tseng HY, Dreyer J, Emran AA, Gunatilake D, Pirozyan M, Cullinane C, Dutton-Regester K, Rizos H, Hayward NK, McArthur G, Hersey P, Tiffen J, Gallagher S. Co-targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins and MCL1 induces synergistic cell death in melanoma. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:2176-2189. [PMID: 32249419 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of melanoma has been markedly improved by the introduction of targeted therapies and checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Unfortunately, resistance to these therapies remains a limitation. Novel anticancer therapeutics targeting the MCL1 anti-apoptotic protein have shown impressive responses in haematological cancers but are yet to be evaluated in melanoma. To assess the sensitivity of melanoma to new MCL1 inhibitors, we measured the response of 51 melanoma cell lines to the novel MCL1 inhibitor, S63845. Additionally, we assessed combination of this drug with inhibitors of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein family of epigenetic readers, which we postulated would assist MCL1 inhibition by downregulating anti-apoptotic targets regulated by NF-kB such as BCLXL, BCL2A1 and XIAP, and by upregulating pro-apoptotic proteins including BIM and NOXA. Only 14% of melanoma cell lines showed sensitivity to S63845, however, combination of S63845 and I-BET151 induced highly synergistic apoptotic cell death in all melanoma lines tested and in an in vivo xenograft model. Cell death was dependent on caspases and BAX/BAK. Although the combination of drugs increased the BH3-only protein, BIM, and downregulated anti-apoptotic proteins such as BCL2A1, the importance of these proteins in inducing cell death varied between cell lines. ABT-199 or ABT-263 inhibitors against BCL2 or BCL2 and BCLXL, respectively, induced further cell death when combined with S63845 and I-BET151. The combination of MCL1 and BET inhibition appears to be a promising therapeutic approach for metastatic melanoma, and presents opportunities to add further BCL2 family inhibitors to overcome treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yi Tseng
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jan Dreyer
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abdullah Al Emran
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dilini Gunatilake
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mehdi Pirozyan
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carleen Cullinane
- Translational Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Oncogenic Signalling and Growth Control Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ken Dutton-Regester
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Oncogenomics Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Rizos
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas K Hayward
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Oncogenomics Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grant McArthur
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jessamy Tiffen
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart Gallagher
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, Wollstonecraft, New South Wales, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Abdul Rahman SF, Muniandy K, Soo YK, Tiew EYH, Tan KX, Bates TE, Mohana-Kumaran N. Co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1 with selective BCL-2 family inhibitors enhances cytotoxicity of cervical cancer cell lines. Biochem Biophys Rep 2020; 22:100756. [PMID: 32346617 PMCID: PMC7183162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2020.100756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy in patients suffering from advanced cervical cancer narrows the therapeutic window for conventional therapies. Previously we reported that a combination of the selective BCL-2 family inhibitors ABT-263 and A-1210477 decreased cell proliferation in C33A, SiHa and CaSki human cervical cancer cell lines. As ABT-263 binds to both BCL-2 and BCL-XL with high affinity, it was unclear whether the synergism of the drug combination was driven either by singly inhibiting BCL-2 or BCL-XL, or inhibition of both. In this present study, we used the BCL-2 selective inhibitor ABT-199 and the BCL-XL selective inhibitor A1331852 to resolve the individual antitumor activities of ABT-263 into BCL-2 and BCL-XL dependent mechanisms. A-1210477 was substituted for the orally bioavailable S63845. Four cervical cancer cell lines were treated with the selective BCL-2 family inhibitors ABT-199, A1331852 and S63845 alone and in combination using 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture models. The SiHa, C33A and CaSki cell lines were resistant to single agent treatment of all three drugs, suggesting that none of the BCL-2 family of proteins mediate survival of the cells in isolation. HeLa cells were resistant to single agent treatment of ABT-199 and A1331852 but were sensitive to S63845 indicating that they depend on MCL-1 for survival. Co-inhibition of BCL-2 and MCL-1 with ABT-199 and S63845, inhibited cell proliferation of all cancer cell lines, except SiHa. However, the effect of the combination was not as pronounced as combination of A1331852 and S63845. Co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1 with A1331852 and S63845 significantly inhibited cell proliferation of all four cell lines. Similar data were obtained with 3-dimensional spheroid cell culture models generated from two cervical cancer cell lines in vitro. Treatment with a combination of A1331852 and S63845 resulted in inhibition of growth and invasion of the 3D spheroids. Collectively, our data demonstrate that the combination of MCL-1-selective inhibitors with either selective inhibitors of either BCL-XL or BCL-2 may be potentially useful as treatment strategies for the management of cervical cancer. Co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1 inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation. Co-inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1 inhibited growth and invasion of 3D spheroids. MCL-1-BCL-XL selective inhibitors are potential treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kalaivani Muniandy
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Yong Kit Soo
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Elvin Yu Huai Tiew
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ke Xin Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Timothy E Bates
- Drugs with A Difference Limited, 6 Science and Technology Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham, NG6 2RF, United Kingdom
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18
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Knoll G, Riffelsberger P, Raats D, Kranenburg O, Ehrenschwender M. NOXA-dependent contextual synthetic lethality of BCL-XL inhibition and "osmotic reprogramming" in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:257. [PMID: 32312973 PMCID: PMC7171071 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2446-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A sophisticated network of BCL-2 family proteins regulates the mitochondria-associated (intrinsic) apoptosis pathway. Antiapoptotic members such as BCL-XL or MCL-1 safeguard the outer mitochondrial membrane and prevent accidental cell death in a functionally redundant and/or compensatory manner. However, BCL-XL/MCL-1-mediated “dual apoptosis protection” also impairs response of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Here, we show that hyperosmotic stress in the tumor environment abrogates dual BCL-XL/MCL-1 protection. Hypertonicity triggers upregulation of NOXA and loss of MCL-1 and thereby enforces exclusive BCL-XL addiction. Concomitant targeting of BCL-XL is sufficient to unlock the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in colorectal cancer cells. Functionally, “osmotic reprogramming” of the tumor environment grants contextual synthetic lethality to BCL-XL inhibitors in dually BCL-XL/MCL-1-protected cells. Generation of contextual synthetic lethality through modulation of the tumor environment could perspectively boost efficacy of anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud Knoll
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Petra Riffelsberger
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Danielle Raats
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Centre, PO Box 85500, 3506 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Department of Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Centre, PO Box 85500, 3506 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Ehrenschwender
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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19
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Shahverdi M, Amini R, Amri J, Karami H. Gene Therapy with MiRNA-Mediated Targeting of Mcl-1 Promotes the Sensitivity of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells to Treatment with ABT-737. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:675-681. [PMID: 32212793 PMCID: PMC7437340 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.3.675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the dramatic efficacy of ABT-737, a large percentage of cancer cells ultimately become resistance to this drug. Evidences show that over-expression of Mcl-1 is linked to ABT-737 resistance in NSCLC cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of miRNA-101 on Mcl-1 expression and sensitivity of the A549 NSCLC cells to ABT-737. METHODS After miRNA-101 transfection, the Mcl-1 mRNA expression levels were quantified by RT-qPCR. Trypan blue staining was used to explore the effect of miRNA-101 on cell growth. The cytotoxic effects of miRNA-101 and ABT-737, alone and in combination, were measured using MTT assay. The effect of drugs combination was determined using the method of Chou-Talalay. Cell death was assessed using cell death detection ELISA assay kit. RESULTS Results showed that miRNA-101 markedly suppressed the expression of Mcl-1 mRNA in a time dependent manner, which led to A549 cell proliferation inhibition and enhancement of apoptosis (p < 0.05, relative to blank control). Pretreatment with miRNA-101 synergistically decreased the cell survival rate and lowered the IC50 value of ABT-737. Furthermore, miRNA-101 dramatically enhanced the apoptotic effect of ABT-737. Negative control miRNA had no remarkable effect on cellular parameters. CONCLUSIONS Our findings propose that suppression of Mcl-1 by miRNA-101 can effectively inhibit the cell growth and sensitize A549 cells to ABT-737. Therefore, miRNA-101 can be considered as a potential therapeutic target in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Shahverdi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center,
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine,
| | - Razieh Amini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine,
| | - Jamal Amri
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| | - Hadi Karami
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center,
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine,
