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Hou CY, Suo YH, Lv P, Yuan HF, Zhao LN, Wang YF, Zhang HH, Sun J, Sun LL, Lu W, Zhang NN, Yang G, Zhang XD. Aristolochic acids-hijacked p53 promotes liver cancer cell growth by inhibiting ferroptosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01354-0. [PMID: 39090392 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01354-0] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) have been identified as a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death involved in the tumor development. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which AAs enhanced the growth of HCC. By conducting bioinformatics and RNA-Seq analyses, we found that AAs were closely correlated with ferroptosis. The physical interaction between p53 and AAs in HepG2 cells was validated by bioinformatics analysis and SPR assays with the binding pocket sites containing Pro92, Arg174, Asp207, Phe212, and His214 of p53. Based on the binding pocket that interacts with AAs, we designed a mutant and performed RNA-Seq profiling. Interestingly, we found that the binding pocket was responsible for ferroptosis, GADD45A, NRF2, and SLC7A11. Functionally, the interaction disturbed the binding of p53 to the promoter of GADD45A or NRF2, attenuating the role of p53 in enhancing GADD45A and suppressing NRF2; the mutant did not exhibit the same effects. Consequently, this event down-regulated GADD45A and up-regulated NRF2, ultimately inhibiting ferroptosis, suggesting that AAs hijacked p53 to down-regulate GADD45A and up-regulate NRF2 in HepG2 cells. Thus, AAs treatment resulted in the inhibition of ferroptosis via the p53/GADD45A/NRF2/SLC7A11 axis, which led to the enhancement of tumor growth. In conclusion, AAs-hijacked p53 restrains ferroptosis through the GADD45A/NRF2/SLC7A11 axis to enhance tumor growth. Our findings provide an underlying mechanism by which AAs enhance HCC and new insights into p53 in liver cancer. Therapeutically, the oncogene NRF2 is a promising target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yu-Hong Suo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Pan Lv
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Hong-Feng Yuan
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Li-Na Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yu-Fei Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Hui-Hui Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jiao Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Lin-Lin Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Ning-Ning Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Draggability Evaluation and Systematic Translational Medicine, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer, Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, Tianjin Cancer Institute, Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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Luo X, He X, Zhang X, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Hua S. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e474. [PMID: 38318160 PMCID: PMC10838672 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate. It is regarded as a significant public health issue because of its complicated pathophysiology, high metastasis, and recurrence rates. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Traditional treatment methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and interventional therapies have limited therapeutic effects for HCC patients with recurrence or metastasis. With the development of molecular biology and immunology, molecular signaling pathways and immune checkpoint were identified as the main mechanism of HCC progression. Targeting these molecules has become a new direction for the treatment of HCC. At present, the combination of targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors is the first choice for advanced HCC patients. In this review, we mainly focus on the cutting-edge research of signaling pathways and corresponding targeted therapy and immunotherapy in HCC. It is of great significance to comprehensively understand the pathogenesis of HCC, search for potential therapeutic targets, and optimize the treatment strategies of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Luo
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xin He
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Xingmei Zhang
- Department of NeurobiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yuzhe Zhang
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Yusheng Shi
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Shengni Hua
- Department of Radiation OncologyZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
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Cytotoxic Isopentenyl Phloroglucinol Compounds from Garcinia xanthochymus Using LC-MS-Based Metabolomics. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020258. [PMID: 36837877 PMCID: PMC9964469 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Many unique chemical metabolites with significant antitumor activities have been isolated from Garcinia species and have become a leading hotspot of antitumor research in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify bioactive compounds from different plant parts (leaf, branch, stem bark, fruit, and seed) of G. xanthochymus through combining LC-MS-based metabolomics with cytotoxicity assays. As a result, 70% methanol seed extract exerted significant cytotoxic effects on five human cancer cell types (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MDA-MB-231, and SW480). LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis was used, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), in order to identify 12 potential markers from seed extract that may relate to bioactivity. LC-MS guidance isolated the markers to obtain three compounds and identified new isopentenyl phloroglucinols (1-3, named garxanthochin A-C), using spectroscopic methods. Among them, garxanthochin B (2) demonstrated moderate inhibitory activities against five human cancer cell types, with IC50 values of 14.71~24.43 μM. These findings indicate that G. xanthochymus seed has significant cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and garxanthochin B has potential applications in the development of antitumor-led natural compounds.
