1
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Wang H, Qi Z, Lian W, Ma L, Wang S, Liu H, Jin Y, Yang H, Wang J, Cheng M. Application of molecular dynamics-based pharmacophore and machine learning approaches to identify novel Mcl1 inhibitors through drug repurposing and mechanics research. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:16107-16124. [PMID: 38780456 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00576g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl1), a critical protein that regulates apoptosis, has been considered as a promising target for antitumor drugs. The conventional pharmacophore screening approach has limitations in conformation sampling and data mining. Here, we offered an innovative solution to identify Mcl1 inhibitors with molecular dynamics-refined pharmacophore and machine learning methods. Considering the safety and druggability of FDA-approved drugs, virtual screening of the database was performed to discover Mcl1 inhibitors, and the hit was subsequently validated via TR-FRET, cytotoxicity, and flow cytometry assays. To reveal the binding characteristics shared by the hit and a typical Mcl1 selective inhibitor, we employed quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations, umbrella sampling, and metadynamics in this work. The combined studies suggested that fluvastatin had promising cell inhibitory potency and was suitable for further investigation. We believe that this research will shed light on the discovery of novel Mcl1 inhibitors that can be used as a supplemental treatment against leukemia and provide a possible method to improve the accuracy of drug repurposing with limited computational resources while balancing the costs of experimentation well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Zhuo Qi
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Wenxiong Lian
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Lanyan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Shizun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Haihan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Yu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Huali Yang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning, P. R. China.
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2
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Wright T, Turnis ME, Grace CR, Li X, Brakefield LA, Wang YD, Xu H, Kaminska E, Climer LK, Mukiza TO, Chang CL, Moldoveanu T, Opferman JT. Anti-apoptotic MCL-1 promotes long-chain fatty acid oxidation through interaction with ACSL1. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1338-1353.e8. [PMID: 38503284 PMCID: PMC11017322 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.035] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
MCL-1 is essential for promoting the survival of many normal cell lineages and confers survival and chemoresistance in cancer. Beyond apoptosis regulation, MCL-1 has been linked to modulating mitochondrial metabolism, but the mechanism(s) by which it does so are unclear. Here, we show in tissues and cells that MCL-1 supports essential steps in long-chain (but not short-chain) fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) through its binding to specific long-chain acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetases of the ACSL family. ACSL1 binds to the BH3-binding hydrophobic groove of MCL-1 through a non-conventional BH3-domain. Perturbation of this interaction, via genetic loss of Mcl1, mutagenesis, or use of selective BH3-mimetic MCL-1 inhibitors, represses long-chain FAO in cells and in mouse livers and hearts. Our findings reveal how anti-apoptotic MCL-1 facilitates mitochondrial metabolism and indicate that disruption of this function may be associated with unanticipated cardiac toxicities of MCL-1 inhibitors in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristen Wright
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Meghan E Turnis
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Christy R Grace
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lauren A Brakefield
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Yong-Dong Wang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ewa Kaminska
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Leslie K Climer
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Tresor O Mukiza
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Chi-Lun Chang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Tudor Moldoveanu
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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3
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Adhikary U, Paulo JA, Godes M, Roychoudhury S, Prew MS, Ben-Nun Y, Yu EW, Budhraja A, Opferman JT, Chowdhury D, Gygi SP, Walensky LD. Targeting MCL-1 triggers DNA damage and an anti-proliferative response independent from apoptosis induction. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113176. [PMID: 37773750 PMCID: PMC10787359 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MCL-1 is a high-priority target due to its dominant role in the pathogenesis and chemoresistance of cancer, yet clinical trials of MCL-1 inhibitors are revealing toxic side effects. MCL-1 biology is complex, extending beyond apoptotic regulation and confounded by its multiple isoforms, its domains of unresolved structure and function, and challenges in distinguishing noncanonical activities from the apoptotic response. We find that, in the presence or absence of an intact mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, genetic deletion or pharmacologic targeting of MCL-1 induces DNA damage and retards cell proliferation. Indeed, the cancer cell susceptibility profile of MCL-1 inhibitors better matches that of anti-proliferative than pro-apoptotic drugs, expanding their potential therapeutic applications, including synergistic combinations, but heightening therapeutic window concerns. Proteomic profiling provides a resource for mechanistic dissection and reveals the minichromosome maintenance DNA helicase as an interacting nuclear protein complex that links MCL-1 to the regulation of DNA integrity and cell-cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsarga Adhikary
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marina Godes
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Michelle S Prew
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yael Ben-Nun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ellen W Yu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Dipanjan Chowdhury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Loren D Walensky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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4
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Feng H, Fu Y, Cui Z, Zhou M, Zhang L, Gao Z, Ma S, Chen C. Histone demethylase PHF8 facilitates the development of chronic myeloid leukaemia by directly targeting BCR::ABL1. Br J Haematol 2023; 202:1178-1191. [PMID: 37469124 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18983] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), TKI resistance remains a major challenge. Here, we demonstrated that plant homeodomain finger protein 8 (PHF8), a histone demethylase was aberrantly enriched in CML samples compared to healthy controls. PHF8 inhibited CML cell differentiation and promoted CML cell proliferation. Furthermore, the proliferation-inhibited function of PHF8-knockdown have stronger effect on imatinib mesylate (IM)-resistant CML cells. Mechanistically, we identified that PHF8 as a transcriptional modulator interacted with the promoter of the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene and alters the methylation levels of H3K9me1, H3K9me2 and H3K27me1, thereby promoting BCR::ABL1 transcription. Overall, our study suggests that targeting PHF8, which directly regulates BCR::ABL1 expression, is a useful therapeutic approach for CML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Apoptosis
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/metabolism
- Histone Demethylases/genetics
- Imatinib Mesylate/pharmacology
- Imatinib Mesylate/therapeutic use
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Transcription Factors/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Feng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Fu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zelong Cui
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Minran Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenxing Gao
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunyan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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5
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Demin S, Peschiulli A, Velter AI, Vos A, De Boeck B, Miller B, Rombouts FJR, Reuillon T, Lento W, Blanco MD, Jouffroy M, Steyvers H, Bekkers M, Altrocchi C, Pietrak B, Koo SJ, Szewczuk L, Attar R, Philippar U. Macrocyclic Carbon-Linked Pyrazoles As Novel Inhibitors of MCL-1. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:955-961. [PMID: 37465311 PMCID: PMC10351060 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) is a member of the antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins family and a key regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis. Overexpression of MCL-1 is found in many cancer cells and contributes to tumor progression, which makes it an attractive therapeutic target. Pursuing our previous study of macrocyclic indoles for the inhibition of MCL-1, we report herein the impact of both pyrazole and indole isomerism on the potency and overall properties of this family of compounds. We demonstrated that the incorporation of a fluorine atom on the naphthalene moiety was a necessary step to improve cellular potency and that, combined with the introduction of various side chains on the pyrazole, it enhanced solubility significantly. This exploration culminated in the discovery of compounds (Ra)-10 and (Ra)-15, possessing remarkable cellular potency and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuël Demin
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Aldo Peschiulli
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Adriana I. Velter
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Ann Vos
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Benoît De Boeck
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Bradley Miller
- Janssen
Research & Development LLC, 1400 McKean Road (Welsh Road), Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Frederik J. R. Rombouts
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Tristan Reuillon
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - William Lento
- Janssen
Research & Development LLC, 1400 McKean Road (Welsh Road), Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Maria Dominguez Blanco
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Jouffroy
- Chemical
Process R&D, Discovery Process Research, Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Helena Steyvers
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Mariette Bekkers
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Cristina Altrocchi
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Beth Pietrak
- Janssen
Research & Development LLC, 1400 McKean Road (Welsh Road), Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Seong Joo Koo
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
| | - Lawrence Szewczuk
- Janssen
Research & Development LLC, 1400 McKean Road (Welsh Road), Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Ricardo Attar
- Janssen
Research & Development LLC, 1400 McKean Road (Welsh Road), Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Ulrike Philippar
- Janssen
Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica
