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Wang KN, Zhou K, Zhong NN, Cao LM, Li ZZ, Xiao Y, Wang GR, Huo FY, Zhou JJ, Liu B, Bu LL. Enhancing cancer therapy: The role of drug delivery systems in STAT3 inhibitor efficacy and safety. Life Sci 2024; 346:122635. [PMID: 38615745 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, resides in the nucleus to regulate genes essential for vital cellular functions, including survival, proliferation, self-renewal, angiogenesis, and immune response. However, continuous STAT3 activation in tumor cells promotes their initiation, progression, and metastasis, rendering STAT3 pathway inhibitors a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Nonetheless, these inhibitors frequently encounter challenges such as cytotoxicity and suboptimal biocompatibility in clinical trials. A viable strategy to mitigate these issues involves delivering STAT3 inhibitors via drug delivery systems (DDSs). This review delineates the regulatory mechanisms of the STAT3 signaling pathway and its association with cancer. It offers a comprehensive overview of the current application of DDSs for anti-STAT3 inhibitors and investigates the role of DDSs in cancer treatment. The conclusion posits that DDSs for anti-STAT3 inhibitors exhibit enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects in tumor therapy compared to anti-STAT3 inhibitors alone. This paper aims to provide an outline of the ongoing research and future prospects of DDSs for STAT3 inhibitors. Additionally, it presents our insights on the merits and future outlook of DDSs in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Kan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Nian-Nian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Lei-Ming Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Zi-Zhan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guang-Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Fang-Yi Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral & Maxillofacial, Anyang Sixth People's Hospital, Anyang 45500, China.
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral & Maxillofacial - Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Lin-Lin Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral & Maxillofacial - Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
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2
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Shen Y, Thng DKH, Wong ALA, Toh TB. Mechanistic insights and the clinical prospects of targeted therapies for glioblastoma: a comprehensive review. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:40. [PMID: 38615034 PMCID: PMC11015656 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00512-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fatal brain tumour that is traditionally diagnosed based on histological features. Recent molecular profiling studies have reshaped the World Health Organization approach in the classification of central nervous system tumours to include more pathogenetic hallmarks. These studies have revealed that multiple oncogenic pathways are dysregulated, which contributes to the aggressiveness and resistance of GBM. Such findings have shed light on the molecular vulnerability of GBM and have shifted the disease management paradigm from chemotherapy to targeted therapies. Targeted drugs have been developed to inhibit oncogenic targets in GBM, including receptors involved in the angiogenic axis, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, the ubiquitination-proteasome pathway, as well as IDH1/2 pathway. While certain targeted drugs showed promising results in vivo, the translatability of such preclinical achievements in GBM remains a barrier. We also discuss the recent developments and clinical assessments of targeted drugs, as well as the prospects of cell-based therapies and combinatorial therapy as novel ways to target GBM. Targeted treatments have demonstrated preclinical efficacy over chemotherapy as an alternative or adjuvant to the current standard of care for GBM, but their clinical efficacy remains hindered by challenges such as blood-brain barrier penetrance of the drugs. The development of combinatorial targeted therapies is expected to improve therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Shen
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dexter Kai Hao Thng
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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3
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Roxo C, Pasternak A. Changes in physicochemical and anticancer properties modulated by chemically modified sugar moieties within sequence-related G-quadruplex structures. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273528. [PMID: 35998148 PMCID: PMC9397905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We systematically investigated the influence of locked nucleic acid (LNA), unlock nucleic acid (UNA), and 2’-O-methyl-RNA (2’-O-Me-RNA) residues on the thermal stability, structure folding topology, biological activity and enzymatic resistance of three sequence-related DNA G-quadruplexes. In order to better understand the mechanism of action of the studied modifications, a single-position substitution in the loops or G-tetrads was performed and their influence was analyzed for a total of twenty-seven modified G-quadruplex variants. The studies show that the influence of each modification on the physicochemical properties of G-quadruplexes is position-dependent, due to mutual interactions between G-tetrads, loops, and additional guanosine at 5’ or 3’ end. Nevertheless, the anticancer activity of the modified G-quadruplexes is determined by their structure, thus also by the local changes of chemical character of sugar moieties, what might influence the specific interactions with therapeutic targets. In general, UNA modifications are efficient modulators of the G-quadruplex thermodynamic stability, however they are poor tools to improve the anticancer properties. In contrast, LNA and 2’-O-Me-RNA modified G-quadruplexes demonstrated certain antiproliferative potential and might be used as molecular tools for designing novel G-quadruplex-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Roxo
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Anna Pasternak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- * E-mail:
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Screening of potent STAT3-SH2 domain inhibitors from JAK/STAT compound library through molecular dynamics simulation. Mol Divers 2022:10.1007/s11030-022-10490-w. [PMID: 35831728 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10490-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) protein is activated consistently in the tumor cells and thus studied as a potent target for cancer prevention. The TYR705-phosphorylated (pTyr) STAT3 forms a homo-dimer by binding to its recognition site in the Src Homology 2 (SH2) domain of another STAT3 monomer, causing cellular survival, proliferation, inflammation, and tumor invasion. Many inhibitors of STAT3-SH2 have recently been identified using both computational and experimental approaches. In this study, we used molecular docking, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion/Toxicological (ADME/tox) and molecular dynamics modeling to examine binding affinities and specificities of 191 inhibitor drugs from the SELLECKCHEM database. The binding free energies of the inhibitors were calculated by Induced Fit Docking (IFD) prime energy. The binding hotspots of STAT3-SH2 were evaluated via binding energy decomposition and hydrogen bond distribution analysis, and the inhibitor compound's stability was assessed through MD simulation. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Picroside I, Saikosaponin D, and Ginsenoside Rk1 were found to be the top hit inhibitor compounds. They exhibited an exceptional docking score, a low binding free energy, interacted with the key amino acid residue, and showed significant ADME/tox moderation. These compounds were further proved to be favorable by their stability in an MD simulation run for 100 ns using GROMACS software. The inhibitors (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and Saikosaponin D show improved stability in molecular dynamic modeling and are expected to have a significant STAT3-SH2 inhibitory effect against cancer.
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5
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Wang H, Man Q, Huo F, Gao X, Lin H, Li S, Wang J, Su F, Cai, L, Shi Y, Liu, B, Bu L. STAT3 pathway in cancers: Past, present, and future. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e124. [PMID: 35356799 PMCID: PMC8942302 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a member of the STAT family, discovered in the cytoplasm of almost all types of mammalian cells, plays a significant role in biological functions. The duration of STAT3 activation in normal tissues is a transient event and is strictly regulated. However, in cancer tissues, STAT3 is activated in an aberrant manner and is induced by certain cytokines. The continuous activation of STAT3 regulates the expression of downstream proteins associated with the formation, progression, and metastasis of cancers. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms of STAT3 regulation and designing inhibitors targeting the STAT3 pathway are considered promising strategies for cancer treatment. This review aims to introduce the history, research advances, and prospects concerning the STAT3 pathway in cancer. We review the mechanisms of STAT3 pathway regulation and the consequent cancer hallmarks associated with tumor biology that are induced by the STAT3 pathway. Moreover, we summarize the emerging development of inhibitors that target the STAT3 pathway and novel drug delivery systems for delivering these inhibitors. The barriers against targeting the STAT3 pathway, the focus of future research on promising targets in the STAT3 pathway, and our perspective on the overall utility of STAT3 pathway inhibitors in cancer treatment are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han‐Qi Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Qi‐Wen Man
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fang‐Yi Huo
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xin Gao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hao Lin
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Su‐Ran Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jing Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fu‐Chuan Su
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lulu Cai,
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceDepartment of PharmacySchool of MedicineSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Yi Shi
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory MedicineSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
| | - Bing Liu,
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lin‐Lin Bu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei‐MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of EducationSchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Head Neck OncologySchool & Hospital of StomatologyWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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6
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Pandya N, Bhagwat SR, Kumar A. Regulatory role of Non-canonical DNA Polymorphisms in human genome and their relevance in Cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188594. [PMID: 34303788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA has the ability to form polymorphic structures like canonical duplex DNA and non-canonical triplex DNA, Cruciform, Z-DNA, G-quadruplex (G4), i-motifs, and hairpin structures. The alteration in the form of DNA polymorphism in the response to environmental changes influences the gene expression. Non-canonical structures are engaged in various biological functions, including chromatin epigenetic and gene expression regulation via transcription and translation, as well as DNA repair and recombination. The presence of non-canonical structures in the regulatory region of the gene alters the gene expression and affects the cellular machinery. Formation of non-canonical structure in the regulatory site of cancer-related genes either inhibits or dysregulate the gene function and promote tumour formation. In the current article, we review the influence of non-canonical structure on the regulatory mechanisms in human genome. Moreover, we have also discussed the relevance of non-canonical structures in cancer and provided information on the drugs used for their treatment by targeting these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Sonali R Bhagwat
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India.
