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Iksen, Witayateeraporn W, Hardianti B, Pongrakhananon V. Comprehensive review of Bcl-2 family proteins in cancer apoptosis: Therapeutic strategies and promising updates of natural bioactive compounds and small molecules. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2249-2275. [PMID: 38415799 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Cancer has a considerably higher fatality rate than other diseases globally and is one of the most lethal and profoundly disruptive ailments. The increasing incidence of cancer among humans is one of the greatest challenges in the field of healthcare. A significant factor in the initiation and progression of tumorigenesis is the dysregulation of physiological processes governing cell death, which results in the survival of cancerous cells. B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family members play important roles in several cancer-related processes. Drug research and development have identified various promising natural compounds that demonstrate potent anticancer effects by specifically targeting Bcl-2 family proteins and their associated signaling pathways. This comprehensive review highlights the substantial roles of Bcl-2 family proteins in regulating apoptosis, including the intricate signaling pathways governing the activity of these proteins, the impact of reactive oxygen species, and the crucial involvement of proteasome degradation and the stress response. Furthermore, this review discusses advances in the exploration and potential therapeutic applications of natural compounds and small molecules targeting Bcl-2 family proteins and thus provides substantial scientific information and therapeutic strategies for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iksen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacy, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Senior Medan, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Wasita Witayateeraporn
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Besse Hardianti
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Almarisah Madani University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Varisa Pongrakhananon
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Preclinical Toxicity and Efficacy Assessment of Medicines and Chemicals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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2
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Nayak D, Lv D, Yuan Y, Zhang P, Hu W, Nayak A, Ruben EA, Lv Z, Sung P, Hromas R, Zheng G, Zhou D, Olsen SK. Development and crystal structures of a potent second-generation dual degrader of BCL-2 and BCL-xL. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2743. [PMID: 38548768 PMCID: PMC10979003 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46922-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of BCL-xL and BCL-2 play key roles in tumorigenesis and cancer drug resistance. Advances in PROTAC technology facilitated recent development of the first BCL-xL/BCL-2 dual degrader, 753b, a VHL-based degrader with improved potency and reduced toxicity compared to previous small molecule inhibitors. Here, we determine crystal structures of VHL/753b/BCL-xL and VHL/753b/BCL-2 ternary complexes. The two ternary complexes exhibit markedly different architectures that are accompanied by distinct networks of interactions at the VHL/753b-linker/target interfaces. The importance of these interfacial contacts is validated via functional analysis and informed subsequent rational and structure-guided design focused on the 753b linker and BCL-2/BCL-xL warhead. This results in the design of a degrader, WH244, with enhanced potency to degrade BCL-xL/BCL-2 in cells. Using biophysical assays followed by in cell activities, we are able to explain the enhanced target degradation of BCL-xL/BCL-2 in cells. Most PROTACs are empirically designed and lack structural studies, making it challenging to understand their modes of action and specificity. Our work presents a streamlined approach that combines rational design and structure-based insights backed with cell-based studies to develop effective PROTAC-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digant Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Dongwen Lv
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Yaxia Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Wanyi Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Anindita Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Eliza A Ruben
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Zongyang Lv
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Patrick Sung
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Robert Hromas
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Shaun K Olsen
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology and Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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Townsend PA, Kozhevnikova MV, Cexus ONF, Zamyatnin AA, Soond SM. BH3-mimetics: recent developments in cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:355. [PMID: 34753495 PMCID: PMC8576916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The hopeful outcomes from 30 years of research in BH3-mimetics have indeed served a number of solid paradigms for targeting intermediates from the apoptosis pathway in a variety of diseased states. Not only have such rational approaches in drug design yielded several key therapeutics, such outputs have also offered insights into the integrated mechanistic aspects of basic and clinical research at the genetics level for the future. In no other area of medical research have the effects of such work been felt, than in cancer research, through targeting the BAX-Bcl-2 protein-protein interactions. With these promising outputs in mind, several mimetics, and their potential therapeutic applications, have also been developed for several other pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and tissue fibrosis, thus highlighting the universal importance of the intrinsic arm of the apoptosis pathway and its input to general tissue homeostasis. Considering such recent developments, and in a field that has generated so much scientific interest, we take stock of how the broadening area of BH3-mimetics has developed and diversified, with a focus on their uses in single and combined cancer treatment regimens and recently explored therapeutic delivery methods that may aid the development of future therapeutics of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Townsend