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20
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Pervushin NV, Senichkin VV, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. Mcl-1 as a "barrier" in cancer treatment: Can we target it now? INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 351:23-55. [PMID: 32247581 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During the last two decades, the study of Mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, attracted researchers due to its important role in cancer cell survival and tumor development. The significance of Mcl-1 protein in resistance to chemotherapeutics makes it an attractive target in cancer therapy. Here, we discuss the diverse possibilities for indirect Mcl-1 inhibition through its downregulation, for example, via targeting for proteasomal degradation or blockage of translation and transcription. We also provide an overview of the direct blocking of protein-protein interactions with pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, including examples of the most promising regulators of Mcl-1 and selective BH3-mimetics, which at present are under clinical evaluation. Moreover, several approaches for the co-targeting of Mcl-1 and other proteins (e.g., CDKs) are also presented. In addition, we highlight the broad spectrum of problems that accompanied the discovery and development of effective Mcl-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gelina S Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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21
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Shen S, Dean DC, Yu Z, Hornicek F, Kan Q, Duan Z. Aberrant CDK9 expression within chordoma tissues and the therapeutic potential of a selective CDK9 inhibitor LDC000067. J Cancer 2020; 11:132-141. [PMID: 31892980 PMCID: PMC6930393 DOI: 10.7150/jca.35426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Chordomas are slow-growing malignancies that commonly affect vital neurological structures. These neoplasms are highly resistant to current chemotherapeutic regimens and often recur after surgical intervention. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify molecular targets and more robust drugs to improve chordoma patient outcomes. It is well accepted that cyclin-dependent protein kinase 9 (CDK9) has tumorigenic roles in various cancers; however, the expression and significance of CDK9 in chordoma remains unknown. Methods: Expression of CDK9 in chordoma cell lines and tumor tissues was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The correlation between CDK9 expression in patient tissues and clinical prognosis was analyzed. The functional roles of CDK9 in chordoma were investigated after the addition of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and CDK9 inhibitor (LDC000067). Cell growth and proliferation were assessed with MTT and clonogenic assays. The effect of CDK9 inhibition on chordoma cells was further evaluated with a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model which mimics the in vivo environment. Results: CDK9 was expressed in both chordoma cell lines and chordoma tissues. High- expression of CDK9 correlated with recurrence and poor outcomes for chordoma patients. CDK9 silencing with siRNA decreased growth and proliferation of chordoma cells and lowered levels of Mcl-1 and RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) phosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK9 with the small molecular inhibitor LDC000067 reduced cell growth, supported apoptosis, suppressed cell colony formation in a clonogenic assay, and decreased spheroid growth in 3D culture. Conclusion: We demonstrate that CDK9 expression in chordoma correlates with patient outcome, and, when inhibited, chordoma cell growth and proliferation significantly decreases. Taken together, these results support CDK9 as an emerging potential target in chordoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Shen
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Dylan C Dean
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zujiang Yu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Francis Hornicek
- Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Quancheng Kan
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhenfeng Duan
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.,Sarcoma Biology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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22
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Respondek M, Beberok A, Rzepka Z, Rok J, Wrześniok D. MIM1 induces COLO829 melanoma cell death through mitochondrial membrane breakdown, GSH depletion, and DNA damage. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2019; 34:20-31. [PMID: 31410885 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a high aggressive malignancy in humans and causes 60-80% of deaths from skin cancer. Defect in an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis via overexpression of Mcl-1 is responsible for malignant melanoma development and progression, and also for resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. MIM1 is a specific low molecular Mcl-1 protein inhibitor that is able to induce Mcl-1-dependent cancer cells death. Here, we examined the effect of MIM1 as well as MIM1 and dacarbazine (DTIC) mixture on cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression in COLO829 melanoma cells. Cell viability was performed by the WST-1 assay. Analysis of apoptosis as well as cell cycle progression was determined by fluorescence image cytometer NucleoCounter NC-3000. The obtained results demonstrated that the MIM1 exhibited high cytotoxicity against melanotic melanoma cells and induced mitochondrial membrane breakdown, GSH depletion, and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, MIM1 enhanced the proapoptotic effect of DTIC toward melanoma cells; furthermore, a mixture of these drugs caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in COLO829 cells. Taken together, these data provide, for the first time, evidence that a low molecular weight Mcl-1 inhibitor-MIM1 may be a promising agent with antitumor and proapoptotic properties toward melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Respondek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska, 441-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Artur Beberok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska, 441-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Rzepka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska, 441-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Jakub Rok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska, 441-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Dorota Wrześniok
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska, 441-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
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23
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Respondek M, Beberok A, Rzepka Z, Rok J, Wrześniok D. Mcl-1 Inhibitor Induces Cells Death in BRAF-Mutant Amelanotic Melanoma Trough GSH Depletion, DNA Damage and Cell Cycle Changes. Pathol Oncol Res 2019; 26:1465-1474. [PMID: 31432325 PMCID: PMC7297871 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00715-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mcl-1 is a potent antiapoptotic protein and amplifies frequently in many human cancer. Currently, it is considered that the extensively expressed of Mcl-1 protein in melanoma cells is associated with rapid tumor progression, poor prognosis and low chemosensitivity. Therefore, the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1 could be considered as a potential target for malignant melanoma treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of MIM1 a specific low molecular Mcl-1 protein inhibitor and mixture of MIM1 and dacarbazine on the viability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction in amelanotic C32 melanoma cells. The cytotoxic activity of MIM1 towards C32 melanoma cells was examined by the WST-1 test. The Mcl-1 protein level as a drug target in amelanotic melanoma cells was defined by Western blot analysis. Cell cycle progression, DNA fragmentation as well as GSH depletion were determined by fluorescence image cytometer NucleoCounter NC-3000. The obtained results demonstrate that the specific Mcl-1 protein inhibitor - MIM1 decreases cell viability and induce apoptosis (S-phase arrest, DNA fragmentation and redox imbalance) in amelanotic melanoma cells and intensify the proapoptotic properties of DTIC, as a result of interactions with Mcl-1 protein. Taken together, the presented data suggest that Mcl-1 protein is a an important target in malignant melanoma treatment and provide for the first time convincing evidence that MIM1, which inhibits Mcl-1 antiapoptotic protein is able to induce apoptosis and sensitize melanoma cells to alkylating agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Respondek
- School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Artur Beberok
- School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Rzepka
- School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Jakub Rok
- School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Dorota Wrześniok
- School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland
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24
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CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 inhibits MCL1 synthesis and drives cholangiocarcinoma apoptosis in combination with BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitor ABT-263. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:602. [PMID: 31399555 PMCID: PMC6688996 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a fatal disease without effective targeted therapy. We screened a small-molecule library of 116 inhibitors targeting different targets of the cell cycle and discovered several kinases, including Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) as vulnerabilities in CCA. Analysis of multiple CCA data sets demonstrated that CDK7 was overexpressed in CCA tissues. Further studies demonstrated that CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in CCA cells. We also showed that THZ1 inhibited CCA cell growth in a xenograft model. RNA-sequencing followed by Gene ontology analysis showed a striking impact of THZ1 on DNA-templated transcriptional programs. THZ1 downregulated CDK7-mediated phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II, indicative of transcriptional inhibition. A number of oncogenic transcription factors and survival proteins, like MCL1, FOSL1, and RUNX1, were repressed by THZ1. MCL1, one of the antiapoptotic BCL2 family members, was significantly inhibited upon THZ1 treatment. Accordingly, combining THZ1 with a BCL2/BCL-XL inhibitor ABT-263 synergized in impairing cell growth and driving apoptosis. Our results demonstrate CDK7 as a potential target in treating CCA. Combinations of CDK7 inhibition and BCL2/BCL-XL inhibition may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for CCA.