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7
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Roxo C, Kotkowiak W, Pasternak A. G4 Matters-The Influence of G-Quadruplex Structural Elements on the Antiproliferative Properties of G-Rich Oligonucleotides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4941. [PMID: 34066551 PMCID: PMC8125755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical structures formed by guanine-rich sequences of DNA or RNA that have attracted increased attention as anticancer agents. This systematic study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of five G4-forming, sequence-related DNA molecules in terms of their thermodynamic and structural properties, biostability and cellular uptake. The antiproliferative studies revealed that less thermodynamically stable G4s with three G-tetrads in the core and longer loops are more predisposed to effectively inhibit cancer cell growth. By contrast, highly structured G4s with an extended core containing four G-tetrads and longer loops are characterized by more efficient cellular uptake and improved biostability. Various analyses have indicated that the G4 structural elements are intrinsic to the biological activity of these molecules. Importantly, the structural requirements are different for efficient cancer cell line inhibition and favorable G4 cellular uptake. Thus, the ultimate antiproliferative potential of G4s is a net result of the specific balance among the structural features that are favorable for efficient uptake and those that increase the inhibitory activity of the studied molecules. Understanding the G4 structural features and their role in the biological activity of G-rich molecules might facilitate the development of novel, more potent G4-based therapeutics with unprecedented anticancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weronika Kotkowiak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Anna Pasternak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland;
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8
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Clua A, Fàbrega C, García-Chica J, Grijalvo S, Eritja R. Parallel G-quadruplex Structures Increase Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity of 5-Fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine Oligomers in 5-Fluorouracil Resistant Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061741. [PMID: 33804620 PMCID: PMC8003610 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoropyrimidines, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and related prodrugs have been considered first-line chemotherapy agents for the treatment of colorectal cancer. However, poor specificity and tumor cell resistance remain major limiting bottlenecks. G-quadruplexes, have been suggested as preferred nanostructures for enhancing cellular uptake mediated by G-quadruplex binding proteins which are abundant at the membranes of some tumor cells. In the current study, we propose a new strategy to deliver 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (5-FdU) monophosphate, the main active drug from 5-FU derivatives that may circumvent the cellular mechanisms of FU-resistant cancer cells. Two G-quadruplexes delivery systems containing four and six G-tetrads ((TG4T) and (TG6T)) linked to a FdU oligonucleotide were synthesized. Biophysical studies show that the G-quadruplex parallel structures are not affected by the incorporation of the 5 units of FdU at the 5’-end. Internalization studies confirmed the ability of such G-quadruplex nanostructures to facilitate the transport of the FdU pentamer and increase its cytotoxic effect relative to conventional FU drug in FU-resistant colorectal cancer cells. These results suggest that FdU oligomers linked to G-quadruplex parallel sequences may be a promising strategy to deliver fluoropyrimidines to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Clua
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), ) Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (C.F.); (J.G.-C.); (S.G.)
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Fàbrega
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), ) Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (C.F.); (J.G.-C.); (S.G.)
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Chica
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), ) Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (C.F.); (J.G.-C.); (S.G.)
| | - Santiago Grijalvo
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), ) Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (C.F.); (J.G.-C.); (S.G.)
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Eritja
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), ) Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (C.F.); (J.G.-C.); (S.G.)
- Networking Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Jordi Girona 18-26, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934-006-145
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Targeting the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway-Can We Compare It to the Two Faces of the God Janus? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218261. [PMID: 33158194 PMCID: PMC7663396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle cachexia is one of the most critical unmet medical needs. Identifying the molecular background of cancer-induced muscle loss revealed a promising possibility of new therapeutic targets and new drug development. In this review, we will define the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein's role in the tumor formation process and summarize the role of STAT3 in skeletal muscle cachexia. Finally, we will discuss a vast therapeutic potential for the STAT3-inhibiting single-agent treatment innovation that, as the desired outcome, could block tumor growth and generally prevent muscle cachexia.
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10
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Morgan EL, Macdonald A. Manipulation of JAK/STAT Signalling by High-Risk HPVs: Potential Therapeutic Targets for HPV-Associated Malignancies. Viruses 2020; 12:E977. [PMID: 32899142 PMCID: PMC7552066 DOI: 10.3390/v12090977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small, DNA viruses that cause around 5% of all cancers in humans, including almost all cervical cancer cases and a significant proportion of anogenital and oral cancers. The HPV oncoproteins E5, E6 and E7 manipulate cellular signalling pathways to evade the immune response and promote virus persistence. The Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway has emerged as a key mediator in a wide range of important biological signalling pathways, including cell proliferation, cell survival and the immune response. While STAT1 and STAT2 primarily drive immune signalling initiated by interferons, STAT3 and STAT5 have widely been linked to the survival and proliferative potential of a number of cancers. As such, the inhibition of STAT3 and STAT5 may offer a therapeutic benefit in HPV-associated cancers. In this review, we will discuss how HPV manipulates JAK/STAT signalling to evade the immune system and promote cell proliferation, enabling viral persistence and driving cancer development. We also discuss approaches to inhibit the JAK/STAT pathway and how these could potentially be used in the treatment of HPV-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan L. Morgan
- Tumour Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, West Yorkshire, UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, West Yorkshire, UK
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11
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Minervini A, Coccaro N, Anelli L, Zagaria A, Specchia G, Albano F. HMGA Proteins in Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1456. [PMID: 32503270 PMCID: PMC7353061 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The high mobility group AT-Hook (HMGA) proteins are a family of nonhistone chromatin remodeling proteins known as "architectural transcriptional factors". By binding the minor groove of AT-rich DNA sequences, they interact with the transcription apparatus, altering the chromatin modeling and regulating gene expression by either enhancing or suppressing the binding of the more usual transcriptional activators and repressors, although they do not themselves have any transcriptional activity. Their involvement in both benign and malignant neoplasias is well-known and supported by a large volume of studies. In this review, we focus on the role of the HMGA proteins in hematological malignancies, exploring the mechanisms through which they enhance neoplastic transformation and how this knowledge could be exploited to devise tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Francesco Albano
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (D.E.T.O.), Hematology Section, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.M.); (N.C.); (L.A.); (A.Z.); (G.S.)
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12
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Arshad S, Naveed M, Ullia M, Javed K, Butt A, Khawar M, Amjad F. Targeting STAT-3 signaling pathway in cancer for development of novel drugs: Advancements and challenges. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20180160. [PMID: 32167126 PMCID: PMC7198026 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2018-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT-3) is a transcription
factor that regulates the gene expression of several target genes. These factors
are activated by the binding of cytokines and growth factors with STAT-3
specific receptors on cell membrane. Few years ago, STAT-3 was considered an
acute phase response element having several cellular functions such as
inflammation, cell survival, invasion, metastasis and proliferation, genetic
alteration, and angiogenesis. STAT-3 is activated by several types of
inflammatory cytokines, carcinogens, viruses, growth factors, and oncogenes.
