1
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Cheng X. A Comprehensive Review of HER2 in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:903. [PMID: 39062682 PMCID: PMC11275319 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070903] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a targetable transmembrane glycoprotein receptor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Aberrant HER2 signaling is implicated in various cancers, particularly in breast and gastric cancers, where HER2 overexpression or amplification correlates with aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis. HER2-activating mutations contribute to accelerated tumorigenesis and metastasis. This review provides an overview of HER2 biology, signaling pathways, mechanisms of dysregulation, and diagnostic approaches, as well as therapeutic strategies targeting HER2 in cancer. Understanding the intricate details of HER2 regulation is essential for developing effective targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Cheng
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA
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2
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Feng Y, Huang J, Wang F, Lin Z, Luo H, Li Q, Wang X, Liu X, Zhai X, Gao Q, Li L, Zhang Y, Wen J, Zhang L, Niu T, Zheng Y. Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase subunit 1 (MCCA) regulates multidrug resistance in multiple myeloma. Life Sci 2023; 333:122157. [PMID: 37805164 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase subunit 1 (MCCA) on multidrug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM). MATERIALS AND METHODS The apoptosis kit and CCK-8 reagent were used to detect drug-induced cell apoptosis and viability. Immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence staining, and protein structural simulation were used to detect the interaction between MCCA and Bad. Immunodeficient mice were injected with ARD cells and treated with bortezomib. Changes in tumor burden were recorded by bioluminescence imaging, and κ light chain content in the blood of mice was detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay. KEY FINDINGS Patients with high MCCA expression from a primary MM dataset had superior overall survival. After treatment with different anti-MM drugs, MCCA knockdown MM (MCCA-KD) cells had higher survival rates than control knockdown (CTR-KD) cells (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies have revealed that MCCA-KD cells had dysfunctional mitochondria with decreased Bax and Bad levels and increased Bcl-xl and Mcl-1 levels. Furthermore, that MCCA and Bad demonstrated protein-protein interactions. The half-life of Bad in MCCA-KD cells is significantly shorter than that in CTR-KD cells (7.34 vs. 2.42 h, p < 0.05). In a human MM xenograft mouse model, we confirmed that MCCA-KD tumors had a poor response to anti-MM drugs in vivo. Finally, we showed that MCCA might contribute to multidrug resistance in different human cancers, particularly in solid tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrated a novel function of MCCA in multidrug resistance. The lack of MCCA expression promoted antiapoptotic cell signaling in MM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Feng
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Jingcao Huang
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Zhimei Lin
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China; Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, China
| | - Hongmei Luo
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Xinyu Zhai
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Qianwen Gao
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Lingfeng Li
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Jingjing Wen
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China; Department of Hematology, Mian-yang Central Hospital, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Ting Niu
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Yuhuan Zheng
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
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3
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Wang Y, Dong Y, Zhang W, Wang Y, Jao Y, Liu J, Zhang M, He H. AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K axis prevents apoptosis of Porphyromonas gingivalis-infected gingival epithelial cells via Bad Ser136 phosphorylation. Apoptosis 2023:10.1007/s10495-023-01839-z. [PMID: 37014579 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01839-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial disruption is the initiation of most infectious disease. Regulation of epithelium apoptosis may play a key role in balance the survival competition between resident bacteria and host cells. The role of the mTOR/p70S6K pathway in preventing apoptosis of human gingival epithelial cells (hGECs) infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) was investigated in order to further understand the survival strategy of the epithelial cells in during Pg infecting. hGECs was challenged with Pg for 4, 12, and 24 h. Additionally, hGECs was pretreated with LY294002 (PI3K signaling inhibitor) or Compound C (AMPK inhibitor) for 12 h and exposed them to Pg for 24 h. Subsequently, apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry, and expression and activity of Bcl-2, Bad, Bax, PI3K, AKT, AMPK, mTOR, and p70S6K proteins were analyzed using western blotting. Pg-infecting did not increase apoptosis of hGECs; but the expression ratio of Bad to Bcl-2 was increased after infecting. In contrast, BadSer136 phosphorylation was promoted, accompanied by a significant reduction of mTOR/p70S6K and PI3K/AKT signaling, along with the upregulation of AMPKThr172 signaling. Morrover, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 promoted Pg-mediated reduction of mTOR/p70S6K expression, and the increase of AMPK signaling and BadSer136 phosphorylation rate, eventually decreasing apoptosis. While Compound C inhibited Pg-mediated activation of AMPK and downregulation of mTOR/p70S6K signaling, significantly reduced the BadSer136 phosphorylation rate, thereby increasing apoptosis. Thus, hGECs prevent apoptosis via an inherent cellular-homeostasis, pro-survival mechanism during Pg infection, the AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K pathway helps prevent apoptosis in hGECs infected with Pg by regulating BadSer136 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilong Dong
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Periodontitis, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University Hainan Provincial Stomatology Centre, Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Jao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingzhu Zhang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbing He
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Cheng F, Peng L, Luo D. METTL3
Promotes the Progression of Lung Cancer via Activating
PI3K
/
AKT
/
mTOR
Pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:748-758. [PMID: 35434840 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng‐Wu Cheng
- Department of Oncology Yichun People’s Hospital Yichun City Jiangxi Province China
| | - Li‐Ming Peng
- Department of Oncology Yichun People’s Hospital Yichun City Jiangxi Province China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Oncology Yichun People’s Hospital Yichun City Jiangxi Province China
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5
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Niu M, Zhang B, Li L, Su Z, Pu W, Zhao C, Wei L, Lian P, Lu R, Wang R, Wazir J, Gao Q, Song S, Wang H. Targeting HSP90 Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis Through AKT1/ERK Pathway in Lung Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:724192. [PMID: 35095481 PMCID: PMC8795737 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.724192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide. Searching for specific cancer targets and developing efficient therapies with lower toxicity is urgently needed. HPS90 is a key chaperon protein that has multiple client proteins involved in the development of cancer. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional levels of HSP90 isoforms in cancerous and normal tissues of lung cancer patients in multiple datasets. The higher expression of HSP90AA1 in cancer tissues correlated with poorer overall survival was observed. The higher levels of transcription and expression of HSP90AA1 and the activity of AKT1/ERK pathways were confirmed in lung cancer patient tissues. In both human and mouse lung cancer cell lines, knocking down HSP90AA1 promoted cell apoptosis through the inhibition of the pro-survival effect of AKT1 by decreasing the phosphorylation of itself and its downstream factors of mTOR and BAD, as well as downregulating Mcl1, Bcl-xl, and Survivin. The knockdown also suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting ERK activation and downregulating CyclinD1 expression. The treatment of 17-DMAG, an HSP90 inhibitor, recaptured these effects in vitro and inhibited tumor cell growth, and induced apoptosis without obvious side effects in lung tumor xenograft mouse models. This study suggests that targeting HSP90 by 17-DMAG could be a potential therapy for the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Central Laboratory, Nanjing Chest Hospital, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhonglan Su
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyuan Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lulu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Panpan Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Renwei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ranran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junaid Wazir
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyu Song
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Translational Medicine and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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6
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Park D, Anisuzzaman ASM, Magis AT, Chen G, Xie M, Zhang G, Behera M, Sica GL, Ramalingam SS, Owonikoko TK, Deng X. Discovery of Small Molecule Bak Activator for Lung Cancer Therapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:8500-8516. [PMID: 34373755 PMCID: PMC8344021 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Bak is a major proapoptotic Bcl2 family member and a required molecule for apoptotic cell death. High levels of endogenous Bak were observed in both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Increased Bak expression was correlated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients, suggesting that Bak protein is an attractive target for lung cancer therapy. The BH3 domain functions as death domain and is required for Bak to initiate apoptotic cell death. Thus, the BH3 domain is attractive target for discovery of Bak agonist. Methods: The BH3 death domain binding pocket (aa75-88) of Bak was chosen as a docking site for screening of small molecule Bak activators using the UCSF DOCK 6.1 program suite and the NCI chemical library (300,000 small molecules) database. The top 500 compounds determined to have the highest affinity for the BH3 domain were obtained from the NCI and tested for cytotoxicity for further screening. We identified a small molecule Bak activator BKA-073 as the lead compound. The binding affinity of BKA-073 with Bak protein was analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay. BKA-073-mediated Bak activation via oligomerization was analyzed by a cross-linking with Bis (maleimido) hexane (BMH). Sensitivity of BKA-073 to lung cancer cells in vitro was evaluated by dynamic BH3 profiling (DBP) and apoptotic cell death assay. The potency of BKA-073 alone or in combination with radiotherapy or Bcl2 inhibitor was evaluated in animal models. Results: We found that BKA-073 binds Bak at BH3 domain with high affinity and selectivity. BKA-073/Bak binding promotes Bak oligomerization and mitochondrial priming that activates its proapoptotic function. BKA-073 potently suppresses tumor growth without significant normal tissue toxicity in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and NSCLC xenografts, patient-derived xenografts, and genetically engineered mouse models of mutant KRAS-driven cancer. Bak accumulates in radioresistant lung cancer cells and BKA-073 reverses radioresistance. Combination of BKA-073 with Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax exhibits strong synergy against lung cancer in vivo. Conclusions: Development of small molecule Bak activator may provide a new class of anticancer agents to treat lung cancer.