N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse B-2340, Belgium
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6
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Al-Amer OM, Mir R, Hamadi A, Alasseiri MI, Altayar MA, AlZamzami W, Moawadh M, Alatawi S, Niaz HA, Oyouni AAA, Alzahrani OR, Alatwi HE, Albalawi AE, Alsharif KF, Albrakati A, Hawsawi YM. Antiapoptotic Gene Genotype and Allele Variations and the Risk of Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041012. [PMID: 36831357 PMCID: PMC9954290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The findings of earlier investigations of antiapoptotic gene genotypes and allele variants on lymphoma risk are ambiguous. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the mutation in the antiapoptotic genes and lymphoma risk among Saudi patients. METHODS This case-control study included 205 patients, 100 of whom had lymphoma (cases) and 105 who were healthy volunteers (controls). We used tetra amplification refractory mutation polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify antiapoptotic genes such as B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2-938 C > A), MCL1-rs9803935 T > G, and survivin (BIRC5-rs17882312 G > C and BIRC5-rs9904341 G > C). Allelic-specific PCR was used to identify alleles such as BIRC5-C, MCL1-G, and BIRC5-G. RESULTS The dominant inheritance model among cases showed that mutations in all four antiapoptotic genes were more likely to be associated with the risk of lymphoma by the odds of 2.0-, 1.98-, 3.90-, and 3.29-fold, respectively, compared to controls. Apart from the BCL-2-A allele, all three specified alleles were more likely to be associated with lymphoma by the odds of 2.04-, 1.65-, and 2.11-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION Unlike healthy individuals, lymphoma patients are more likely to have antiapoptotic gene genotypes and allele variants, apart from BCL-2-A alterations. In the future, these findings could be used to classify and identify patients at risk of lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama M. Al-Amer
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence:
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Hamadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed I. Alasseiri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malik A. Altayar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waseem AlZamzami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamdoh Moawadh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sael Alatawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan A. Niaz
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif Abdulwahab A. Oyouni
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Othman R. Alzahrani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan E. Alatwi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aishah E. Albalawi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Genome and Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalaf F. Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Albrakati
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousef M. Hawsawi
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, MBC-J04, P.O. Box 40047, Jeddah 21499, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Tari K, Nasimian A, Kazi JU, Abroun S. Venetoclax Drug Increases the Apoptosis of T and B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells by Reducing the Expression of BCL-2. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MEDICINE 2023; 12:229-241. [PMID: 38751657 PMCID: PMC11092900 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.12.3.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Venetoclax, a specific inhibitor of the BCL2 protein, is administered for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, despite being utilized in conjunction with chemotherapy, the drug exhibits instances of resistance. The exact mechanisms responsible for this resistance remain relatively obscure. Within the context of this investigation, the study aimed to explore the involvement of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins as one of the potential mechanisms underlying this resistance phenomenon. Blast cells were extracted from patients diagnosed with B&T acute lymphoid leukemia. Subsequently, these cells were subjected to a cultivation process. Following the cultivation, treatment with the Venetoclax drug was administered to both groups of B&T cells. Additionally, one group from each cell type was designated as a control. The relative expression levels of genes BCL-2, MCL-1, and BIM were assessed in comparison to the control group. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide staining was done to check cell apoptosis. The results showed a significant increase in the expression of BIM gene and a significant decrease in BCL-2 gene compared to the control group, but the change in the expression of MCL-1 gene was not significant. Also, an increase in apoptosis was observed in the treatment groups compared to the control. Although it was shown that changes in the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes can lead to an increase in cell apoptosis and a decrease in the number of blast cells, more studies are needed to investigate the simultaneous effect of Venetoclax drug with other drugs and also in the form of a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Tari
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Nasimian
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Julhash U. Kazi
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Saied Abroun
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Prew MS, Adhikary U, Choi DW, Portero EP, Paulo JA, Gowda P, Budhraja A, Opferman JT, Gygi SP, Danial NN, Walensky LD. MCL-1 is a master regulator of cancer dependency on fatty acid oxidation. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111445. [PMID: 36198266 PMCID: PMC9933948 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MCL-1 is an anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein essential for survival of diverse cell types and is a major driver of cancer and chemoresistance. The mechanistic basis for the oncogenic supremacy of MCL-1 among its anti-apoptotic homologs is unclear and implicates physiologic roles of MCL-1 beyond apoptotic suppression. Here we find that MCL-1-dependent hematologic cancer cells specifically rely on fatty acid oxidation (FAO) as a fuel source because of metabolic wiring enforced by MCL-1 itself. We demonstrate that FAO regulation by MCL-1 is independent of its anti-apoptotic activity, based on metabolomic, proteomic, and genomic profiling of MCL-1-dependent leukemia cells lacking an intact apoptotic pathway. Genetic deletion of Mcl-1 results in transcriptional downregulation of FAO pathway proteins such that glucose withdrawal triggers cell death despite apoptotic blockade. Our data reveal that MCL-1 is a master regulator of FAO, rendering MCL-1-driven cancer cells uniquely susceptible to treatment with FAO inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Prew
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Utsarga Adhikary
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Dong Wook Choi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erika P Portero
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pruthvi Gowda
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nika N Danial
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Loren D Walensky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Linde Program in Cancer Chemical Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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The Emerging Role of Venetoclax-Based Treatments in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810957. [PMID: 36142863 PMCID: PMC9504828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax, a B-cell lymphoma (BCL-2) inhibitor, in combination with hypomethylating agents has become the new standard of care in elderly and unfit patients with acute myeloid leukemia, with significantly improved overall survival and quality of life. Studies of venetoclax combined with high-dose chemotherapy are emerging with evidence of higher rates of molecular remission. Recently, a growing number of publications bring forth the use of venetoclax in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In the current review, we present the biological rationale of BCL-2 inhibition in ALL, how the interplay of BH3 proteins modulate the response and the current clinical experience with various combinations.
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10
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Daressy F, Séguy L, Favre L, Corvaisier S, Apel C, Groo AC, Litaudon M, Dumontet V, Malzert-Fréon A, Desrat S, Roussi F, Robert A, Wiels J. NA1-115-7, from Zygogynum pancheri, is a new selective MCL-1 inhibitor inducing the apoptosis of hematological cancer cells but non-toxic to normal blood cells or cardiomyocytes. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113546. [PMID: 35988426 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of antiapoptotic members (BCL-2, BCL-xL, MCL-1, etc.) of the BCL-2 family contributes to tumor development and resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Synthetic inhibitors targeting these proteins have been developed, and some hematological malignancies are now widely treated with a BCL-2 inhibitor (venetoclax). However, acquired resistance to venetoclax or chemotherapy drugs due to an upregulation of MCL-1 has been observed, rendering MCL-1 an attractive new target for treatment. Six MCL-1 inhibitors (S64315, AZD-5991, AMG-176, AMG-397, ABBV-467 and PRT1419) have been evaluated in clinical trials since 2016, but some were affected by safety issues and none are currently used clinically. There is, therefore, still a need for alternative molecules. We previously described two drimane derivatives as the first covalent BH3 mimetics targeting MCL-1. Here, we described the characterization and biological efficacy of one of these compounds (NA1-115-7), isolated from Zygogynum pancheri, a plant belonging to the Winteraceae family. NA1-115-7 specifically induced the apoptosis of MCL-1-dependent tumor cells, with two hours of treatment sufficient to trigger cell death. The treatment of lymphoma cells with NA1-115-7 stabilized MCL-1, disrupted its interactions with BAK, and rapidly induced apoptosis through a BAK- and BAX-mediated process. Importantly, a similar treatment with NA1-115-7 was not toxic to erythrocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, platelets, or cardiomyocytes. These results highlight the potential of natural products for use as specific BH3 mimetics non-toxic to normal cells, and they suggest that NA1-115-7 may be a promising tool for use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Daressy
- CNRS UMR9018, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Line Séguy
- Normandie Université, UniCaen, CERMN, F-14000 Caen, France
| | - Loëtitia Favre
- Inserm U955, Université Paris-Est Créteil, F-94009 Créteil, France; AP-HP, CHU Henri Mondor, Département de Pathologie, F-94009 Créteil, France
| | | | - Cécile Apel
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Marc Litaudon
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Vincent Dumontet
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Sandy Desrat
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Fanny Roussi
- Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles, CNRS UPR 2301, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Aude Robert
- Inserm UMR1279, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Joëlle Wiels
- CNRS UMR9018, Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France.