Thus, the STAT3 pathway is a potential target for cancer therapeutics. Abnormal
STAT-3 activity in tumor development and cellular transformation can be targeted
by several genomic and pharmacological methodologies. An extensive review of the
literature has been conducted to emphasize the role of STAT-3 as a unique cancer
drug target. This review article discusses in detail the wide range of STAT-3
inhibitors that show antitumor effects both in vitro and
in vivo. Thus, targeting constitutive STAT-3 signaling is a
remarkable therapeutic methodology for tumor progression. Finally, current
limitations, trials and future perspectives of STAT-3 inhibitors are also
critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundas Arshad
- University of Lahore, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Gujrat Campus, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- University of Central Punjab, Faculty of life sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mahad Ullia
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Khadija Javed
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Butt
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Masooma Khawar
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
| | - Fazeeha Amjad
- University of Gujrat, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Sialkot sub Campus, Pakistan
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13
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Targeting STAT3 in Cancer with Nucleotide Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111681. [PMID: 31671769 PMCID: PMC6896109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a critical role in promoting the proliferation and survival of tumor cells. As a ubiquitously-expressed transcription factor, STAT3 has commonly been considered an "undruggable" target for therapy; thus, much research has focused on targeting upstream pathways to reduce the expression or phosphorylation/activation of STAT3 in tumor cells. Recently, however, novel approaches have been developed to directly inhibit STAT3 in human cancers, in the hope of reducing the survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Several of these agents are nucleic acid-based, including the antisense molecule AZD9150, CpG-coupled STAT3 siRNA, G-quartet oligodeoxynucleotides (GQ-ODNs), and STAT3 decoys. While the AZD9150 and CpG-STAT3 siRNA interfere with STAT3 expression, STAT3 decoys and GQ-ODNs target constitutively activated STAT3 and modulate its ability to bind to target genes. Both STAT3 decoy and AZD9150 have advanced to clinical testing in humans. Here we will review the current understanding of the structures, mechanisms, and potential clinical utilities of the nucleic acid-based STAT3 inhibitors.
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14
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Roxo C, Kotkowiak W, Pasternak A. G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamers-Characteristics, Applications, and Perspectives. Molecules 2019; 24:E3781. [PMID: 31640176 PMCID: PMC6832456 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes constitute a unique class of nucleic acid structures formed by G-rich oligonucleotides of DNA- or RNA-type. Depending on their chemical nature, loops length, and localization in the sequence or structure molecularity, G-quadruplexes are highly polymorphic structures showing various folding topologies. They may be formed in the human genome where they are believed to play a pivotal role in the regulation of multiple biological processes such as replication, transcription, and translation. Thus, natural G-quadruplex structures became prospective targets for disease treatment. The fast development of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technologies provided a number of G-rich aptamers revealing the potential of G-quadruplex structures as a promising molecular tool targeted toward various biologically important ligands. Because of their high stability, increased cellular uptake, ease of chemical modification, minor production costs, and convenient storage, G-rich aptamers became interesting therapeutic and diagnostic alternatives to antibodies. In this review, we describe the recent advances in the development of G-quadruplex based aptamers by focusing on the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of this exceptional class of nucleic acid structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Roxo
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Weronika Kotkowiak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
| | - Anna Pasternak
- Department of Nucleic Acids Bioengineering, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland.
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15
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Identification of novel inhibitors of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 over signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 for the treatment of breast cancer by in-silico and in-vitro approach. Process Biochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Khanam R, Hejazi II, Shahabuddin S, Bhat AR, Athar F. Pharmacokinetic evaluation, molecular docking and in vitro biological evaluation of 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives as potent antioxidants and STAT3 inhibitors. J Pharm Anal 2018; 9:133-141. [PMID: 31011470 PMCID: PMC6460303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2018.12.002] [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: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole derivatives (4a–5f) were previously synthesized to investigate their anticancer properties. However, studies relating to their antioxidant potential and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) inhibition have not been performed. We investigated previously synthesized 1, 3, 4-oxadiazole derivatives (4a–5f) for various radical scavenging properties using several in vitro antioxidant assays and also for direct inhibition of STAT3 through molecular docking. The data obtained from various antioxidant assays such as 2, 2,-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion radical revealed that among all the derivatives, compound 5e displayed high antioxidant activities than the standard antioxidant L-ascorbic acid. Additionally, the total reduction assay and antioxidant capacity assay further confirmed the antioxidant potential of compound 5e. Furthermore, the molecular docking studies performed for all derivatives along with the standard inhibitor STX-0119 showed that binding energy released in direct binding with the SH2 domain of STAT3 was the highest for compound 5e (-9.91kcal/mol). Through virtual screening, compound 5e was found to exhibit optimum competency in inhibiting STAT3 activity. Compound 5e decreased the activation of STAT3 as observed with Western blot. In brief, compound 5e was identified as a potent antioxidant agent and STAT3 inhibitor and effective agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmin Khanam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Iram I Hejazi
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Syed Shahabuddin
- Research Centre for Nano-Materials and Energy Technology (RCNMET), School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul R Bhat
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Pratap College, Cluster University, Srinagar 190001, India
| | - Fareeda Athar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
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17
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Rajasekhar B, Kumar C, Premkumar G, Riyaz MAB, Lakshmi PTV, Swu T. Computational studies on G-quadruplex DNA-stabilizing property of novel Wittig-based Schiff-Base ligands and their copper(II) complexes. Struct Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11224-018-1229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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18
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Molefe PF, Masamba P, Oyinloye BE, Mbatha LS, Meyer M, Kappo AP. Molecular Application of Aptamers in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer and Communicable Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11040093. [PMID: 30274155 PMCID: PMC6315466 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV, tuberculosis, Zika, hepatitis, measles and human schistosomiasis are serious global health hazards. The increasing annual morbidities and mortalities of these diseases have been blamed on drug resistance and the inefficacy of available diagnostic tools, particularly those which are immunologically-based. Antibody-based tools rely solely on antibody production for diagnosis and for this reason they are the major cause of diagnostic delays. Unfortunately, the control of these diseases depends on early detection and administration of effective treatment therefore any diagnostic delay is a huge challenge to curbing these diseases. Hence, there is a need for alternative diagnostic tools, discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents. Studies have demonstrated that aptamers could potentially offer one of the best solutions to these problems. Aptamers are short sequences of either DNA or RNA molecules, which are identified in vitro through a SELEX process. They are sensitive and bind specifically to target molecules. Their promising features suggest they may serve as better diagnostic agents and can be used as drug carriers for therapeutic purposes. In this article, we review the applications of aptamers in the theranostics of cancer and some infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philisiwe Fortunate Molefe
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
| | - Priscilla Masamba
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
| | - Babatunji Emmanuel Oyinloye
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, Afe Babalola University, PMB 5454, Ado-Ekiti 360001, Nigeria.