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7
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Sun CY, Li YZ, Cao D, Zhou YF, Zhang MY, Wang HY. Rapamycin and trametinib: a rational combination for treatment of NSCLC. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3211-3223. [PMID: 34421360 PMCID: PMC8375233 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the most commonly activated pathways in human cancers, including lung cancer. Targeting mTOR with molecule inhibitors is considered as a useful therapeutic strategy. However, the results obtained from the clinical trials with the inhibitors so far have not met the original expectations, largely because of the drug resistance. Thus, combined or multiple drug therapy can bring about more favorable clinical outcomes. Here, we found that activation of ERK pathway was responsible for rapamycin drug resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Accordingly, rapamycin-resistant NSCLC cells were more sensitive to ERK inhibitor (ERKi), trametinib, and in turn, trametinib-resistant NSCLC cells were also susceptible to rapamycin. Combining rapamycin with trametinib led to a potent synergistic antitumor efficacy, which induced G1-phase cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, rapamycin synergized with another ERKi, MEK162, and in turn, trametinib synergized with other mTORi, Torin1 and OSI-027. Mechanistically, rapamycin in combination with trametinib resulted in a greater decrease of phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, mTOR and 4EBP1. In xenograft mouse model, co-administration of rapamycin and trametinib caused a substantial suppression in tumor growth without obvious drug toxicity. Overall, our study identifies a reasonable combined strategy for treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China 510060
| | - Yi-Zhuo Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China 510060
| | - Di Cao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China 510060
| | - Yu-Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China 510060
| | - Mei-Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China 510060
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou, China 510060
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8
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Deneka AY, Kopp MC, Nikonova AS, Gaponova AV, Kiseleva AA, Hensley HH, Flieder DB, Serebriiskii IG, Golemis EA. Nedd9 Restrains Autophagy to Limit Growth of Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3717-3726. [PMID: 34006524 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cancer worldwide. With overall 5-year survival estimated at <17%, it is critical to identify factors that regulate NSCLC disease prognosis. NSCLC is commonly driven by mutations in KRAS and TP53, with activation of additional kinases such as SRC promoting tumor invasion. In this study, we investigated the role of NEDD9, a SRC activator and scaffolding protein, in NSCLC tumorigenesis. In an inducible model of NSCLC dependent on Kras mutation and Trp53 loss (KP mice), deletion of Nedd9 (KPN mice) led to the emergence of larger tumors characterized by accelerated rates of tumor growth and elevated proliferation. Orthotopic injection of KP and KPN tumors into the lungs of Nedd9-wild-type and -null mice indicated the effect of Nedd9 loss was cell-autonomous. Tumors in KPN mice displayed reduced activation of SRC and AKT, indicating that activation of these pathways did not mediate enhanced growth of KPN tumors. NSCLC tumor growth has been shown to require active autophagy, a process dependent on activation of the kinases LKB1 and AMPK. KPN tumors contained high levels of active LKB1 and AMPK and increased autophagy compared with KP tumors. Treatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine completely eliminated the growth advantage of KPN tumors. These data for the first time identify NEDD9 as a negative regulator of LKB1/AMPK-dependent autophagy during early NSCLC tumor growth. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates a novel role for the scaffolding protein NEDD9 in regulating LKB1-AMPK signaling in early stage non-small cell lung cancer, suppressing autophagy and tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Y Deneka
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.,Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation, Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Meghan C Kopp
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.,Cancer Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anna S Nikonova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anna V Gaponova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anna A Kiseleva
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Harvey H Hensley
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Douglas B Flieder
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Erica A Golemis
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA.
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9
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Kim MJ, Chen G, Sica GL, Deng X. Epigenetic modulation of FBW7/Mcl-1 pathway for lung cancer therapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 22:55-65. [PMID: 33336620 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1856756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylation induces epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes in human lung cancer. Inhibition of DNA methyltransferases by decitabine (DAC) can demethylate and activate epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes. Epigenetic therapy using DAC should be an attractive strategy for lung cancer therapy. FBW7 is a tumor suppressor that functions as an Mcl-1 E3 ligase to degrade Mcl-1 by ubiquitination. Here we discovered that treatment of various human lung cancer cells with DAC resulted in activation of FBW7 expression, decreased levels of Mcl-1 protein, and growth inhibition. DAC-activated FBW7 expression promoted Mcl-1 ubiquitination and degradation leading to a significant reduction in the half-life of Mcl-1 protein. Mechanistically, treatment of lung cancer cells or lung cancer xenografts with DAC induced the conversion of the FBW7 gene from a methylated form to an unmethylated form, which was associated with the increased expression of FBW7 and decreased expression of Mcl-1 in vitro and in vivo. DAC suppressed lung cancer growth in a dose-dependent manner in vivo. Combined treatment with DAC and a Bcl2 inhibitor, venetoclax, exhibited strong synergistic potency against lung cancer without normal tissue toxicity. These findings uncover a novel mechanism by which DAC suppresses tumor growth by targeting the FBW7/Mcl-1 signaling pathway. Combination of DAC with Bcl2 inhibitor venetoclax provides more effective epigenetic therapy for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jeong Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Food and Nutrition, Changwon National University , Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Fan Q, Wang Q, Cai R, Yuan H, Xu M. The ubiquitin system: orchestrating cellular signals in non-small-cell lung cancer. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2020; 25:1. [PMID: 31988639 PMCID: PMC6966813 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-019-0193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin system, known as a common feature in eukaryotes, participates in multiple cellular processes, such as signal transduction, cell-cycle progression, receptor trafficking and endocytosis, and even the immune response. In lung cancer, evidence has revealed that aberrant events in ubiquitin-mediated processes can cause a variety of pathological outcomes including tumorigenesis and metastasis. Likewise, ubiquitination on the core components contributing to the activity of cell signaling controls bio-signal turnover and cell final destination. Given this, inhibitors targeting the ubiquitin system have been developed for lung cancer therapies and have shown great prospects for clinical application. However, the exact biological effects and physiological role of the drugs used in lung cancer therapies are still not clearly elucidated, which might seriously impede the progress of treatment. In this work, we summarize current research advances in cell signal regulation processes mediated through the ubiquitin system during the development of lung cancer, with the hope of improving the therapeutic effects by means of aiming at efficient targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fan
- 1Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai, China.,2Department of General Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- 1Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Renjie Cai
- 1Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai, China.,2Department of General Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Haihua Yuan
- 1Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Xu
- 1Department of Oncology, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Mohe Road, Shanghai, China
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11