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maria V Kozhevnikova
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russian Federation
| | - Surinder M Soond
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Roy G, Guan S, Liu H, Zhang L. Rotundic Acid Induces DNA Damage and Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through AKT/mTOR and MAPK Pathways. Front Oncol 2019; 9:545. [PMID: 31293977 PMCID: PMC6606729 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth largest cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with limited therapeutic interventions. Renewed interest in natural products as drug leads has resulted in a paradigm shift toward the rapid screening of medicinal plants for the discovery of new chemical entities. Rotundic acid (RA), a plant-derived triterpenoid, has been anecdotally reported to possess anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective abilities. The present study highlights the anti-cancer efficacy of RA on HCC in vitro and in vivo. The inhibitory effects of RA on HCC cell viability was determined by MTT. Soft agar colony formation and clonogenic assays also showed that RA inhibited HCC cell proliferation. Flow cytometry, confocal, and western blot results further indicated that RA induced cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis by modulating the AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways. Besides the suppression of migration and invasion, tube formation and VEGF-ELISA revealed the anti-angiogenic abilities of RA on HCC. Moreover, RA also inhibited tumor growth in a HepG2 xenograft mouse model. To our best knowledge, this is the first extensive study of the anticancer activity of RA on HCC. The results demonstrate that RA could be a potential drug candidate for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurab Roy
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Su Guan
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hexiang Liu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Centre for Biopharmaceuticals, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Castellanos-Esparza YC, Wu S, Huang L, Buquet C, Shen R, Sanchez-Gonzalez B, García Latorre EA, Boyer O, Varin R, Jiménez-Zamudio LA, Janin A, Vannier JP, Li H, Lu H. Synergistic promoting effects of pentoxifylline and simvastatin on the apoptosis of triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2018; 52:1246-1254. [PMID: 29436616 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentoxifylline (PTX), a xanthine family molecule and simvastatin (SIM), an anti-hypercholesterolemic agent, have recently been considered as sensitizers to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The present in vitro study evaluated their antitumor synergistic effects on MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cells characterized by the triple‑negative phenotype (TNP). The anti-proliferative effects of these two agents were evaluated by MTT and clonogenic assays. Cell cycle progression was examined using propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was investigated by Annexin V labeling, and by examining caspase 3 activity and DNA fragmentation. Autophagic vesicles and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were monitored by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate molecular targets. Our results revealed that when used alone, PTX and SIM exerted antitumor effects. Nevertheless, used in combination, the inhibition of cell proliferation was synergistically superior (80% vs 42%) than that observed following treatment with each agent alone after 48 h. PTX alone (0.5 mM) induced both apoptosis (25%) and autophagy (25%); however, when used in combination with SIM (0.5 µM), the balance between these processes was disrupted and the cells underwent apoptosis (>65%) as opposed to autophagy (<13%). This imbalance was associated with an increase in ERK1/2 and AKT activation, but not with an increase in mTOR phosphorylation, and with the suppression of the NF-κB pathway. In addition, in the cells treated with both agents, almost 78% of the cells were arrested at the G0/G1 phase and lost their colony-forming ability (38±5%) compared to the cells treated with PTX alone (115±5%). On the whole, these results suggest that the induction of autophagy may be a protective mechanism preventing MDA‑MB‑231 cancer cell death. The combined use of PTX and SIM may drive dormant autophagic cancer cells to undergo apoptosis and thus this may be a novel treatment strategy for breast cancer characterized by the TNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yessica Cristina Castellanos-Esparza
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Medical Research Unit S-1165/Paris Diderot University, University Institute of Hematology, Saint-Louis Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Shuang Wu
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Medical Research Unit S-1165/Paris Diderot University, University Institute of Hematology, Saint-Louis Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Limin Huang
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Medical Research Unit S-1165/Paris Diderot University, University Institute of Hematology, Saint-Louis Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Buquet