| | - Londiwe Simphiwe Mbatha
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
| | - Mervin Meyer
- DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, Biolabels Node, Department of Biotechnology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
| | - Abidemi Paul Kappo
- Biotechnology and Structural Biochemistry (BSB) Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
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19
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Bharadwaj U, Kasembeli MM, Tweardy DJ. STAT3 Inhibitors in Cancer: A Comprehensive Update. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42949-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Zhang W, Ma T, Li S, Yang Y, Guo J, Yu W, Kong L. Antagonizing STAT3 activation with benzo[b]thiophene 1, 1-dioxide based small molecules. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 125:538-550. [PMID: 27718470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.09.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
STAT3 is an attractive therapeutic target for cancer therapy. However, due to low potency or poor druggability, none of its inhibitors are clinically available. Herein, a series of aminobenzo[b]thiophene 1, 1-dioxides with good drug-likeness properties were designed, synthesized and evaluated as STAT3 inhibitors. Most of them exhibited higher antitumor activity than the small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor, Stattic. Compound 15 was the most potent and had an IC50 range in 0.33-0.75 μM in various cancer cell lines. The overexpressed and IL-6 induced phosphorylation levels of STAT3 were both inhibited by 15 without influencing the phosphorylation levels of the upstream kinases Src and Jak2. 15 also suppressed the expressions of STAT3 downstream gene, Bcl-2. 15 effectively increased the ROS levels of cancer cells, induced cancer cell apoptosis and abolished the colony formation ability of cancer cells without affecting bypass kinase p-Erk. Furthermore, 15in vivo induced significant antitumor responses, and exhibited less toxicity than Doxorubicin. Together, this study described a class of new STAT3 inhibitors as antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenda Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianpeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Choudhary MM, France TJ, Teknos TN, Kumar P. Interleukin-6 role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016; 2:90-97. [PMID: 29204553 PMCID: PMC5698512 DOI: 10.1016/j.wjorl.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine which plays an important role in a number of cellular processes including proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration and invasion. IL-6 mediates its downstream effects by activating a number of signaling cascades including JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. In addition to its effects on tumor cells, IL-6 also regulates tumor progression and tumor metastasis by modulating tumor angiogenesis and tumor lymphangiogenesis. A number of studies have shown that IL-6 levels are markedly upregulated in cancer patients. We and others have shown that high IL-6 expression independently predicts tumor recurrence, tumor metastasis and poor survival in head and neck cancer patients. Therefore targeting IL-6 signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the role of IL-6 in HNSCC progression and potential therapeutic strategies to target IL-6 signaling for the treatment of head and neck cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moaz M Choudhary
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Thomas J France
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Theodoros N Teknos
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Pawan Kumar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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22
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Byrd AK, Zybailov BL, Maddukuri L, Gao J, Marecki JC, Jaiswal M, Bell MR, Griffin WC, Reed MR, Chib S, Mackintosh SG, MacNicol AM, Baldini G, Eoff RL, Raney KD. Evidence That G-quadruplex DNA Accumulates in the Cytoplasm and Participates in Stress Granule Assembly in Response to Oxidative Stress. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:18041-57. [PMID: 27369081 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.718478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells engage numerous signaling pathways in response to oxidative stress that together repair macromolecular damage or direct the cell toward apoptosis. As a result of DNA damage, mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA has been shown to enter the cytoplasm where it binds to "DNA sensors," which in turn initiate signaling cascades. Here we report data that support a novel signaling pathway in response to oxidative stress mediated by specific guanine-rich sequences that can fold into G-quadruplex DNA (G4DNA). In response to oxidative stress, we demonstrate that sequences capable of forming G4DNA appear at increasing levels in the cytoplasm and participate in assembly of stress granules. Identified proteins that bind to endogenous G4DNA in the cytoplasm are known to modulate mRNA translation and participate in stress granule formation. Consistent with these findings, stress granule formation is known to regulate mRNA translation during oxidative stress. We propose a signaling pathway whereby cells can rapidly respond to DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. Guanine-rich sequences that are excised from damaged genomic DNA are proposed to enter the cytoplasm where they can regulate translation through stress granule formation. This newly proposed role for G4DNA provides an additional molecular explanation for why such sequences are prevalent in the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia K Byrd
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Boris L Zybailov
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock/University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UALR/UAMS) Joint Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
| | - Leena Maddukuri
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Jun Gao
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - John C Marecki
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Mihir Jaiswal
- the University of Arkansas at Little Rock/University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UALR/UAMS) Joint Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
| | - Matthew R Bell
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | | | - Megan R Reed
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Shubeena Chib
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Samuel G Mackintosh
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 and
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 and Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences and
| | - Giulia Baldini
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and
| | - Robert L Eoff
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 and
| | - Kevin D Raney
- From the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 and
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23
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Role of interleukin-6 in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:11553-11572. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 430] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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24
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Yuan J, Zhang F, Niu R. Multiple regulation pathways and pivotal biological functions of STAT3 in cancer. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17663. [PMID: 26631279 PMCID: PMC4668392 DOI: 10.1038/srep17663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STAT3 is both a transcription activator and an oncogene that is tightly regulated under normal physiological conditions. However, abundant evidence indicates that STAT3 is persistently activated in several cancers, with a crucial position in tumor onset and progression. In addition to its traditional role in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, STAT3 also promotes cancer through altering gene expression via epigenetic modification, inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes in cancer cells, regulating the tumor microenvironment, and promoting cancer stem cells (CSCs) self-renewal and differentiation. STAT3 is regulated not only by the canonical cytokines and growth factors, but also by the G-protein-coupled receptors, cadherin engagement, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and microRNA (miRNA). Despite the presence of diverse regulators and pivotal biological functions in cancer, no effective therapeutic inventions are available for inhibiting STAT3 and acquiring potent antitumor effects in the clinic. An improved understanding of the complex roles of STAT3 in cancer is required to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yuan
- Public Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Zhang
- Public Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifang Niu
- Public Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University, Huan-Hu-Xi Road, Ti-Yuan-Bei, He Xi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China
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25
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Parsel SM, Grandis JR, Thomas SM. Nucleic acid targeting: towards personalized therapy for head and neck cancer. Oncogene 2015; 35:3217-26. [PMID: 26592450 PMCID: PMC4877278 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In light of a detailed characterization of genetic aberrations in cancer, nucleic acid targeting represents an attractive therapeutic approach with significant translational potential. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide with stagnant 5-year survival rates. Advances in conventional treatment have done little to improve survival and combined chemoradiation is associated with significant adverse effects. Recent reports have characterized the genetic alterations in HNSCC and demonstrated that mutations confer resistance to conventional and molecular targeted therapies. The ability to use specific nucleic acid sequences to inhibit cancer-associated genes including non-druggable targets facilitates personalized medicine approaches with less adverse effects. Additionally, advances in drug delivery mechanisms have increased the transfection efficiency aiding in greater therapeutic responses. Given these advances, the stage has been set to translate the information garnered from genomic studies into personalized treatment strategies. Genes involved in the tumor protein 53 (TP53) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways have been extensively investigated and many promising preclinical studies have shown tumor inhibition through genetic modulation. We, and others, have demonstrated that targeting oncogene expression with gene therapy approaches is feasible in patients. Other methods such as RNA interference have proven to be effective and are potential candidates for clinical studies. This review summarizes the major advances in sequence-specific gene modulation in the preclinical setting and in clinical trials in head and neck cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Parsel
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - J R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - S M Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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26
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Zhang N, Bing T, Liu X, Qi C, Shen L, Wang L, Shangguan D. Cytotoxicity of guanine-based degradation products contributes to the antiproliferative activity of guanine-rich oligonucleotides. Chem Sci 2015; 6:3831-3838. [PMID: 29218153 PMCID: PMC5707456 DOI: 10.1039/c4sc03949a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine-rich oligonucleotides with lower nuclease resistance exhibited higher antiproliferative activity; guanine-based compounds showed highly concentration-dependent cytotoxicity.