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Atif M, Mustaan MA, Falak S, Ghaffar A, Munir B. Targeting the effect of sofosbuvir on selective oncogenes expression level of hepatocellular carcinoma Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in Huh7 cell line. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:103332. [PMID: 35813116 PMCID: PMC9256646 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.103332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct acting antiviral agents are emerging line of treatment to eradicate Hepatitis C virus. Recent controversy over whether direct acting antiviral agents increase rate of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV patients or prevent it, has increased the need to elaborate underlying mechanisms on molecular basis. This work was aimed to investigate the effect of sofosbuvir on the expression of selected oncogenes from the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in Huh7 cell line. Results found concrete molecular evidence that sofosbuvir has significantly altered the expression of selected genes when huh7 cell line was treated with sofosbuvir. Nine genes related to HCC were found to be affected by sofosbuvir in a mixed effect manner. The relative expression of growth factors (VEGF, PDGFRB and HGF) was increased in sofosbuvir treated cell lines. The kinase family genes H-RAS, B-RAF, MET except MAPK1 were downregulated. Similarly, DUSP1 was upregulated and SPRY2 was slightly downregulated; both were negative feedback inhibitors of ERK signalling cascade. Sofosbuvir upregulated the growth factors and MAPK1 which suggests it to be a carcinogen. The downregulation of kinases and upregulation of DUSP1 make it an anticancer drug. Hence, the results from this study are important to prove that sofosbuvir neither reduce nor induce hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Atif
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | | | - Sadia Falak
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Jhang, Jhang 35200, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Ghaffar
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Bushra Munir
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan
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Martviset P, Panrit L, Chantree P, Muhamad P, Na-Bangchang K. Suppression of Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Growth and Proliferation by Atractylodes lancea (Thunb) DC. through ERK-Signaling Cascade. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:3633-3640. [PMID: 34837922 PMCID: PMC9068173 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.11.3633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of AL on the ERK signaling molecules (ERK, p-ERK, cyclin D, and eIF4B) and the growth and proliferation of CCA cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The viability of the three CCA cell lines CL-6, HuCCT1, and HuH28 was determined using MTT assay. The effect of Ras/ERK inhibitors on protein expression in the presence of AL extract was investigated. The protein extracted from each CCA cell following exposure to AL and/or Ras/ERK inhibitors were separated on 12.5% SDS-PAGE. The analysis of mRNA expression following 48 and 72 hours of AL exposure in comparison with 0 hours (non-exposed cells) was performed by using RT-PCR. RESULTS The potency of cytotoxic activity of AL (by MTT assay) was about three times higher than the standard drug 5-fluorouracil. The IC50 (concentration that inhibits cell growth by 50%) of AL for the CL-6, HuCCT-1 and HuH28 cell lines were 29.77±6.64, 35.45±4.96, and 35.32±6.69 µg/mL (mean+SD), respectively. The cells were exposed to AL extract at the IC50 for 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours in the absence and presence of Ras/ERK inhibitors (salirasib and XMD8-92). Protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. The results suggested the lack of significant inhibitory effect of AL on ERK at 48 and 72 hours of exposure in all CCA cell types. On the other hand, a significant inhibitory effect was observed with p-ERK expression in all CCA cell types. Cyclin D was significantly down-regulated at 72 hours of exposure in all cell types with different potencies. The expression of eIF4B was markedly inhibited in HuCCT-1 but slightly inhibited in CL-6 and HuH28 cells. Real-time PCR analysis revealed significant down-regulation of ERK following 72 hours of AL exposure in the HuCCT1 and HuH28, but not CL-6 cell. CONCLUSION The ERK signaling cascade and downstream molecules are potential targets of action of AL in CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongsakorn Martviset
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Pharmacology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
| | - Luxsana Panrit
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Pharmacology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
| | - Pathanin Chantree
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
- Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
| | - Phunuch Muhamad
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Pharmacology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
| | - Kesara Na-Bangchang
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Pharmacology of Malaria and Cholangiocarcinoma, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Office of Advanced Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
- Graduate Program in Bioclinical Sciences, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.
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Wang T, Zhang Q, Wang N, Liu Z, Zhang B, Zhao Y. Research Progresses of Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3107-3146. [PMID: 33050856 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666201013162144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with nearly one million new cases and deaths every year. Owing to the complex pathogenesis, hidden early symptoms, rapidly developing processes, and poor prognosis, the morbidity and mortality of HCC are increasing yearly. With the progress being made in modern medicine, the treatment of HCC is no longer limited to traditional methods. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have emerged to treat advanced and metastatic HCC in recent years. Since Sorafenib is the first molecular targeting drug against angiogenesis, targeted drugs for HCC are continually emerging. Moreover, immunotherapy plays a vital role in clinical trials. In particular, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have received increasing attention in the field of cancer treatment, is a possible research path. Interestingly, these two therapies generally complement each other at some stages of HCC, bringing new hope for patients with advanced HCC. In this paper, we discuss the research progress of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for HCC in recent years, which will provide a reference for the further development of drugs for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Qiting Zhang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Ziqi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin Kenneth Li Marine Biopharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Marine Pharmacy, College of Food and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
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Chen S, Liu B, Li J, Liao S, Bi Y, Huang W, Yuan L, Yang Y, Qin A. Talin1 regulates endometrial adhesive capacity through the Ras signaling pathway. Life Sci 2021; 274:119332. [PMID: 33711384 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Blastocyst implantation is mainly depended on the adhesion between cells and cell matrix. Endometrial adhesion plays an important role in establishing embryo implantation, but the underlying mechanisms are remains unclear. Talin1 is a local adhesion complex protein that is necessary for cell adhesion and movement. However, the role and mechanisms of Talin1 in embryo implantation are still unclear. MAIN METHODS The expression of Talin1 and Integrin αvβ3 was measured in the receptive endometrium from the RIF (Recurrent implantation failure) cohort and NC (normal fertile control group) cohort. A JEG-3 trophoblast and endometrial epithelial cell adhesion model and pregnant mouse model were established. The molecular mechanism of Talin1-mediated cell adhesion was explored by RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, as well as western blotting assays. KEY FINDINGS Talin1 enhances endometrial cell adhesion by regulating the Ras signaling pathway, and ultimately facilitates embryo implantation. SIGNIFICANCE This study revealed the molecular mechanisms of regarding the pathogenesis of RIF caused by endometrial receptivity insufficiency. Further pharmacological research on the Ras signaling pathway would be valuable and might provide new therapeutic targets for RIF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiqiong Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, China
| | - Shengbin Liao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yin Bi
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Weiyu Huang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Lifang Yuan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yihua Yang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Aiping Qin
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
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Papachristou F, Anninou N, Koukoulis G, Paraskakis S, Sertaridou E, Tsalikidis C, Pitiakoudis M, Simopoulos C, Tsaroucha A. Differential effects of cisplatin combined with the flavonoid apigenin on HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 liver cancer cell lines. Mutat Res 2021; 866:503352. [PMID: 33985696 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The potential of apigenin (APG) to enhance cisplatin's (CDDP) chemotherapeutic efficacy was investigated in HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 liver cancer cell lines. The presence of 20 μM APG sensitized all cell lines to CDDP treatment (degree of sensitization based on the MTT assay: HepG2>Huh7>Hep3B). As reflected by sister chromatid exchange levels, the degree of genetic instability as well as DNA repair by homologous recombination differed among cell lines. CDDP and 20 μM APG cotreatment exhibited a synergistic genotoxic effect on Hep3B cells and a less than additive effect on HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Cell cycle delays were noticed during the first mitotic division in Hep3B and Huh7 cells and the second mitotic division in HepG2 cells. CDDP and CDDP + APG treatments reduced the clonogenic capacity of all cell lines; however, there was a discordance in drug sensitivity compared with the MMT assay. Furthermore, a senescence-like phenotype was induced, especially in Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Unlike CDDP monotherapy, the combined treatment exhibited a significant anti-invasive and anti-migratory action in all cancer cell lines. The fact that the three liver cancer cell lines responded differently, yet positively, to CDDP + APG cotreatment could be attributed to variations they present in gene expression. Complex mechanisms seem to influence cellular responses and cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotini Papachristou
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece; Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece.
