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Chen F, Zhao W, Du C, Chen Z, Du J, Zhou M. Bleomycin induces senescence and repression of DNA repair via downregulation of Rad51. Mol Med 2024; 30:54. [PMID: 38649802 PMCID: PMC11036784 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00821-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bleomycin, a potent antitumor agent, is limited in clinical use due to the potential for fatal pulmonary toxicity. The accelerated DNA damage and senescence in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is considered a key factor in the development of lung pathology. Understanding the mechanisms for bleomycin-induced lung injury is crucial for mitigating its adverse effects. METHODS Human lung epithelial (A549) cells were exposed to bleomycin and subsequently assessed for cellular senescence, DNA damage, and double-strand break (DSB) repair. The impact of Rad51 overexpression on DSB repair and senescence in AECs was evaluated in vitro. Additionally, bleomycin was intratracheally administered in C57BL/6 mice to establish a pulmonary fibrosis model. RESULTS Bleomycin exposure induced dose- and time-dependent accumulation of senescence hallmarks and DNA lesions in AECs. These effects are probably due to the inhibition of Rad51 expression, consequently suppressing homologous recombination (HR) repair. Mechanistic studies revealed that bleomycin-mediated transcriptional inhibition of Rad51 might primarily result from E2F1 depletion. Furthermore, the genetic supplement of Rad51 substantially mitigated bleomycin-mediated effects on DSB repair and senescence in AECs. Notably, decreased Rad51 expression was also observed in the bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model. CONCLUSIONS Our works suggest that the inhibition of Rad51 plays a pivotal role in bleomycin-induced AECs senescence and lung injury, offering potential strategies to alleviate the pulmonary toxicity of bleomycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Chen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenna Zhao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenghong Du
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zihan Chen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Du
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
- Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Jiangmen, 529030, Guangdong, China.
| | - Meijuan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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Hu J, Fu S, Zhan Z, Zhang J. Advancements in dual-target inhibitors of PI3K for tumor therapy: Clinical progress, development strategies, prospects. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116109. [PMID: 38183777 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116109] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) modify lipids by the phosphorylation of inositol phospholipids at the 3'-OH position, thereby participating in signal transduction and exerting effects on various physiological processes such as cell growth, metabolism, and organism development. PI3K activation also drives cancer cell growth, survival, and metabolism, with genetic dysregulation of this pathway observed in diverse human cancers. Therefore, this target is considered a promising potential therapeutic target for various types of cancer. Currently, several selective PI3K inhibitors and one dual-target PI3K inhibitor have been approved and launched on the market. However, the majority of these inhibitors have faced revocation or voluntary withdrawal of indications due to concerns regarding their adverse effects. This article provides a comprehensive review of the structure and biological functions, and clinical status of PI3K inhibitors, with a specific emphasis on the development strategies and structure-activity relationships of dual-target PI3K inhibitors. The findings offer valuable insights and future directions for the development of highly promising dual-target drugs targeting PI3K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Hu
- Department of Neurology, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyu Fu
- Department of Neurology, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zixuan Zhan
- Department of Neurology, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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3
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Tseng CY, Fu YH, Ou DL, Lu JW, Hou HA, Lin LI. Anti-leukemia effects of omipalisib in acute myeloid leukemia: inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and suppression of mitochondrial biogenesis. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1691-1701. [PMID: 37821641 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00675-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Omipalisib (GSK2126458), a potent dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, is reported to exhibit anti-tumor effect in several kinds of cancers. More than 50% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients display a hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. We investigated the anti-proliferative effect of omipalisib in AML cell lines with varied genetic backgrounds. The OCI-AML3 and THP-1 cell lines had a significant response to omipalisib, with IC50 values of 17.45 nM and 8.93 nM, respectively. We integrated transcriptomic profile and metabolomic analyses, and followed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and metabolite enrichment analysis. Our findings showed that in addition to inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, omipalisib also suppressed mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis. Furthermore, omipalisib downregulated several genes associated with serine, glycine, threonine, and glutathione metabolism, and decreased their protein and glutathione levels. In vivo experiments revealed that omipalisib significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival without weight loss. Gedatolisib and dactolisib, another two PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, exerted similar effects without affecting mitochondria biogenesis. These results highlight the multifaceted anti-leukemic effect of omipalisib, revealing its potential as a novel therapeutic agent in AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yang Tseng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Fu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Da-Liang Ou
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Wei Lu
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigs Hospitalet, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Hsin-An Hou
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-In Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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4