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25
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Lee EF, Harris TJ, Tran S, Evangelista M, Arulananda S, John T, Ramnac C, Hobbs C, Zhu H, Gunasingh G, Segal D, Behren A, Cebon J, Dobrovic A, Mariadason JM, Strasser A, Rohrbeck L, Haass NK, Herold MJ, Fairlie WD. BCL-XL and MCL-1 are the key BCL-2 family proteins in melanoma cell survival. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:342. [PMID: 31019203 PMCID: PMC6482196 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1568-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most difficult cancers to treat due to its resistance to chemotherapy. Despite recent successes with BRAF inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, many patients do not respond or become resistant to these drugs. Hence, alternative treatments are still required. Due to the importance of the BCL-2-regulated apoptosis pathway in cancer development and drug resistance, it is of interest to establish which proteins are most important for melanoma cell survival, though the outcomes of previous studies have been conflicting. To conclusively address this question, we tested a panel of established and early passage patient-derived cell lines against several BH3-mimetic drugs designed to target individual or subsets of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins, alone and in combination, in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. None of the drugs demonstrated significant activity as single agents, though combinations targeting MCL-1 plus BCL-XL, and to a lesser extent BCL-2, showed considerable synergistic killing activity that was elicited via both BAX and BAK. Genetic deletion of BFL-1 in cell lines that express it at relatively high levels only had minor impact on BH3-mimetic drug sensitivity, suggesting it is not a critical pro-survival protein in melanoma. Combinations of MCL-1 inhibitors with BRAF inhibitors also caused only minimal additional melanoma cell killing over each drug alone, whilst combinations with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib was more effective in multiple cell lines. Our data show for the first time that therapies targeting specific combinations of BCL-2 pro-survival proteins, namely MCL-1 plus BCL-XL and MCL-1 plus BCL-2, could have significant benefit for the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erinna F Lee
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia. .,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia. .,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
| | - Tiffany J Harris
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Sharon Tran
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Marco Evangelista
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Surein Arulananda
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Thomas John
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Celeste Ramnac
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Chloe Hobbs
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Haoran Zhu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Gency Gunasingh
- The University of Queensland, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - David Segal
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Jonathan Cebon
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Alexander Dobrovic
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - John M Mariadason
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Leona Rohrbeck
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- The University of Queensland, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Marco J Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - W Douglas Fairlie
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia. .,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia. .,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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26
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Mallick DJ, Soderquist RS, Bates D, Eastman A. Confounding off-target effects of BH3 mimetics at commonly used concentrations: MIM1, UMI-77, and A-1210477. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:185. [PMID: 30796196 PMCID: PMC6385300 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Targeting anti-apoptotic BCL2 family proteins has become an attractive therapeutic strategy for many cancers, and the BCL2-selective inhibitor ABT-199 (venetoclax) has obtained clinical success. However, MCL1 can promote drug resistance and overall cancer cell survival. Thus, there is a critical need to develop an effective drug that antagonizes MCL1. However, most putative MCL1 inhibitors have been misclassified as they fail to directly inhibit MCL1 in cells, but rather induce the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA. We have investigated three putative MCL1 inhibitors: MIM1, UMI-77, and A-1210477. All three compounds were developed in cell-free assays and then found to be cytotoxic, and hence assumed to directly target MCL1 in cells. Here, we investigated whether these compounds directly inhibit MCL1 or inhibit MCL1 indirectly through the induction of NOXA. Both MIM1- and UMI-77-induced NOXA through the unfolded protein response pathway, and sensitized leukemia cells to ABT-199; this cytotoxicity was dependent on NOXA suggesting that these compounds do not directly target MCL1. A-1210477 was the only compound that did not induce NOXA, but it still sensitized cells to ABT-199. A-1210477 induced accumulation of MCL1 protein consistent with it binding and preventing MCL1 degradation. However, at concentrations used in several prior studies, A-1210477 also induced cytochrome c release, caspase activation, and apoptosis in a BAX/BAK-independent manner. Furthermore, the release of cytochrome c occurred without loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. This apoptosis was extremely rapid, sometimes occurring within 0.5-1 h. Hence, we have identified a novel mechanism of apoptosis that circumvents the known mechanisms of cytochrome c release. It remains to be determined whether these unexpected mechanisms of action of putative BH3 mimetics will have therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Mallick
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
| | - Ryan S Soderquist
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Darcy Bates
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA
| | - Alan Eastman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA. .,Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03756, USA.
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27
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Gene-Specific Intron Retention Serves as Molecular Signature that Distinguishes Melanoma from Non-Melanoma Cancer Cells in Greek Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040937. [PMID: 30795533 PMCID: PMC6412294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Skin cancer represents the most common human malignancy, and it includes BCC, SCC, and melanoma. Since melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer, we have herein attempted to develop a gene-specific intron retention signature that can distinguish BCC and SCC from melanoma biopsy tumors. Methods: Intron retention events were examined through RT-sqPCR protocols, using total RNA preparations derived from BCC, SCC, and melanoma Greek biopsy specimens. Intron-hosted miRNA species and their target transcripts were predicted via the miRbase and miRDB bioinformatics platforms, respectively. Ιntronic ORFs were recognized through the ORF Finder application. Generation and visualization of protein interactomes were achieved by the IntAct and Cytoscape softwares, while tertiary protein structures were produced by using the I-TASSER online server. Results: c-MYC and Sestrin-1 genes proved to undergo intron retention specifically in melanoma. Interaction maps of proteins encoded by genes being potentially targeted by retained intron-accommodated miRNAs were generated and SRPX2 was additionally delivered to our melanoma-specific signature. Novel ORFs were identified in MCT4 and Sestrin-1 introns, with potentially critical roles in melanoma development. Conclusions: The property of c-MYC, Sestrin-1, and SRPX2 genes to retain specific introns could be clinically used to molecularly differentiate non-melanoma from melanoma tumors.