Guanine-rich oligonucleotides (GROs) have attracted considerable attention as anticancer agents, because they exhibit cancer-selective antiproliferative activity and can form G-quadruplex structures with higher nuclease resistance and cellular uptake. Recently, a GRO, AS1411 has reached phase II clinical trials for acute myeloid leukemia and renal cell carcinoma. The antiproliferative activity of GROs has been associated with various protein targets; however the real mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, we showed evidence that antiproliferative activity of GROs (including AS1411) is mainly contributed by the cytotoxicity of their guanine-based degradation products, such as monophosphate deoxyguanosine (dGMP), deoxyguanosine (dG) and guanine. The GROs with lower nuclease resistance exhibited higher antiproliferative activity. Among nucleotides, nucleosides and nucleobases, only guanine-based compounds showed highly concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. Our results suggest that it is necessary to reconsider the cancer-selective antiproliferative activity of GROs. Since guanine-based compounds are endogenous substances in living organisms, systematic studies of the cytotoxicity of these compounds will provide new information for the understanding of certain diseases and offer useful information for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100190 , China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62528509.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Tao Bing
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100190 , China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62528509
| | - Xiangjun Liu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100190 , China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62528509
| | - Cui Qi
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100190 , China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62528509
| | - Luyao Shen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100190 , China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62528509.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100190 , China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62528509
| | - Dihua Shangguan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences , Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems , Institute of Chemistry , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , 100190 , China . ; ; Tel: +86-10-62528509
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Wang B, Li S, Meng X, Shang H, Guan Y. Inhibition of mdr1 by G-quadruplex oligonucleotides and reversal of paclitaxel resistance in human ovarian cancer cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:6433-43. [PMID: 25801244 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of ATP-dependent efflux pump P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in cancer cells generally results in multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapeutic drugs, which is the main cause of chemotherapy failure in cancer treatment. The intracellular drug levels could be increased by some MDR reversal agents that inhibited the drug efflux activity of P-gp. The synthesized DNA nucleic acids of G-quadruplex represent a novel and unique class of anti-cancer agents. While there was no report on the roles of DNA G-quadruplex oligonucleotides (GQ-ODNs) in the MDR reversal, the present study was performed to investigate the ability of synthesized GQ-ODNs to reverse P-gp-mediated MDR and its mechanism in paclitaxel (PTX)-resistant SKOV3 (SKOV3/PTX) cells and their sensitive cell lines SKOV3. The ability of GQ-ODNs to reverse drug resistance was evaluated by MTS assay. The results showed that GQ-ODNs can reverse PTX resistance effectively. The potential of GQ-ODNs as reversal agents was evaluated with the nude mice tumor xenograft model and showed that the co-administration of the GQ-ODNs and PTX had better effects and was also more evident than treatment with only PTX. The P-gp expression was assessed by the Western blot; it showed that SKOV3/PTX cells showed highly expressed P-gp protein, while their sensitive cells scarcely showed P-gp. The presence of GQ-ODNs efficiently decreased the P-gp expression, showing that GQ-ODNs could reverse P-gp-mediated MDR by decreasing the expression of P-gp. This study indicated that GQ-ODNs could effectively reverse P-gp-mediated PTX resistance by inhibiting the expression of P-gp and by the co-administration of GQ-ODNs and PTX that could increase the apoptosis of SKOV3/PTX cells. Thus, the synthesized GQ-ODNs may be a potential inhibitor to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China,
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Fagard R, Metelev V, Souissi I, Baran-Marszak F. STAT3 inhibitors for cancer therapy: Have all roads been explored? JAKSTAT 2014; 2:e22882. [PMID: 24058788 PMCID: PMC3670264 DOI: 10.4161/jkst.22882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT3 is a transcription factor which plays a key role in normal cell growth and is constitutively activated in about 70% of solid and hematological cancers. Activated STAT3 is phosphorylated on tyrosine and forms a dimer through phosphotyrosine/src homology 2 (SH2) domain interaction. The dimer enters the nucleus via interaction with importins and binds target genes. Inhibition of STAT3 results in the death of tumor cells, this indicates that it is a valuable target for anticancer strategies; a view that is corroborated by recent findings of activating mutations within the gene. Yet, there is still only a small number of STAT3 direct inhibitors; in addition, the high similarity of STAT3 with STAT1, another STAT family member mostly oriented toward apoptosis, cell death and defense against pathogens, requires that STAT3-inhibitors have no effect on STAT1. Specific STAT3 direct inhibitors consist of SH2 ligands, including G quartet oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) and small molecules, they induce cell death in tumor cells in which STAT3 is activated. STAT3 can also be inhibited by decoy ODNs (dODN), which bind STAT3 and induce cell death. A specific STAT3 dODN which does not interfere with STAT1-mediated interferon-induced cell death has been designed pointing to the STAT3 DBD as a target for specific inhibition. Comprehensive analysis of this region is in progress in the laboratory to design DBD-targeting STAT3 inhibitors with STAT3/STAT1 discriminating ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Fagard
- INSERM Unité 978; Bobigny, France ; University Paris 13; UFR SMBH; Sorbonne Paris Cité; Bobigny, France ; Biochimie Biologie Moléculaire; AP-HP; Hôpital Avicenne; Bobigny, France
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Abstract
Silencing of abnormally activated genes can be accomplished in a highly specific manner using nucleic acid based approaches. The focus of this review includes the different nucleic acid based inhibition strategies such as antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, small interfering RNA (siRNA), dominant-negative constructs, G-quartet oligonucleotides and decoy oligonucleotides, their mechanism of action and the effectiveness of these approaches to targeting the STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) proteins in cancer. Among the STAT proteins, especially STAT3, followed by STAT5, are the most frequently activated oncogenic STATs, which have emerged as plausible therapeutic cancer targets. Both STAT3 and STAT5 have been shown to regulate numerous oncogenic signaling pathways including proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and migration/invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabika Sen
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Liu LJ, Leung KH, Chan DSH, Wang YT, Ma DL, Leung CH. Identification of a natural product-like STAT3 dimerization inhibitor by structure-based virtual screening. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1293. [PMID: 24922077 PMCID: PMC4611723 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
STAT3 regulates a variety of genes involved with cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, and immunity. The purpose of this study was to apply molecular docking techniques to identify STAT3 inhibitors from a database of over 90000 natural product and natural product-like compounds. The virtual screening campaign furnished 14 hit compounds, from which compound 1 emerged as a top candidate. Compound 1 inhibited STAT3 DNA-binding activity in vitro and attenuated STAT3-directed transcription in cellulo with selectivity over STAT1 and with comparable potency to the well-known STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201. Furthermore, compound 1 inhibited STAT3 dimerization and decreased STAT3 phosphorylation in cells without affecting STAT1 dimerization and phosphorylation. Compound 1 also exhibited selective anti-proliferative activity against cancer cells over normal cells in vitro. Molecular docking analysis suggested that compound 1 might putatively function as an inhibitor of STAT3 dimerization by binding to the SH2 domain. This study also validates the use of in silico techniques to identify inhibitors of protein-protein interactions, which are typically considered difficult to target with small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- L-J Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - K-H Leung
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - D S-H Chan
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Y-T Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - D-L Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C-H Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Xiong A, Yang Z, Shen Y, Zhou J, Shen Q. Transcription Factor STAT3 as a Novel Molecular Target for Cancer Prevention. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:926-57. [PMID: 24743778 PMCID: PMC4074810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6020926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STATs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune and inflammatory responses, and angiogenesis. Cumulative evidence has established that STAT3 has a critical role in the development of multiple cancer types. Because it is constitutively activated during disease progression and metastasis in a variety of cancers, STAT3 has promise as a drug target for cancer therapeutics. Recently, STAT3 was found to have an important role in maintaining cancer stem cells in vitro and in mouse tumor models, suggesting STAT3 is integrally involved in tumor initiation, progression and maintenance. STAT3 has been traditionally considered as nontargetable or undruggable, and the lag in developing effective STAT3 inhibitors contributes to the current lack of FDA-approved STAT3 inhibitors. Recent advances in cancer biology and drug discovery efforts have shed light on targeting STAT3 globally and/or specifically for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize current literature and discuss the potential importance of STAT3 as a novel target for cancer prevention and of STAT3 inhibitors as effective chemopreventive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailian Xiong
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Zhengduo Yang