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Deng H, Huang M, Liu H, Zhang H, Liu L, Gao B, Li X, Li J, Niu Q, Zhang Z, Luan S, Zhang J, Jing Y, Liu D, Zhao L. Development of a series of novel Mcl-1 inhibitors bearing an indole carboxylic acid moiety. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:106018. [PMID: 35901526 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The B cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins regulate cell apoptosis by participating in the endogenous apoptosis pathway. As an important anti-apoptotic protein, Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) is overexpressed in a variety of tumor cells, and targeting this protein has been a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Herein, based on the 1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid structure previously discovered, we have developed a series of novel compounds with increased affinities and selectivity toward Mcl-1 through structure-based drug design. Among those compounds, 26 exerted relatively better affinity and selectivity for Mcl-1 with moderate inhibition in HL-60 cells. Mechanism studies showed that compound 26 could induce cancer cells apoptosis in an Mcl-1-dependent manner. It also exhibited good microsomal and plasma stability with acceptable pharmacokinetics profiles. Furthermore, treatment with target compound in a 4T1 xenograft mouse model significantly suppressed the tumor growth. Overall, the small molecule described herein represents a promising Mcl-1 inhibitor for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongguang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Min Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Targeting Drugs for Hematological Malignancies, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bensheng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xianlu Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jinbo Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qun Niu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Zhenwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Shenglin Luan
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Targeting Drugs for Hematological Malignancies, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yongkui Jing
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Targeting Drugs for Hematological Malignancies, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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12
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Montero J, Haq R. Adapted to Survive: Targeting Cancer Cells with BH3 Mimetics. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1217-1232. [PMID: 35491624 PMCID: PMC9306285 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of cancer is cell death evasion, underlying suboptimal responses to chemotherapy, targeted agents, and immunotherapies. The approval of the antiapoptotic BCL2 antagonist venetoclax has finally validated the potential of targeting apoptotic pathways in patients with cancer. Nevertheless, pharmacologic modulators of cell death have shown markedly varied responses in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we review emerging concepts in the use of this class of therapies. Building on these observations, we propose that treatment-induced changes in apoptotic dependency, rather than pretreatment dependencies, will need to be recognized and targeted to realize the precise deployment of these new pharmacologic agents. SIGNIFICANCE Targeting antiapoptotic family members has proven efficacious and tolerable in some cancers, but responses are infrequent, particularly for patients with solid tumors. Biomarkers to aid patient selection have been lacking. Precision functional approaches that overcome adaptive resistance to these compounds could drive durable responses to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Montero
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
| | - Rizwan Haq
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Authors: Rizwan Haq, Department of Medical Oncology M423A, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Phone: 617-632-6168; E-mail: ; and Joan Montero, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), c/Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Barcelona 08028, Spain. Phone: 34-93-403-9956; E-mail:
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13
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Synergistic apoptotic effect of Mcl-1 inhibition and doxorubicin on B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2025-2036. [PMID: 35138523 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07021-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) is a component of the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic family that plays a key role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Despite tremendous improvements toward identification of the role of MCL-1 in leukemia progression, the functional significance and molecular mechanism behind the effect of MCL-1 overexpression on the proliferation of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) has not been clarified. In addition, less well appreciated is the effect of MCL-1 inhibition on the potentiation of doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in BCP-ALL cell lines. In the present study, we aimed to shed light on the anti-cancer properties of S63845, a potent Mcl-1 inhibitor, in BCP-ALL cell lines either alone or in combination with a chemotherapeutic drug. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mononuclear cells from patients with Pre-B ALL and BCP-ALL cell lines were treated with S63845 in presence or absence of doxorubicin, induction of apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin-V/PI staining kit. mRNA and protein expression levels were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Our results declared that inhibition of Mcl-1 impairs cell growth and induces apoptosis in pre-B ALL cells through activation of caspase-3 and up-regulation of a repertoire of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family. Additionally, S63845 acts synergically with doxorubicin to induce apoptosis in BCP-ALL cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Our data declared that MCL-1 inhibition alone or in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent is considered an appealing strategy for the induction of apoptosis in BCP-ALL cells.
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14
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SFPQ-ABL1 and BCR-ABL1 utilize different signalling networks to drive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Blood Adv 2022; 6:2373-2387. [PMID: 35061886 PMCID: PMC9006296 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SFPQ-ABL1 is localized to the nuclear compartment and is a relatively weaker driver of cellular proliferation compared with BCR-ABL1. SFPQ-ABL1 and BCR-ABL1 activate distinct signaling networks, both of which converge on inhibiting apoptosis and driving proliferation.
Philadelphia-like (Ph-like) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a high-risk subtype of B-cell ALL characterized by a gene expression profile resembling Philadelphia chromosome–positive ALL (Ph+ ALL) in the absence of BCR-ABL1. Tyrosine kinase–activating fusions, some involving ABL1, are recurrent drivers of Ph-like ALL and are targetable with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We identified a rare instance of SFPQ-ABL1 in a child with Ph-like ALL. SFPQ-ABL1 expressed in cytokine-dependent cell lines was sufficient to transform cells and these cells were sensitive to ABL1-targeting TKIs. In contrast to BCR-ABL1, SFPQ-ABL1 localized to the nuclear compartment and was a weaker driver of cellular proliferation. Phosphoproteomics analysis showed upregulation of cell cycle, DNA replication, and spliceosome pathways, and downregulation of signal transduction pathways, including ErbB, NF-κB, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and MAPK signaling in SFPQ-ABL1–expressing cells compared with BCR-ABL1–expressing cells. SFPQ-ABL1 expression did not activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling and was associated with phosphorylation of G2/M cell cycle proteins. SFPQ-ABL1 was sensitive to navitoclax and S-63845 and promotes cell survival by maintaining expression of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL. SFPQ-ABL1 has functionally distinct mechanisms by which it drives ALL, including subcellular localization, proliferative capacity, and activation of cellular pathways. These findings highlight the role that fusion partners have in mediating the function of ABL1 fusions.
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15
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Inhibition of MCL1 induces apoptosis in anaplastic large cell lymphoma and in primary effusion lymphoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1085. [PMID: 35058488 PMCID: PMC8776734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04916-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractOverexpression of antiapoptotic BCL2 family proteins occurs in various hematologic malignancies and contributes to tumorigenesis by inhibiting the apoptotic machinery of the cells. Antagonizing BH3 mimetics provide an option for medication, with venetoclax as the first drug applied for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and for acute myeloid leukemia. To find additional hematologic entities with ectopic expression of BCL2 family members, we performed expression screening of cell lines applying the LL-100 panel. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), 2/22 entities covered by this panel, stood out by high expression of MCL1 and low expression of BCL2. The MCL1 inhibitor AZD-5991 induced apoptosis in cell lines from both malignancies, suggesting that this BH3 mimetic might be efficient as drug for these diseases. The ALCL cell lines also expressed BCLXL and BCL2A1, both contributing to survival of the cells. The combination of specific BH3 mimetics yielded synergistic effects, pointing to a novel strategy for the treatment of ALCL. The PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ-235 could also efficiently be applied in combination with AZD-5991, offering an alternative to avoid thrombocytopenia which is associated with the use of BCLXL inhibitors.
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16
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Inhibiting Casein Kinase 2 Sensitizes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells to Venetoclax Via MCL1 Degradation. Blood Adv 2021; 5:5501-5506. [PMID: 34610112 PMCID: PMC8714730 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021004513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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17
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BH3 Mimetics in Hematologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810157. [PMID: 34576319 PMCID: PMC8466478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies (HM) comprise diverse cancers of lymphoid and myeloid origin, including lymphomas (approx. 40%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, approx. 15%), multiple myeloma (MM, approx. 15%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML, approx. 10%), and many other diseases. Despite considerable improvement in treatment options and survival parameters in the new millennium, many patients with HM still develop chemotherapy-refractory diseases and require re-treatment. Because frontline therapies for the majority of HM (except for CLL) are still largely based on classical cytostatics, the relapses are often associated with defects in DNA damage response (DDR) pathways and anti-apoptotic blocks exemplified, respectively, by mutations or deletion of the TP53 tumor suppressor, and overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family. BCL2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetics represent a novel class of pro-apoptotic anti-cancer agents with a unique mode of action—direct targeting of mitochondria independently of TP53 gene aberrations. Consequently, BH3 mimetics can effectively eliminate even non-dividing malignant cells with adverse molecular cytogenetic alterations. Venetoclax, the nanomolar inhibitor of BCL2 anti-apoptotic protein has been approved for the therapy of CLL and AML. Numerous venetoclax-based combinatorial treatment regimens, next-generation BCL2 inhibitors, and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) protein inhibitors, which are another class of BH3 mimetics with promising preclinical results, are currently being tested in several clinical trials in patients with diverse HM. These pivotal trials will soon answer critical questions and concerns about these innovative agents regarding not only their anti-tumor efficacy but also potential side effects, recommended dosages, and the optimal length of therapy as well as identification of reliable biomarkers of sensitivity or resistance. Effective harnessing of the full therapeutic potential of BH3 mimetics is a critical mission as it may directly translate into better management of the aggressive forms of HM and could lead to significantly improved survival parameters and quality of life in patients with urgent medical needs.
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18
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Nor Hisam NS, Ugusman A, Rajab NF, Ahmad MF, Fenech M, Liew SL, Mohamad Anuar NN. Combination Therapy of Navitoclax with Chemotherapeutic Agents in Solid Tumors and Blood Cancer: A Review of Current Evidence. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091353. [PMID: 34575429 PMCID: PMC8468743 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination therapy emerges as a fundamental scheme in cancer. Many targeted therapeutic agents are developed to be used with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to enhance drug efficacy and reduce toxicity effects. ABT-263, known as navitoclax, mimics the BH3-only proteins of the BCL-2 family and has a high affinity towards pro-survival BCL-2 family proteins (i.e., BCL-XL, BCL-2, BCL-W) to induce cell apoptosis effectively. A single navitoclax action potently ameliorates several tumor progressions, including blood and bone marrow cancer, as well as small cell lung carcinoma. Not only that, but navitoclax alone also therapeutically affects fibrotic disease. Nevertheless, outcomes from the clinical trial of a single navitoclax agent in patients with advanced and relapsed small cell lung cancer demonstrated a limited anti-cancer activity. This brings accumulating evidence of navitoclax to be used concomitantly with other chemotherapeutic agents in several solid and non-solid tumors that are therapeutically benefiting from navitoclax treatment in preclinical studies. Initially, we justify the anti-cancer role of navitoclax in combination therapy. Then, we evaluate the current evidence of navitoclax in combination with the chemotherapeutic agents comprehensively to indicate the primary regulator of this combination strategy in order to produce a therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Syahidah Nor Hisam
- Programme of Biomedical Science, Centre for Toxicology & Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (N.S.N.H.); (S.L.L.)
| | - Azizah Ugusman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness, Programme of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (N.F.R.); (M.F.)
| | - Mohd Faizal Ahmad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Michael Fenech
- Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness, Programme of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (N.F.R.); (M.F.)