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28
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Liu Y, Mondello P, Erazo T, Tannan NB, Asgari Z, de Stanchina E, Nanjangud G, Seshan VE, Wang S, Wendel HG, Younes A. NOXA genetic amplification or pharmacologic induction primes lymphoma cells to BCL2 inhibitor-induced cell death. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:12034-12039. [PMID: 30404918 PMCID: PMC6255185 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806928115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells widely express the BCL2 protein, they rarely respond to treatment with BCL2-selective inhibitors. Here we show that DLBCL cells harboring PMAIP1/NOXA gene amplification were highly sensitive to BCL2 small-molecule inhibitors. In these cells, BCL2 inhibition induced cell death by activating caspase 9, which was further amplified by caspase-dependent cleavage and depletion of MCL1. In DLBCL cells lacking NOXA amplification, BCL2 inhibition was associated with an increase in MCL1 protein abundance in a BIM-dependent manner, causing a decreased antilymphoma efficacy. In these cells, dual inhibition of MCL1 and BCL2 was required for enhanced killing. Pharmacologic induction of NOXA, using the histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat, decreased MCL1 protein abundance and increased lymphoma cell vulnerability to BCL2 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Our data provide a mechanistic rationale for combination strategies to disrupt lymphoma cell codependency on BCL2 and MCL1 proteins in DLBCL.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Female
- Gene Amplification/drug effects
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/metabolism
- Panobinostat/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Liu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Patrizia Mondello
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Tatiana Erazo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Neeta Bala Tannan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zahra Asgari
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Gouri Nanjangud
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Venkatraman E Seshan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Shenqiu Wang
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Hans-Guido Wendel
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
| | - Anas Younes
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065;
- Lymphoma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065
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29
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Bonnefond ML, Florent R, Lenoir S, Lambert B, Abeilard E, Giffard F, Louis MH, Elie N, Briand M, Vivien D, Poulain L, Gauduchon P, N'Diaye M. Inhibition of store-operated channels by carboxyamidotriazole sensitizes ovarian carcinoma cells to anti-Bclx L strategies through Mcl-1 down-regulation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:33896-33911. [PMID: 30338034 PMCID: PMC6188062 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 have been identified to play a pivotal role in apoptosis resistance in ovarian cancer and constitute key targets for innovative therapeutic strategies. Although BH3-mimetics (i.e. ABT-737) potently inhibit Bcl-xL activity, targeting Mcl-1 remains a hurdle to the success of these strategies. Calcium signaling is profoundly remodeled during carcinogenesis and was reported to activate the signaling pathway controlling Mcl-1 expression. In this context, we investigated the effect of carboxyamidotriazole (CAI), a calcium channel inhibitor used in clinical trials, on Mcl-1 expression. CAI had an anti-proliferative effect on ovarian carcinoma cell lines and strongly down-regulated Mcl-1 expression. It inhibited store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and Mcl-1 translation through mTORC1 deactivation. Moreover, it sensitized ovarian carcinoma cells to anti-Bcl-xL strategies as their combination elicited massive apoptosis. Its effect on mTORC1 and Mcl-1 was mimicked by the potent SOCE inhibitor, YM58483, which also triggered apoptosis when combined with ABT-737. As a whole, this study suggests that CAI sensitizes to anti-Bcl-xL strategies via its action on Mcl-1 translation and that modulation of SOCE could extend the therapeutic arsenal for treatment of ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Laure Bonnefond
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
| | - Romane Florent
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
| | - Sophie Lenoir
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM UMR-S 1237, Physiopathologie et Imagerie des Troubles Neurologiques (PhIND), tPA and Neurovascular Disorders Team, Caen, France
| | - Bernard Lambert
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
- Délégation Régionale de Normandie, CNRS, Caen, France
| | - Edwige Abeilard
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
| | - Florence Giffard
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Louis
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Elie
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, Centre de Microscopie Appliqué à la Biologie, CMabio3, Structure Fédérative 4206 ICORE, Caen, France
| | - Mélanie Briand
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques, OvaRessources, François Baclesse Cancer Center, Caen, France
| | - Denis Vivien
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM UMR-S 1237, Physiopathologie et Imagerie des Troubles Neurologiques (PhIND), tPA and Neurovascular Disorders Team, Caen, France
| | - Laurent Poulain
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
| | - Pascal Gauduchon
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
| | - Monique N'Diaye
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM U1086 ANTICIPE, Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, BioTICLA Axis, Biology and Innovative Therapeutics for Ovarian Cancers, Caen, France
- UNICANCER, François Baclesse Cancer Center, BioTICLA Laboratory, Caen, France
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Kim EY, Sudini K, Singh AK, Haque M, Leaman D, Khuder S, Ahmed S. Ursolic acid facilitates apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by inducing SP1-mediated Noxa expression and proteasomal degradation of Mcl-1. FASEB J 2018; 32:fj201800425R. [PMID: 29799788 PMCID: PMC6181629 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800425r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by hyperplastic pannus formation mediated by activated synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) that cause joint destruction. We have shown earlier that RASFs exhibit resistance to apoptosis, primarily as a result of enhanced expression of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1). In this study, we discovered that ursolic acid (UA), a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpenoid, selectively induces B-cell lymphoma 2 homology 3-only protein Noxa in human RASFs. We observed that UA-induced Noxa expression was followed by a consequent decrease in Mcl-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequent evaluation of the signaling pathways showed that UA-induced Noxa is primarily mediated by the JNK pathway in human RASFs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (IP) studies into the promoter region of Noxa indicated the role of transcription factor specificity protein 1 in JNK-mediated Noxa expression. Furthermore, the results from IP studies and proximity ligation assays indicated that UA-induced Noxa colocalizes and associates with Mcl-1 to prime it for proteasomal degradation through K48-linked ubiquitination by the selective recruitment of Mcl-1 ubiquitin ligase E3, a homologous to E6-associated protein C terminus domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligase. These findings unveil a novel mechanism of inducing apoptosis in RASFs and a potential adjunct therapeutic strategy of regulating synovial hyperplasia in RA.-Kim, E. Y., Sudini, K., Singh, A. K., Haque, M., Leaman, D., Khuder, S., Ahmed, S. Ursolic acid facilitates apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by inducing SP1-mediated Noxa expression and proteasomal degradation of Mcl-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Y. Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Kuladeep Sudini
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Anil K. Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Mahamudul Haque
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Douglas Leaman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Sadik Khuder
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Department of Public Health, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Salahuddin Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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31
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Mukherjee N, Lu Y, Almeida A, Lambert K, Shiau CW, Su JC, Luo Y, Fujita M, Robinson WA, Robinson SE, Norris DA, Shellman YG. Use of a MCL-1 inhibitor alone to de-bulk melanoma and in combination to kill melanoma initiating cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:46801-46817. [PMID: 27086916 PMCID: PMC5564524 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
MCL-1 (BCL-2 family anti-apoptotic protein) is responsible for melanoma's resistance to therapy. Cancer initiating cells also contribute to resistance and relapse from treatments. Here we examined the effects of the MCL-1 inhibitor SC-2001 in killing non melanoma-initiating-cells (bulk of melanoma), and melanoma-initiating-cells (MICs). By itself, SC-2001 significantly kills melanoma cells under monolayer conditions in vitro and in a conventional mouse xenograft model. However, even at high doses (10μM), SC-2001 does not effectively eliminate MICs. In contrast, the combination of SC-2001 with ABT-737 (a BCL-2/BCL-XL/BCL-W inhibitor) significantly decreases ALDH+ cells, disrupts primary spheres, and inhibits the self-renewability of MICs. These results were observed in multiple melanomas, including short term cultures of relapsed tumors from current treatments, independent of the mutation status of BRAF or NRAS. Using a low-cell-number mouse xenograft model, we examined the effects of these treatments on the tumor initiating ability of MIC-enriched cultures. The combination therapy reduces tumor formation significantly compared to either drug alone. Mechanistic studies using shRNA and the CRISPR-Cas9 technology demonstrated that the upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins NOXA and BIM contribute to the combination-induced cell death. These results indicate that the MCL-1 inhibitor SC-2001 combined with ABT-737 is a promising treatment strategy for targeting melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabanita Mukherjee