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Chen G, Park D, Magis AT, Behera M, Ramalingam SS, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Ye K, Zhang C, Chen Z, Curran WJ, Deng X. Mcl-1 Interacts with Akt to Promote Lung Cancer Progression. Cancer Res 2019; 79:6126-6138. [PMID: 31662324 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mcl-1 is a unique antiapoptotic Bcl2 family protein that functions as a gatekeeper in manipulating apoptosis and survival in cancer cells. Akt is an oncogenic kinase that regulates multiple cellular functions and its activity is significantly elevated in human cancers. Here we discovered a cross-talk between Mcl-1 and Akt in promoting lung cancer cell growth. Depletion of endogenous Mcl-1 from human lung cancer cells using CRISPR/Cas9 or Mcl-1 shRNA significantly decreased Akt activity, leading to suppression of lung cancer cell growth in vitro and in xenografts. Mechanistically, Mcl-1 directly interacted via its PEST domain with Akt at the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. It is known that the interactions between the PH domain and kinase domain (KD) are important for maintaining Akt in an inactive state. The binding of Mcl-1/PH domain disrupted intramolecular PH/KD interactions to activate Akt. Intriguingly, Mcl-1 expression correlated with Akt activity in tumor tissues from patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Using the Mcl-1-binding PH domain of Akt as a docking site, we identified a novel small molecule, PH-687, that directly targets the PH domain and disrupts Mcl-1/Akt binding, leading to suppression of Akt activity and growth inhibition of lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. By targeting the Mcl-1/Akt interaction, this mechanism-driven agent provides a highly attractive strategy for the treatment of lung cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that targeting Mcl-1/Akt interaction by employing small molecules such as PH-687 represents a potentially new and effective strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Madhusmita Behera
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhengjia Chen
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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12
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Mohammad RM, Li Y, Muqbil I, Aboukameel A, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Landesman Y, Philip PA, Azmi AS. Targeting Rho GTPase effector p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) suppresses p-Bad-microRNA drug resistance axis leading to inhibition of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma proliferation. Small GTPases 2019; 10:367-377. [PMID: 28641032 PMCID: PMC6748371 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1329694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and therapy resistant malignancy. Mutant K-Ras, found in >90% of refractory PDAC, acts as a molecular switch activating Rho GTPase signaling that in turn promotes a plethora of pro-survival molecules and oncogenic microRNAs. We investigated the impact of Rho GTPase effector protein p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) inhibition on pro-survival p-Bad and oncogenic miRNA signaling. We demonstrate that the dual NAMPT and PAK4 modulators (KPT-9274 and KPT-9307) inhibit PDAC cell proliferation through downregulation of Bad phosphorylation and upregulation of tumor suppressive miRNAs (miR-145, let-7c, let-7d, miR-34c, miR320 and miR-100). These results suggest that targeting PAK4 could become a promising approach to restore pro-apoptotic function of Bad and simultaneously activate tumor suppressive miRNAs in therapy resistant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi M. Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yiwei Li
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Amro Aboukameel
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | - Philip A. Philip
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Asfar S. Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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13
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Pentagalloylglucose Inhibits the Replication of Rabies Virus via Mediation of the miR-455/SOCS3/STAT3/IL-6 Pathway. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00539-19. [PMID: 31243136 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00539-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study showed that pentagalloylglucose (PGG), a naturally occurring hydrolyzable phenolic tannin, possesses significant anti-rabies virus (RABV) activity. In BHK-21 cells, RABV induced the overactivation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) by suppressing the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). Inhibition of STAT3 by niclosamide, small interfering RNA, or exogenous expression of SOCS3 all significantly suppressed the replication of RABV. Additionally, RABV-induced upregulation of microRNA 455-5p (miR-455-5p) downregulated SOCS3 by directly binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of SOCS3. Importantly, PGG effectively reversed the expression of miR-455-5p and its following SOCS3/STAT3 signaling pathway. Finally, activated STAT3 elicited the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), thereby contributing to RABV-associated encephalomyelitis; however, PGG restored the level of IL-6 in vitro and in vivo in a SOCS3/STAT3-dependent manner. Altogether, these data identify a new miR-455-5p/SOCS3/STAT3 signaling pathway that contributes to viral replication and IL-6 production in RABV-infected cells, with PGG exerting its antiviral effect by inhibiting the production of miR-455-5p and the activation of STAT3.IMPORTANCE Rabies virus causes lethal encephalitis in mammals and poses a serious public health threat in many parts of the world. Numerous strategies have been explored to combat rabies; however, their efficacy has always been unsatisfactory. We previously reported a new drug, PGG, which possesses a potent inhibitory activity on RABV replication. Herein, we describe the underlying mechanisms by which PGG exerts its anti-RABV activity. Our results show that RABV induces overactivation of STAT3 in BHK-21 cells, which facilitates viral replication. Importantly, PGG effectively inhibits the activity of STAT3 by disrupting the expression of miR-455-5p and increases the level of SOCS3 by directly targeting the 3' UTR of SOCS3. Furthermore, the downregulated STAT3 inhibits the production of IL-6, thereby contributing to a reduction in the inflammatory response in vivo Our study indicates that PGG effectively inhibits the replication of RABV by the miR-455-5p/SOCS3/STAT3/IL-6-dependent pathway.
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14
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Chen G, Luo Y, Warncke K, Sun Y, Yu DS, Fu H, Behera M, Ramalingam SS, Doetsch PW, Duong DM, Lammers M, Curran WJ, Deng X. Acetylation regulates ribonucleotide reductase activity and cancer cell growth. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3213. [PMID: 31324785 PMCID: PMC6642173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11214-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the de novo synthesis of deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates (dNDPs) to provide dNTP precursors for DNA synthesis. Here, we report that acetylation and deacetylation of the RRM2 subunit of RNR acts as a molecular switch that impacts RNR activity, dNTP synthesis, and DNA replication fork progression. Acetylation of RRM2 at K95 abrogates RNR activity by disrupting its homodimer assembly. RRM2 is directly acetylated by KAT7, and deacetylated by Sirt2, respectively. Sirt2, which level peak in S phase, sustains RNR activity at or above a threshold level required for dNTPs synthesis. We also find that radiation or camptothecin-induced DNA damage promotes RRM2 deacetylation by enhancing Sirt2-RRM2 interaction. Acetylation of RRM2 at K95 results in the reduction of the dNTP pool, DNA replication fork stalling, and the suppression of tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. This study therefore identifies acetylation as a regulatory mechanism governing RNR activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Chen
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yin Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kurt Warncke
- Department of Physics, Emory University, 400 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Youwei Sun
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - David S Yu
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Madhusmita Behera
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Paul W Doetsch
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity and Structural Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Duc M Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Michael Lammers
- Institute of Biochemistry, Synthetic and Structural Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, Greifswald, 17487, Germany
| | - Walter J Curran
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Xingming Deng
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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15
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β-Thujaplicin induces autophagic cell death, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest through ROS-mediated Akt and p38/ERK MAPK signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:255. [PMID: 30874538 PMCID: PMC6420571 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1492-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common liver malignancy worldwide, has high morbidity and mortality. β-Thujaplicin, a tropolone derivative, has been used in some health-care products and clinical adjuvant drugs, but its use for HCC is unknown. In this study, we found that β-Thujaplicin inhibits the growth of HCC cells, but not normal liver cells, with nanomolar potency. Mechanistically, we found that β-Thujaplicin could induce autophagy, as judged by western blot, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Further using β-Thujaplicin combined with an autophagy blocker or agonist treatment HepG2 cells, we found that β-Thujaplicin induced autophagic cell death (ACD) mediated by ROS caused inhibition of the Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, β-Thujaplicin triggered HepG2 apoptosis and increased cleaved PARP1, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which indicated that β-Thujaplicin induced apoptosis mediated by the mitochondrial-dependent pathway. We also found that increased expression of p21 and decreased expression of CDK7, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin A2 participating in β-Thujaplicin caused the S-phase arrest. It seems that β-Thujaplicin exerts these functions by ROS-mediated p38/ERK MAPK but not by JNK signaling pathway activation. Consistent with in vitro findings, our in vivo study verified that β-Thujaplicin treatment significantly reduced HepG2 tumor xenograft growth. Taken together these findings suggest that β-Thujaplicin have an ability of anti-HCC cells and may conducively promote the development of novel anti-cancer agents.