| | - Nikolia Anninou
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
| | - Georgios Koukoulis
- Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
| | - Stefanos Paraskakis
- Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
| | - Eleni Sertaridou
- Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
| | - Christos Tsalikidis
- Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
| | - Michael Pitiakoudis
- Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
| | - Constantinos Simopoulos
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece; Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
| | - Alexandra Tsaroucha
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece; Postgraduate Program in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, 2nd Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, 68 100, Greece
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Zhao Y, Zhang H, Wu P, Tan D, Zhao Y, Zhang C, Wang J, Bai B, An J, Shi C. Mediated Imaging and Improved Targeting of Farnesylthiosalicylic Acid Delivery for Pancreatic Cancer via Conjugation with Near-Infrared Fluorescence Heptamethine Carbocyanine Dye. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:1129-1138. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b01068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhao
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - He Zhang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Pengpeng Wu
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Dengxu Tan
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Caiqin Zhang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Bing Bai
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Jiaze An
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Changhong Shi
- Division of Cancer Biology, Laboratory Animal Center, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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10
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Dai Q, Zhang C, Yuan Z, Sun Q, Jiang Y. Current discovery strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:243-258. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1696769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuzi Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, the Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, PR China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Cunlong Zhang
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, PR China
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, the Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, PR China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, PR China
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Qinsheng Sun
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, the Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, PR China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, PR China
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, the Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, PR China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, PR China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China
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11
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Prieto-Dominguez N, Parnell C, Teng Y. Drugging the Small GTPase Pathways in Cancer Treatment: Promises and Challenges. Cells 2019; 8:E255. [PMID: 30884855 PMCID: PMC6468615 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases are a family of low molecular weight GTP-hydrolyzing enzymes that cycle between an inactive state when bound to GDP and an active state when associated to GTP. Small GTPases regulate key cellular processes (e.g., cell differentiation, proliferation, and motility) as well as subcellular events (e.g., vesicle trafficking), making them key participants in a great array of pathophysiological processes. Indeed, the dysfunction and deregulation of certain small GTPases, such as the members of the Ras and Arf subfamilies, have been related with the promotion and progression of cancer. Therefore, the development of inhibitors that target dysfunctional small GTPases could represent a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. This review covers the basic biochemical mechanisms and the diverse functions of small GTPases in cancer. We also discuss the strategies and challenges of inhibiting the activity of these enzymes and delve into new approaches that offer opportunities to target them in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Prieto-Dominguez
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León 24010, Spain.
| | | | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
- Department of Medical laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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12
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Stout MC, Campbell PM. RASpecting the oncogene: New pathways to therapeutic advances. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:217-228. [PMID: 30352234 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RAS is the most commonly mutated driver of tumorigenesis, seen in about 30% of all cancer cases. There is a subset of tumors termed RAS-driven cancers in which RAS mutation or overactivation is evident, including as much as 95% in pancreatic and 50% in colon cancer. RAS is a family of small membrane bound GTPases that act as a signaling node to control both normal and cancer biology. Since the discovery of RAS' overall prominence in many tumor types and specifically in RAS-dependent cancers, it has been an obvious therapeutic target for drug development. However, RAS has proved a very elusive target, and after a few prominent RAS targeted drugs failed in clinical trials after decades of research, RAS was termed "undruggable" and research in this field was greatly hampered. An increase in knowledge about basic RAS biology has led to a resurgence in the generation of novel therapeutics targeting RAS signaling utilizing various and distinct approaches. These new drugs target RAS activation directly, block downstream signaling effectors and inhibit proper post-translational processing and trafficking/recycling of RAS. This review will cover how these new drugs were developed and how they have fared in preclinical and early phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Stout
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, USA; Cancer Biology Program and The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, USA
| | - Paul M Campbell
- Cancer Biology Program and The Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, USA.