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yan Lu
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Adam Almeida
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karoline Lambert
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Chung-Wai Shiau
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Chen Su
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuchun Luo
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - William A Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Steven E Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David A Norris
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dermatology Section, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Yiqun G Shellman
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Aurora, CO, USA
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32
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Lian BSX, Yek AEH, Shuvas H, Abdul Rahman SF, Muniandy K, Mohana-Kumaran N. Synergistic anti-proliferative effects of combination of ABT-263 and MCL-1 selective inhibitor A-1210477 on cervical cancer cell lines. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:197. [PMID: 29580266 PMCID: PMC5870236 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are number of studies which report that BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g. BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1) are highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues compared to the normal cervical epithelia. Despite these reports, targeting these proteins for cervical cancer treatment has not been explored extensively. BH3-mimetics that inhibit specific BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins may hold encouraging treatment outcomes for cervical cancer management. Hence, the aim of this pilot study is to investigate the sensitivity of cervical cancer cell lines to combination of two BH3-mimetics namely ABT-263 which selectively inhibits BCL-2, BCL-XL and BCL-w and A-1210477, a selective MCL-1 inhibitor. RESULTS We report that combination of A-1210477 and ABT-263 exhibited synergistic effects on all cervical cancer cell lines tested. Drug sensitization studies revealed that A-1210477 sensitised the cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and CaSki to ABT-263 by 11- and fivefold, respectively. Sensitization also occurred in the opposite direction whereby ABT-263 sensitised SiHa and CaSki to A-1210477 by eightfold. This report shows that combination of ABT-263 and A-1210477 could be a potential treatment strategy for cervical cancer. Extensive drug mechanistic studies and drug sensitivity studies in physiological models are necessary to unleash the prospect of this combination for cervical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angeline En Hui Yek
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang Malaysia
| | - Hemalata Shuvas
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang Malaysia
| | | | - Kalaivani Muniandy
- Institute for Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang Malaysia
| | - Nethia Mohana-Kumaran
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Penang Malaysia
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Wang CY, Guo ST, Wang JY, Yan XG, Farrelly M, Zhang YY, Liu F, Yari H, La T, Lei FX, Jin L, Zhang XD, Jiang CC. Reactivation of ERK and Akt confers resistance of mutant BRAF colon cancer cells to the HSP90 inhibitor AUY922. Oncotarget 2018; 7:49597-49610. [PMID: 27391062 PMCID: PMC5226532 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic mutations of BRAF occur in approximately 10% of colon cancers and are associated with their resistance to clinically available therapeutic drugs and poor prognosis of the patients. Here we report that colon cancer cells with mutant BRAF are also resistant to the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitor AUY922, and that this is caused by rebound activation of ERK and Akt. Although AUY922 triggered rapid reduction in ERK and Akt activation in both wild-type and mutant BRAF colon cancer cells, activation of ERK and Akt rebounded shortly in the latter leading to resistance of the cells to AUY922-induced apoptosis. Reactivation of ERK was associated with the persistent expression of mutant BRAF, which, despite being a client of HSP90, was only partially degraded by AUY922, whereas reactivation of Akt was related to the activity of the HSP90 co-chaperone, cell division cycle 37 (CDC37), in that knockdown of CDC37 inhibited Akt reactivation in mutant colon cancer cells treated with AUY922. In support, as a HSP90 client protein, Akt was only diminished by AUY922 in wild-type but not mutant BRAF colon cancer cells. Collectively, these results reveal that reactivation of ERK and Akt associated respectively with the activity of mutant BRAF and CDC37 renders mutant BRAF colon cancer cells resistant to AUY922, with implications of co-targeting mutant BRAF and/or CDC37 and HSP90 in the treatment of mutant BRAF colon cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yan Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Department of Molecular Biology, Shanxi Cancer Hospital and Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Su Tang Guo
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Department of Molecular Biology, Shanxi Cancer Hospital and Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Yu Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Xu Guang Yan
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret Farrelly
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuan Yuan Zhang
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Fen Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hamed Yari
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Ting La
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Fu Xi Lei
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Lei Jin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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The BET-Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 synergized ABT-263 against colorectal cancer cells through suppressing c-Myc-induced miR-1271-5p expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1574-1579. [PMID: 28950657 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells undergo apoptosis in the presence of the small-molecule inhibitor ABT-263 by up-regulating antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members. However, the resistance to ABT-263 gradually developed in most solid tumors due to its low affinity to Mcl-1. Here, we found the BET-Bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, when combined with ABT-263, synergistically reduced Mcl-1 protein level, induced apoptosis, and decreased cell viability in the CRC HCT-15, HT-29 and SW620 cells. The subsequent mechanism study revealed that a pathway of c-Myc/miR-1271-5p/Noxa/Mcl-1 underlies the synergistic effect of such combination treatment. We discovered that miR-1271-5p, the key mediator for the synergistic effect, is transcriptionally activated by c-Myc, and binds to the 3'-UTR of noxa to inhibit its protein production. The combination treatment of JQ1 and ABT-263 inhibited c-Myc protein level and also c-Myc-driven expression of miR-1271-5p, subsequently increased the protein level of Noxa, and finally promotes the degradation of Mcl-1. Our findings provide an alternative strategy to resolve the resistance during treatment of CRC by JQ1, and also discovered a novel miR-1271-5p-dependent regulatory mechanism for gene expression of noxa.
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Arenobufagin Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells via the Noxa-Related Pathway. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22091525. [PMID: 28892004 PMCID: PMC6151516 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22091525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arenobufagin, an active component isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Chan Su, exhibits anticancer influences in several human malignancies. However, the effects and action mechanisms of arenobufagin on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are still unknown. In this study, we reported that arenobufagin acted through activation of Noxa-related pathways and promoted apoptotic cell death in human NSCLC cells. Our results revealed that arenobufagin-induced apoptosis was caspase-dependent, as evidenced by the fact that caspase-9, caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were cleaved, and pretreatment with a pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK inhibited the pro-apoptosis effect of arenobufagin. Mechanistically, we further found that arenobufagin rapidly upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptosis protein Noxa, and abrogated the anti-apoptosis protein Mcl-1, a major binding partner of Noxa in the cell. More importantly, the knockdown of Noxa greatly blocked arenobufagin-induced cell death, highlighting the contribution of this protein in the anti-NSCLC effects of arenobufagin. Interestingly, arenobufagin also increased the expression of p53, a direct transcriptional activator for the upregulation of the Noxa protein. Taken together, our results suggest that arenobufagin is a potential anti-NSCLC agent that triggers apoptotic cell death in NSCLC cells through interfering with the Noxa-related pathway.