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Unit 1234/Rouen University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Rong Shen
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Medical Research Unit S-1165/Paris Diderot University, University Institute of Hematology, Saint-Louis Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Berenice Sanchez-Gonzalez
- Immunochemistry Laboratory I, Immunology Department, National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Ethel Awilda García Latorre
- Immunochemistry Laboratory I, Immunology Department, National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Olivier Boyer
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Unit 1234/Rouen University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Remi Varin
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Unit 1234/Rouen University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Luis Antonio Jiménez-Zamudio
- Immunochemistry Laboratory I, Immunology Department, National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Anne Janin
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Medical Research Unit S-1165/Paris Diderot University, University Institute of Hematology, Saint-Louis Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Vannier
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Unit 1234/Rouen University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Hong Li
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Unit 1234/Rouen University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - He Lu
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Medical Research Unit S-1165/Paris Diderot University, University Institute of Hematology, Saint-Louis Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
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6
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Perlíková P, Hocek M. Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine (7-deazapurine) as a privileged scaffold in design of antitumor and antiviral nucleosides. Med Res Rev 2017; 37:1429-1460. [PMID: 28834581 PMCID: PMC5656927 DOI: 10.1002/med.21465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
7-Deazapurine (pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine) nucleosides are important analogues of biogenic purine nucleosides with diverse biological activities. Replacement of the N7 atom with a carbon atom makes the five-membered ring more electron rich and brings a possibility of attaching additional substituents at the C7 position. This often leads to derivatives with increased base-pairing in DNA or RNA or better binding to enzymes. Several types of 7-deazapurine nucleosides with potent cytostatic or cytotoxic effects have been identified. The most promising are 7-hetaryl-7-deazaadenosines, which are activated in cancer cells by phosphorylation and get incorporated both to RNA (causing inhibition of proteosynthesis) and to DNA (causing DNA damage). Mechanism of action of other types of cytostatic nucleosides, 6-hetaryl-7-deazapurine and thieno-fused deazapurine ribonucleosides, is not yet known. Many 7-deazaadenosine derivatives are potent inhibitors of adenosine kinases. Many types of sugar-modified derivatives of 7-deazapurine nucleosides are also strong antivirals. Most important are 2'-C-methylribo- or 2'-C-methyl-2'-fluororibonucleosides with anti-HCV activities (several compounds underwent clinical trials). Some underexplored areas of potential interest are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Perlíková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesCZ‐16610Prague 6Czech Republic
| | - Michal Hocek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesCZ‐16610Prague 6Czech Republic
- Department of Organic ChemistryFaculty of ScienceCharles University in PragueCZ‐12843Prague 2Czech Republic
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7
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Mora-Navarro C, Méndez-Vega J, Caraballo-León J, Lee MR, Palecek S, Torres-Lugo M, Ortiz-Bermúdez P. Hydrophobicity of Antifungal β-Peptides Is Associated with Their Cytotoxic Effect on In Vitro Human Colon Caco-2 and Liver HepG2 Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149271. [PMID: 26992117 PMCID: PMC4798767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread distribution of fungal infections, with their high morbidity and mortality rate, is a global public health problem. The increase in the population of immunocompromised patients combined with the selectivity of currents treatments and the emergence of drug-resistant fungal strains are among the most imperative reasons to develop novel antifungal formulations. Antimicrobial β-peptides are peptidomimetics of natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which have been proposed as developmental platforms to enhance the AMPs selectivity and biostability. Their tunability allows the design of sequences with remarkable activity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms such as the human pathogenic Candida spp., both in planktonic and biofilm morphology. However, the β-peptide’s effect on surrounding host cells remains greatly understudied. Assessments have mainly relied on the extent of hemolysis that a candidate peptide is able to cause. This work investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of various β-peptides in the Caco-2 and HepG2 mammalian cell lines. Results indicated that the cytotoxic effect of the β-peptides was influenced by cell type and was also correlated to structural features of the peptide such as hydrophobicity. We found that the selectivity of the most hydrophobic β-peptide was 2–3 times higher than that of the least hydrophobic one, for both cell types according to the selectivity index parameter (IC50/MIC). The IC50 of Caco-2 and HepG2 increased with hydrophobicity, which indicates the importance of testing putative therapeutics on different cell types. We report evidence of peptide-cell membrane interactions in Caco-2 and HepG2 using a widely studied β-peptide against C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Mora-Navarro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Janet Méndez-Vega