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16
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Laks DR, Oses-Prieto JA, Alvarado AG, Nakashima J, Chand S, Azzam DB, Gholkar AA, Sperry J, Ludwig K, Condro MC, Nazarian S, Cardenas A, Shih MYS, Damoiseaux R, France B, Orozco N, Visnyei K, Crisman TJ, Gao F, Torres JZ, Coppola G, Burlingame AL, Kornblum HI. A molecular cascade modulates MAP1B and confers resistance to mTOR inhibition in human glioblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2019; 20:764-775. [PMID: 29136244 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical trials of therapies directed against nodes of the signaling axis of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in glioblastoma (GBM) have had disappointing results. Resistance to mTOR inhibitors limits their efficacy. Methods To determine mechanisms of resistance to chronic mTOR inhibition, we performed tandem screens on patient-derived GBM cultures. Results An unbiased phosphoproteomic screen quantified phosphorylation changes associated with chronic exposure to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, and our analysis implicated a role for glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3B attenuation in mediating resistance that was confirmed by functional studies. A targeted short hairpin RNA screen and further functional studies both in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that microtubule-associated protein (MAP)1B, previously associated predominantly with neurons, is a downstream effector of GSK3B-mediated resistance. Furthermore, we provide evidence that chronic rapamycin induces microtubule stability in a MAP1B-dependent manner in GBM cells. Additional experiments explicate a signaling pathway wherein combinatorial extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mTOR targeting abrogates inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3B, leads to phosphorylation of MAP1B, and confers sensitization. Conclusions These data portray a compensatory molecular signaling network that imparts resistance to chronic mTOR inhibition in primary, human GBM cell cultures and points toward new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan R Laks
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Alvaro G Alvarado
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan Nakashima
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shreya Chand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel B Azzam
- Department of Neuroscience, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | - Kirsten Ludwig
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael C Condro
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Serli Nazarian
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anjelica Cardenas
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michelle Y S Shih
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Bryan France
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA
| | - Nicholas Orozco
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Koppany Visnyei
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Thomas J Crisman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Fuying Gao
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Giovanni Coppola
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Harley I Kornblum
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA.,Chemistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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17
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Discovery of a small-molecule inhibitor of specific serine residue BAD phosphorylation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E10505-E10514. [PMID: 30309962 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1804897115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human BCL-2-associated death promoter (hBAD) is an apoptosis-regulatory protein mediating survival signals to carcinoma cells upon phosphorylation of Ser99, among other residues. Herein, we screened multiple small-molecule databases queried in a Laplacian-modified naive Bayesian-based cheminformatics platform and identified a Petasis reaction product as a site-specific inhibitor for hBAD phosphorylation. Based on apoptotic efficacy against mammary carcinoma cells, N-cyclopentyl-3-((4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl) piperazin-1-yl) (2-hydroxyphenyl) methyl) benzamide (NPB) was identified as a potential lead compound. In vitro biochemical analyses demonstrated that NPB inhibited the phosphorylation of hBAD specifically on Ser99. NPB was observed to exert this effect independently of AKT and other kinase activities despite the demonstration of AKT-mediated BAD-Ser99 phosphorylation. Using a structure-based bioinformatics platform, we observed that NPB exhibited predicted interactions with hBAD in silico and verified the same by direct binding kinetics. NPB reduced phosphorylation of BAD-Ser99 and enhanced caspase 3/7 activity with associated loss of cell viability in various human cancer cell lines derived from mammary, endometrial, ovarian, hepatocellular, colon, prostatic, and pancreatic carcinoma. Furthermore, by use of a xenograft model, it was observed that NPB, as a single agent, markedly diminished BAD phosphorylation in tumor tissue and significantly inhibited tumor growth. Similar doses of NPB utilized in acute toxicity studies in mice did not exhibit significant effects. Hence, we report a site-specific inhibitor of BAD phosphorylation with efficacy in tumor models.
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18
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He N, Kong Y, Lei X, Liu Y, Wang J, Xu C, Wang Y, Du L, Ji K, Wang Q, Li Z, Liu Q. MSCs inhibit tumor progression and enhance radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells by down-regulating Stat3 signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1026. [PMID: 30297887 PMCID: PMC6175943 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0949-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition of radioresistance by breast cancer cells during radiotherapy may lead to cancer recurrence and poor survival. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is activated in breast cancer cells and, therefore, may be an effective target for overcoming therapeutic resistance. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated for use in cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the potential of MSC conditioned medium (MSC-CM) in sensitizing breast cancer to radiotherapy. It was found that MSC-CM could inhibit the level of activated Stat3, suppress cancer growth, and exhibit synergetic effects with radiation treatment in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, MSC-CM reduced the ALDH-positive cancer stem cells (CSCs) population, modulated several potential stem cell markers, and decreased tumor migration, as well as metastasis. These results demonstrate that MSC-CM suppresses breast cancer cells growth and sensitizes cancer cells to radiotherapy through inhibition of the Stat3 signaling pathway, thus, providing a novel strategy for breast cancer therapy by overcoming radioresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yangyang Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Xudan Lei
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinhan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Liqing Du
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaihua Ji
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Zongjin Li
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiobiology, Institute of Radiation Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
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19
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Lee CM, Choi YJ, Park SH, Nam MJ. Indole-3-carbinol induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma Huh-7 cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 118:119-130. [PMID: 29746934 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Min Lee
- Department of Biological Science, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Jun Choi
- Department of Biological Science, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - See-Hyoung Park
- Department of Bio and Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Sejong 30016, Republic of Korea.