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Yicheng Shen
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Qiang Shen
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Khomenko T, Deng X, Ahluwalia A, Tarnawski A, Patel KN, Sandor Z, Szabo S. STAT3 and importins are novel mediators of early molecular and cellular responses in experimental duodenal ulceration. Dig Dis Sci 2014; 59:297-306. [PMID: 24385009 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-013-2807-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that directly upregulates VEGF, Ref-1, p21, and anti-apoptotic genes such as Bcl-xL. In this study, we hypothesized that STAT3 signaling is activated and provides a critical protective role that is required for enterocyte survival during the early phases of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers. METHODS We studied the effect of inhibition of STAT3 activity on cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats and egr-1 knockout mice using STAT3/DNA binding assay, immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analyses. RESULTS We found that G-quartet oligodeoxynucleotides T40214, a specific inhibitor of STAT3/DNA binding, aggravated cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats 2.8-fold (p < 0.05). In the pre-ulcerogenic stage, cysteamine induced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, its translocation to nuclei, an increased expression and nuclear translocation of importin α and β in the rat duodenal mucosa. Cysteamine enhanced the binding of STAT3 to its DNA consensus sequences at 6, 12, and 24 h after cysteamine by 1.5-, 1.8-, and 3.5-fold, respectively, and activated the expression of STAT3 target genes such as VEGF, Bcl-xL, Ref-1, and STAT3-induced feedback inhibitor, a suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. We also demonstrated that egr-1 knockout mice, which are more susceptible to cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers, had lower levels of STAT3 expression, its phosphorylation, expression of importin α or β, and STAT3/DNA binding than wild-type mice in response to cysteamine. CONCLUSIONS Thus, STAT3 represents an important new molecular mechanism in experimental duodenal ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Khomenko
- VA Medical Center, (05/113) 5901 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA, 90822-5201, USA
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Chen H, Guan Y, Yuan G, Zhang Q, Jing N. A perylene derivative regulates HIF-1α and Stat3 signaling pathways. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 22:1496-505. [PMID: 24485121 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly evident that improving the cure rate of many cancers will require treatment regimens hit more than one validated tumor targets. Developing an anti-cancer agent that targets two oncoproteins simultaneously is a promising strategy for accomplishing this goal. It would be expected to promote drug efficacy, reduce therapy-resistant without introducing additional toxic side effects. HIF-1α is a key regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia and is involved in tumor angiogenesis and cancer cell survival, glucose metabolism, and invasion. Stat3 has several oncogenic functions, including suppression of anti-tumor immune responses and promotion of inflammation. Recently, we have identified the perylene derivative, TEL03, as a dual inhibitor that targets both HIF-1α and Stat3. TEL03 blocks the expression of both HIF-1α and Stat3, regulated oncogenes (e.g., Bcl-2, VEGF, Glut1, and others) in cancer cells, and induces cancer cell apoptosis. The results demonstrated that: (i) TEL03 blocks Stat3 phosphorylation, and inhibits Stat3 transcriptional activity; and (ii) interferes the binding of HIF-1α to p300/CBP inducing its degradation by proteasomes under hypoxic conditions. Our in vivo tests showed that as a dual inhibitor, TEL03 dramatically inhibited tumor growth, and provided the evidence that targeting both HIF-1α and Stat3 simultaneously could be a promising strategy for breast and pancreatic cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Yongli Guan
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gu Yuan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Naijie Jing
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Hillion J, Belton AM, Shah SN, Turkson J, Jing N, Tweardy DJ, di Cello F, Huso DL, Resar LMS. Nanoparticle delivery of inhibitory signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 G-quartet oligonucleotides blocks tumor growth in HMGA1 transgenic model of T-cell leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2013; 55:1194-7. [PMID: 23829279 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.821202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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35
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Samsonov A, Zenser N, Zhang F, Zhang H, Fetter J, Malkov D. Tagging of genomic STAT3 and STAT1 with fluorescent proteins and insertion of a luciferase reporter in the cyclin D1 gene provides a modified A549 cell line to screen for selective STAT3 inhibitors. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68391. [PMID: 23950841 PMCID: PMC3732202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic protein that is constitutively activated in numerous cancer cell lines and human cancers. Another STAT family member, STAT1, possesses cancer-inhibitory properties and can promote apoptosis in tumor cells upon activation. To better characterize these important cancer related genes, we tagged STAT3 and STAT1 loci with fluorescent protein (FP) sequences (RFP and GFP respectively) by targeted integration via zinc finger nuclease (ZFN)--mediated homologous recombination in A549 cells that express aberrantly activated STAT3. We inserted the FP transgenes at the N-terminus of the STAT3 locus and at the C-terminus of the STAT1 locus. The integration resulted in endogenous expression of fluorescent STAT3 and STAT1 chimeric fusion proteins. When stimulated with IL-6 or IFN-γ, the cells showed robust nuclear translocation of RFP-STAT3 or STAT1-GFP, respectively. Pre-incubation of cells with a known specific STAT3 inhibitor showed that IFN-γ-induced translocation of STAT1-GFP was not impaired. STAT3 activates multiple downstream targets such as genes involved in cell cycle progression - e.g. cyclin D1. To detect changes in expression of endogenous cyclin D1, we used ZFN technology to insert a secreted luciferase reporter behind the cyclin D1 promoter and separated the luciferase and cyclin D1 coding regions by a 2A sequence to induce a translational skip. The luciferase insertion was made in the RFP-STAT3/STAT1-GFP cell line to have all three reporters in a single cell line. Addition of a STAT3 inhibitor led to suppression of cyclin D1 promoter activity and cell growth arrest. The triple-modified cell line provides a simple and convenient method for high-content screening and pre-clinical testing of potential STAT3 inhibitors in live cells while ensuring that the STAT1 pathway is not affected. This approach of reporting endogenous gene activities using ZFN technology could be applied to other cancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Samsonov
- Cell-Based Assays/Reporter Cell Lines, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Nathan Zenser
- Cell-Based Assays/Reporter Cell Lines, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Fan Zhang
- Cell-Based Assays/Reporter Cell Lines, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Cell-Based Assays/Reporter Cell Lines, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - John Fetter
- Cell-Based Assays/Reporter Cell Lines, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Dmitry Malkov
- Cell-Based Assays/Reporter Cell Lines, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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36
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Ho Y, Tsao SW, Zeng M, Lui VWY. STAT3 as a therapeutic target for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2013; 330:141-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Kobayashi N, Hong C, Klinman DM, Shirota H. Oligodeoxynucleotides expressing polyguanosine motifs promote antitumor activity through the upregulation of IL-2. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:1882-9. [PMID: 23296706 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The primary goal of cancer immunotherapy is to elicit an immune response capable of eliminating the tumor. One approach toward accomplishing that goal uses general (rather than tumor-specific) immunomodulatory agents to boost the number and activity of pre-existing CTLs. We find that the intratumoral injection of polyguanosine (poly-G) oligonucleotides (ODN) has such an effect, boosting antitumor immunity and promoting tumor regression. The antitumor activity of poly-G ODN was mediated through CD8 T cells in a TLR9-independent manner. Mechanistically, poly-G ODN directly induced the phosphorylation of Lck (an essential element of the T cell-signaling pathway), thereby enhancing the production of IL-2 and CD8 T cell proliferation. These findings establish poly-G ODN as a novel type of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Kobayashi
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Zhou Z, Gushiken FC, Bolgiano D, Salsbery BJ, Aghakasiri N, Jing N, Wu X, Vijayan KV, Rumbaut RE, Adachi R, Lopez JA, Dong JF. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates collagen-induced platelet aggregation independently of its transcription factor activity. Circulation 2012; 127:476-485. [PMID: 23266857 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.112.132126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet hyperactivity induced by inflammation is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and thrombosis, but its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was activated in collagen-stimulated platelets. Activated STAT3 served as a protein scaffold to facilitate the catalytic interaction between the kinase Syk (spleen tyrosine kinase) and the substrate PLCγ2 to enhance collagen-induced calcium mobilization and platelet activation. The same interaction of STAT3 with Syk and PLCγ2 was detected in HEK293 cells transfected with cDNAs for Syk and PLCγ2 and stimulated with interleukin-6. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 blocked ≈50% of collagen- and a collagen-related peptide-induced but not thrombin receptor-activating peptide- or ADP-induced aggregation and ≈80% of thrombus formation of human platelets on a collagen matrix. This in vitro phenotype was reproduced in mice infused with STAT3 inhibitors and mice with platelet-specific STAT3 deficiency. By forming a complex with its soluble receptor, the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 enhanced the collagen-induced STAT3 activation in human platelets. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate a nontranscriptional activity of STAT3 that facilitates a crosstalk between proinflammatory cytokine and hemostasis/thrombosis signals in platelets. This crosstalk may be responsible for the platelet hyperactivity found in conditions of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zhou
- Puget Sound Blood Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Francisca C Gushiken