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13
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Ciccarelli O, Colson A, De Saeger C, Reding R, Sempoux C, Leclercq IA, Stärkel P. Tumoral response and tumoral phenotypic changes in a rat model of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma after salirasib and sorafenib administration. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:7143-7153. [PMID: 30410370 PMCID: PMC6200087 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s176903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several intracellular signaling pathways that are deregulated during hepatocarcinogenesis might constitute potential targets for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. The aim of this study was to test the potential synergic antitumor effect of salirasib and sorafenib in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC model in rat. The hypothesis of tumor phenotype changes during treatment was also analyzed. Materials and methods DEN was administered to Wistar rats during 9 weeks to induce cirrhosis and liver cancer. After tumor development, rats were treated with intraperitoneal injections of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or salirasib, and/or with oral sorafenib 5 days/week, during 4 weeks. At sacrifice, number and size of liver tumors as well as tumor burden were recorded, and all liver tumors were processed for histological and immunohistological analyses. Results Mortality rate was significantly higher in rats treated with salirasib and/or sorafenib than in the control group (P=0.001). Tumor burden was smaller in the treated group compared with the DMSO control group (P=0.044), but a synergistic effect of the two chemotherapies could not be observed. In 62.5% of rats (10/16) treated with salirasib and/or sorafenib, a cytokeratin-7 and -19-positive hepatocholangiocellular carcinoma (HCC/CHC) was found vs 20% (5/25) developing such phenotype in the DMSO control group (P=0.018). Ki67 immunostaining showed significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation in treated rats (P=0.001), whereas apoptosis as assessed by caspase-3 activity in cell lysate was similar in all groups. Conclusions The addition of sorafenib to salirasib did not seem to provide any synergistic therapeutic effect in this study. Both chemotherapeutic agents, administered alone or in combination, induced tumoral phenotypic changes in the majority of rats, a finding not associated with an increased tumor cell proliferation or decreased apoptosis. The rat model described in this work constitutes the first experimental tool generating putatively more aggressive combined HCC/CHC tumors following chemotherapy. Further work is required to better characterize this clinically relevant phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Ciccarelli
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; .,Department of Surgery and Abdominal Transplantation, St Luc University Hospital, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium,
| | - Arthur Colson
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Christine De Saeger
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Raymond Reding
- Department of Surgery and Abdominal Transplantation, St Luc University Hospital, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium,
| | - Christine Sempoux
- Service of Clinical Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital, Institute of Pathology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle A Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; .,Department of Gastroenterology, St Luc University Hospital, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Sugita S, Enokida H, Yoshino H, Miyamoto K, Yonemori M, Sakaguchi T, Osako Y, Nakagawa M. HRAS as a potential therapeutic target of salirasib RAS inhibitor in bladder cancer. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:725-736. [PMID: 29901113 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The active form of the small GTPase RAS binds to downstream effectors to promote cell growth and proliferation. RAS signal enhancement contributes to tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis in various different cancers. HRAS proto-oncogene GTPase (HRAS), one of the RAS isoforms, was the first human oncogene for which mutations were reported in T24 bladder cancer (BC) cells in 1982, and HRAS mutation or upregulation has been reported in several cancers. According to data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, HRAS expression was significantly upregulated in clinical BC samples compared to healthy samples (P=0.0024). HRAS expression was also significantly upregulated in BC with HRAS mutation compared to patients without HRAS mutation (P<0.0001). The tumor suppressive effect of salirasib, a RAS inhibitor, has been reported in several cancer types, but only at relatively high concentrations. As such, RAS inhibitors have not been used for clinical applications. The aim of the current study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting HRAS using salirasib and small interfering RNA (siRNA) and to characterize the mechanism by which HRAS functions using recently developed quantitative in vitro proteome-assisted multiple reaction monitoring for protein absolute quantification (iMPAQT), in BC cells. iMPAQT allows measurement of the absolute abundance of any human protein with the high quantitative accuracy. Salirasib and siRNA targeting of HRAS inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in HRAS wild type and HRAS-mutated cell lines. Proteomic analyses revealed that several metabolic pathways, including the oxidative phosphorylation pathway and glycolysis, were significantly downregulated in salirasib-treated BC cells. However, the expression levels of hexokinase 2, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, pyruvate kinase, muscle (PKM)1, PKM2 and lactate dehydrogenase A, which are downstream of RAS and target genes of hypoxia inducible factor-1α, were not notably downregulated, which may explain the high concentration of salirasib required to inhibit cell viability. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of salirasib, and suggest the need for novel therapeutic strategies to treat cancers such as BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Sugita
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Hideki Enokida
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yoshino
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Miyamoto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Masaya Yonemori
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Takashi Sakaguchi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Yoichi Osako
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nakagawa
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
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15
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Rodenak-Kladniew B, Castro A, Stärkel P, De Saeger C, García de Bravo M, Crespo R. Linalool induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells through oxidative stress generation and modulation of Ras/MAPK and Akt/mTOR pathways. Life Sci 2018; 199:48-59. [PMID: 29510199 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Linalool is a plant-derived monoterpene with anticancer activity, however its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. The aim of this work was to elucidate the anticancer mechanisms of action of linalool in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells. MAIN METHODS Cell viability and proliferation were determined by WST-1 assay and BrdU incorporation, respectively. Cell cycle analysis was assessed through flow cytometry (FC) and western blot (WB). Apoptosis was determined by caspase-3 activity, TUNEL assay and WB. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were analyzed by FC and fluorescence microscopy. Expression of Ras, MAPKs (ERK, JNK and p38) and Akt/mTOR pathways were evaluated by WB. KEY FINDINGS Linalool (0-2.5 mM) dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, through Cdk4 and cyclin A downregulation, p21 and p27 upregulation, and apoptosis, characterized by MMP loss, caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage and DNA fragmentation. Low concentrations of linalool (1.0 mM) reduced membrane-bound Ras and Akt activity whereas higher amounts (2.0 mM) triggered mTOR inhibition and ROS generation, in correlation with MAPKs activation and Akt phosphorylation. ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine partially rescued HepG2 cell growth and prevented MPP depolarization, ERK and JNK activation. Moreover, specific ERK and Akt phosphorylation inhibitors potentiated linalool anti-cancer activity, pointing Akt and ERK activation as pro-survival mechanisms in response to higher concentrations of linalool. SIGNIFICANCE This report reveals that linalool induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in HepG2 cells involving Ras, MAPKs and Akt/mTOR pathways and suggests that linalool is a promising anticancer agent for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Rodenak-Kladniew
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET-UNLP, CCT-La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Agustina Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET-UNLP, CCT-La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine De Saeger
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Margarita García de Bravo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET-UNLP, CCT-La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Rosana Crespo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET-UNLP, CCT-La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina.