| | - Myeong Jin Nam
- Department of Biological Science, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Wu DW, Wang YC, Wang L, Chen CY, Lee H. A low microRNA-630 expression confers resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinomas via miR-630/YAP1/ERK feedback loop. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:1256-1269. [PMID: 29507618 PMCID: PMC5835934 DOI: 10.7150/thno.22048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: MicroRNA-630 plays dual roles in apoptosis and drug resistance in human cancers. However, the role of miR-630 in resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in lung adenocarcinoma remains to be elucidated. Methods: Manipulation of miR-630 and its targeted gene YAP1 and/or combination of inhibitor treatments was performed to explore whether low miR-630 could confer TKI resistance due to de-targeting YAP1, and this could decrease proapoptotic protein Bad expression through the miR-630/YAP1/ERK feedback loop. A retrospective study was conducted to examine whether the expression of miR-630 and YAP1 could be associated with TKI therapeutic response in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Results: Low miR-630 expression may confer TKI resistance via increased SP1 binding to the miR-630 promoter due to ERK activation by YAP1 de-targeting. Persistent activation of ERK signaling via the miR-630/YAP1/ERK feedback loop may be responsible for TKI resistance in EGFR-mutated cells. Moreover, a decrease in Bad expression by its phosphorylation at Serine 75 through ERK activation conferred low miR-630-mediated TKI resistance by modulating the apoptotic pathway. Xenographic tumors induced by miR-630-knockdown PC9 and PC9GR cells in nude mice were nearly suppressed by the combination of gefitinib with the YAP1 inhibitor verteporfin or an MEK/ERK inhibitor AZD6244. Patients with low miR-630 and high YAP1 expressing tumors had a higher prevalence of unfavorable responses to TKI therapy and poorer outcomes when compared with their counterparts. Conclusion: MiR-630 may be a potential biomarker for the prediction of TKI therapeutic response and outcome in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
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Li R, Ding C, Zhang J, Xie M, Park D, Ding Y, Chen G, Zhang G, Gilbert-Ross M, Zhou W, Marcus AI, Sun SY, Chen ZG, Sica GL, Ramalingam SS, Magis AT, Fu H, Khuri FR, Curran WJ, Owonikoko TK, Shin DM, Zhou J, Deng X. Modulation of Bax and mTOR for Cancer Therapeutics. Cancer Res 2017; 77:3001-3012. [PMID: 28381544 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A rationale exists for pharmacologic manipulation of the serine (S)184 phosphorylation site of the proapoptotic Bcl2 family member Bax as an anticancer strategy. Here, we report the refinement of the Bax agonist SMBA1 to generate CYD-2-11, which has characteristics of a suitable clinical lead compound. CYD-2-11 targeted the structural pocket proximal to S184 in the C-terminal region of Bax, directly activating its proapoptotic activity by inducing a conformational change enabling formation of Bax homooligomers in mitochondrial membranes. In murine models of small-cell and non-small cell lung cancers, including patient-derived xenograft and the genetically engineered mutant KRAS-driven lung cancer models, CYD-2-11 suppressed malignant growth without evident significant toxicity to normal tissues. In lung cancer patients treated with mTOR inhibitor RAD001, we observed enhanced S184 Bax phosphorylation in lung cancer cells and tissues that inactivates the propaoptotic function of Bax, contributing to rapalog resistance. Combined treatment of CYD-2-11 and RAD001 in murine lung cancer models displayed strong synergistic activity and overcame rapalog resistance in vitro and in vivo Taken together, our findings provide preclinical evidence for a pharmacologic combination of Bax activation and mTOR inhibition as a rational strategy to improve lung cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 77(11); 3001-12. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Maohua Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ye Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Guojing Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Melissa Gilbert-Ross
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adam I Marcus
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zhuo G Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Haian Fu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Fadlo R Khuri
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dong M Shin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
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22
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Zhou A, Li S, Khan FA, Zhang S. Autophagy postpones apoptotic cell death in PRRSV infection through Bad-Beclin1 interaction. Virulence 2015; 7:98-109. [PMID: 26670824 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1131381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy and apoptosis play significant roles in PRRSV infection and replication. However, the interaction between these 2 processes in PRRSV replication is still far from been completely understood. In our studies, the exposure of MARC-145 cells to PRRSV confirmed the activation of autophagy and subsequent induction of apoptosis. The inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) caused a significant increase in PRRSV-induced apoptosis, showing a potential connection between both mechanisms. Moreover, we observed an increase in Bad expression (a pro-apoptotic protein) and Beclin1 (an autophagy regulator) in virus-infected cells up to 36h. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed the formation of Bad and Beclin1 complex in PRRSV infected cells. Accordingly, Bad co-localized with Beclin1 in MARC-145 infected cells. Knockdown of Beclin1 significantly decreased PRRSV replication and PRRSV-induced autophagy, while Bad silencing resulted in increased autophagy and enhanced viral replication. Furthermore, PRRSV infection phosphorylated Bad (Ser112) to promote cellular survival. These results demonstrate that autophagy can favor PRRSV replication by postponing apoptosis through the formation of a Bad-Beclin1 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Zhou
- a Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics; Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education; Huazhong Agricultural University ; Wuhan , China
| | - Shuaifeng Li
- a Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics; Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education; Huazhong Agricultural University ; Wuhan , China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- a Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics; Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education; Huazhong Agricultural University ; Wuhan , China
| | - Shujun Zhang
- a Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics; Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education; Huazhong Agricultural University ; Wuhan , China
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23
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Xie M, Doetsch PW, Deng X. Bcl2 inhibition of mitochondrial DNA repair. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:586. [PMID: 26268226 PMCID: PMC4535531 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1594-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage could enhance the frequency of mitochondrial mutations and promote a variety of mitochondria-related diseases, including cancer. However, the mechanism(s) involved are not fully understood. Methods Quantitative extended length PCR was used to compare mtDNA and nDNA damage in human lung H1299 cells expressing WT Bcl2 or vector-only control. mtAPE1 endonuclease activity was analyzed by AP oligonucleotide assay. mtDNA mutation was measured by single molecule PCR. Subcellular localization of Bcl2 and APE1 was analyzed by subcellular fractionation. Results Bcl2, an anti-apoptotic molecule and oncoprotein, effectively inhibits the endonuclease activity of mitochondrial APE1 (mtAPE1), leading to significant retardation of mtDNA repair and enhanced frequency of mtDNA mutations following exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK, a carcinogen in cigarette smoke). Inversely, depletion of endogenous Bcl2 by RNA interference increases mtAPE1 endonuclease activity leading to accelerated mtDNA repair and decreased mtDNA mutation. Higher levels of mtAPE1 were observed in human lung cancer cells than in normal human bronchial epithelial cells (i.e. BEAS-2B). Bcl2 partially co-localizes with APE1 in the mitochondria of human lung cancer cells. Bcl2 directly interacts with mtAPE1 via its BH domains. Removal of any of the BH domains from Bcl2 abolishes Bcl2’s capacity to interact with mtAPE1 as well as its inhibitory effects on mtAPE1 activity and mtDNA repair. Conclusions Based our findings, we propose that Bcl2 suppression of mtDNA repair occurs through direct interaction with mtAPE1 and inhibition of its endonuclease activity in mitochondria, which may contribute to enhanced mtDNA mutations and carcinogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1594-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Xie
- Division of Cancer Biology, Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Paul W Doetsch
- Division of Cancer Biology, Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Xingming Deng
- Division of Cancer Biology, Departments of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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24
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Han B, Park D, Li R, Xie M, Owonikoko TK, Zhang G, Sica GL, Ding C, Zhou J, Magis AT, Chen ZG, Shin DM, Ramalingam SS, Khuri FR, Curran WJ, Deng X. Small-Molecule Bcl2 BH4 Antagonist for Lung Cancer Therapy. Cancer Cell 2015; 27:852-63. [PMID: 26004684 PMCID: PMC4470473 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The BH4 domain of Bcl2 is required for its antiapoptotic function, thus constituting a promising anticancer target. We identified a small-molecule Bcl2-BH4 domain antagonist, BDA-366, that binds BH4 with high affinity and selectivity. BDA-366-Bcl2 binding induces conformational change in Bcl2 that abrogates its antiapoptotic function, converting it from a survival molecule to a cell death inducer. BDA-366 suppresses growth of lung cancer xenografts derived from cell lines and patient without significant normal tissue toxicity at effective doses. mTOR inhibition upregulates Bcl2 in lung cancer cells and tumor tissues from clinical trial patients. Combined BDA-366 and RAD001 treatment exhibits strong synergy against lung cancer in vivo. Development of this Bcl2-BH4 antagonist may provide a strategy to improve lung cancer outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingshe Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Maohua Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Guojing Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Zhuo G Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dong M Shin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Fadlo R Khuri
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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25
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Wei F, Zhang Y, Geng L, Zhang P, Wang G, Liu Y. mTOR inhibition induces EGFR feedback activation in association with its resistance to human pancreatic cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:3267-82. [PMID: 25654224 PMCID: PMC4346894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16023267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is dysregulated in diverse cancers and contributes to tumor progression and drug resistance. The first generation of mTOR inhibitors have failed to show clinical efficiency in treating pancreatic cancers due in part to the feedback relief of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)-AKT signaling pathway. The second generation of mTOR inhibitors, such as AZD8055, could inhibit AKT activation upon mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) inhibition. However, whether this generation of mTOR inhibitors can obtain satisfactory activities in pancreatic cancer therapy remains unclear. In this study, we found AZD8055 did not show great improvement compared with everolimus, AZD8055 induced a temporal inhibition of AKT kinase activities and AKT was then rephosphorylated. Additionally, we found that AZD8055-induced transient AKT inhibition increased the expression and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by releasing its transcriptional factors Fork-head box O 1/3a (FoxO1/3a), which might contribute to cell resistance to AZD8055. The in vitro and in vivo experiments further indicated the combination of AZD8055 and erlotinib synergistically inhibited the mTORC1/C2 signaling pathway, EGFR/AKT feedback activation, and cell growth, as well as suppressed the progression of pancreatic cancer in a xenograft model. This study provides a rationale and strategy for overcoming AZD8055 resistance by a combined treatment with the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yandong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Li Geng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangyi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, the First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Genetic Engineering Laboratory of PLA, the Eleventh Institute of Academy of Military Medical Sciences of PLA, Changchun 130122, China.
