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Khan S, Cao L, Wiegand J, Zhang P, Zajac-Kaye M, Kaye FJ, Zheng G, Zhou D. PROTAC-Mediated Dual Degradation of BCL-xL and BCL-2 Is a Highly Effective Therapeutic Strategy in Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:528. [PMID: 38534371 PMCID: PMC10968744 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060528] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BCL-xL and BCL-2 are validated therapeutic targets in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Targeting these proteins with navitoclax (formerly ABT263, a dual BCL-xL/2 inhibitor) induces dose-limiting thrombocytopenia through on-target BCL-xL inhibition in platelets. Therefore, platelet toxicity poses a barrier in advancing the clinical translation of navitoclax. We have developed a strategy to selectively target BCL-xL in tumors, while sparing platelets, by utilizing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that hijack the cellular ubiquitin proteasome system for target ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. In our previous study, the first-in-class BCL-xL PROTAC, called DT2216, was shown to have synergistic antitumor activities when combined with venetoclax (formerly ABT199, BCL-2-selective inhibitor) in a BCL-xL/2 co-dependent SCLC cell line, NCI-H146 (hereafter referred to as H146), in vitro and in a xenograft model. Guided by these findings, we evaluated our newly developed BCL-xL/2 dual degrader, called 753b, in three BCL-xL/2 co-dependent SCLC cell lines and the H146 xenograft models. 753b was found to degrade both BCL-xL and BCL-2 in these cell lines. Importantly, it was considerably more potent than DT2216, navitoclax, or DT2216 + venetoclax in reducing the viability of BCL-xL/2 co-dependent SCLC cell lines in cell culture. In vivo, 5 mg/kg weekly dosing of 753b was found to lead to significant tumor growth delay, similar to the DT2216 + venetoclax combination in H146 xenografts, by degrading both BCL-xL and BCL-2. Additionally, 753b administration at 5 mg/kg every four days induced tumor regressions. At this dosage, 753b was well tolerated in mice, without observable induction of severe thrombocytopenia as seen with navitoclax, and no evidence of significant changes in mouse body weights. These results suggest that the BCL-xL/2 dual degrader could be an effective and safe therapeutic for a subset of SCLC patients, warranting clinical trials in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Lin Cao
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Janet Wiegand
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Maria Zajac-Kaye
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Frederic J. Kaye
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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2
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Khan S, Cao L, Wiegand J, Zhang P, Zajac-Kaye M, Kaye FJ, Zheng G, Zhou D. PROTAC-mediated dual degradation of BCL-xL and BCL-2 is a highly effective therapeutic strategy in small-cell lung cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.27.582353. [PMID: 38464204 PMCID: PMC10925307 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.27.582353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BCL-xL and BCL-2 are validated therapeutic targets in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Targeting these proteins with navitoclax (formerly ABT263, a dual BCL-xL/2 inhibitor) induces dose-limiting thrombocytopenia through on-target BCL-xL inhibition in platelets. Therefore, platelet toxicity poses a barrier in advancing the clinical translation of navitoclax. We have developed a strategy to selectively target BCL-xL in tumors, while sparing platelets, by utilizing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that hijack the cellular ubiquitin proteasome system for target ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. In our previous study, the first-in-class BCL-xL PROTAC, called DT2216, was shown to have synergistic antitumor activities when combined with venetoclax (formerly ABT199, BCL-2-selective inhibitor) in a BCL-xL/2 co-dependent SCLC cell line, NCI-H146 (hereafter referred to as H146), in vitro and in a xenograft model. Guided by these findings, we evaluated our newly developed BCL-xL/2 dual degrader, called 753b, in three BCL-xL/2 co-dependent SCLC cell lines and the H146 xenograft models. 753b was found to degrade both BCL-xL and BCL-2 in these cell lines. Importantly, it was considerably more potent than DT2216, navitoclax, or DT2216+venetoclax to reduce the viability of BCL-xL/2 co-dependent SCLC cell lines in cell culture. In vivo, 5 mg/kg weekly dosing of 753b leads to significant tumor growth delay similar to the DT2216+venetoclax combination in H146 xenografts by degrading both BCL-xL and BCL-2. Additionally, 753b administration at 5 mg/kg every four days induced tumor regressions. 753b at this dosage was well tolerated in mice without induction of severe thrombocytopenia as seen with navitoclax nor induced significant changes in mouse body weights. These results suggest that the BCL-xL/2 dual degrader could be an effective and safe therapeutic for a subset of SCLC patients warranting clinical trials in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Khan