- Genome Health Foundation, North Brighton, SA 5048, Australia
| | - Sze Ling Liew
- Programme of Biomedical Science, Centre for Toxicology & Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (N.S.N.H.); (S.L.L.)
| | - Nur Najmi Mohamad Anuar
- Programme of Biomedical Science, Centre for Toxicology & Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia; (N.S.N.H.); (S.L.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-13-3845844
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19
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Cotargeting BCL-2 and MCL-1 in high-risk B-ALL. Blood Adv 2021; 4:2762-2767. [PMID: 32569380 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving survival outcomes in adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) remains a clinical challenge. Relapsed disease has a poor prognosis despite the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+ ALL) cases and immunotherapeutic approaches, including blinatumomab and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Targeting aberrant cell survival pathways with selective small molecule BH3-mimetic inhibitors of BCL-2 (venetoclax, S55746), BCL-XL (A1331852), or MCL1 (S63845) is an emerging therapeutic option. We report that combined targeting of BCL-2 and MCL1 is synergistic in B-ALL in vitro. The combination demonstrated greater efficacy than standard chemotherapeutics and TKIs in primary samples from adult B-ALL with Ph+ ALL, Ph-like ALL, and other B-ALL. Moreover, combined BCL-2 or MCL1 inhibition with dasatinib showed potent killing in primary Ph+ B-ALL cases, but the BH3-mimetic combination appeared superior in vitro in a variety of Ph-like ALL samples. In PDX models, combined BCL-2 and MCL1 targeting eradicated ALL from Ph- and Ph+ B-ALL cases, although fatal tumor lysis was observed in some instances of high tumor burden. We conclude that a dual BH3-mimetic approach is highly effective in diverse models of high-risk human B-ALL and warrants assessment in clinical trials that incorporate tumor lysis precautions.
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20
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Wang H, Guo M, Wei H, Chen Y. Targeting MCL-1 in cancer: current status and perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:67. [PMID: 33883020 PMCID: PMC8061042 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid leukemia 1 (MCL-1) is an antiapoptotic protein of the BCL-2 family that prevents apoptosis by binding to the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. Overexpression of MCL-1 is frequently observed in many tumor types and is closely associated with tumorigenesis, poor prognosis and drug resistance. The central role of MCL-1 in regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Significant progress has been made with regard to MCL-1 inhibitors, some of which have entered clinical trials. Here, we discuss the mechanism by which MCL-1 regulates cancer cell apoptosis and review the progress related to MCL-1 small molecule inhibitors and their role in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haolan Wang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Hudie Wei
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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21
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Turnis ME, Kaminska E, Smith KH, Kartchner BJ, Vogel P, Laxton JD, Ashmun RA, Ney PA, Opferman JT. Requirement for antiapoptotic MCL-1 during early erythropoiesis. Blood 2021; 137:1945-1958. [PMID: 33512417 PMCID: PMC8033457 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although BCL-xL is critical to the survival of mature erythrocytes, it is still unclear whether other antiapoptotic molecules mediate survival during earlier stages of erythropoiesis. Here, we demonstrate that erythroid-specific Mcl1 deletion results in embryonic lethality beyond embryonic day 13.5 as a result of severe anemia caused by a lack of mature red blood cells (RBCs). Mcl1-deleted embryos exhibit stunted growth, ischemic necrosis, and decreased RBCs in the blood. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MCL-1 is only required during early definitive erythropoiesis; during later stages, developing erythrocytes become MCL-1 independent and upregulate the expression of BCL-xL. Functionally, MCL-1 relies upon its ability to prevent apoptosis to promote erythroid development because codeletion of the proapoptotic effectors Bax and Bak can overcome the requirement for MCL-1 expression. Furthermore, ectopic expression of human BCL2 in erythroid progenitors can compensate for Mcl1 deletion, indicating redundancy between these 2 antiapoptotic family members. These data clearly demonstrate a requirement for MCL-1 in promoting survival of early erythroid progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan D Laxton
- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; and
| | - Richard A Ashmun
- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Shared Resource, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; and
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22
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Fan Y, Hou X, Fang H. Recent Advances in the Development of Selective Mcl-1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer (2017-Present). Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 15:306-320. [DOI: 10.2174/1574892815666200916124641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) protein, as a critical pro-survival member
of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein family, plays an important role in apoptosis, carcinogenesis
and resistance to chemotherapies. Hence, potently and selectively inhibiting Mcl-1 to induce
apoptosis has become a widely accepted anticancer strategy.
Objective:
This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of patents and primary literature,
published from 2017 to present, on small molecule Mcl-1 inhibitors with various scaffolds.
By analyzing the modes of compound-protein interactions, the similarities and differences of those
structures are discussed, which could provide guidance for future drug design.
Methods:
The primary accesses for patent searching are SciFinder and Espacenet®. Besides the data
disclosed in patents, some results published in the follow-up research papers will be included in
this review.
Results:
The review covers dozens of patents on Mcl-1 inhibitors in the past three years, and the
scaffolds of compounds are mainly divided into indole scaffolds and non-indole scaffolds. The
compounds described here are compared with the relevant inhibitors disclosed in previous patents,
and representative compounds, especially those launched in clinical trials, are emphasized in this review.
Conclusion:
For most of the compounds in these patents, analyses of the binding affinity to Mcl-1
and studies in multiple cell lines were conducted, wherein some compounds were tested in preclinical
cancer models or were included in other biological studies. Some compounds showed promising
results and potential for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
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23
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Smith KH, Budhraja A, Lynch J, Roberts K, Panetta JC, Connelly JP, Turnis ME, Pruett-Miller SM, Schuetz JD, Mullighan CG, Opferman JT. The Heme-Regulated Inhibitor Pathway Modulates Susceptibility of Poor Prognosis B-Lineage Acute Leukemia to BH3-Mimetics. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:636-650. [PMID: 33288732 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antiapoptotic MCL1 is one of the most frequently amplified genes in human cancers and elevated expression confers resistance to many therapeutics including the BH3-mimetic agents ABT-199 and ABT-263. The antimalarial, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) translationally represses MCL-1 and synergizes with BH3-mimetics. To explore how DHA represses MCL-1, a genome-wide CRISPR screen identified that loss of genes in the heme synthesis pathway renders mouse BCR-ABL+ B-ALL cells resistant to DHA-induced death. Mechanistically, DHA disrupts the interaction between heme and the eIF2α kinase heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) triggering the integrated stress response. Genetic ablation of Eif2ak1, which encodes HRI, blocks MCL-1 repression in response to DHA treatment and represses the synergistic killing of DHA and BH3-mimetics compared with wild-type leukemia. Furthermore, BTdCPU, a small-molecule activator of HRI, similarly triggers MCL-1 repression and synergizes with BH3-mimetics in mouse and human leukemia including both Ph+ and Ph-like B-ALL. Finally, combinatorial treatment of leukemia bearing mice with both BTdCPU and a BH3-mimetic extended survival and repressed MCL-1 in vivo. These findings reveal for the first time that the HRI-dependent cellular heme-sensing pathway can modulate apoptosis in leukemic cells by repressing MCL-1 and increasing their responsiveness to BH3-mimetics. This signaling pathway could represent a generalizable mechanism for repressing MCL-1 expression in malignant cells and sensitizing them to available therapeutics. IMPLICATIONS: The HRI-dependent cellular heme-sensing pathway can modulate apoptotic sensitivity in leukemic cells by repressing antiapoptotic MCL-1 and increasing their responsiveness to BH3-mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn H Smith
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John Lynch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Kathryn Roberts
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John C Panetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Jon P Connelly
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Meghan E Turnis
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shondra M Pruett-Miller
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.,Center for Advanced Genome Engineering, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John D Schuetz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Charles G Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
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24
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Lin VS, Xu ZF, Huang DCS, Thijssen R. BH3 Mimetics for the Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies-Insights and Lessons from the Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113353. [PMID: 33198338 PMCID: PMC7696913 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and plasma cell dyscrasias, are significant contributors to cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathogenesis of many B-cell malignancies involves perturbations in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis that allow cells to evade cell death. BH3 mimetics represent a class of anti-cancer agents that can restore the ability of cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Venetoclax, a recently approved BH3 mimetic, has transformed the therapeutic landscape for CLL. Other BH3 mimetics are currently under development. This review summarizes the available data on existing BH3 mimetics and highlights both the rapidly expanding role of BH3 mimetics in the treatment of B-cell malignancies and the clinical challenges of their use. Abstract The discovery of the link between defective apoptotic regulation and cancer cell survival engendered the idea of targeting aberrant components of the apoptotic machinery for cancer therapy. The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis is tightly controlled by interactions amongst members of three distinct subgroups of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family of proteins. The pro-survival BCL2 proteins prevent apoptosis by keeping the pro-apoptotic effector proteins BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) and BCL2 homologous antagonist/killer (BAK) in check, while the BH3-only proteins initiate apoptosis by either neutralizing the pro-survival BCL2 proteins or directly activating the pro-apoptotic effector proteins. This tripartite regulatory mechanism is commonly perturbed in B-cell malignancies facilitating cell death evasion. Over the past two decades, structure-based drug discovery has resulted in the development of a series of small molecules that mimic the function of BH3-only proteins called the BH3 mimetics. The most clinically advanced of these is venetoclax, which is a highly selective inhibitor of BCL2 that has transformed the treatment landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Other BH3 mimetics, which selectively target myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) and B-cell lymphoma extra large (BCLxL), are currently under investigation for use in diverse malignancies. Here, we review the current role of BH3 mimetics in the treatment of CLL and other B-cell malignancies and address open questions in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor S. Lin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, 3052 Parkville, Australia; (V.S.L.); (Z.-F.X.); (D.C.S.H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, 3000 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zhuo-Fan Xu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, 3052 Parkville, Australia; (V.S.L.); (Z.-F.X.); (D.C.S.H.)