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26
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BYL719, a selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-Kinase α, enhances the effect of selumetinib (AZD6244, ARRY-142886) in KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Invest New Drugs 2014; 33:12-21. [PMID: 25342139 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-014-0163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE KRAS is frequently mutated in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), resulting in activation of the MEK/ERK pathway. Because there are currently no drugs that target oncogenic KRAS, MEK inhibitors have been tested clinically as a possible treatment option for patients with NSCLC. However, KRAS-mutant cancers exhibit resistance to MEK inhibitors. Therefore, a combinational strategy is necessary for effective therapy. To address this, we investigated the therapeutic effects of combining selumetinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, with BYL719, a PI3Kα inhibitor. METHODS We evaluated the effects of selumetinib and BYL719 in vitro and in vivo in NSCLC cell lines. RESULTS The combination of BYL719 and selumetinib resulted in synergistic cytotoxic activity compared with the single agents alone in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells. At the molecular level, we found that AKT activation strongly influenced the sensitivity of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells to selumetinib. Selumetinib upregulated phospho-AKT and phosphorylated BAD at ser136, which is responsible for intrinsic drug resistance in KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells. In contrast, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway by BYL719 hindered selumetinib-induced BAD phosphorylation and increased the antitumor efficacy of selumetinib. Furthermore, selumetinib and BYL719 combination therapy showed synergy in the suppression of A549 xenograft tumor growth. On analysis of the pharmacodynamics, selumetinib and BYL719 together resulted in effective inhibition of both p-ERK and p-AKT expression in tumor tissue. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data suggest that combination treatment with selumetinib and BYL719 is a promising therapeutic approach to overcoming resistance to MEK inhibitors.
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27
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Fong P, Meng LR. Effect of mTOR inhibitors in nude mice with endometrial carcinoma and variable PTEN expression status. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2014; 20:146-52. [PMID: 25266877 PMCID: PMC4189716 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.892514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to investigate the sensitivity to rapamycin of endometrial cancer cells with different phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) expression to understand the mechanism of resistance to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Material/Methods Twenty specific pathogen-free female BALB/c mice received transplants of either HEC-1A (PTEN-positive) or Ishikawa (PTEN-negative) cells. Mice in the treatment group were injected intraperitoneally once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The control group was injected weekly with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) for 4 consecutive weeks. Tumor volume, tumor mass, growth curves, and inhibition rate were measured, after which the mice were killed. Results Both tumor growth rate and size were slower in the treatment group than in the control group for all mice that received transplants of either HEC-1A or Ishikawa cells. The tumor inhibition rates in the treatment group were 48.1% and 67.1% in mice transplanted with HEC-1A and Ishikawa cells, respectively. Conclusions The inhibitory effects of rapamycin were enhanced in PTEN-negative Ishikawa tumor cells compared with PTEN-positive HEC-1A cells, which could explain the reduced effect of rapalogues in some endometrial cancer patients and help to understand the mechanism of resistance to this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Fong
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, China (mainland)
| | - Li-rong Meng
- School of Health Sciences, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao, China (mainland)
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28
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Xin M, Li R, Xie M, Park D, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Corsino PE, Zhou J, Ding C, White MA, Magis AT, Ramalingam SS, Curran WJ, Khuri FR, Deng X. Small-molecule Bax agonists for cancer therapy. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4935. [PMID: 25230299 PMCID: PMC4172359 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bax, a central death regulator, is required at the decisional stage of apoptosis. We recently identified serine 184 (S184) of Bax as a critical functional switch controlling its proapoptotic activity. Here, we employed the structural pocket around S184 as a docking site to screen the NCI library of small molecules using the UCSF-DOCK program suite. Three compounds, small molecule Bax agonists SMBA1, SMBA2 and SMBA3, induce conformational changes in Bax by blocking S184 phosphorylation, facilitating Bax insertion into mitochondrial membranes and forming Bax oligomers. The latter leads to cytochrome c release and apoptosis in human lung cancer cells, which occurs in a Bax- but not Bak-dependent fashion. SMBA1 potently suppresses lung tumor growth via apoptosis by selectively activating Bax in vivo without significant normal tissue toxicity. Development of Bax agonists as a new class of anti-cancer drugs offers a strategy for the treatment of lung cancer and other Bax-expressing malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiguo Xin
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Maohua Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Gabriel L Sica
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Patrick E Corsino
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Chunyong Ding
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Mark A White
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
| | - Andrew T Magis
- Institute for Systems Biology, 401 Terry Avenue N, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Walter J Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Fadlo R Khuri
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
| | - Xingming Deng
- 1] Department of Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA [2] Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1365C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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29
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Wang B, Xie M, Li R, Owonikoko TK, Ramalingam SS, Khuri FR, Curran WJ, Wang Y, Deng X. Role of Ku70 in deubiquitination of Mcl-1 and suppression of apoptosis. Cell Death Differ 2014; 21:1160-9. [PMID: 24769731 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mcl-1 is a unique antiapoptotic Bcl2 family member with a short half-life due to its rapid turnover through ubiquitination. We discovered that Ku70, a DNA double-strand break repair protein, functions as a deubiquitinase to stabilize Mcl-1. Ku70 knockout in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells or depletion from human lung cancer H1299 cells leads to the accumulation of polyubiquitinated Mcl-1 and a reduction in its half-life and protein expression. Conversely, expression of exogenous Ku70 in Ku70(-/-) MEF cells restores Mcl-1 expression. Subcellular fractionation indicates that Ku70 extensively colocalizes with Mcl-1 in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus in H1299 cells. Ku70 directly interacts with Mcl-1 via its C terminus (that is, aa 536-609), which is required and sufficient for deubiquitination and stabilization of Mcl-1, leading to suppression of apoptosis. Purified Ku70 protein directly deubiquitinates Mcl-1 by removing K48-linked polyubiquitin chains. Ku70 knockdown not only promotes Mcl-1 turnover but also enhances antitumor efficacy of the BH3-mimetic ABT-737 in human lung cancer xenografts. These findings identify Ku70 as a novel Mcl-1 deubiquitinase that could be a potential target for cancer therapy by manipulating Mcl-1 deubiquitination.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Wang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - M Xie
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - R Li
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - T K Owonikoko
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - S S Ramalingam
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - F R Khuri
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - W J Curran
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Y Wang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - X Deng
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Zhang Z, Miao L, Wu X, Liu G, Peng Y, Xin X, Jiao B, Kong X. Carnosine Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Gastric Carcinoma Cells by Retarding Akt/mTOR/p70S6K Signaling. J Cancer 2014; 5:382-9. [PMID: 24799956 PMCID: PMC4007526 DOI: 10.7150/jca.8024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine), described as an enigmatic peptide for its antioxidant, anti-aging and especially antiproliferation properties, has been demonstrated to play an anti-tumorigenic role in certain types of cancer. However, its function in human gastric carcinoma remains unclear. In this study, the effect of carnosine on cell proliferation and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in the cultured human gastric carcinoma cells. The mTOR signaling axis molecules were analyzed in carnosine treated cells. The results showed that treatment with carnosine led to proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, apoptosis increase, and inhibition of mTOR signaling activation by decreasing the phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and p70S6K, suggesting that proliferation inhibition of carnosine in human gastric carcinoma was through the inhibition of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway, and carnosine would be a mimic of rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Zhang
- 1. Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Center of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou 458 Hospital, Guangzhou, China ; 3. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Miao
- 2. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wu
- 1. Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Center of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou 458 Hospital, Guangzhou, China ; 4. Institute of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guangze Liu
- 1. Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Center of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou 458 Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Peng
- 1. Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Center of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou 458 Hospital, Guangzhou, China ; 4. Institute of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoming Xin
- 2. Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China ; 5. Department of pharmacology, Taishan Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Binghua Jiao
- 3. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangping Kong
- 1. Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Center of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou 458 Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Abstract
The central role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activation in tumour cell biology has prompted a sizeable effort to target PI3K and/or downstream kinases such as AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in cancer. However, emerging clinical data show limited single-agent activity of inhibitors targeting PI3K, AKT or mTOR at tolerated doses. One exception is the response to PI3Kδ inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, where a combination of cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic activities drive efficacy. Here, we review key challenges and opportunities for the clinical development of inhibitors targeting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Through a greater focus on patient selection, increased understanding of immune modulation and strategic application of rational combinations, it should be possible to realize the potential of this promising class of targeted anticancer agents.