- Department of Leukemia, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | - Naijie Jing
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Puget Sound Blood Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - K Vinod Vijayan
- Section of Cardiovascular Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Rolando E Rumbaut
- Section of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.,Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX
| | - Roberto Adachi
- Pulmonary Medicine, the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jose A Lopez
- Puget Sound Blood Research Institute, Seattle, WA.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Jing-Fei Dong
- Puget Sound Blood Research Institute, Seattle, WA.,General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
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Adachi M, Cui C, Dodge CT, Bhayani MK, Lai SY. Targeting STAT3 inhibits growth and enhances radiosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2012; 48:1220-6. [PMID: 22770899 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been implicated in the development and progression of various solid tumors. We examined the efficacy of STAT3 inhibition as a novel therapeutic option for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Activation and expression of STAT3 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in HNSCC cell lines were assessed by immunoblots. The small molecule inhibitor, Stattic, was used to target STAT3 in HNSCC cell lines. MTT assays were performed to determine the effect of STAT3 inhibition on HNSCC cell viability, while clonogenic survival assays were used to assess the ability of Stattic to sensitize HNSCC cells to radiation therapy. We also examined the effect of Stattic on tumor growth and radiosensitivity in vivo using an orthotopic xenograft model of HNSCC. RESULTS Stattic effectively inhibited STAT3 activation and expression, resulting in decreased cell survival and proliferation and increased radiosensitivity. STAT3-mediated HIF-1α expression was also reduced in response to Stattic treatment. Oral administration of Stattic significantly reduced the growth of HNSCC tumors in a murine orthotopic xenograft, and analysis of tumor lysates confirmed decreased STAT3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION STAT3 inhibition modulates HIF-1α expression, resulting in decreased tumor growth and possible enhanced radiosensitivity in HNSCC. Our results provide support for further exploration of STAT3 as a novel molecular therapeutic target in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Adachi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Shodeinde AL, Barton BE. Potential use of STAT3 inhibitors in targeted prostate cancer therapy: future prospects. Onco Targets Ther 2012; 5:119-25. [PMID: 22815644 PMCID: PMC3400487 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s32559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2012, prostate cancer will once again be the second-leading cause of cancer death of American males. Although initially treatable, prostate cancer can recur in a hormone refractory form that is not responsive to current available therapies. The mortality rate associated with hormone refractory prostate cancer is high, and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic agents to treat prostate cancer. A common feature of prostate cancer is the dependence on activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a transcription factor, for survival. More important, inhibition of STAT3 has been shown to induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. In recent years, inhibitors of STAT3 have emerged as promising molecular candidates for targeted prostate cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to examine the role of STAT3 in prostate cancer and how inhibitors of STAT3 could advance the quest for treatment of the disease. Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-targeted therapy appears very promising in the treatment of prostate cancer. It has been shown to decrease symptoms associated with myeloproliferative disorders and increase overall survival of patients compared with the best available therapy. In addition to improved outcome, many JAK2 inhibitors have been found to be tolerable with no adverse impact on quality of life. As such, JAK2 inhibitors may play an important role in the management of patients with prostate cancer. Current studies are evaluating the role of JAK2 inhibitors in solid tumors. Pending clinical trial results will determine the future direction of JAK2 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adetola L Shodeinde
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
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41
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Dietary compounds as potent inhibitors of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 3 regulatory network. GENES AND NUTRITION 2012; 7:111-25. [PMID: 22274779 DOI: 10.1007/s12263-012-0281-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins were described as a family of latent cytosolic transcription factors whose activation is dependent on phosphorylation via growth factor- and cytokine-membrane receptors including interferon and interleukin, or by non-receptor intracellular tyrosine kinases, including Src. A vast majority of natural substances are capable of modulating mitogenic signals, cell survival, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis as well as processes involved in metastasis development. The inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation by natural and dietary compounds leads to decreased protein expression of STAT3 targets essentially involved in regulation of the cell cycle and apoptotic cell death. This review details the cell signaling pathways involving STAT transcription factors as well as the corresponding compounds from nature able to interfere with this regulatory system in human cancer.
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42
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Reddy KR, Guan Y, Qin G, Zhou Z, Jing N. Combined treatment targeting HIF-1α and Stat3 is a potent strategy for prostate cancer therapy. Prostate 2011; 71:1796-809. [PMID: 21480310 DOI: 10.1002/pros.21397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Stat3 pathway and the hypoxia-sensing pathway are both up-regulated in prostate cancer. Stat3 is a specific regulator of pro-carcinogenic inflammation and represents a promising therapeutic target. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)α, which mediates the cellular response to hypoxia, has been demonstrated to be over-expressed in many human cancers and is associated with poor prognosis and treatment failure in clinic. To develop a potent strategy to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce drug resistance in prostate cancer therapy, we combined two anti-cancer agents: T40214 (a p-Stat3 inhibitor) and JG244 (a HIF-1α inhibitor) together to treat nude mice bearing human prostate tumor (DU145) and immunocompetent mice (C57BL/6) bearing murine prostate tumor (TRAMP-C2). METHODS We employed in vitro and in vivo assays, including Western blots, cell cycle analysis, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL and xenograft models to determine the drug efficacy and mechanism of combination treatment of T40214 and JG244. RESULTS We found that compared to treatment by T40214 or JG244 alone, the combination treatment using T40214 and JG244 together significantly suppressed growth of human or murine prostate tumors. Also, compared with apoptotic cells induced by T40214 or JG244 alone, the combined treatment greatly increased apoptosis in DU145 (P < 0.006) and TRAMP-C2 tumors (P < 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that combination treatment including a HIF-1α/2α inhibitor not only has therapeutic efficacy in targeting HIF-1α/2α, but also could reduce the hypoxia-induced drug resistance to other therapies (e.g., T40214) and enhance drug efficacy. This approach could make prostate cancer treatments more effective.
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Jiang B, Zhu ZZ, Liu F, Yang LJ, Zhang WY, Yuan HH, Wang JG, Hu XH, Huang G. STAT3 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to non-small cell lung cancer. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2011; 10:1856-65. [PMID: 21948749 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-3gmr1071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3) has been implicated in cancer development and is recognized as a type of oncogene. However, association studies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the STAT3 gene with cancer risk are rare and not available for lung cancer. We examined whether STAT3 polymorphisms are associated with the risk of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Eight SNPs in the STAT3 gene were genotyped by TaqMan assays in 326 NSCLC cases and 432 controls in a Chinese population. Significant decreased risk of NSCLC was observed for carriers of minor alleles rs4796793 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.51-0.92), rs7211777 (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.50-0.90), rs12949918 (OR = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.54-0.97), rs744166 (OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.51-0.92), rs9912773 (OR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.55-0.98), and rs3869550 (OR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.53-0.94). The GGCGGC haplotype, comprised of minor alleles of the six NSCLC-associated SNPs, had a 0.78-fold (95%CI = 0.62-0.97) significantly decreased risk of NSCLC, as compared to the most common haplotype of CATACT. Stratification analyses by clinical stage showed that the trend for the association between STAT3 polymorphisms and NSCLC risk was present both for stage I/II and stage III/IV, and appeared moderately stronger for stage III/IV. We conclude that polymorphisms in the STAT3 gene may have a protective role in the development of NSCLC, particular of stage III/IV NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR China
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Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3): a promising target for anticancer therapy. Future Med Chem 2011; 3:567-97. [PMID: 21526897 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.11.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an oncogenic protein whose inhibition is sought for the prevention and treatment of cancer. In this review, the validated therapeutic strategy to block aberrant activity of STAT3 in many tumor cell lines is evaluated by presenting the most promising inhibitors to date. The compounds are discussed in classes based on their different mechanisms of action, which are critically explained. In addition, their future clinical development as anticancer agents is considered. Furthermore, the efforts devoted to the comprehension of the structure-activity relationships and to the identification of the biological effects are brought to attention. The synthetic and technological approaches recently developed to overcome the difficulties in the obtainment of clinically suitable drugs are also presented.