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 30 Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100084, China
| | - David C. S. Huang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, 3052 Parkville, Australia; (V.S.L.); (Z.-F.X.); (D.C.S.H.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 3000 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Thijssen
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, 3052 Parkville, Australia; (V.S.L.); (Z.-F.X.); (D.C.S.H.)
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 3000 Melbourne, Australia
- Correspondence:
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25
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Szlavik Z, Csekei M, Paczal A, Szabo ZB, Sipos S, Radics G, Proszenyak A, Balint B, Murray J, Davidson J, Chen I, Dokurno P, Surgenor AE, Daniels ZM, Hubbard RE, Le Toumelin-Braizat G, Claperon A, Lysiak-Auvity G, Girard AM, Bruno A, Chanrion M, Colland F, Maragno AL, Demarles D, Geneste O, Kotschy A. Discovery of S64315, a Potent and Selective Mcl-1 Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13762-13795. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Szlavik
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marton Csekei
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Paczal
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan B. Szabo
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Sipos
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Radics
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Proszenyak
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balazs Balint
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - James Murray
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - James Davidson
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - Ijen Chen
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - Pawel Dokurno
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | | | | | | | | | - Audrey Claperon
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Gaëlle Lysiak-Auvity
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Anne-Marie Girard
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Alain Bruno
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Maia Chanrion
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Frédéric Colland
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Ana-Leticia Maragno
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Didier Demarles
- Technologie Servier, 27 Rue Eugène Vignat, 45000 Orleans, France
| | - Olivier Geneste
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Andras Kotschy
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7, H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
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26
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Satta T, Grant S. Enhancing venetoclax activity in hematological malignancies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:697-708. [PMID: 32600066 PMCID: PMC7529910 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1789588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeting anti-apoptotic pathways involving the BCL2 family proteins represents a novel treatment strategy in hematologic malignancies. Venetoclax, a selective BCL2 inhibitor, represents the first approved agent of this class, and is currently used in CLL and AML. However, monotherapy is rarely sufficient for sustained responses due to the development of drug resistance and loss of dependence upon the targeted protein. Numerous pre-clinical studies have shown that combining venetoclax with other agents may represent a more effective therapeutic strategy by circumventing resistance mechanisms. In this review, we summarize pre-clinical data providing a foundation for rational combination strategies involving venetoclax. AREAS COVERED Novel combination strategies in hematologic malignancies involving venetoclax, primarily at the pre-clinical level, will be reviewed. We emphasize novel agents that interrupt complementary or compensatory pro-survival pathways, and particularly mechanistic insights underlying synergism. PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google scholar were searched from 2000. EXPERT OPINION Although venetoclax has proven to be an effective therapeutic in hematologic malignancies, monotherapy may be insufficient for maximal effectiveness due to the development of resistance and/or loss of BCL2 addiction. Further pre-clinical and clinical development of combination therapies may be necessary for optimal outcomes in patients with diverse blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihisa Satta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, USA
| | - Steven Grant
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, USA
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27
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Strasser A, Vaux DL. Cell Death in the Origin and Treatment of Cancer. Mol Cell 2020; 78:1045-1054. [PMID: 32516599 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell death, or, more specifically, cell suicide, is a process of fundamental importance to human health. Throughout our lives, over a million cells are produced every second. When organismal growth has stopped, to balance cell division, a similar number of cells must be removed. This is achieved by activation of molecular mechanisms that have evolved so that cells can destroy themselves. The first clues regarding the nature of one of these mechanisms came from studying genes associated with cancer, in particular the gene for BCL-2. Subsequent studies revealed that mutations or other defects that inhibit cell death allow cells to accumulate, prevent removal of cells with damaged DNA, and increase the resistance of malignant cells to chemotherapy. Knowledge of this mechanism has allowed development of drugs that kill cancer cells by directly activating the cell death machinery and by synergizing with conventional chemotherapy as well as targeted agents to achieve improved outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - David L Vaux
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.
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28
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Hussein Kamareddine M, Ghosn Y, Tawk A, Elia C, Alam W, Makdessi J, Farhat S. Organic Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems and Their Potential Role in the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 18:1533033819879902. [PMID: 31865865 PMCID: PMC6928535 DOI: 10.1177/1533033819879902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm that occurs more prominently in the older population, with a peak incidence at ages 45 to 85 years and a median age at diagnosis of 65 years. This disease comprises roughly 15% of all leukemias in adults. It is a clonal stem cell disorder of myeloid cells characterized by the presence of t(9;22) chromosomal translocation, also known as the Philadelphia chromosome, or its byproducts BCR-ABL fusion protein/messenger RNA, leading to the expression of a protein with enhanced tyrosine kinase activity. This fusion protein has become the main therapeutic target in chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, with imatinib displaying superior antileukemic effects, placing it at the forefront of current treatment protocols and displaying great efficacy. Alternatively, nanomedicine and employing nanoparticles as drug delivery systems may represent new approaches in future anticancer therapy. This review focuses primarily on the use of organic nanoparticles aimed at chronic myeloid leukemia therapy in both in vitro and in vivo settings, by going through a thorough survey of published literature. After a brief introduction on the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia, a description of conventional, first- and second-line, treatment modalities of chronic myeloid leukemia is presented. Finally, some of the general applications of nanostrategies in medicine are presented, with a detailed focus on organic nanocarriers and their constituents used in chronic myeloid leukemia treatment from the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Youssef Ghosn
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, El-Koura, Lebanon
| | - Antonios Tawk
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, El-Koura, Lebanon
| | - Carlos Elia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Balamand, El-Koura, Lebanon
| | - Walid Alam
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, El-Koura, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Makdessi
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Said Farhat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Achrafieh-Beirut, Lebanon
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29
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Kelly GL, Strasser A. Toward Targeting Antiapoptotic MCL-1 for Cancer Therapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY-SERIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is critical for embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and the removal of infected or otherwise dangerous cells. It is controlled by three subgroups of the BCL-2 protein family—the BH3-only proteins that initiate cell death; the effectors of cell killing, BAX and BAK; and the antiapoptotic guardians, including MCL-1 and BCL-2. Defects in apoptosis can promote tumorigenesis and render malignant cells refractory to anticancer therapeutics. Activation of cell death by inhibiting antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members has emerged as an attractive strategy for cancer therapy, with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax leading the way. Large-scale cancer genome analyses have revealed frequent amplification of the locus encoding antiapoptotic MCL-1 in human cancers, and functional studies have shown that MCL-1 is essential for the sustained survival and expansion of many types of tumor cells. Structural analysis and medicinal chemistry have led to the development of three distinct small-molecule inhibitors of MCL-1 that are currently undergoing clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma L. Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia;,
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia;,
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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30
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Grabow S, Kueh AJ, Ke F, Vanyai HK, Sheikh BN, Dengler MA, Chiang W, Eccles S, Smyth IM, Jones LK, de Sauvage FJ, Scott M, Whitehead L, Voss AK, Strasser A. Subtle Changes in the Levels of BCL-2 Proteins Cause Severe Craniofacial Abnormalities. Cell Rep 2019; 24:3285-3295.e4. [PMID: 30232009 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptotic cell death removes unwanted cells and is regulated by interactions between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 protein family. The regulation of apoptosis is thought to be crucial for normal embryonic development. Accordingly, complete loss of pro-survival MCL-1 or BCL-XL (BCL2L1) causes embryonic lethality. However, it is not known whether minor reductions in pro-survival proteins could cause developmental abnormalities. We explored the rate-limiting roles of MCL-1 and BCL-XL in development and show that combined loss of single alleles of Mcl-1 and Bcl-x causes neonatal lethality. Mcl-1+/-;Bcl-x+/- mice display craniofacial anomalies, but additional loss of a single allele of pro-apoptotic Bim (Bcl2l11) restores normal development. These findings demonstrate that the control of cell survival during embryogenesis is finely balanced and suggest that some human craniofacial defects, for which causes are currently unknown, may be due to subtle imbalances between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Grabow
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Andrew J Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Francine Ke
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Hannah K Vanyai
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Bilal N Sheikh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Michael A Dengler
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - William Chiang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Samantha Eccles
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Ian M Smyth
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Lynelle K Jones
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | - Mark Scott
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lachlan Whitehead
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anne K Voss
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia.