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Huang X, You L, Nepovimova E, Psotka M, Malinak D, Valko M, Sivak L, Korabecny J, Heger Z, Adam V, Wu Q, Kuca K. Inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related protein kinase family (PIKK). J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2237209. [PMID: 37489050 PMCID: PMC10392309 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2237209] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-related protein kinases (PIKK) are two structurally related families of kinases that play vital roles in cell growth and DNA damage repair. Dysfunction of PIKK members and aberrant stimulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway are linked to a plethora of diseases including cancer. In recent decades, numerous inhibitors related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling have made great strides in cancer treatment, like copanlisib and sirolimus. Notably, most of the PIKK inhibitors (such as VX-970 and M3814) related to DNA damage response have also shown good efficacy in clinical trials. However, these drugs still require a suitable combination therapy to overcome drug resistance or improve antitumor activity. Based on the aforementioned facts, we summarised the efficacy of PIKK, PI3K, and AKT inhibitors in the therapy of human malignancies and the resistance mechanisms of targeted therapy, in order to provide deeper insights into cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Huang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Li You
- College of Physical Education and Health, Chongqing College of International Business and Economics, Chongqing, China
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Psotka
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - David Malinak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Valko
- Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Sivak
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Heger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Wragg JW, White PL, Hadzhiev Y, Wanigasooriya K, Stodolna A, Tee L, Barros-Silva JD, Beggs AD, Müller F. Intra-promoter switch of transcription initiation sites in proliferation signaling-dependent RNA metabolism. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1970-1984. [PMID: 37996663 PMCID: PMC10716046 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Global changes in transcriptional regulation and RNA metabolism are crucial features of cancer development. However, little is known about the role of the core promoter in defining transcript identity and post-transcriptional fates, a potentially crucial layer of transcriptional regulation in cancer. In this study, we use CAGE-seq analysis to uncover widespread use of dual-initiation promoters in which non-canonical, first-base-cytosine (C) transcription initiation occurs alongside first-base-purine initiation across 59 human cancers and healthy tissues. C-initiation is often followed by a 5' terminal oligopyrimidine (5'TOP) sequence, dramatically increasing the range of genes potentially subjected to 5'TOP-associated post-transcriptional regulation. We show selective, dynamic switching between purine and C-initiation site usage, indicating transcription initiation-level regulation in cancers. We additionally detail global metabolic changes in C-initiation transcripts that mark differentiation status, proliferative capacity, radiosensitivity, and response to irradiation and to PI3K-Akt-mTOR and DNA damage pathway-targeted radiosensitization therapies in colorectal cancer organoids and cancer cell lines and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Wragg
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Paige-Louise White
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yavor Hadzhiev
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kasun Wanigasooriya
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Agata Stodolna
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Louise Tee
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Joao D Barros-Silva
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew D Beggs
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Ferenc Müller
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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6
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Panwar V, Singh A, Bhatt M, Tonk RK, Azizov S, Raza AS, Sengupta S, Kumar D, Garg M. Multifaceted role of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway in human health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:375. [PMID: 37779156 PMCID: PMC10543444 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that controls cellular metabolism, catabolism, immune responses, autophagy, survival, proliferation, and migration, to maintain cellular homeostasis. The mTOR signaling cascade consists of two distinct multi-subunit complexes named mTOR complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2). mTOR catalyzes the phosphorylation of several critical proteins like AKT, protein kinase C, insulin growth factor receptor (IGF-1R), 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), transcription factor EB (TFEB), sterol-responsive element-binding proteins (SREBPs), Lipin-1, and Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinases. mTOR signaling plays a central role in regulating translation, lipid synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, biogenesis of lysosomes, nutrient sensing, and growth factor signaling. The emerging pieces of evidence have revealed that the constitutive activation of the mTOR pathway due to mutations/amplification/deletion in either mTOR and its complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) or upstream targets is responsible for aging, neurological diseases, and human malignancies. Here, we provide the detailed structure of mTOR, its complexes, and the comprehensive role of upstream regulators, as well as downstream effectors of mTOR signaling cascades in the metabolism, biogenesis of biomolecules, immune responses, and autophagy. Additionally, we summarize the potential of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as an important modulator of mTOR signaling. Importantly, we have highlighted the potential of mTOR signaling in aging, neurological disorders, human cancers, cancer stem cells, and drug resistance. Here, we discuss the developments for the therapeutic targeting of mTOR signaling with improved anticancer efficacy for the benefit of cancer patients in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Panwar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Aishwarya Singh
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Manini Bhatt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
| | - Rajiv K Tonk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Shavkatjon Azizov
- Laboratory of Biological Active Macromolecular Systems, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences Uzbekistan, Tashkent, 100125, Uzbekistan
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technical University, 100084, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Agha Saquib Raza
- Rajive Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Tahirpur, New Delhi, 110093, India
| | - Shinjinee Sengupta
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India.