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Lin Cao
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Janet Wiegand
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Maria Zajac-Kaye
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Frederic J. Kaye
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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3
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Chiou JT, Wu YY, Lee YC, Chang LS. BCL2L1 inhibitor A-1331852 inhibits MCL1 transcription and triggers apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115738. [PMID: 37562509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115738] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BH3 mimetics exert anticancer activity by inhibiting anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins. However, accumulating evidence indicates that the off-target effects of these drugs tightly modulates their anticancer activities. In this study, we investigated whether the BCL2L1 inhibitor A-1331852 induced the death of U937 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells through a non-BCL2L1-targeted effect. A-1331852-induced apoptosis in U937 cells was characterized by increased ROS production, downregulation of MCL1, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Ectopic expression of MCL1 alleviated A-1331852-induced mitochondrial depolarization and cytotoxicity in U937 cells. A-1331852-induced ROS production increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and inhibited MCL1 transcription. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activation restored MCL1 expression in A-1331852-treated cells. A-1331852 triggered p38 MAPK-mediated Cullin 3 downregulation, which in turn increased PP2Acα expression, thereby reducing CREB phosphorylation. A-1331852 reduced the binding of CREB to the MCL1 promoter, leading to the inhibition of CREB-mediated MCL1 transcription. Furthermore, A-1331852 acted synergistically with the BCL2 inhibitor ABT-199 to induce U937 and ABT-199-resistant U937 cell death by inhibiting MCL1 expression. A similar phenomenon caused A-1331852-induced MCL1 downregulation and cytotoxicity in AML HL-60 cells. Collectively, our data suggest that A-1331852 shows an off-target effect of inhibiting MCL1 transcription, ultimately leading to U937 and HL-60 cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ting Chiou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ying Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chin Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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4
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Torka P, Russell T, Mavis C, Gu J, Ghione P, Barth M, Hernandez-Ilizaliturri FJ. AMG176, an MCL-1 inhibitor, is active in pre-clinical models of aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:1175-1185. [PMID: 37074033 PMCID: PMC10860744 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2200876] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1 has been implicated in chemotherapy resistance and poor clinical outcomes in B-cell lymphoma (BCL). We report the activity of AMG176, a direct, selective MCL-1 inhibitor, in preclinical models of BCL. A panel of cell lines representing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), double-hit lymphoma (DHL) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) was selected. AMG176 induced apoptotic cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner in all BCL cell lines. Baseline MCL-1 expression was not predictive of response. AMG176 exhibited impressive synergy with venetoclax and chemotherapeutic agents, less so with proteasomal inhibitors, and antagonism with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. The activity of AMG176 could not be confirmed in murine models of BCL. Combination therapy targeting MCL-1 and BCL-2 may provide an alternative therapeutic approach in BCL, however optimal patient selection will remain the key to obtaining high response rates and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallawi Torka
- Departments of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tara Russell
- Departments of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Cory Mavis
- Departments of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Juan Gu
- Departments of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Paola Ghione
- Departments of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Barth
- Departments of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Francisco J Hernandez-Ilizaliturri
- Departments of Medicine, Immunology, and Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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5