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31
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Du Y, Li K, Wang X, Kaushik AC, Junaid M, Wei D. Identification of chlorprothixene as a potential drug that induces apoptosis and autophagic cell death in acute myeloid leukemia cells. FEBS J 2019; 287:1645-1665. [PMID: 31625692 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous malignance, the common molecular mechanisms shared by different AML subtypes play critical roles in AML development. It is possible to identify new drugs that are effective for various AML subtypes based on the common molecular mechanisms. Therefore, we developed a hypothesis-driven bioinformatic drug screening framework by integrating multiple omics data. In this study, we identified that chlorprothixene, a dopamine receptor antagonist, could effectively inhibit growth of AML cells from different subtypes. RNA-seq analysis suggested that chlorprothixene perturbed a series of crucial biological processes such as cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy in AML cells. Further investigations indicated that chlorprothixene could induce both apoptosis and autophagy in AML cells, and apoptosis and autophagy could act as partners to induce cell death cooperatively. Remarkably, chlorprothixene was found to inhibit tumor growth and induce in situ leukemic cell apoptosis in the murine xenograft model. Furthermore, chlorprothixene treatment could reduce the level of oncofusion proteins PML-RARα and AML1-ETO, thus elevate the expression of apoptosis-related genes, and lead to AML cell death. Our results provided new insights for drug repositioning of AML therapy and confirmed that chlorprothixene might be a potential candidate for treatment of different subtypes of AML by reducing expression of oncofusion proteins. DATABASE: RNA-seq data are available in GEO database under the accession number GSE124316.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Kening Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Xiangeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Aman Chandra Kaushik
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Muhammad Junaid
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Dongqing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
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32
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Cidado J, Boiko S, Proia T, Ferguson D, Criscione SW, San Martin M, Pop-Damkov P, Su N, Roamio Franklin VN, Sekhar Reddy Chilamakuri C, D'Santos CS, Shao W, Saeh JC, Koch R, Weinstock DM, Zinda M, Fawell SE, Drew L. AZD4573 Is a Highly Selective CDK9 Inhibitor That Suppresses MCL-1 and Induces Apoptosis in Hematologic Cancer Cells. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 26:922-934. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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33
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Kabir S, Cidado J, Andersen C, Dick C, Lin PC, Mitros T, Ma H, Baik SH, Belmonte MA, Drew L, Corn JE. The CUL5 ubiquitin ligase complex mediates resistance to CDK9 and MCL1 inhibitors in lung cancer cells. eLife 2019; 8:44288. [PMID: 31294695 PMCID: PMC6701926 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins MCL1 and Bcl-xL are frequently observed in many cancers. Inhibitors targeting MCL1 are in clinical development, however numerous cancer models are intrinsically resistant to this approach. To discover mechanisms underlying resistance to MCL1 inhibition, we performed multiple flow-cytometry based genome-wide CRISPR screens interrogating two drugs that directly (MCL1i) or indirectly (CDK9i) target MCL1. Remarkably, both screens identified three components (CUL5, RNF7 and UBE2F) of a cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase complex (CRL5) that resensitized cells to MCL1 inhibition. We find that levels of the BH3-only pro-apoptotic proteins Bim and Noxa are proteasomally regulated by the CRL5 complex. Accumulation of Noxa caused by depletion of CRL5 components was responsible for re-sensitization to CDK9 inhibitor, but not MCL1 inhibitor. Discovery of a novel role of CRL5 in apoptosis and resistance to multiple types of anticancer agents suggests the potential to improve combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen Kabir
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Justin Cidado
- Bioscience Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Waltham, United States
| | - Courtney Andersen
- Bioscience Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Waltham, United States
| | - Cortni Dick
- Bioscience Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Waltham, United States
| | - Pei-Chun Lin
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Therese Mitros
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Hong Ma
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Seung Hyun Baik
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Matthew A Belmonte
- Bioscience Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Waltham, United States
| | - Lisa Drew
- Bioscience Oncology, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Waltham, United States
| | - Jacob E Corn
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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34
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Szlávik Z, Ondi L, Csékei M, Paczal A, Szabó ZB, Radics G, Murray J, Davidson J, Chen I, Davis B, Hubbard RE, Pedder C, Dokurno P, Surgenor A, Smith J, Robertson A, LeToumelin-Braizat G, Cauquil N, Zarka M, Demarles D, Perron-Sierra F, Claperon A, Colland F, Geneste O, Kotschy A. Structure-Guided Discovery of a Selective Mcl-1 Inhibitor with Cellular Activity. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6913-6924. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Szlávik
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Levente Ondi
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márton Csékei
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Paczal
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán B. Szabó
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Radics
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
| | - James Murray
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - James Davidson
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - Ijen Chen
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - Ben Davis
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | | | | | - Pawel Dokurno
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - Allan Surgenor
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - Julia Smith
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | - Alan Robertson
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GB, U.K
| | | | - Nicolas Cauquil
- Institute de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Marion Zarka
- Institute de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Didier Demarles
- Technologie Servier, 27 Rue Eugène Vignat, 45000 Orleans, France
| | | | - Audrey Claperon
- Institute de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Frederic Colland
- Institute de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Olivier Geneste
- Institute de Recherche Servier, 125 Chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - András Kotschy
- Servier Research Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Záhony u. 7., H-1031 Budapest, Hungary
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35
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Lee T, Christov PP, Shaw S, Tarr JC, Zhao B, Veerasamy N, Jeon KO, Mills JJ, Bian Z, Sensintaffar JL, Arnold AL, Fogarty SA, Perry E, Ramsey HE, Cook RS, Hollingshead M, Davis Millin M, Lee KM, Koss B, Budhraja A, Opferman JT, Kim K, Arteaga CL, Moore WJ, Olejniczak ET, Savona MR, Fesik SW. Discovery of Potent Myeloid Cell Leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) Inhibitors That Demonstrate in Vivo Activity in Mouse Xenograft Models of Human Cancer. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3971-3988. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taekyu Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Plamen P. Christov
- Chemical Synthesis Core, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Subrata Shaw
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - James C. Tarr
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Nagarathanam Veerasamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Kyu Ok Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Mills
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Zhiguo Bian
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - John L. Sensintaffar
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Allison L. Arnold
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Stuart A. Fogarty
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Evan Perry
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Haley E. Ramsey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Rebecca S. Cook
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | | | | | - Kyung-min Lee
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Brian Koss
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Joseph T. Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Kwangho Kim
- Chemical Synthesis Core, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Carlos L. Arteaga
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - William J. Moore
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Edward T. Olejniczak
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
| | - Michael R. Savona
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Stephen W. Fesik
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0146, United States
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36
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Discovery of Mcl-1-specific inhibitor AZD5991 and preclinical activity in multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5341. [PMID: 30559424 PMCID: PMC6297231 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07551-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mcl-1 is a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins that promotes cell survival by preventing induction of apoptosis in many cancers. High expression of Mcl-1 causes tumorigenesis and resistance to anticancer therapies highlighting the potential of Mcl-1 inhibitors as anticancer drugs. Here, we describe AZD5991, a rationally designed macrocyclic molecule with high selectivity and affinity for Mcl-1 currently in clinical development. Our studies demonstrate that AZD5991 binds directly to Mcl-1 and induces rapid apoptosis in cancer cells, most notably myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia, by activating the Bak-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. AZD5991 shows potent antitumor activity in vivo with complete tumor regression in several models of multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia after a single tolerated dose as monotherapy or in combination with bortezomib or venetoclax. Based on these promising data, a Phase I clinical trial has been launched for evaluation of AZD5991 in patients with hematological malignancies (NCT03218683).