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Jean Caraballo-León
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Myung-ryul Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Sean Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - Patricia Ortiz-Bermúdez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- * E-mail:
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8
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Chen N, Yin S, Song X, Fan L, Hu H. Vitamin B₂ Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Vitamin-C-Induced Cell Death via Modulation of Akt and Bad Phosphorylation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:6739-6748. [PMID: 26165392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b01909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin C is an essential dietary nutrient that has a variety of biological functions. Recent studies have provided promising evidence for its additional health benefits, including anticancer activity. Vitamin B2, another essential dietary nutrient, often coexists with vitamin C in some fruits, vegetables, or dietary supplements. The objective of the present study is to determine whether the combination of vitamin C and B2 can achieve a synergistic anticancer activity. MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and A549 cells were employed to evaluate the combinatory effects of vitamin C and B2. We found that the combination of vitamin C and B2 resulted in a synergistic cell death induction in all cell lines tested. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that vitamin B2 sensitized cancer cells to vitamin C through inhibition of Akt and Bad phosphorylation. Our findings identified vitamin B2 as a promising sensitizer for improving the efficacy of vitamin-C-based cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Chen
- ‡Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Shutao Yin
- ‡Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Song
- ‡Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Fan
- §College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yunamingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Hu
- ‡Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
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Pei XY, Dai Y, Felthousen J, Chen S, Takabatake Y, Zhou L, Youssefian LE, Sanderson MW, Bodie WW, Kramer LB, Orlowski RZ, Grant S. Circumvention of Mcl-1-dependent drug resistance by simultaneous Chk1 and MEK1/2 inhibition in human multiple myeloma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89064. [PMID: 24594907 PMCID: PMC3942309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 plays a major role in multiple myeloma (MM) cell survival as well as bortezomib- and microenvironmental forms of drug resistance in this disease. Consequently, there is a critical need for strategies capable of targeting Mcl-1-dependent drug resistance in MM. The present results indicate that a regimen combining Chk1 with MEK1/2 inhibitors effectively kills cells displaying multiple forms of drug resistance stemming from Mcl-1 up-regulation in association with direct transcriptional Mcl-1 down-regulation and indirect disabling of Mcl-1 anti-apoptotic function through Bim up-regulation and increased Bim/Mcl-1 binding. These actions release Bak from Mcl-1, accompanied by Bak/Bax activation. Analogous events were observed in both drug-naïve and acquired bortezomib-resistant MM cells displaying increased Mcl-1 but diminished Bim expression, or cells ectopically expressing Mcl-1. Moreover, concomitant Chk1 and MEK1/2 inhibition blocked Mcl-1 up-regulation induced by IL-6/IGF-1 or co-culture with stromal cells, effectively overcoming microenvironment-related drug resistance. Finally, this regimen down-regulated Mcl-1 and robustly killed primary CD138+ MM cells, but not normal hematopoietic cells. Together, these findings provide novel evidence that this targeted combination strategy could be effective in the setting of multiple forms of Mcl-1-related drug resistance in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yan Pei
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Yun Dai
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jessica Felthousen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Shuang Chen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Yukie Takabatake
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Liang Zhou
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Leena E. Youssefian
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Sanderson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Wesley W. Bodie
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lora B. Kramer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Robert Z. Orlowski
- Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Steven Grant
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center and Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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10