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Collie GW, Parkinson GN. The application of DNA and RNA G-quadruplexes to therapeutic medicines. Chem Soc Rev 2011; 40:5867-92. [PMID: 21789296 DOI: 10.1039/c1cs15067g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The intriguing structural diversity in folded topologies available to guanine-rich nucleic acid repeat sequences have made four-stranded G-quadruplex structures the focus of both basic and applied research, from cancer biology and novel therapeutics through to nanoelectronics. Distributed widely in the human genome as targets for regulating gene expression and chromosomal maintenance, they offer unique avenues for future cancer drug development. In particular, the recent advances in chemical and structural biology have enabled the construction of bespoke selective DNA based aptamers to be used as novel therapeutic agents and access to detailed structural models for structure based drug discovery. In this critical review, we will explore the important underlying characteristics of G-quadruplexes that make them functional, stable, and predictable nanoscaffolds. We will review the current structural database of folding topologies, molecular interfaces and novel interaction surfaces, with a consideration to their future exploitation in drug discovery, molecular biology, supermolecular assembly and aptamer design. In recent years the number of potential applications for G-quadruplex motifs has rapidly grown, so in this review we aim to explore the many future challenges and highlight where possible successes may lie. We will highlight the similarities and differences between DNA and RNA folded G-quadruplexes in terms of stability, distribution, and exploitability as small molecule targets. Finally, we will provide a detailed review of basic G-quadruplex geometry, experimental tools used, and a critical evaluation of the application of high-resolution structural biology and its ability to provide meaningful and valid models for future applications (255 references).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin W Collie
- CRUK Biomolecular Structure Group, The School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, UK WC1N 1AX
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Chen YW, Chen KH, Huang PI, Chen YC, Chiou GY, Lo WL, Tseng LM, Hsu HS, Chang KW, Chiou SH. Cucurbitacin I suppressed stem-like property and enhanced radiation-induced apoptosis in head and neck squamous carcinoma--derived CD44(+)ALDH1(+) cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2010; 9:2879-92. [PMID: 21062915 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer worldwide. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling is reported to promote tumor malignancy and recurrence in HNSCC. Cucurbitacins, triterpenoid derivatives, are strong STAT3 inhibitors with anticancer properties. Recent studies have shown aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) to be a marker of cancer stem cells (CSC) in HNSCC. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of cucurbitacin I in HNSCC-derived CSCs. Using immunohistochemical analysis, we firstly showed that CD44, ALDH1, and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) were higher in high-grade HNSCCs, and that triple positivity for CD44/ALDH1/p-STAT3 indicated a worse prognosis for HNSCC patients. Secondly, CD44(+)ALDH1(+) cells isolated from seven HNSCC patients showed greater tumorigenicity, radioresistance, and high expression of stemness (Bmi-1/Oct-4/Nanog) and epithelial-mesenchymal-transitional (Snail/Twist) genes as p-STAT3 level increased. Furthermore, we found that cucurbitacin I (JSI-124) can effectively inhibit the expression of p-STAT3 and capacities for tumorigenicity, sphere formation, and radioresistance in HNSCC-CD44(+)ALDH1(+). Notably, 150 nmol/L cucurbitacin I effectively blocked STAT3 signaling and downstream survivin and Bcl-2 expression, and it induced apoptosis in HNSCC-CD44(+)ALDH1(+). Moreover, microarray data indicated that 100 nmol/L cucurbitacin I facilitated CD44(+)ALDH1(+) cells to differentiate into CD44⁻ALDH1⁻ and enhanced the radiosensitivity of HNSCC-CD44(+)ALDH1(+). Xenotransplant experiments revealed that cucurbitacin I combined with radiotherapy significantly suppressed tumorigenesis and lung metastasis and further improved the survival rate in HNSCC-CD44(+)ALDH1(+)-transplanted immunocompromised mice. Taken together, our data show that cucurbitacin I, STAT3 inhibitor, reduces radioresistant, distant-metastatic, and CSC-like properties of HNSCC-CD44(+)ALDH1(+) cells. The potential of cucurbitacin I as a radiosensitizer should be verified in future anti-CSC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wei Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yu ZY, Huang R, Xiao H, Sun WF, Shan YJ, Wang B, Zhao TT, Dong B, Zhao ZH, Liu XL, Wang SQ, Yang RF, Luo QL, Cong YW. Fluacrypyrim, a novel STAT3 activation inhibitor, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells harboring constitutively-active STAT3. Int J Cancer 2010; 127:1259-70. [PMID: 20087863 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
STAT3 protein has an important role in oncogenesis and is a promising anticancer target. Herein, we demonstrate that a novel small molecule fluacrypyrim (FAPM) inhibits the growth of leukemia cells by a predominant G1 arrest with significant decrease of the protein and mRNA levels of cyclin D1. As cyclin D1 is transcriptionally regulated by STAT3, FAPM is then shown to markedly inhibit the STAT3 phosphorylation with marginal effect on the other signal transducers and activators of transcription, and without effect on phosphoinositide-3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Further analysis shows that FAPM significantly increases the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) activity in a dose-dependent manner, and the inhibition of PTP activation by sodium pervanadate reverses FAPM-induced suppression of STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating an important role of PTP in the action of FAPM. Finally, FAPM treatment results in selective suppression of STAT3-mediated transcriptional activity and its downstream effectors, and subsequent induction of growth arrest and apoptosis in STAT3-dependent cancer cell lines. This study therefore identifies FAPM as a potent STAT3 activation inhibitor with possible therapeutic potential against malignancies with constitutive STAT3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Yin Yu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
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Kilareski EM, Shah S, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Regulation of HIV-1 transcription in cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage. Retrovirology 2009; 6:118. [PMID: 20030845 PMCID: PMC2805609 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-6-118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been shown to replicate productively in cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage, although replication occurs to a lesser extent than in infected T cells. As cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage become differentiated and activated and subsequently travel to a variety of end organs, they become a source of infectious virus and secreted viral proteins and cellular products that likely initiate pathological consequences in a number of organ systems. During this process, alterations in a number of signaling pathways, including the level and functional properties of many cellular transcription factors, alter the course of HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR)-directed gene expression. This process ultimately results in events that contribute to the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection. First, increased transcription leads to the upregulation of infectious virus production, and the increased production of viral proteins (gp120, Tat, Nef, and Vpr), which have additional activities as extracellular proteins. Increased viral production and the presence of toxic proteins lead to enhanced deregulation of cellular functions increasing the production of toxic cellular proteins and metabolites and the resulting organ-specific pathologic consequences such as neuroAIDS. This article reviews the structural and functional features of the cis-acting elements upstream and downstream of the transcriptional start site in the retroviral LTR. It also includes a discussion of the regulation of the retroviral LTR in the monocyte-macrophage lineage during virus infection of the bone marrow, the peripheral blood, the lymphoid tissues, and end organs such as the brain. The impact of genetic variation on LTR-directed transcription during the course of retrovirus disease is also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn M Kilareski
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Center for Molecular Therapeutics and Resistance, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
| | - Sonia Shah
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Center for Molecular Therapeutics and Resistance, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
| | - Michael R Nonnemacher
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Center for Molecular Therapeutics and Resistance, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Center for Molecular Therapeutics and Resistance, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, USA
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Guan Y, Reddy KR, Zhu Q, Li Y, Lee K, Weerasinghe P, Prchal J, Semenza GL, Jing N. G-rich oligonucleotides inhibit HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha and block tumor growth. Mol Ther 2009; 18:188-97. [PMID: 19755960 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays crucial roles in tumor promotion by upregulating its target genes, which are involved in energy metabolism, angiogenesis, cell survival, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. The HIF-1alpha subunit, which is regulated by O2-dependent hydroxylation, ubiquitination, and degradation, has been identified as an important molecular target for cancer therapy. We have rationally designed G-rich oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) as inhibitors of HIF-1alpha for human cancer therapy. The lead compounds, JG243 and JG244, which form an intramolecular parallel G-quartet structure, selectively target HIF-1alpha and decreased levels of both HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha (IC50 < 2 micromol/l) and also inhibited the expression of HIF-1-regulated proteins [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Bcl-2, and Bcl-XL], but did not disrupt the expression of p300, Stat3, or p53. JG-ODNs induced proteasomal degradation of HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha that was dependent on the hydroxylase activity of prolyl-4-hydroxylase-2. JG243 and JG244 dramatically suppressed the growth of prostate, breast, and pancreatic tumor xenografts. Western blots from tumor tissues showed that JG-ODNs significantly decreased HIF-1alpha and HIF-2alpha levels and blocked the expression of VEGF. The JG-ODNs are novel anticancer agents that suppress tumor growth by inhibiting HIF-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Guan
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Wang Y, Ma X, Yan S, Shen S, Zhu H, Gu Y, Wang H, Qin G, Yu Q. 17-Hydroxy-jolkinolide B Inhibits Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 Signaling by Covalently Cross-Linking Janus Kinases and Induces Apoptosis of Human Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2009; 69:7302-10. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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