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37
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Merino D, Kelly GL, Lessene G, Wei AH, Roberts AW, Strasser A. BH3-Mimetic Drugs: Blazing the Trail for New Cancer Medicines. Cancer Cell 2018; 34:879-891. [PMID: 30537511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Defects in apoptotic cell death can promote cancer and impair responses of malignant cells to anti-cancer therapy. Pro-survival BCL-2 proteins prevent apoptosis by keeping the cell death effectors, BAX and BAK, in check. The BH3-only proteins initiate apoptosis by neutralizing the pro-survival BCL-2 proteins. Structural analysis and medicinal chemistry led to the development of small-molecule drugs that mimic the function of the BH3-only proteins to kill cancer cells. The BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax has been approved for treatment of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and this drug and inhibitors of pro-survival MCL-1 and BCL-XL are being tested in diverse malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Biomimetic Materials/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- bcl-X Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- bcl-X Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Merino
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Andrew W Roberts
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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38
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Humanized Mcl-1 mice enable accurate preclinical evaluation of MCL-1 inhibitors destined for clinical use. Blood 2018; 132:1573-1583. [PMID: 30139826 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-06-859405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) is a prosurvival B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family member required for the sustained growth of many cancers. Recently, a highly specific MCL-1 inhibitor, S63845, showing sixfold higher affinity to human compared with mouse MCL-1, has been described. To accurately test efficacy and tolerability of this BH3-mimetic (BH3-only protein mimetic) drug in preclinical cancer models, we developed a humanized Mcl-1 (huMcl-1) mouse strain in which MCL-1 was replaced with its human homolog. huMcl-1 mice are phenotypically indistinguishable from wild-type mice but are more sensitive to the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845. Importantly, nontransformed cells and lymphomas from huMcl-1;Eµ-Myc mice are more sensitive to S63845 in vitro than their control counterparts. When huMcl-1;Eµ-Myc lymphoma cells were transplanted into huMcl-1 mice, treatment with S63845 alone or alongside cyclophosphamide led to long-term remission in ∼60% or almost 100% of mice, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential of our huMcl-1 mouse model for testing MCL-1 inhibitors, allowing precise predictions of efficacy and tolerability for clinical translation.
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39
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Nair RR, Piktel D, Geldenhuys WJ, Gibson LF. Combination of cabazitaxel and plicamycin induces cell death in drug resistant B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Res 2018; 72:59-66. [PMID: 30103201 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow microenvironment mediated downregulation of BCL6 is critical for maintaining cell quiescence and modulating therapeutic response in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In the present study, we have performed a high throughput cell death assay using BCL6 knockdown REH ALL cell line to screen a library of FDA-approved oncology drugs. In the process, we have identified a microtubule inhibitor, cabazitaxel (CAB), and a RNA synthesis inhibitor, plicamycin (PLI) as potential anti-leukemic agents. CAB and PLI inhibited cell proliferation in not only the BCL6 knockdown REH cell line, but also six other ALL cell lines. Furthermore, combination of CAB and PLI had a synergistic effect in inhibiting proliferation in a cytarabine-resistant (REH/Ara-C) ALL cell line. Use of nanoparticles for delivery of CAB and PLI demonstrated that the combination was very effective when tested in a co-culture model that mimics the in vivo bone marrow microenvironment that typically supports ALL cell survival and migration into protective niches. Furthermore, exposure to PLI inhibited SOX2 transcription and exposure to CAB inhibited not only Mcl-1 expression but also chemotaxis in ALL cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates the utility of concomitantly targeting different critical regulatory pathways to induce cell death in drug resistant ALL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh R Nair
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Debbie Piktel
- Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Werner J Geldenhuys
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, and WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Laura F Gibson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States; Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States; WVU Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
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40
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Timucin AC, Basaga H, Kutuk O. Selective targeting of antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins in cancer. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:146-175. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Can Timucin
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Uskudar University; Uskudar Istanbul Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program; Sabanci University; Tuzla Istanbul Turkey
| | - Huveyda Basaga
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program; Sabanci University; Tuzla Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kutuk
- Department of Medical Genetics; Adana Medical and Research Center; School of Medicine, Baskent University; Yuregir Adana Turkey
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41
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Campbell KJ, Tait SWG. Targeting BCL-2 regulated apoptosis in cancer. Open Biol 2018; 8:rsob.180002. [PMID: 29769323 PMCID: PMC5990650 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of a cell to undergo mitochondrial apoptosis is governed by pro- and anti-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 protein family. The equilibrium of pro- versus anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins ensures appropriate regulation of programmed cell death during development and maintains organismal health. When unbalanced, the BCL-2 family can act as a barrier to apoptosis and facilitate tumour development and resistance to cancer therapy. Here we discuss the BCL-2 family, their deregulation in cancer and recent pharmaceutical developments to target specific members of this family as cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsteen J Campbell
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
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42
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Campbell KJ, Dhayade S, Ferrari N, Sims AH, Johnson E, Mason SM, Dickson A, Ryan KM, Kalna G, Edwards J, Tait SWG, Blyth K. MCL-1 is a prognostic indicator and drug target in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:19. [PMID: 29339815 PMCID: PMC5833338 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0035-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of publicly available genomic and gene expression data demonstrates that MCL1 expression is frequently elevated in breast cancer. Distinct from other pro-survival Bcl-2 family members, the short half-life of MCL-1 protein led us to investigate MCL-1 protein expression in a breast cancer tissue microarray and correlate this with clinical data. Here, we report associations between high MCL-1 and poor prognosis in specific subtypes of breast cancer including triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that lacks targeted treatment options. Deletion of MCL-1 in the mammary epithelium of genetically engineered mice revealed an absolute requirement for MCL-1 in breast tumorigenesis. The clinical applicability of these findings was tested through a combination of approaches including knock-down or inhibition of MCL-1 to show triple-negative breast cancer cell line dependence on MCL-1 in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate that high MCL-1 protein expression is associated with poor outcome in breast cancer and support the therapeutic targeting of MCL-1 in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsteen J Campbell
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Sandeep Dhayade
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Tumour Microenvironment Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Andrew H Sims
- Applied Bioinformatics of Cancer, University of Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Emma Johnson
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Susan M Mason
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Ashley Dickson
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Gabriela Kalna
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
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43
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Wang T, Cheng C, Peng L, Gao M, Xi M, Rousseaux S, Khochbin S, Wang J, Mi J. Combination of arsenic trioxide and Dasatinib: a new strategy to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:1614-1626. [PMID: 29266867 PMCID: PMC5824394 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have significantly improved the prognosis of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL), one of the most common and aggressive forms of haematological malignancies. However, TKI resistance has remained an unsolved issue. In this study, we investigate the impact of adding arsenic trioxide (ATO) on the action of Dasatinib, a second-generation TKI, in Ph+ ALL. We show that ATO cooperates with Dasatinib in both TKI-sensitive and resistant Ph+ ALL cell lines to increase apoptosis and we unravel the underlying mechanisms. Indeed, combining ATO and Dasatinib leads to severe cell apoptosis by activating the UPR apoptotic IRE1/JNK/PUMA axis, while neutralizing the UPR ATF4-dependent anti-apoptotic axis, activated by ATO alone. Additionally, ATO and Dasatinib in combination repress the expression of several genes, which we previously showed to be associated with shorter survival probability in ALL patients. Overall these data support the use of ATO in combination with Dasatinib as a novel therapeutic regimen for Ph+ ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics and Department of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Pôle Sino-Français des Sciences du Vivant et Genomique, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics and Department of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Pôle Sino-Français des Sciences du Vivant et Genomique, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics and Department of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Pôle Sino-Français des Sciences du Vivant et Genomique, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengqing Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics and Department of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Pôle Sino-Français des Sciences du Vivant et Genomique, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengping Xi
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics and Department of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Pôle Sino-Français des Sciences du Vivant et Genomique, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sophie Rousseaux
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Saadi Khochbin
- CNRS UMR 5309, INSERM U1209, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Jin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics and Department of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Pôle Sino-Français des Sciences du Vivant et Genomique, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianqing Mi
- State Key Laboratory for Medical Genomics and Department of Hematology, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine, Pôle Sino-Français des Sciences du Vivant et Genomique, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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44