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Chiou JT, Hsu CC, Hong YC, Lee YC, Chang LS. Cytarabine-induced destabilization of MCL1 mRNA and protein triggers apoptosis in leukemia cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115494. [PMID: 36924905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Although cytarabine (Ara-C) is the mainstay of treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), its cytotoxic mechanisms for inducing apoptosis are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the Ara-C-induced cell death pathway in human AML U937 cells. Ara-C-induced downregulation of MCL1 is associated with the induction of mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis. Ara-C triggered NOX4-mediated ROS production, which in turn activated p38 MAPK but inactivated AKT. Ara-C-induced DNA damage modulates p38 MAPK activation without affecting AKT inactivation in U937 cells. Inactivated AKT promotes GSK3β-dependent CREB phosphorylation, which in turn increases NOXA transcription, thereby triggering the degradation of MCL1 protein. Activated p38 MAPK induces HuR downregulation, leading to accelerated MCL1 mRNA turnover. A similar pathway also explains the Ara-C-induced THP-1 cell death. Collectively, our data confirm that Ara-C-triggered apoptosis in the AML cell lines U937 and THP-1 is mediated through the destabilization of MCL1 mRNA and protein. Furthermore, Ara-C acts synergistically with the BCL2 inhibitor ABT-199 to induce cell death in ABT-199-resistant and parental U937 cells by inhibiting MCL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ting Chiou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chung Hong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chin Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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6
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Pervushin NV, Senichkin VV, Kapusta AA, Gorbunova AS, Kaminskyy VO, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. Nutrient Deprivation Promotes MCL-1 Degradation in an Autophagy-Independent Manner. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2020; 85:1235-1244. [PMID: 33202208 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, which is an attractive target for cancer treatment, is degraded under nutrient deprivation conditions in different types of cancer. This process sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy. It has been found that nutrient deprivation leads to suppression of Mcl-1 synthesis; however, the mechanisms of Mcl-1 degradation under such conditions remain to be elucidated. In this study, we have investigated the contribution of autophagy and proteasomal degradation to the regulation of the level of Mcl-1 protein under nutrient deprivation conditions. We found that these circumstances cause a decrease in the level of Mcl-1 in cancer cells in a macroautophagy-independent manner via proteasomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N V Pervushin
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192, Russia
| | - V V Senichkin
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192, Russia
| | - A A Kapusta
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192, Russia
| | - A S Gorbunova
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192, Russia
| | - V O Kaminskyy
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - B Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192, Russia.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden
| | - G S Kopeina
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119192, Russia.
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7
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Albendazole-Induced SIRT3 Upregulation Protects Human Leukemia K562 Cells from the Cytotoxicity of MCL1 Suppression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113907. [PMID: 32486166 PMCID: PMC7312678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that MCL1 stabilization confers cancer cells resistance to microtubule targeting agents (MTAs) and functionally extends the lifespan of MTA-triggered mitotically arrested cells. Albendazole (ABZ), a benzimidazole anthelmintic, shows microtubule-destabilizing activity and has been repositioned for cancer therapies. To clarify the role of MCL1 in ABZ-induced apoptosis, we investigated the cytotoxicity of ABZ on human leukemia K562 cells. Treatment with ABZ for 24 h did not appreciably induce apoptosis or mitochondrial depolarization in K562 cells, though it caused the mitotic arrest of K562 cells. ABZ-evoked p38 MAPK activation concurrently suppressed Sp1-mediated MCL1 expression and increased SIRT3 mRNA stability and protein expression. ABZ and A-1210477 (an MCL1 inhibitor) enhanced the cytotoxicity of ABT-263 (a BCL2/BCL2L1 inhibitor) to their effect on MCL1 suppression. Unlike ABZ, A-1210477 did not affect SIRT3 expression and reduced the survival of K562 cells. Overexpression of SIRT3 attenuated the A-1210477 cytotoxicity on K562 cells. ABZ treatment elicited marked apoptosis and ΔΨm loss in ABT-263-resistant K562 (K562/R) cells, but did not alter SIRT3 expression. Ectopic expression of SIRT3 alleviated the cytotoxicity of ABZ on K562/R cells. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ABZ-induced SIRT3 upregulation delays the apoptosis-inducing effect of MCL1 suppression on apoptosis induction in K562 cells.