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You S, Li R, Park D, Xie M, Sica GL, Cao Y, Xiao ZQ, Deng X. Disruption of STAT3 by niclosamide reverses radioresistance of human lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:606-16. [PMID: 24362463 PMCID: PMC3964811 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge affecting the outcomes of patients with lung cancer is the development of acquired radioresistance. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of resistance to therapy are not fully understood. Here, we discovered that ionizing radiation induces phosphorylation of Janus-associated kinase (JAK)-2 and STAT3 in association with increased levels of Bcl2/Bcl-XL in various human lung cancer cells. To uncover new mechanism(s) of radioresistance of lung cancer, we established lung cancer cell model systems with acquired radioresistance. As compared with radiosensitive parental lung cancer cells (i.e., A549, H358, and H157), the JAK2/STAT3/Bcl2/Bcl-XL survival pathway is significantly more activated in acquired radioresistant lung cancer cells (i.e., A549-IRR, H358-IRR, and H157-IRR). Higher levels of STAT3 were found to be accumulated in the nucleus of radioresistant lung cancer cells. Niclosamide, a potent STAT3 inhibitor, can reduce STAT3 nuclear localization in radioresistant lung cancer cells. Intriguingly, either inhibition of STAT3 activity by niclosamide or depletion of STAT3 by RNA interference reverses radioresistance in vitro. Niclosamide alone or in combination with radiation overcame radioresistance in lung cancer xenografts. These findings uncover a novel mechanism of radioresistance and provide a more effective approach to overcome radioresistance by blocking the STAT3/Bcl2/Bcl-XL survival signaling pathway, which may potentially improve lung cancer outcome, especially for those patients who have resistance to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo You
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiangya, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Maohua Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gabriel L. Sica
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ya Cao
- Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics of Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Li R, Hu Z, Sun SY, Chen ZG, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Ramalingam SS, Curran WJ, Khuri FR, Deng X. Niclosamide overcomes acquired resistance to erlotinib through suppression of STAT3 in non-small cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:2200-12. [PMID: 23894143 PMCID: PMC3795834 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibitor therapy is a major clinical problem for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The mechanisms underlying tumor resistance to inhibitors of the kinase activity of EGFR are not fully understood. Here, we found that inhibition of EGFR by erlotinib induces STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 in association with increased Bcl2/Bcl-XL at both mRNA and protein levels in various human lung cancer cells. PTPMeg2 is a physiologic STAT3 phosphatase that can directly dephosphorylate STAT3 at the Tyr705 site. Intriguingly, treatment of cells with erlotinib results in downregulation of PTPMeg2 without activation of STAT3 kinases [i.e., Janus-activated kinase (JAK2) or c-Src], suggesting that erlotinib-enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 may occur, at least in part, from suppression of PTPMeg2 expression. Because elevated levels of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), Bcl2, and Bcl-XL were observed in erlotinib-resistant lung cancer (HCC827/ER) cells as compared with erlotinib-sensitive parental HCC827 cells, we postulate that the erlotinib-activated STAT3/Bcl2/Bcl-XL survival pathway may contribute to acquired resistance to erlotinib. Both blockage of Tyr705 phosphorylation of STAT3 by niclosamide and depletion of STAT3 by RNA interference in HCC827/ER cells reverse erlotinib resistance. Niclosamide in combination with erlotinib potently represses erlotinib-resistant lung cancer xenografts in association with increased apoptosis in tumor tissues, suggesting that niclosamide can restore sensitivity to erlotinib. These findings uncover a novel mechanism of erlotinib resistance and provide a novel approach to overcome resistance by blocking the STAT3/Bcl2/Bcl-XL survival signaling pathway in human lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Corresponding Author: Xingming Deng, Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322.