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16
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Lang L, Shay C, Zhao X, Teng Y. Combined targeting of Arf1 and Ras potentiates anticancer activity for prostate cancer therapeutics. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:112. [PMID: 28830537 PMCID: PMC5568197 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0583-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Although major improvements have been made in surgical management, chemotherapeutic, and radiotherapeutic of prostate cancer, many prostate cancers remain refractory to treatment with standard agents. Therefore, the identification of new molecular targets in cancer progression and development of novel therapeutic strategies to target them are very necessary for achieving better survival for patients with prostate cancer. Activation of small GTPases such as Ras and Arf1 is a critical component of the signaling pathways for most of the receptors shown to be upregulated in advanced prostate cancer. Methods The drug effects on cell proliferation were measured by CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay. The drug effects on cell migration and invasion were determined by Radius™ 24-well and Matrigel-coated Boyden chambers. The drug effects on apoptosis were assessed by FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit with 7-AAD and Western blot with antibodies against cleaved PARP and Caspase 3. A NOD/SCID mouse model generated by subcutaneous injection was used to assess the in vivo drug efficacy in tumor growth. ERK activation and tumor cell proliferation in xenografts were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results We show that Exo2, a small-molecule inhibitor that reduces Arf1 activation, effectively suppresses prostate cancer cell proliferation by blocking ERK1/2 activation. Exo2 also has other effects, inhibiting migration and invasion of PCa cells and inducing apoptosis. The Ras inhibitor salirasib augments Exo2-induced cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells partially by enhancing the suppression of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In a xenograft mouse model of prostate cancer, Exo2 reduces prostate tumor burden and inhibits ERK1/2 activation at a dose of 20 mg/kg. Synergistic treatment of salirasib and Exo2 exhibits a superior inhibitory effect on prostate tumor growth compared with either drug alone, which may be attributed to the more efficient inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Conclusion This study suggests that simultaneous blockade of Arf1 and Ras activation in prostate cancer cells is a potential targeted therapeutic strategy for preventing prostate cancer development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-017-0583-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Lang
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Chloe Shay
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory Children's Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Xiangdong Zhao
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Oral Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA. .,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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17
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Zayoud M, Marcu-Malina V, Vax E, Jacob-Hirsch J, Elad-Sfadia G, Barshack I, Kloog Y, Goldstein I. Ras Signaling Inhibitors Attenuate Disease in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis via Targeting Pathogenic Antigen-Specific Th17-Type Cells. Front Immunol 2017; 8:799. [PMID: 28736556 PMCID: PMC5500629 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ras family of GTPases plays an important role in signaling nodes downstream to T cell receptor and CD28 activation, potentially lowering the threshold for T-cell receptor activation by autoantigens. Somatic mutation in NRAS or KRAS may cause a rare autoimmune disorder coupled with abnormal expansion of lymphocytes. T cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients show excessive activation of Ras/MEK/ERK pathway. The small molecule farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) interferes with the interaction between Ras GTPases and their prenyl-binding chaperones to inhibit proper plasma membrane localization. In the present study, we tested the therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects of FTS and its derivative 5-fluoro-FTS (F-FTS) in the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model (AIA). We show that AIA severity was significantly reduced by oral FTS and F-FTS treatment compared to vehicle control treatment. FTS was as effective as the mainstay anti-rheumatic drug methotrexate, and combining the two drugs significantly increased efficacy compared to each drug alone. We also discovered that FTS therapy inhibited both the CFA-driven in vivo induction of Th17 and IL-17/IFN-γ producing “double positive” as well as the upregulation of serum levels of the Th17-associated cytokines IL-17A and IL-22. By gene microarray analysis of effector CD4+ T cells from CFA-immunized rats, re-stimulated in vitro with the mycobacterium tuberculosis heat-shock protein 65 (Bhsp65), we determined that FTS abrogated the Bhsp65-induced transcription of a large list of genes (e.g., Il17a/f, Il22, Ifng, Csf2, Lta, and Il1a). The functional enrichment bioinformatics analysis showed significant overlap with predefined gene sets related to inflammation, immune system processes and autoimmunity. In conclusion, FTS and F-FTS display broad immunomodulatory effects in AIA with inhibition of the Th17-type response to a dominant arthritogenic antigen. Hence, targeting Ras signal-transduction cascade is a potential novel therapeutic approach for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morad Zayoud
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Rheumatology Unit, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Victoria Marcu-Malina
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Einav Vax
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Jasmine Jacob-Hirsch
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Galit Elad-Sfadia
- Department of Neurobiology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences & Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Iris Barshack
- Institute of Pathology, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yoel Kloog
- Department of Neurobiology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences & Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Itamar Goldstein
- Sheba Cancer Research Center, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Rheumatology Unit, Chaim Sheba Academic Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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18
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Farnesylthiosalicylic acid sensitizes hepatocarcinoma cells to artemisinin derivatives. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171840. [PMID: 28182780 PMCID: PMC5300221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and artesunate (ARS), two artemisinin derivatives, have efficacious anticancer activities against human hepatocarcinoma (HCC) cells. This study aims to study the anticancer action of the combination treatment of DHA/ARS and farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS), a Ras inhibitor, in HCC cells (Huh-7 and HepG2 cell lines). FTS pretreatment significantly enhanced DHA/ARS-induced phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, Bak/Bax activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cytochrome c release, and caspase-8 and -9 activations, characteristics of the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis. Pretreatment with Z-IETD-FMK (caspase-8 inhibitor) potently prevented the cytotoxicity of the combination treatment of DHA/ARS and FTS, and pretreatment with Z-VAD-FMK (pan-caspase inhibitor) significantly inhibited the loss of ΔΨm induced by DHA/ARS treatment or the combination treatment of DHA/ARS and FTS in HCC cells. Furthermore, silencing Bak/Bax modestly but significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity of the combination treatment of DHA/ARS and FTS. Interestingly, pretreatment with an antioxidant N-Acetyle-Cysteine (NAC) significantly prevented the cytotoxicity of the combination treatment of DHA and FTS instead of the combination treatment of ARS and FTS, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) played a key role in the anticancer action of the combination treatment of DHA and FTS. Similar to FTS, DHA/ARS also significantly prevented Ras activation. Collectively, our data demonstrate that FTS potently sensitizes Huh-7 and HepG2 cells to artemisinin derivatives via accelerating the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.