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8
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Lee YC, Wang LJ, Huang CH, Chiou JT, Shi YJ, Chang LS. Inhibition of EGFR pathway promotes the cytotoxicity of ABT-263 in human leukemia K562 cells by blocking MCL1 upregulation. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114047. [PMID: 32446890 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
ABT-263 induces MCL1 upregulation in cancer cells, which confers resistance to the drug. An increased understanding of the mechanism underlying ABT-263-induced MCL1 expression may provide a strategy to improve its tumor-suppression activity. The present study revealed that ABT-263 reduced the turnover of MCL1 mRNA, thereby upregulating MCL1 expression in human K562 leukemia cells. Furthermore, ABT-263-induced EGFR activation promoted AGO2 phosphorylation at Y393 and reduced miR-125b maturation. Treatment with EGFR inhibitors mitigated MCL1 upregulation induced by ABT-263. Additionally, lithium chloride (LiCl) alleviated ABT-263-induced MCL1 upregulation through EGFR-AGO2 axis-modulated miR-125b suppression. Ectopic expression of dominant negative AGO2(Y393F) or transfection with miR-125b abolished ABT-263-induced upregulation of MCL1 mRNA and protein levels. Co-treatment with either EGFR inhibitors or LiCl collaboratively enhanced ABT-263 cytotoxicity, while MCL1 overexpression eliminated this synergistic effect. Collectively, our data reveal that ABT-263 increases EGFR-mediated AGO2 phosphorylation, which in turn suppresses miR-125b-mediated MCL1 mRNA degradation in K562 cells. The suppression of this signaling pathway results in the synergistic cytotoxic effect of EGFR inhibitors or LiCl and ABT-263.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chin Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Jun Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hui Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ting Chiou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jun Shi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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9
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Pearson JM, Tan SF, Sharma A, Annageldiyev C, Fox TE, Abad JL, Fabrias G, Desai D, Amin S, Wang HG, Cabot MC, Claxton DF, Kester M, Feith DJ, Loughran TP. Ceramide Analogue SACLAC Modulates Sphingolipid Levels and MCL-1 Splicing to Induce Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 18:352-363. [PMID: 31744877 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the blood and bone marrow. The 5-year survival rate is approximately 25%, and recent therapeutic developments have yielded little survival benefit. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets. We previously demonstrated that acid ceramidase (ASAH1, referred to as AC) is upregulated in AML and high AC activity correlates with poor patient survival. Here, we characterized a novel AC inhibitor, SACLAC, that significantly reduced the viability of AML cells with an EC50 of approximately 3 μmol/L across 30 human AML cell lines. Treatment of AML cell lines with SACLAC effectively blocked AC activity and induced a decrease in sphingosine 1-phosphate and a 2.5-fold increase in total ceramide levels. Mechanistically, we showed that SACLAC treatment led to reduced levels of splicing factor SF3B1 and alternative MCL-1 mRNA splicing in multiple human AML cell lines. This increased proapoptotic MCL-1S levels and contributed to SACLAC-induced apoptosis in AML cells. The apoptotic effects of SACLAC were attenuated by SF3B1 or MCL-1 overexpression and by selective knockdown of MCL-1S. Furthermore, AC knockdown and exogenous C16-ceramide supplementation induced similar changes in SF3B1 level and MCL-1S/L ratio. Finally, we demonstrated that SACLAC treatment leads to a 37% to 75% reduction in leukemic burden in two human AML xenograft mouse models. IMPLICATIONS: These data further emphasize AC as a therapeutic target in AML and define SACLAC as a potent inhibitor to be further optimized for future clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Pearson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Arati Sharma
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jose Luis Abad
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBER-EHD), Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Spanish National Research Council (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBER-EHD), Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, Spanish National Research Council (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Hong-Gang Wang
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | | | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. .,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia
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10