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36
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Haass NK, Gabrielli B. Cell cycle-tailored targeting of metastatic melanoma: Challenges and opportunities. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:649-655. [PMID: 28109167 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The advent of targeted therapies of metastatic melanoma, such as MAPK pathway inhibitors and immune checkpoint antagonists, has turned dermato-oncology from the "bad guy" to the "poster child" in oncology. Current targeted therapies are effective, although here is a clear need to develop combination therapies to delay the onset of resistance. Many antimelanoma drugs impact on the cell cycle but are also dependent on certain cell cycle phases resulting in cell cycle phase-specific drug insensitivity. Here, we raise the question: Have combination trials been abandoned prematurely as ineffective possibly only because drug scheduling was not optimized? Firstly, if both drugs of a combination hit targets in the same melanoma cell, cell cycle-mediated drug insensitivity should be taken into account when planning combination therapies, timing of dosing schedules and choice of drug therapies in solid tumors. Secondly, if the combination is designed to target different tumor cell subpopulations of a heterogeneous tumor, one drug effective in a particular subpopulation should not negatively impact on the other drug targeting another subpopulation. In addition to the role of cell cycle stage and progression on standard chemotherapeutics and targeted drugs, we discuss the utilization of cell cycle checkpoint control defects to enhance chemotherapeutic responses or as targets themselves. We propose that cell cycle-tailored targeting of metastatic melanoma could further improve therapy outcomes and that our real-time cell cycle imaging 3D melanoma spheroid model could be utilized as a tool to measure and design drug scheduling approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas K Haass
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian Gabrielli
- Mater Medical Research Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Siva Sankar P, Che Mat MF, Muniandy K, Xiang BLS, Ling PS, Hoe SLL, Khoo ASB, Mohana-Kumaran N. Modeling nasopharyngeal carcinoma in three dimensions. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:2034-2044. [PMID: 28454359 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer endemic in Asia, including Malaysia, Southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Treatment resistance, particularly in recurring cases, remains a challenge. Thus, studies to develop novel therapeutic agents are important. Potential therapeutic compounds may be effectively examined using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models, three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models or in vivo animal models. The majority of drug assessments for cancers, including for NPC, are currently performed with 2D cell culture models. This model offers economical and high-throughput screening advantages. However, 2D cell culture models cannot recapitulate the architecture and the microenvironment of a tumor. In vivo models may recapitulate certain architectural and microenvironmental conditions of a tumor, however, these are not feasible for the screening of large numbers of compounds. By contrast, 3D spheroid models may be able to recapitulate a physiological microenvironment not observed in 2D cell culture models, in addition to avoiding the impediments of in vivo animal models. Thus, the 3D spheroid model offers a more representative model for the study of NPC growth, invasion and drug response, which may be cost-effective without forgoing quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabu Siva Sankar
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Malaysia.,Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Firdaus Che Mat
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, 50588 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Muniandy
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Malaysia
| | | | - Phang Su Ling
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Gelugor, Malaysia
| | - Susan Ling Ling Hoe
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, 50588 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, 50588 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Multimodal tumor suppression by miR-302 cluster in melanoma and colon cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 81:121-132. [PMID: 27840154 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The miR-302 family is one of the main groups of microRNAs, which are highly expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Previous reports have indicated that miR-302 can reduce the proliferation rate of some cancer cells while compromising on their oncogenic potential at the same time without having the same effect on normal somatic cells. In this study we aimed to further investigate the role of the miR-302 cluster in multiple cancer signaling pathways using A-375 melanoma and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. Our results indicate that the miR-302 cluster has the potential to modulate oncogenic properties of cancer cells through inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis and invasion, and through reversal of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in these cells. We showed for the first time that overexpression of miR-302 cluster sensitized A-375 and HT-29 cells to hypoxia and also to the selective BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib. MiR-302 is a pleiotropically acting miRNA family which may have significant implications in controlling cancer progression and invasion. It acts through a reprogramming process, which has a global effect on a multitude of cellular pathways and events. We propose that reprogramming of cancer cells by epigenetic factors, especially miRNAs might provide an efficient tool for controlling cancer and especially for those with more invasive nature.
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Combined antitumor effect of γ-secretase inhibitor and ABT-737 in Notch-expressing non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Clin Oncol 2016; 22:257-268. [PMID: 27816990 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-016-1060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibition of Notch by γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) has been shown to have an antitumor effect in Notch-expressing non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to induce apoptosis through modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. In particular, Bim, a BH3-only member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, has an important role in the induction of apoptosis in NSCLC when cells are treated with GSI. ABT-737, a BH3-only mimetic, targets the pro-survival Bcl-2 family and also induces apoptosis. METHODS The Notch-expressing NSCLC cell lines H460, A549, H1793, and HCC2429 were used. The combined antitumor effect of GSI and ABT-737 was evaluated using the MTT proliferation assay in vitro and in xenograft mouse models. The expression of the Notch pathway and Bcl-2 family was analyzed using Western blotting analysis when cells were treated with a single drug treatment or a combination treatment. RESULTS GSI XX or ABT-737 alone inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, and combination drug treatment showed a synergistic antitumor effect in vitro. In vivo, this drug combination significantly suppressed tumor proliferation compared to the single drug treatment. Phospho-Bcl-2 was downregulated and Bax was upregulated by both the single and combination drug treatments. Bim was induced by a single drug treatment and was enhanced by combination treatment. Combination treatment-induced apoptosis was decreased by Bim inhibition, suggesting that the antitumor effect of the drug combination was dependent on Bim. CONCLUSION Based on our data, we propose that the combination treatment is a promising strategy for NSCLC therapy.
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40
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Muniandy K, Sankar PS, Xiang BLS, Soo-Beng AK, Balakrishnan V, Mohana-Kumaran N. Establishment and Analysis of the 3-dimensional (3D) Spheroids Generated from the Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Line HK1. Trop Life Sci Res 2016; 27:125-130. [PMID: 27965750 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2016.27.3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spheroids have been shown to recapitulate the tumour in vivo with properties such as the tumour microenvironment, concentration gradients, and tumour phenotype. As such, it can serve as a platform for determining the growth and invasion behaviour pattern of the cancer cells as well as be utilised for drug sensitivity assays; capable of exhibiting results that are closer to what is observed in vivo compared to two-dimensional (2D) cell culture assays. This study focused on establishing a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture model using the Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) cell line, HK1 and analysing its growth and invasion phenotypes. The spheroids will also serve as a model to elucidate their sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic drug, Flavopiridol. The liquid overlay method was employed to generate the spheroids which was embedded in bovine collagen I matrix for growth and invasion phenotypes observation. The HK1 cells formed compact spheroids within 72 hours. Our observation from the 3 days experiments revealed that the spheroids gradually grew and invaded into the collagen matrix, showing that the HK1 spheroids are capable of growth and invasion. Progressing from these experiments, the HK1 spheroids were employed to perform a drug sensitivity assay using the chemotherapeutic drug, Flavopiridol. The drug had a dose-dependent inhibition on spheroid growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaivani Muniandy
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Prabu Siva Sankar
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | | | - Alan Khoo Soo-Beng
- Institute for Medical Research, Jalan Pahang, 50588 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Venugopal Balakrishnan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Nethia Mohana-Kumaran
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Kawakami H, Huang S, Pal K, Dutta SK, Mukhopadhyay D, Sinicrope FA. Mutant BRAF Upregulates MCL-1 to Confer Apoptosis Resistance that Is Reversed by MCL-1 Antagonism and Cobimetinib in Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:3015-3027. [PMID: 27765849 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic BRAFV600E mutations activate MAPK signaling and are associated with treatment resistance and poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. In BRAFV600E-mutant colorectal cancers, treatment failure may be related to BRAFV600E-mediated apoptosis resistance that occurs by an as yet undefined mechanism. We found that BRAFV600E can upregulate anti-apoptotic MCL-1 in a gene dose-dependent manner using colorectal cancer cell lines isogenic for BRAF BRAFV600E-induced MCL-1 upregulation was confirmed by ectopic BRAFV600E expression that activated MEK/ERK signaling to phosphorylate (MCL-1Thr163) and stabilize MCL-1. Upregulation of MCL-1 was mediated by MEK/ERK shown by the ability of ERK siRNA to suppress MCL-1. Stabilization of MCL-1 by phosphorylation was shown by a phosphorylation-mimicking mutant and an unphosphorylated MCL-1 mutant that decreased or increased MCL-1 protein turnover, respectively. MEK/ERK inhibition by cobimetinib suppressed MCL-1 expression/phosphorylation and induced proapoptotic BIM to a greater extent than did vemurafenib in BRAFV600E cell lines. MCL-1 knockdown versus control shRNA significantly enhanced cobimetinib-induced apoptosis in vitro and in HT29 colon cancer xenografts. The small-molecule MCL-1 inhibitor, A-1210477, also enhanced cobimetinib-induced apoptosis in vitro that was due to disruption of the interaction of MCL-1 with proapoptotic BAK and BIM. Knockdown of BIM attenuated BAX, but not BAK, activation by cobimetinib plus A-1210477. In summary, BRAFV600E-mediated MEK/ERK activation can upregulate MCL-1 by phosphorylation/stabilization to confer apoptosis resistance that can be reversed by MCL-1 antagonism combined with cobimetinib, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy against BRAFV600E-mutant CRCs. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(12); 3015-27. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisato Kawakami
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Shengbing Huang
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Krishnendu Pal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Shamit K Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | - Frank A Sinicrope
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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Targeting activating mutations of EZH2 leads to potent cell growth inhibition in human melanoma by derepression of tumor suppressor genes. Oncotarget 2016; 6:27023-36. [PMID: 26304929 PMCID: PMC4694971 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic modifier EZH2 is part of the polycomb repressive complex that suppresses gene expression via histone methylation. Activating mutations in EZH2 are found in a subset of melanoma that contributes to disease progression by inactivating tumor suppressor genes. In this study we have targeted EZH2 with a specific inhibitor (GSK126) or depleted EZH2 protein by stable shRNA knockdown. We show that inhibition of EZH2 has potent effects on the growth of both wild-type and EZH2 mutant human melanoma in vitro particularly in cell lines harboring the EZH2Y646 activating mutation. This was associated with cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferative capacity in both 2D and 3D culture systems, and induction of apoptosis. The latter was caspase independent and mediated by the release of apoptosis inducing factor (AIFM1) from mitochondria. Gene expression arrays showed that several well characterized tumor suppressor genes were reactivated by EZH2 inhibition. This included activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) that was validated as an EZH2 target gene by ChIP-qPCR. These results emphasize a critical role for EZH2 in the proliferation and viability of melanoma and highlight the potential for targeted therapy against EZH2 in treatment of patients with melanoma.