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19
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Guan Y, Zhang Y, Xiao L, Li J, Wang JP, Chordia MD, Liu ZQ, Chung LWK, Yue W, Pan D. Improving Therapeutic Potential of Farnesylthiosalicylic Acid: Tumor Specific Delivery via Conjugation with Heptamethine Cyanine Dye. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:1-13. [PMID: 26992462 PMCID: PMC5815365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS and mTOR inhibitor S-trans-trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) is a promising anticancer agent with moderate potency, currently undergoing clinical trials as a chemotherapeutic agent. FTS has displayed its potential against a variety of cancers including endocrine resistant breast cancer. However, the poor pharmacokinetics profile attributed to its high hydrophobicity is a major hindrance for its continued advancement in clinic. One of the ways to improve its therapeutic potential would be to enhance its bioavailability to cancer tissue by developing a method for targeted delivery. In the current study, FTS was conjugated with the cancer-targeting heptamethine cyanine dye 5 to form the FTS-dye conjugate 11. The efficiency of tumor targeting properties of conjugate 11 against cancer cell growth and mTOR inhibition was evaluated in vitro in comparison with parent FTS. Cancer targeting of 11 in a live mouse model of MCF7 xenografts was demonstrated with noninvasive, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging. The results from our studies clearly suggest that the bioavailability of FTS is indeed improved as indicated by log P values and cancer cell uptake. The FTS-dye conjugate 11 displayed higher potency (IC50 = 16.8 ± 0.5 μM) than parent FTS (IC50 = ∼51.3 ± 1.8 μM) and inhibited mTOR activity in the cancer cells at a lower concentration (12.5 μM). The conjugate 11 was shown to be specifically accumulated in tumors as observed by in vivo NIRF imaging, organ distribution, and ex vivo tumor histology along with cellular level confocal microscopy. In conclusion, the conjugation of FTS with cancer-targeting heptamethine cyanine dye improved its pharmacological profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Guan
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 51006, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, United States
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ji-ping Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Mahendra D. Chordia
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 51006, China
| | - Leland W. K. Chung
- Uro-Oncology Research Program, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, United States
| | - Wei Yue
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
| | - Dongfeng Pan
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, United States
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20
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Yang S, Liu G. Targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:1041-1047. [PMID: 28454211 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the biological basis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear, effective treatments and improvement of the survival rate remain worthwhile research goals. Abnormal protein signaling pathways contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis are biomarkers of the carcinogenic process. Certain mutated components or overexpression of the rat sarcoma virus (Ras)/rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (Raf)/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway are increasingly being studied in HCC carcinogenesis. The present review addresses the effect of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway on the pathogenesis of HCC, and provides an update on the preclinical and clinical development of various inhibitors targeting this core signaling pathway, which include various Ras inhibitors, Raf inhibitors and MEK inhibitors for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sufang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical Collage, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
| | - Guohua Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical Collage, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, P.R. China
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K-Ras, H-Ras, N-Ras and B-Raf mutation and expression analysis in Wilms tumors: association with tumor growth. Med Oncol 2016; 34:6. [PMID: 27943100 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-016-0862-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) is a kidney neoplasia, predominately occurring at very young age, resulting from the malignant transformation of renal stem cells. The Ras proto-oncogenes and B-Raf are members of an intracellular cascade pathway, which regulates cell growth and differentiation, and ultimately cancer development. Our objective was to determine the mutation rate and to measure the mRNA levels of the three Ras genes and of B-Raf in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 32 patients with nephroblastoma and 10 controls. No mutations were detected in the four studied genes among our Wilms tumors cases, while Ras and B-Raf expression was higher in malignant samples versus controls. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation of K-Ras (p < 0.001) and B-Raf (p = 0.006) with tumor size, a negative correlation of K-Ras (p = 0.041) and H-Ras (p = 0.033) with the percentage of tissue necrosis, and an association of N-Ras (p = 0.047) and B-Raf (p = 0.044) with tissue histology. From the above, we deduce that although Ras and B-Raf mutations are rare events in Wilms tumors, their expression pattern suggests that they play an important role in the development and progression of this malignancy.