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Masood A, Azmi AS, Mohammad RM. Small molecule inhibitors of bcl-2 family proteins for pancreatic cancer therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2013; 3:1527-49. [PMID: 21760983 PMCID: PMC3134295 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3021527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a complex etiology and displays a wide range of cellular escape pathways that allow it to resist different treatment modalities. Crucial signaling molecules that function downstream of the survival pathways, particularly at points where several of these pathways crosstalk, provide valuable targets for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Bcl-2 family member proteins are anti-apoptotic molecules that are known to be overexpressed in most cancers including PC. The anti-apoptotic machinery has been linked to the observed resistance developed to chemotherapy and radiation and therefore is important from the targeted drug development point of view. Over the past ten years, our group has extensively studied a series of small molecule inhibitors of Bcl-2 against PC and provide solid preclinical platform for testing such novel drugs in the clinic. This review examines the efficacy, potency, and function of several small molecule inhibitor drugs targeted to the Bcl-2 family of proteins and their preclinical progress against PC. This article further focuses on compounds that have been studied the most and also discusses the anti-cancer potential of newer class of Bcl-2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashiq Masood
- Department of Internal Medicine/Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Asfar S. Azmi
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit MI 48201, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Ramzi M. Mohammad
- Department of Internal Medicine/Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; E-Mail:
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, HWCRC 732, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-313-576-8329; Fax: +1-313-576-8389
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11
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Sale MJ, Cook SJ. The BH3 mimetic ABT-263 synergizes with the MEK1/2 inhibitor selumetinib/AZD6244 to promote BIM-dependent tumour cell death and inhibit acquired resistance. Biochem J 2013; 450:285-94. [PMID: 23234544 DOI: 10.1042/bj20121212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumour cells typically exhibit a G(1) cell cycle arrest in response to the MEK1/2 [mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase 1/2] inhibitor selumetinib, but do not die, and thus they acquire resistance. In the present study we examined the effect of combining selumetinib with the BH3 [BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) homology domain 3]-mimetic BCL2 inhibitor ABT-263. Although either drug alone caused little tumour cell death, the two agents combined to cause substantial caspase-dependent cell death and inhibit long-term clonogenic survival of colorectal cancer and melanoma cell lines with BRAF(V600E) or RAS mutations. This cell death absolutely required BAX (BCL2-associated X protein) and was inhibited by RNAi (RNA interference)-mediated knockdown of BIM (BCL2-interacting mediator of cell death) in the BRAF(V600E)-positive COLO205 cell line. When colorectal cancer cell lines were treated with selumetinib plus ABT-263 we observed a striking reduction in the incidence of cells emerging with acquired resistance to selumetinib. Similar results were observed when we combined ABT-263 with the BRAF(V600E)-selective inhibitor PLX4720, but only in cells expressing BRAF(V600E). Finally, cancer cells in which acquired resistance to selumetinib arises through BRAF(V600E) amplification remained sensitive to ABT-263, whereas selumetinib-resistant HCT116 cells (KRAS(G13D) amplification) were cross-resistant to ABT-263. Thus the combination of a BCL2 inhibitor and an ERK1/2 pathway inhibitor is synthetic lethal in ERK1/2-addicted tumour cells, delays the onset of acquired resistance and in some cases overcomes acquired resistance to selumetinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Sale
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK.
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12
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Stamelos VA, Redman CW, Richardson A. Understanding sensitivity to BH3 mimetics: ABT-737 as a case study to foresee the complexities of personalized medicine. J Mol Signal 2012; 7:12. [PMID: 22898329 PMCID: PMC3477050 DOI: 10.1186/1750-2187-7-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BH3 mimetics such as ABT-737 and navitoclax bind to the BCL-2 family of proteins and induce apoptosis through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. There is considerable variability in the sensitivity of different cells to these drugs. Understanding the molecular basis of this variability will help to determine which patients will benefit from these drugs. Furthermore, this understanding aids in the design of rational strategies to increase the sensitivity of cells which are otherwise resistant to BH3 mimetics. We discuss how the expression of BCL-2 family proteins regulates the sensitivity to ABT-737. One of these, MCL-1, has been widely described as contributing to resistance to ABT-737 which might suggest a poor response in patients with cancers that express levels of MCL-1. In some cases, resistance to ABT-737 conferred by MCL-1 is overcome by the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins that bind to apoptosis inhibitors such as MCL-1. However, the distribution of the pro-apoptotic proteins amongst the various apoptosis inhibitors also influences sensitivity to ABT-737. Furthermore, the expression of both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins can change dynamically in response to exposure to ABT-737. Thus, there is significant complexity associated with predicting response to ABT-737. This provides a paradigm for the multiplicity of intricate factors that determine drug sensitivity which must be considered for the full implementation of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios A Stamelos
- Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine & School of Pharmacy, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Keele University, Thornburrow Drive, Stoke-on-Trent, Keele, ST4 7QB, UK.