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India.
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Ciołczyk-Wierzbicka D, Krawczyk A, Zarzycka M, Zemanek G, Wierzbicki K. Three generations of mTOR kinase inhibitors in the activation of the apoptosis process in melanoma cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:975-989. [PMID: 37097377 PMCID: PMC10409930 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Many signaling pathways are involved in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and this serine/threonine kinase regulates the most important cellular processes such as cell proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis. The subject of this research was the effect of protein kinase inhibitors involved in the AKT, MEK, and mTOR kinase signaling pathways on the expression of pro-survival proteins, activity of caspase-3, proliferation, and induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells. The following inhibitors were used: protein kinase inhibitors such as AKT-MK-2206, MEK-AS-703026, mTOR-everolimus and Torkinib, as well as dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor-BEZ-235 and Omipalisib, and mTOR1/2-OSI-027 inhibitor in single-mode and their combinations with MEK1/2 kinase inhibitor AS-703026. The obtained results confirm the synergistic effect of nanomolar concentrations of mTOR inhibitors, especially the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitors (Omipalisib, BEZ-235) in combination with the MAP kinase inhibitor (AS-703026) in the activation of caspase 3, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation in melanoma cell lines. Our previous and current studies confirm the importance of the mTOR signal transduction pathway in the neoplastic transformation process. Melanoma is a case of a very heterogeneous neoplasm, which causes great difficulties in treating this neoplasm in an advanced stage, and the standard approach to this topic does not bring the expected results. There is a need for research on the search for new therapeutic strategies aimed at particular groups of patients. Effect of three generations of mTOR kinase inhibitors on caspase-3 activity, apoptosis and proliferation in melanoma cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Ciołczyk-Wierzbicka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Ul. Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Krawczyk
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Ul. Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Zarzycka
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Ul. Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Zemanek
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Ul. Kopernika 7, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karol Wierzbicki
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University, John Paul II Hospital, Ul. Prądnicka 80, 31-202, Kraków, Poland
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Occhiuzzi MA, Lico G, Ioele G, De Luca M, Garofalo A, Grande F. Recent advances in PI3K/PKB/mTOR inhibitors as new anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 246:114971. [PMID: 36462440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The biochemical role of the PI3K/PKB/mTOR signalling pathway in cell-cycle regulation is now well known. During the onset and development of different forms of cancer it becomes overactive reducing apoptosis and allowing cell proliferation. Therefore, this pathway has become an important target for the treatment of various forms of malignant tumors, including breast cancer and follicular lymphoma. Recently, several more or less selective inhibitors targeting these proteins have been identified. In general, drugs that act on multiple targets within the entire pathway are more efficient than single targeting inhibitors. Multiple inhibitors exhibit high potency and limited drug resistance, resulting in promising anticancer agents. In this context, the present survey focuses on small molecule drugs capable of modulating the PI3K/PKB/mTOR signalling pathway, thus representing drugs or drug candidates to be used in the pharmacological treatment of different forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gernando Lico
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ioele
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Michele De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonio Garofalo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
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ZSTK474 Sensitizes Glioblastoma to Temozolomide by Blocking Homologous Recombination Repair. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:8568528. [PMID: 35872860 PMCID: PMC9300311 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8568528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Temozolomide (TMZ) is used as the standard chemotherapeutic agent for GBM but with limited success, and treatment failure is mainly due to tumor resistance. One of the leading causes of TMZ resistance is the upregulation of the DNA repair mechanism. Therefore, targeting the DNA damage response (DDR) is proposed to be an effective strategy to sensitize tumor cells to TMZ. In the present study, we demonstrated that the combined use of the PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 and TMZ showed synergetic anticancer effects on human GBM cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination treatment led to significantly increased cell apoptosis and DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). In addition, a mechanistic study indicated that TMZ enhanced the homologous recombination (HR) repair efficiency in GBM cells, while ZSTK474 impaired HR repair by blocking the phosphorylation of ATM and the expression of BRCA1/2 and Rad51, thereby sensitizing GBM cells to TMZ. Moreover, TMZ activated the PI3K signaling pathway through upregulation of the PI3K catalytic subunits p110α and p110β and the phosphorylation of Akt. Meanwhile, ZSTK474 blocked the activity of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Taken together, our findings suggested that the combination of ZSTK474 and TMZ might be a potential therapeutic option for GBM.
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