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Essential roles of FoxM1 in Ras-induced liver cancer progression and in cancer cells with stem cell features. J Hepatol 2015; 63:429-36. [PMID: 25828473 PMCID: PMC4508215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Overexpression of FoxM1 correlates with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, the Ras-signaling pathway is found to be ubiquitously activated in HCC through epigenetic silencing of the Ras-regulators. We investigated the roles of FoxM1 in Ras-driven HCC, and on HCC cells with stem-like features. METHODS We employed a transgenic mouse model that expresses the oncogenic Ras in the liver. That strain was crossed with a strain that harbor floxed alleles of FoxM1 and the MxCre gene that allows conditional deletion of FoxM1. FoxM1 alleles were deleted after development of HCC, and the effects on the tumors were analyzed. Also, FoxM1 siRNA was used in human HCC cell lines to determine its role in the survival of the HCC cells with stem cell features. RESULTS Ras-driven tumors overexpress FoxM1. Deletion of FoxM1 inhibits HCC progression. There was increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the FoxM1 deleted HCC cells. Moreover, FoxM1 deletion caused a disproportionate loss of the CD44+ and EpCAM+ HCC cells in the tumors. We show that FoxM1 directly activates expression of CD44 in human HCC cells. Moreover, the human HCC cells with stem cell features are addicted to FoxM1 for ROS-regulation and survival. CONCLUSION Our results provide genetic evidence for an essential role of FoxM1 in the progression of Ras-driven HCC. In addition, FoxM1 is required for the expression of CD44 in HCC cells. Moreover, FoxM1 plays a critical role in the survival of the HCC cells with stem cell features by regulating ROS.
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Delire B, Stärkel P. The Ras/MAPK pathway and hepatocarcinoma: pathogenesis and therapeutic implications. Eur J Clin Invest 2015; 45:609-23. [PMID: 25832714 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a major health problem, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is to date the sole approved systemic therapy. Several signalling pathways are implicated in tumour development and progression. Among these pathways, the Ras/MAPK pathway is activated in 50-100% of human HCCs and is correlated with a poor prognosis. The aim of this work was to review the main intracellular mechanisms leading to aberrant Ras pathway activation in HCC and the potential therapeutic implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review is based on the material found on PubMed up to December 2014. 'Ras signaling, Ras dysregulation, Ras inhibition, MAPK pathway, cancer, hepatocarcinoma and liver cancer' alone or in combination were the main terms used for online research. RESULTS Multiple mechanisms lead to the deregulation of the Ras pathway in liver cancer. Ras and Raf gene mutations are rare events in human hepatocarcinogenesis in contrast to experimental models in rodents. Downregulation of several Ras/MAPK pathway inhibitors such as GAPs, RASSF proteins, DUSP1, Sprouty and Spred proteins is largely implicated in the aberrant activation of this pathway in the context of wild-type Ras and Raf genes. Epigenetic or post-transcriptional mechanisms lead to the downregulation of these tumour suppressor genes. CONCLUSION Ras/MAPK pathway effectors may be considered as potential therapeutic targets in the field of HCC. In particular after the arrival of sorafenib, more Ras/MAPK inhibitors have emerged and are still in preclinical or clinical investigation for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Delire
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology, Saint-Luc Academic Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Wang WP, Ho PY, Chen QX, Addepalli B, Limbach PA, Li MM, Wu WJ, Jilek JL, Qiu JX, Zhang HJ, Li T, Wun T, White RD, Lam KS, Yu AM. Bioengineering Novel Chimeric microRNA-34a for Prodrug Cancer Therapy: High-Yield Expression and Purification, and Structural and Functional Characterization. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2015; 354:131-41. [PMID: 26022002 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.225631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of anticancer treatments based on microRNA (miRNA/miR) such as miR-34a replacement therapy is limited to the use of synthetic RNAs with artificial modifications. Herein, we present a new approach to a high-yield and large-scale biosynthesis, in Escherichia coli using transfer RNA (tRNA) scaffold, of chimeric miR-34a agent, which may act as a prodrug for anticancer therapy. The recombinant tRNA fusion pre-miR-34a (tRNA/mir-34a) was quickly purified to a high degree of homogeneity (>98%) using anion-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography, whose primary sequence and post-transcriptional modifications were directly characterized by mass spectrometric analyses. Chimeric tRNA/mir-34a showed a favorable cellular stability while it was degradable by several ribonucleases. Deep sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction studies revealed that tRNA-carried pre-miR-34a was precisely processed to mature miR-34a within human carcinoma cells, and the same tRNA fragments were produced from tRNA/mir-34a and the control tRNA scaffold (tRNA/MSA). Consequently, tRNA/mir-34a inhibited the proliferation of various types of human carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner and to a much greater degree than the control tRNA/MSA, which was mechanistically attributable to the reduction of miR-34a target genes. Furthermore, tRNA/mir-34a significantly suppressed the growth of human non-small-cell lung cancer A549 and hepatocarcinoma HepG2 xenograft tumors in mice, compared with the same dose of tRNA/MSA. In addition, recombinant tRNA/mir-34a had no or minimal effect on blood chemistry and interleukin-6 level in mouse models, suggesting that recombinant RNAs were well tolerated. These findings provoke a conversation on producing biologic miRNAs to perform miRNA actions, and point toward a new direction in developing miRNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Peng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Pui Yan Ho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Qiu-Xia Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Balasubrahmanyam Addepalli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Patrick A Limbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Mei-Mei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Wen-Juan Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Joseph L Jilek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Jing-Xin Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Hong-Jian Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Tianhong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Theodore Wun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Ralph DeVere White
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Kit S Lam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
| | - Ai-Ming Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (W.-P.W., P.Y.H., Q.-X.C., M.-M.L., W.-J.W., J.L.J., K.S.L., A.-M.Y.), Division of Hematology Oncology (T.L., T.W., K.S.L.) and Department of Urology (R.D.W.), School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California; Rieveschl Laboratories for Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio (B.A., P.A.L.); Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York (J.-X.Q.); and Center of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (W.-P.W., H.-J.Z.)