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13
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Guo X, Yin S, Dong Y, Fan L, Ye M, Lu J, Hu H. Enhanced apoptotic effects by the combination of curcumin and methylseleninic acid: potential role of Mcl-1 and FAK. Mol Carcinog 2012; 52:879-89. [PMID: 22711297 DOI: 10.1002/mc.21933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin and methylseleninic acid (MSeA) are well-documented dietary chemopreventive agents. Apoptosis appears to be a major mechanism for both agents to exert anti-cancer activity. The purpose of the present study was designed to determine whether the apoptotic effect on human cancer cells can be enhanced by combining curcumin with MSeA. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V staining of externalized phosphatidylserine by flow cytometry. Expression of protein was analyzed by Western blotting. Localization of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was detected by immunocytochemistry. RNA interference was employed to inhibit expression of specific protein. We found here that combining curcumin with MSeA led to a significantly enhanced apoptosis in both MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that curcumin treatment alone caused a concentration dependent upregulation of Mcl-1, which can be overcome by combining it with MSeA. In line with the Mcl-1 reduction, an enhanced mitochondrial permeability transition and AIF nuclear translocation by the combination were achieved. In addition, an increased suppression of focal adhesion kinase activity was observed in the combination-treated cells which were associated with cell detachment-induced apoptosis by the combination. Our findings suggest that curcumin/MSeA combination holds excellent potential for improving their efficacy against human breast and prostate cancer through enhanced apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Guo
- Division of Nutrition and Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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14
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Doi K, Li R, Sung SS, Wu H, Liu Y, Manieri W, Krishnegowda G, Awwad A, Dewey A, Liu X, Amin S, Cheng C, Qin Y, Schonbrunn E, Daughdrill G, Loughran TP, Sebti S, Wang HG. Discovery of marinopyrrole A (maritoclax) as a selective Mcl-1 antagonist that overcomes ABT-737 resistance by binding to and targeting Mcl-1 for proteasomal degradation. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:10224-10235. [PMID: 22311987 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.334532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family of proteins, including Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L) and Mcl-1, are well-validated drug targets for cancer treatment. Several small molecules have been designed to interfere with Bcl-2 and its fellow pro-survival family members. While ABT-737 and its orally active analog ABT-263 are the most potent and specific inhibitors to date that bind Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) with high affinity but have a much lower affinity for Mcl-1, they are not very effective as single agents in certain cancer types because of elevated levels of Mcl-1. Accordingly, compounds that specifically target Mcl-1 may overcome this resistance. In this study, we identified and characterized the natural product marinopyrrole A as a novel Mcl-1-specific inhibitor and named it maritoclax. We found that maritoclax binds to Mcl-1, but not Bcl-X(L), and is able to disrupt the interaction between Bim and Mcl-1. Moreover, maritoclax induces Mcl-1 degradation via the proteasome system, which is associated with the pro-apoptotic activity of maritoclax. Importantly, maritoclax selectively kills Mcl-1-dependent, but not Bcl-2- or Bcl-X(L)-dependent, leukemia cells and markedly enhances the efficacy of ABT-737 against hematologic malignancies, including K562, Raji, and multidrug-resistant HL60/VCR, by ∼60- to 2000-fold at 1-2 μM. Taken together, these results suggest that maritoclax represents a new class of Mcl-1 inhibitors, which antagonizes Mcl-1 and overcomes ABT-737 resistance by targeting Mcl-1 for degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Doi
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Rongshi Li
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Shen-Shu Sung
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Hongwei Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, and
| | - Yan Liu
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Wanda Manieri
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Gowdahalli Krishnegowda
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Andy Awwad
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Alden Dewey
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Xin Liu
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033; Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Chunwei Cheng
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Yong Qin
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Ernst Schonbrunn
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Gary Daughdrill
- Department of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, and
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
| | - Said Sebti
- Drug Discovery Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033; Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033,.