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Li R, You S, Hu Z, Chen ZG, Sica GL, Khuri FR, Curran WJ, Shin DM, Deng X. Inhibition of STAT3 by niclosamide synergizes with erlotinib against head and neck cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74670. [PMID: 24019973 PMCID: PMC3760825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is extensively expressed in head and neck cancer. However, EGFR-targeted therapy has only modest efficacy in head and neck cancer, through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Here, we found that inhibition of EGFR by erlotinib stimulated phosphorylation and activation of STAT3 leading to increased Bcl2/Bcl-XL expression in head and neck cancer cells, which may dampen the therapeutic efficacy of erlotinib against head and neck cancer. Erlotinib-enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation results, at least in part, from suppression of its physiological phosphatase, PTPMeg2. Specific knockdown of STAT3 by RNA interference significantly sensitized head and neck cancer cells to erlotinib treatment. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 by niclosamide not only blocked erlotinib-stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation but also synergistically repressed head and neck cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Combined inhibition of EGFR and STAT3 by erlotinib and niclosamide more effectively induced apoptosis in tumor tissues without toxicity for normal tissues. Based on our findings, treatment with erlotinib combined with niclosamide may offer an effective therapeutic approach to improve the prognosis of head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shuo You
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Zhongliang Hu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Zhuo G. Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Sica
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Fadlo R. Khuri
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Walter J. Curran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dong M. Shin
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Xingming Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Wei F, Liu Y, Guo Y, Xiang A, Wang G, Xue X, Lu Z. miR-99b-targeted mTOR induction contributes to irradiation resistance in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:81. [PMID: 23886294 PMCID: PMC3726417 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Radiation exerts direct antitumor effects and is widely used in clinics, but the efficacy is severely compromised by tumor resistance. Therefore uncovering the mechanism of radioresistance might promote the development of new strategies to overcome radioresistance by manipulating activity of the key molecules. Methods Immunohistochemistry were used to find whether mTOR were over-activated in radioresistant patients’ biopsies. Then Western blot, real-time PCR and transfection were used to find whether radiotherapy regulates the expression and activity of mTOR by modulating its targeting microRNA in human pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1, Capan-2 and BxPC-3. Finally efficacy of radiation combined with mTOR dual inhibitor AZD8055 was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results Ionizing radiation promoted mTOR expression and activation in pancreatic cancer cells through reducing miR-99b expression, which negatively regulated mTOR. Novel mTOR inhibitor, AZD8055 (10 nM, 100 nM, 500 nM) synergistically promoted radiation (0–10 Gy) induced cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. In human pancreatic cancer xenografts, fractionated radiation combined with AZD8055 treatment further increased the anti-tumor effect, the tumor volume was shrinked to 278 mm3 after combination treatment for 3 weeks compared with single radiation (678 mm3) or AZD8055 (708 mm3) treatment (P < 0.01). Conclusions Our data provide a rationale for overcoming radio-resistance by combined with mTOR inhibitor AZD8055 in pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Park D, Magis AT, Li R, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Sun SY, Ramalingam SS, Khuri FR, Curran WJ, Deng X. Novel small-molecule inhibitors of Bcl-XL to treat lung cancer. Cancer Res 2013; 73:5485-96. [PMID: 23824742 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-XL is a major antiapoptotic protein in the Bcl-2 family whose overexpression is more widely observed in human lung cancer cells than that of Bcl-2, suggesting that Bcl-XL is more biologically relevant and therefore a better therapeutic target for lung cancer. Here, we screened small molecules that selectively target the BH3 domain (aa 90-98) binding pocket of Bcl-XL using the UCSF DOCK 6.1 program suite and the NCI chemical library database. We identified two new Bcl-XL inhibitors (BXI-61 and BXI-72) that exhibit selective toxicity against lung cancer cells compared with normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Fluorescence polarization assay reveals that BXI-61 and BXI-72 preferentially bind to Bcl-XL protein but not Bcl2, Bcl-w, Bfl-1/A1, or Mcl-1 in vitro with high binding affinities. Treatment of cells with BXI-72 results in disruption of Bcl-XL/Bak or Bcl-XL/Bax interaction, oligomerization of Bak, and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Importantly, BXI-61 and BXI-72 exhibit more potent efficacy against human lung cancer than ABT-737 but less degree in platelet reduction in vivo. BXI-72 overcomes acquired radioresistance of lung cancer. On the basis of our findings, the development of BXI(s) as a new class of anticancer agents is warranted and represents a novel strategy for improving lung cancer outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongkyoo Park
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Hematology and Medical Oncology, and Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Liu WT, Huang CY, Lu IC, Gean PW. Inhibition of glioma growth by minocycline is mediated through endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and autophagic cell death. Neuro Oncol 2013; 15:1127-41. [PMID: 23787763 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/not073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have reported that minocycline (Mino) induced autophagic death in glioma cells. In the present study, we characterize the upstream regulators that control autophagy and switch cell death from autophagic to apoptotic. METHODS Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expressions of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), transcription factor GADD153 (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Short hairpin (sh)RNA was used to knock down eIF2α or CHOP expression. Autophagy was assessed by the conversion of light chain (LC)3-I to LC3-II and green fluorescent protein puncta formation. An intracranial mouse model and bioluminescent imaging were used to assess the effect of Mino on tumor growth and survival time of mice. RESULTS The expression of GRP78 in glioma was high, whereas in normal glia it was low. Mino treatment increased GRP78 expression and reduced binding of GRP78 with protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase. Subsequently, Mino increased eIF2α phosphorylation and CHOP expression. Knockdown of eIF2α or CHOP reduced Mino-induced LC3-II conversion and glioma cell death. When autophagy was inhibited, Mino induced cell death in a caspase-dependent manner. Rapamycin in combination with Mino produced synergistic effects on LC3 conversion, reduction of the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway, and glioma cell death. Bioluminescent imaging showed that Mino inhibited the growth of glioma and prolonged survival time and that these effects were blocked by shCHOP. CONCLUSIONS Mino induced autophagy by eliciting endoplasmic reticulum stress response and switched cell death from autophagy to apoptosis when autophagy was blocked. These results coupled with clinical availability and a safe track record make Mino a promising agent for the treatment of malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ting Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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Rajput S, Kumar BNP, Sarkar S, Das S, Azab B, Santhekadur PK, Das SK, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Fisher PB, Mandal M. Targeted apoptotic effects of thymoquinone and tamoxifen on XIAP mediated Akt regulation in breast cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61342. [PMID: 23613836 PMCID: PMC3629226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is constitutively expressed endogenous inhibitor of apoptosis, exhibit its antiapoptotic effect by inactivating key caspases such as caspase-3, caspase-7 and caspase-9 and also play pivotal role in rendering cancer chemoresistance. Our studies showed the coadministration of TQ and TAM resulting in a substantial increase in breast cancer cell apoptosis and marked inhibition of cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Anti-angiogenic and anti-invasive potential of TQ and TAM was assessed through in vitro studies. This novel combinatorial regimen leads to regulation of multiple cell signaling targets including inactivation of Akt and XIAP degradation. At molecular level, TQ and TAM synergistically lowers XIAP expression resulting in binding and activation of caspase-9 in apoptotic cascade, and interfere with cell survival through PI3-K/Akt pathway by inhibiting Akt phosphorylation. Cleaved caspase-9 further processes other intracellular death substrates such as PARP thereby shifting the balance from survival to apoptosis, indicated by rise in the sub-G1 cell population. This combination also downregulates the expression of Akt-regulated downstream effectors such as Bcl-xL, Bcl-2 and induce expression of Bax, AIF, cytochrome C and p-27. Consistent with these results, overexpression studies further confirmed the involvement of XIAP and its regulatory action on Akt phosphorylation along with procaspase-9 and PARP cleavage in TQ-TAM coadministrated induced apoptosis. The ability of TQ and TAM in inhibiting XIAP was confirmed through siRNA-XIAP cotransfection studies. This novel modality may be a promising tool in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Rajput
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - B. N. Prashanth Kumar
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Siddik Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) Institute of Molecular Genetics, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Subhasis Das
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Belal Azab
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) Institute of Molecular Genetics, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Prasanna K. Santhekadur
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) Institute of Molecular Genetics, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Swadesh K. Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) Institute of Molecular Genetics, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) Institute of Molecular Genetics, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) Institute of Molecular Genetics, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Paul B. Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth Univeristy (VCU) Institute of Molecular Genetics, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
- * E-mail:
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Wang Z, Thurmond DC. PAK1 limits the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bad in pancreatic islet β-cells. FEBS Open Bio 2012; 2:273-7. [PMID: 23650610 PMCID: PMC3642168 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human type 2 diabetes is associated with β-cell apoptosis, and human islets from diabetic donors are ∼80% deficient in PAK1 protein. Toward addressing linkage of PAK1 to β-cell survival, PAK1–siRNA targeted MIN6 pancreatic β-cells were found to exhibit increased caspase-3 cleavage, cytosolic cytochrome-C and the pro-apoptotic protein Bad. PAK1+/− heterozygous mouse islets recapitulated the upregulation of Bad protein expression, as did hyperglycemic treatment of human or mouse islets; Bad levels were exacerbated most in PAK1+/− islets subjected to hyperglycemic stress. These data implicate PAK1 in β-cell survival via quenching of Bad protein expression, and suggest PAK1 as potential molecular target to preserve β-cell mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanxiang Wang
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
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