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Leonard JT, Rowley JSJ, Eide CA, Traer E, Hayes-Lattin B, Loriaux M, Spurgeon SE, Druker BJ, Tyner JW, Chang BH. Targeting BCL-2 and ABL/LYN in Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Sci Transl Med 2017; 8:354ra114. [PMID: 27582059 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf5309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(+)ALL) remains a challenge. Although the addition of targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to standard cytotoxic therapy has greatly improved upfront treatment, treatment-related morbidity and mortality remain high. TKI monotherapy provides only temporary responses and renders patients susceptible to the development of TKI resistance. Thus, identifying agents that could enhance the activity of TKIs is urgently needed. Recently, a selective inhibitor of B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), ABT-199 (venetoclax), has shown impressive activity against hematologic malignancies. We demonstrate that the combination of TKIs with venetoclax is highly synergistic in vitro, decreasing cell viability and inducing apoptosis in Ph(+)ALL. Furthermore, the multikinase inhibitors dasatinib and ponatinib appear to have the added advantage of inducing Lck/Yes novel tyrosine kinase (LYN)-mediated proapoptotic BCL-2-like protein 11 (BIM) expression and inhibiting up-regulation of antiapoptotic myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1), thereby potentially overcoming the development of venetoclax resistance. Evaluation of the dasatinib-venetoclax combination for the treatment of primary Ph(+)ALL patient samples in xenografted immunodeficient mice confirmed the tolerability of this drug combination and demonstrated its superior antileukemic efficacy compared to either agent alone. These data suggest that the combination of dasatinib and venetoclax has the potential to improve the treatment of Ph(+)ALL and should be further evaluated for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T Leonard
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Joelle S J Rowley
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Christopher A Eide
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Elie Traer
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Brandon Hayes-Lattin
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Marc Loriaux
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Stephen E Spurgeon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Brian J Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Bill H Chang
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA. Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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45
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Cook SJ, Stuart K, Gilley R, Sale MJ. Control of cell death and mitochondrial fission by ERK1/2 MAP kinase signalling. FEBS J 2017; 284:4177-4195. [PMID: 28548464 PMCID: PMC6193418 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The ERK1/2 signalling pathway is best known for its role in connecting activated growth factor receptors to changes in gene expression due to activated ERK1/2 entering the nucleus and phosphorylating transcription factors. However, active ERK1/2 also translocate to a variety of other organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes, golgi and mitochondria to access specific substrates and influence cell physiology. In this article, we review two aspects of ERK1/2 signalling at the mitochondria that are involved in regulating cell fate decisions. First, we describe the prominent role of ERK1/2 in controlling the BCL2-regulated, cell-intrinsic apoptotic pathway. In most cases ERK1/2 signalling promotes cell survival by activating prosurvival BCL2 proteins (BCL2, BCL-xL and MCL1) and repressing prodeath proteins (BAD, BIM, BMF and PUMA). This prosurvival signalling is co-opted by oncogenes to confer cancer cell-specific survival advantages and we describe how this information has been used to develop new drug combinations. However, ERK1/2 can also drive the expression of the prodeath protein NOXA to control 'autophagy or apoptosis' decisions during nutrient starvation. We also describe recent studies demonstrating a link between ERK1/2 signalling, DRP1 and the mitochondrial fission machinery and how this may influence metabolic reprogramming during tumorigenesis and stem cell reprogramming. With advances in subcellular proteomics it is likely that new roles for ERK1/2, and new substrates, remain to be discovered at the mitochondria and other organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Cook
- Signalling ProgrammeThe Babraham InstituteCambridgeUK
| | - Kate Stuart
- Signalling ProgrammeThe Babraham InstituteCambridgeUK
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46
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Defining specificity and on-target activity of BH3-mimetics using engineered B-ALL cell lines. Oncotarget 2017; 7:11500-11. [PMID: 26862853 PMCID: PMC4905489 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the hallmarks of cancer is a resistance to the induction of programmed cell death that is mediated by selection of cells with elevated expression of anti-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 family. To counter this resistance, new therapeutic agents known as BH3-mimetic small molecules are in development with the goal of antagonizing the function of anti-apoptotic molecules and promoting the induction of apoptosis. To facilitate the testing and modeling of BH3-mimetic agents, we have developed a powerful system for evaluation and screening of agents both in culture and in immune competent animal models by engineering mouse leukemic cells and re-programming them to be dependent on exogenously expressed human anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. Here we demonstrate that this panel of cell lines can determine the specificity of BH3-mimetics to individual anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members (BCL-2, BCL-XL, BCL-W, BFL-1, and MCL-1), demonstrate whether cell death is due to the induction of apoptosis (BAX and BAK-dependent), and faithfully assess the efficacy of BH3-mimetic small molecules in pre-clinical mouse models. These cells represent a robust and valuable pre-clinical screening tool for validating the efficacy, selectivity, and on-target action of BH3-mimetic agents.
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47
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Adams JM, Cory S. The BCL-2 arbiters of apoptosis and their growing role as cancer targets. Cell Death Differ 2017; 25:27-36. [PMID: 29099483 PMCID: PMC5729526 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 375] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Impaired apoptosis plays a central role in cancer development and limits the efficacy of conventional cytotoxic therapies. Deepening understanding of how opposing factions of the BCL-2 protein family switch on apoptosis and of their structures has driven development of a new class of cancer drugs that targets various pro-survival members by mimicking their natural inhibitors, the BH3-only proteins. These ‘BH3 mimetic’ drugs seem destined to become powerful new weapons in the arsenal against cancer. Successful clinical trials of venetoclax/ABT-199, a specific inhibitor of BCL-2, have led to its approval for a refractory form of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and to scores of on-going trials for other malignancies. Furthermore, encouraging preclinical studies of BH3 mimetics that target other BCL-2 pro-survival members, particularly MCL-1, offer promise for cancers resistant to venetoclax. This review sketches the impact of the BCL-2 family on cancer development and therapy, describes how interactions of family members trigger apoptosis and discusses the potential of BH3 mimetic drugs to advance cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry M Adams
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Suzanne Cory
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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48
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Why do BCL-2 inhibitors work and where should we use them in the clinic? Cell Death Differ 2017; 25:56-64. [PMID: 29077093 PMCID: PMC5729538 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic apoptosis is controlled by the BCL-2 family of proteins but the complexity of intra-family interactions makes it challenging to predict cell fate via standard molecular biology techniques. We discuss BCL-2 family regulation and how to determine cells’ readiness for apoptosis and anti-apoptotic dependence. Cancer cells often adopt anti-apoptotic defense mechanisms in response to oncogenic stress or anti-cancer therapy. However, by determining their anti-apoptotic addiction, we can use novel BH3 mimetics to overwhelm this apoptotic blockade. We outline the development and uses of these unique anti-apoptotic inhibitors and how to possibly combine them with other anti-cancer agents using dynamic BH3 profiling (DBP) to improve personalized cancer treatment.
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49
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Budhraja A, Turnis ME, Churchman ML, Kothari A, Yang X, Xu H, Kaminska E, Panetta JC, Finkelstein D, Mullighan CG, Opferman JT. Modulation of Navitoclax Sensitivity by Dihydroartemisinin-Mediated MCL-1 Repression in BCR-ABL + B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:7558-7568. [PMID: 28974549 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: BCR-ABL+ B-ALL leukemic cells are highly dependent on the expression of endogenous antiapoptotic MCL-1 to promote viability and are resistant to BH3-mimetic agents such as navitoclax (ABT-263) that target BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-W. However, the survival of most normal blood cells and other cell types is also dependent on Mcl-1 Despite the requirement for MCL-1 in these cell types, initial reports of MCL-1-specific BH3-mimetics have not described any overt toxicities associated with single-agent use, but these agents are still early in clinical development. Therefore, we sought to identify approved drugs that could sensitize leukemic cells to ABT-263.Experimental Design: A screen identified dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a water-soluble metabolite of the antimalarial artemisinin. Using mouse and human leukemic cell lines, and primary patient-derived xenografts, the effect of DHA on survival was tested, and mechanistic studies were carried out to discover how DHA functions. We further tested in vitro and in vivo whether combining DHA with ABT-263 could enhance the response of leukemic cells to combination therapy.Results: DHA causes the downmodulation of MCL-1 expression by triggering a cellular stress response that represses translation. The repression of MCL-1 renders leukemic cells highly sensitive to synergistic cell death induced by ABT-263 in a mouse model of BCR-ABL+ B-ALL both in vitro and in vivo Furthermore, DHA synergizes with ABT-263 in human Ph+ ALL cell lines, and primary patient-derived xenografts of Ph+ ALL in culture.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that combining DHA with ABT-263 can improve therapeutic response in BCR-ABL+ B-ALL. Clin Cancer Res; 23(24); 7558-68. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Budhraja
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Meghan E Turnis
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Michelle L Churchman
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Anisha Kothari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ewa Kaminska
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John C Panetta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - David Finkelstein
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Charles G Mullighan
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Joseph T Opferman
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
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50
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Brown LM, Hanna DT, Khaw SL, Ekert PG. Dysregulation of BCL-2 family proteins by leukemia fusion genes. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:14325-14333. [PMID: 28717011 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r117.799056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic lesions that characterize acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood include recurrent translocations that result in the expression of fusion proteins that typically involve genes encoding tyrosine kinases, cytokine receptors, and transcription factors. These genetic rearrangements confer phenotypic hallmarks of malignant transformation, including unrestricted proliferation and a relative resistance to apoptosis. In this Minireview, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that link these fusions to the control of cell death. We examine how these fusion genes dysregulate the BCL-2 family of proteins, preventing activation of the apoptotic effectors, BAX and BAK, and promoting cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Brown
- From the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne
| | - Diane T Hanna
- the Royal Children's Hospital, and.,the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Seong L Khaw
- From the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.,the Royal Children's Hospital, and.,the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Paul G Ekert
- From the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, .,the Royal Children's Hospital, and
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