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15
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Methylseleninic acid potentiates multiple types of cancer cells to ABT-737-induced apoptosis by targeting Mcl-1 and Bad. Apoptosis 2011; 17:388-99. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-011-0687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Barbone D, Ryan JA, Kolhatkar N, Chacko AD, Jablons DM, Sugarbaker DJ, Bueno R, Letai AG, Coussens LM, Fennell DA, Broaddus VC. The Bcl-2 repertoire of mesothelioma spheroids underlies acquired apoptotic multicellular resistance. Cell Death Dis 2011; 2:e174. [PMID: 21697949 PMCID: PMC3169000 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2011.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cultures are a valuable platform to study acquired multicellular apoptotic resistance of cancer. We used spheroids of cell lines and actual tumor to study resistance to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in mesothelioma, a highly chemoresistant tumor. Spheroids from mesothelioma cell lines acquired resistance to bortezomib by failing to upregulate Noxa, a pro-apoptotic sensitizer BH3-only protein that acts by displacing Bim, a pro-apoptotic Bax/Bak-activator protein. Surprisingly, despite their resistance, spheroids also upregulated Bim and thereby acquired sensitivity to ABT-737, an inhibitor of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 molecules. Analysis using BH3 profiling confirmed that spheroids acquired a dependence on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and were ‘primed for death'. We then studied spheroids grown from actual mesothelioma. ABT-737 was active in spheroids grown from those tumors (5/7, ∼70%) with elevated levels of Bim. Using immunocytochemistry of tissue microarrays of 48 mesotheliomas, we found that most (33, 69%) expressed elevated Bim. In conclusion, mesothelioma cells in 3D alter the expression of Bcl-2 molecules, thereby acquiring both apoptotic resistance and sensitivity to Bcl-2 blockade. Mesothelioma tumors ex vivo also show sensitivity to Bcl-2 blockade that may depend on Bim, which is frequently elevated in mesothelioma. Therefore, mesothelioma, a highly resistant tumor, may have an intrinsic sensitivity to Bcl-2 blockade that can be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Barbone
- Lung Biology Center, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California-San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
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Zhang C, Cai TY, Zhu H, Yang LQ, Jiang H, Dong XW, Hu YZ, Lin NM, He QJ, Yang B. Synergistic antitumor activity of gemcitabine and ABT-737 in vitro and in vivo through disrupting the interaction of USP9X and Mcl-1. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:1264-75. [PMID: 21566062 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-1091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Bcl-2 antagonist ABT-737 targets Bcl-2/Bcl-xL, but not Mcl-1, which may confer resistance to this agent in various cancers with high levels of Mcl-1. Here, we showed that the combination of gemcitabine and ABT-737 exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity and induced significant apoptosis in multiple cancer types, including lung, renal, bladder, and prostate cancers. The enhanced apoptosis induced by gemcitabine plus ABT-737 was accompanied by the greater extent of mitochondrial depolarization, caspases-3 activation, and PARP cleavage in 95-D and 5637 cell lines. Importantly, in ABT-737-resistant cancer cells, the interaction between USP9X and Mcl-1, which was increased by ABT-737 treatment, could be disrupted by gemcitabine, thus resulting in enhanced ubiquitination and the subsequent degradation of Mcl-1 and ultimately in the synergism of these two drugs. Moreover, the increased anticancer efficacy of gemcitabine combined with ABT-737 was further validated in a human lung cancer 95-D xenograft model in nude mice. Taken together, our data first showed the synergistic anticancer capabilities achieved by combining gemcitabine and ABT-737 and, second, opened new opportunities to use antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, which drive tumor cell resistance in current anticancer therapies, therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- 1Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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