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Kiprianova I, Remy J, Milosch N, Mohrenz IV, Seifert V, Aigner A, Kögel D. Sorafenib Sensitizes Glioma Cells to the BH3 Mimetic ABT-737 by Targeting MCL1 in a STAT3-Dependent Manner. Neoplasia 2016; 17:564-73. [PMID: 26297434 PMCID: PMC4547411 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is overactivated in malignant glioma and plays a key role in promoting cell survival, thereby increasing the acquired apoptosis resistance of these tumors. Here we investigated the STAT3/myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) signaling pathway as a target to overcome the resistance of glioma cells to the Bcl-2-inhibiting synthetic BH3 mimetic ABT-737. Stable lentiviral knockdown of MCL1 sensitized LN229 and U87 glioma cells to apoptotic cell death induced by single-agent treatment with ABT-737 which was associated with an early activation of DEVDase activity, cytochrome c release, and nuclear apoptosis. Similar sensitizing effects were observed when ABT-737 treatment was combined with the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib which effectively suppressed levels of phosphorylated STAT3 and MCL1 in MCL1-proficient LN229 and U87 glioma cells. In analogous fashion, these synergistic effects were observed when we combined ABT-737 with the STAT3 inhibitor WP-1066. Lentiviral knockdown of the activating transcription factor 5 combined with subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that sorafenib-dependent suppression of MCL1 occurred at the transcriptional level but did not depend on activating transcription factor 5 which previously had been proposed to be essential for MCL1-dependent glioma cell survival. In contrast, the constitutively active STAT3 mutant STAT3-C was able to significantly enhance MCL1 levels under sorafenib treatment to retain cell survival. Collectively, these data demonstrate that sorafenib targets MCL1 in a STAT3-dependent manner, thereby sensitizing glioma cells to treatment with ABT-737. They also suggest that targeting STAT3 in combination with inducers of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis may be a promising novel strategy for the treatment of malignant glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kiprianova
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Janina Remy
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nelli Milosch
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Isabelle V Mohrenz
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volker Seifert
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Donat Kögel
- Experimental Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Karpel-Massler G, Horst BA, Shu C, Chau L, Tsujiuchi T, Bruce JN, Canoll P, Greene LA, Angelastro JM, Siegelin MD. A Synthetic Cell-Penetrating Dominant-Negative ATF5 Peptide Exerts Anticancer Activity against a Broad Spectrum of Treatment-Resistant Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:4698-711. [PMID: 27126996 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-2827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite significant progress in cancer research, many tumor entities still have an unfavorable prognosis. Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is upregulated in various malignancies and promotes apoptotic resistance. We evaluated the efficacy and mechanisms of the first described synthetic cell-penetrating inhibitor of ATF5 function, CP-d/n-ATF5-S1. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Preclinical drug testing was performed in various treatment-resistant cancer cells and in vivo xenograft models. RESULTS CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 reduced the transcript levels of several known direct ATF5 targets. It depleted endogenous ATF5 and induced apoptosis across a broad panel of treatment-refractory cancer cell lines, sparing non-neoplastic cells. CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 promoted tumor cell apoptotic susceptibility in part by reducing expression of the deubiquitinase Usp9X and led to diminished levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members Mcl-1 and Bcl-2. In line with this, CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 synergistically enhanced tumor cell apoptosis induced by the BH3-mimetic ABT263 and the death ligand TRAIL. In vivo, CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 attenuated tumor growth as a single compound in glioblastoma, melanoma, prostate cancer, and triple receptor-negative breast cancer xenograft models. Finally, the combination treatment of CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 and ABT263 significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo more efficiently than each reagent on its own. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the idea that CP-d/n-ATF5-S1, administered as a single reagent or in combination with other drugs, holds promise as an innovative, safe, and efficient antineoplastic agent against treatment-resistant cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4698-711. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Karpel-Massler
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Basil A Horst
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Chang Shu
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lily Chau
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Takashi Tsujiuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey N Bruce
- Department of Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Peter Canoll
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lloyd A Greene
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - James M Angelastro
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California.
| | - Markus D Siegelin
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
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Beaumont KA, Hill DS, Daignault SM, Lui GYL, Sharp DM, Gabrielli B, Weninger W, Haass NK. Cell Cycle Phase-Specific Drug Resistance as an Escape Mechanism of Melanoma Cells. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:1479-1489. [PMID: 26970356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.02.805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is characterized by cancer cell subpopulations with heterogeneous cell cycle profiles. For example, hypoxic tumor zones contain clusters of cancer cells that arrest in G1 phase. It is conceivable that neoplastic cells exhibit differential drug sensitivity based on their residence in specific cell cycle phases. In this study, we used two-dimensional and organotypic melanoma culture models in combination with fluorescent cell cycle indicators to investigate the effects of cell cycle phases on clinically used drugs. We demonstrate that G1-arrested melanoma cells, irrespective of the underlying cause mediating G1 arrest, are resistant to apoptosis induced by the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib or the alkylating agent temozolomide. In contrast, G1-arrested cells were more sensitive to mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitor-induced cell death. Of clinical relevance, pretreatment of melanoma cells with a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitor, which induced G1 arrest, resulted in resistance to temozolomide or bortezomib. On the other hand, pretreatment with temozolomide, which induced G2 arrest, did not result in resistance to mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway inhibitors. In summary, we established a model to study the effects of the cell cycle on drug sensitivity. Cell cycle phase-specific drug resistance is an escape mechanism of melanoma cells that has implications on the choice and timing of drug combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley A Beaumont
- The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Hill
- The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; Dermatological Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sheena M Daignault
- The University of Queensland, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Goldie Y L Lui
- The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Danae M Sharp
- The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian Gabrielli
- The University of Queensland, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- The Centenary Institute, Newtown, NSW, Australia; The University of Queensland, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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46
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Pandey MK, Prasad S, Tyagi AK, Deb L, Huang J, Karelia DN, Amin SG, Aggarwal BB. Targeting Cell Survival Proteins for Cancer Cell Death. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:11. [PMID: 26927133 PMCID: PMC4812375 DOI: 10.3390/ph9010011; 10.3390/biomedicines5020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Escaping from cell death is one of the adaptations that enable cancer cells to stave off anticancer therapies. The key players in avoiding apoptosis are collectively known as survival proteins. Survival proteins comprise the Bcl-2, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), and heat shock protein (HSP) families. The aberrant expression of these proteins is associated with a range of biological activities that promote cancer cell survival, proliferation, and resistance to therapy. Several therapeutic strategies that target survival proteins are based on mimicking BH3 domains or the IAP-binding motif or competing with ATP for the Hsp90 ATP-binding pocket. Alternative strategies, including use of nutraceuticals, transcriptional repression, and antisense oligonucleotides, provide options to target survival proteins. This review focuses on the role of survival proteins in chemoresistance and current therapeutic strategies in preclinical or clinical trials that target survival protein signaling pathways. Recent approaches to target survival proteins-including nutraceuticals, small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, and Bcl-2-specific mimetic are explored. Therapeutic inventions targeting survival proteins are promising strategies to inhibit cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. However, complete eradication of resistance is a distant dream. For a successful clinical outcome, pretreatment with novel survival protein inhibitors alone or in combination with conventional therapies holds great promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Sahdeo Prasad
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Cytokine Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Amit Kumar Tyagi