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Lee YC, Wang LJ, Huang CH, Shi YJ, Chang LS. ABT-263-induced MCL1 upregulation depends on autophagy-mediated 4EBP1 downregulation in human leukemia cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 432:191-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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11
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Co-targeting of Bcl-2 and mTOR pathway triggers synergistic apoptosis in BH3 mimetics resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32089-103. [PMID: 26392332 PMCID: PMC4741661 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Several chemo-resistance mechanisms including the Bcl-2 protein family overexpression and constitutive activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling have been documented in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), encouraging targeted approaches to circumvent this clinical problem. Here we analyzed the activity of the BH3 mimetic ABT-737 in ALL, exploring the synergistic effects with the mTOR inhibitor CCI-779 on ABT-737 resistant cells. We showed that a low Mcl-1/Bcl-2 plus Bcl-xL protein ratio determined ABT-737 responsiveness. ABT-737 exposure further decreased Mcl-1, inducing apoptosis on sensitive models and primary samples, while not affecting resistant cells. Co-inhibition of Bcl-2 and the mTOR pathway resulted cytotoxic on ABT-737 resistant models, by downregulating mTORC1 activity and Mcl-1 in a proteasome-independent manner. Although Mcl-1 seemed to be critical, ectopic modulation did not correlate with apoptosis changes. Importantly, dual targeting proved effective on ABT-737 resistant samples, showing additive/synergistic effects. Together, our results show the efficacy of BH3 mimetics as single agent in the majority of the ALL samples and demonstrate that resistance to ABT-737 mostly correlated with Mcl-1 overexpression. Co-targeting of the Bcl-2 protein family and mTOR pathway enhanced drug-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing Mcl-1, providing a novel therapeutic approach to overcome BH3 mimetics resistance in ALL.
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12
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Baig S, Seevasant I, Mohamad J, Mukheem A, Huri HZ, Kamarul T. Potential of apoptotic pathway-targeted cancer therapeutic research: Where do we stand? Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2058. [PMID: 26775709 PMCID: PMC4816162 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Underneath the intricacy of every cancer lies mysterious events that impel the tumour cell and its posterity into abnormal growth and tissue invasion. Oncogenic mutations disturb the regulatory circuits responsible for the governance of versatile cellular functions, permitting tumour cells to endure deregulated proliferation, resist to proapoptotic insults, invade and erode normal tissues and above all escape apoptosis. This disruption of apoptosis has been highly implicated in various malignancies and has been exploited as an anticancer strategy. Owing to the fact that apoptosis causes minimal inflammation and damage to the tissue, apoptotic cell death-based therapy has been the centre of attraction for the development of anticancer drugs. Increased understanding of the molecular pathways underlying apoptosis has enabled scientists to establish unique approaches targeting apoptosis pathways in cancer therapeutics. In this review, we reconnoitre the two major pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic) targeted cancer therapeutics, steering toward chief modulators of these pathways, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 protein family members (pro- and antiapoptotic), inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, and the foremost thespian of extrinsic pathway regulator, tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing agent. Together, we also will have a look from clinical perspective to address the agents (drugs) and therapeutic strategies adopted to target these specific proteins/pathways that have entered clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Baig
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Malaya, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia. Tel: +60 3 7967 7022; Fax: +60 3 7949 4642; E-mail: (SB) or Tel: +60 3 7949 2061; Fax: +60 3 7949 4642; E-mail: (TK)
| | - I Seevasant
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - J Mohamad
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - A Mukheem
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - H Z Huri
- Clinical Investigation Centre, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - T Kamarul
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Clinical Investigation Centre, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Malaya, Tissue Engineering Group, Faculty of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia. Tel: +60 3 7967 7022; Fax: +60 3 7949 4642; E-mail: (SB) or Tel: +60 3 7949 2061; Fax: +60 3 7949 4642; E-mail: (TK)
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