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Cytokine Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Lokesh Deb
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Cytokine Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Jiamin Huang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Cytokine Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Deepkamal N Karelia
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Shantu G Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Bharat B Aggarwal
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Cytokine Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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47
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Targeting Cell Survival Proteins for Cancer Cell Death. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9010011. [PMID: 26927133 PMCID: PMC4812375 DOI: 10.3390/ph9010011] [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: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Escaping from cell death is one of the adaptations that enable cancer cells to stave off anticancer therapies. The key players in avoiding apoptosis are collectively known as survival proteins. Survival proteins comprise the Bcl-2, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), and heat shock protein (HSP) families. The aberrant expression of these proteins is associated with a range of biological activities that promote cancer cell survival, proliferation, and resistance to therapy. Several therapeutic strategies that target survival proteins are based on mimicking BH3 domains or the IAP-binding motif or competing with ATP for the Hsp90 ATP-binding pocket. Alternative strategies, including use of nutraceuticals, transcriptional repression, and antisense oligonucleotides, provide options to target survival proteins. This review focuses on the role of survival proteins in chemoresistance and current therapeutic strategies in preclinical or clinical trials that target survival protein signaling pathways. Recent approaches to target survival proteins-including nutraceuticals, small-molecule inhibitors, peptides, and Bcl-2-specific mimetic are explored. Therapeutic inventions targeting survival proteins are promising strategies to inhibit cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. However, complete eradication of resistance is a distant dream. For a successful clinical outcome, pretreatment with novel survival protein inhibitors alone or in combination with conventional therapies holds great promise.
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48
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Ham J, Costa C, Sano R, Lochmann TL, Sennott EM, Patel NU, Dastur A, Gomez-Caraballo M, Krytska K, Hata AN, Floros KV, Hughes MT, Jakubik CT, Heisey DAR, Ferrell JT, Bristol ML, March RJ, Yates C, Hicks MA, Nakajima W, Gowda M, Windle BE, Dozmorov MG, Garnett MJ, McDermott U, Harada H, Taylor SM, Morgan IM, Benes CH, Engelman JA, Mossé YP, Faber AC. Exploitation of the Apoptosis-Primed State of MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma to Develop a Potent and Specific Targeted Therapy Combination. Cancer Cell 2016; 29:159-72. [PMID: 26859456 PMCID: PMC4749542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Fewer than half of children with high-risk neuroblastoma survive. Many of these tumors harbor high-level amplification of MYCN, which correlates with poor disease outcome. Using data from our large drug screen we predicted, and subsequently demonstrated, that MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas are sensitive to the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-199. This sensitivity occurs in part through low anti-apoptotic BCL-xL expression, high pro-apoptotic NOXA expression, and paradoxical, MYCN-driven upregulation of NOXA. Screening for enhancers of ABT-199 sensitivity in MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas, we demonstrate that the Aurora Kinase A inhibitor MLN8237 combines with ABT-199 to induce widespread apoptosis. In diverse models of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, including a patient-derived xenograft model, this combination uniformly induced tumor shrinkage, and in multiple instances led to complete tumor regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungoh Ham
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Carlotta Costa
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Renata Sano
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Timothy L Lochmann
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Erin M Sennott
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Neha U Patel
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Anahita Dastur
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Maria Gomez-Caraballo
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kateryna Krytska
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aaron N Hata
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Konstantinos V Floros
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Mark T Hughes
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Charles T Jakubik
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel A R Heisey
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Justin T Ferrell
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Molly L Bristol
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Ryan J March
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Craig Yates
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Mark A Hicks
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Wataru Nakajima
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Kawasaki 211-8533, Japan
| | - Madhu Gowda
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Richmond, VCU, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Brad E Windle
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Mikhail G Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Mathew J Garnett
- Cancer Genome Project, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ultan McDermott
- Cancer Genome Project, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Shirley M Taylor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Iain M Morgan
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Engelman
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02129, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yael P Mossé
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anthony C Faber
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Perkinson Building, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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Beaumont KA, Anfosso A, Ahmed F, Weninger W, Haass NK. Imaging- and Flow Cytometry-based Analysis of Cell Position and the Cell Cycle in 3D Melanoma Spheroids. J Vis Exp 2015:e53486. [PMID: 26779761 DOI: 10.3791/53486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids are utilized in cancer research as a more accurate model of the in vivo tumor microenvironment, compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture. The spheroid model is able to mimic the effects of cell-cell interaction, hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, and drug penetration. One characteristic of this model is the development of a necrotic core, surrounded by a ring of G1 arrested cells, with proliferating cells on the outer layers of the spheroid. Of interest in the cancer field is how different regions of the spheroid respond to drug therapies as well as genetic or environmental manipulation. We describe here the use of the fluorescence ubiquitination cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) system along with cytometry and image analysis using commercial software to characterize the cell cycle status of cells with respect to their position inside melanoma spheroids. These methods may be used to track changes in cell cycle status, gene/protein expression or cell viability in different sub-regions of tumor spheroids over time and under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Anfosso
- The Centenary Institute; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney
| | - Farzana Ahmed
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland
| | - Wolfgang Weninger
- The Centenary Institute; Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney
| | - Nikolas K Haass
- The Centenary Institute; The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland; Discipline of Dermatology, University of Sydney
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50
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AT-101 simultaneously triggers apoptosis and a cytoprotective type of autophagy irrespective of expression levels and the subcellular localization of Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 in MCF7 cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1863:499-509. [PMID: 26721623 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The effects of autophagy on cell death are highly contextual and either beneficial or deleterious. One prime example for this dual function of autophagy is evidenced by the cell responses to the BH3 mimetic AT-101 that is known to induce either apoptotic or autophagy-dependent cell death in different settings. Based on previous reports, we hypothesized that the expression levels of pro-survival Bcl-2 family members may be key determinants for the respective death mode induced by AT-101. Here we investigated the role of autophagy in the response of MCF7 breast cancer cells to AT-101. AT-101 treatment induced a prominent conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and apoptotic cell death characterized by the appearance of Annexin-positive/PI-negative early apoptotic cells and PARP cleavage. Inhibition of the autophagy pathway, either through application of 3-MA or by lentiviral knockdown of ATG5, strongly potentiated cell death, indicating a pro-survival function of autophagy. Overexpression of wild type Bcl-xL significantly diminished the net amount of AT-101-induced cell death, but failed to alter the death-enhancing effects of the ATG5 knockdown. This was also observed with the organelle-specific variants Bcl-xL-ActA and Bcl-2-ActA (mitochondrial) as well as Bcl-xL-cb5 and Bcl-2-cb5 (ER) which all reduced AT-101-induced cell death, but did not affect the death-enhancing effects of 3-MA. Collectively, our data indicate that in apoptosis-proficient MCF7 cells, AT-101 triggers Bcl-2- and Bcl-xL-dependent apoptosis and a cytoprotective autophagy response that is independent of the expression and subcellular localization of Bcl-xL and Bcl-2.
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