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Ling Y, Wang Z, Wang X, Zhao Y, Zhang W, Wang X, Chen L, Huang Z, Zhang Y. Synthesis and biological evaluation of hybrids from farnesylthiosalicylic acid and hydroxylcinnamic acid with dual inhibitory activities of Ras-related signaling and phosphorylated NF-κB. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 12:4517-30. [PMID: 24848877 DOI: 10.1039/c4ob00023d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A series of hybrids (5a–r) of farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) and hydroxylcinnamic acid were designed and synthesized. Most of the hybrids displayed potent antiproliferative activity against seven cancer cell lines in vitro, superior to FTS as well as sorafenib. The most potent compound 5f selectively inhibited cancer cells but not non-tumor liver cell proliferation in vitro, and significantly induced SMMC-7721 cell apoptosis. Interestingly, 5f could simultaneously inhibit not only Ras-related signaling but also phosphorylated NF-κB, which may synergetically contribute to the cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction. Moreover, 5f showed low acute toxicity to mice and significantly inhibited the hepatoma tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, PR China
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Ling Y, Wang X, Zhu H, Wang Z, Xu C, Wang X, Chen L, Zhang W. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel farnesylthiosalicylic acid derivatives for cancer treatment. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2014; 347:327-33. [PMID: 24435839 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201300325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) derivatives were synthesized by coupling with different substituted diamines. Their in vitro growth inhibitory activities against seven human cancer cell lines were evaluated. The results revealed that the synthetic farnesylthiosalicylamides displayed significant antitumor activities compared to the positive control FTS. Especially, compound 8f exhibited the strongest antitumor activities with IC50 values of 6.20-7.83 µM, which were one- to threefold less than those of sorafenib and six- to tenfold less than that of FTS against each cell line in vitro. Furthermore, 8f could inhibit the Ras-related signaling pathway and induce SMMC-7721 cell apoptosis superior to FTS in a dose-dependent manner. These data indicate that 8f may hold greater promise as therapeutic agent for the intervention of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Abstract
Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major resistance factor and critical anti-apoptotic regulator that inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Fas-L, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis as well as chemotherapy-triggered apoptosis in malignant cells. c-FLIP is expressed as long (c-FLIP(L)), short (c-FLIP(S)), and c-FLIP(R) splice variants in human cells. c-FLIP binds to FADD and/or caspase-8 or -10 in a ligand-dependent and-independent fashion, which in turn prevents death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade. Moreover, c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) are known to have multifunctional roles in various signaling pathways, as well as activating and/or upregulating several cytoprotective signaling molecules. Upregulation of c-FLIP has been found in various tumor types, and its downregulation has been shown to restore apoptosis triggered by cytokines and various chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, c-FLIP is an important target for cancer therapy. For example, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that specifically knockdown the expression of c-FLIP(L) in diverse human cancer cell lines augmented TRAIL-induced DISC recruitment and increased the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, thereby enhancing effector caspase stimulation and apoptosis. Moreover, small molecules causing degradation of c-FLIP as well as decreasing mRNA and protein levels of c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) splice variants have been found, and efforts are underway to develop other c-FLIP-targeted cancer therapies. This review focuses on (1) the functional role of c-FLIP splice variants in preventing apoptosis and inducing cytokine and drug resistance; (2) the molecular mechanisms that regulate c-FLIP expression; and (3) strategies to inhibit c-FLIP expression and function.
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Kawahara T, Toso C, Yamaguchi K, Cader S, Douglas DN, Nourbakhsh M, Lewis JT, Churchill TA, Yagita H, Kneteman NM. Additive effect of sirolimus and anti-death receptor 5 agonistic antibody against hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2013; 33:1441-8. [PMID: 23895107 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Despite careful patient selection, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurs in 10-20% of cases after liver transplantation, and the use of potent adjuvant anticancer drugs would be welcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a combined therapy of rapamycin (sirolimus) and anti-death receptor (DR)5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on HCC. METHODS We first assessed the side effects of anti-DR5 mAb administration in vivo by giving various doses of anti-DR5 mAb. Cell proliferation assays were then performed using mouse Hepa1-6 cells or human Huh7 cells to quantify the relative cell viability under various concentrations of sirolimus, anti-DR5 mAb or a combination. Next, one million Hepa1-6 cells were transplanted into C.B17-SCID-beige mice subcutaneously, and four groups were created: (1) untreated, (2) anti-DR5 mAb alone, (3) sirolimus alone and (4) anti-DR5 mAb + sirolimus. RESULTS Anti-DR5 mAb (200 and 300 μg/day) induced liver dysfunction with partial necrosis of the liver, but 100 μg/day was well tolerated with transaminitis, but normal bilirubin and only minor histological liver damage. In vitro, anti-DR5 mAb lysed Hepa1-6 and Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and combinations of sirolimus and anti-DR5 mAb demonstrated an additive effect. In vivo studies demonstrated that tumour sizes were significantly smaller in the combined therapy group than in the monotherapy groups. CONCLUSIONS Combining sirolimus and low-dose anti-DR5 mAb has a significant effect against HCC. This strategy represents a potential novel approach for the management of HCC.
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Schokoroy S, Juster D, Kloog Y, Pinkas-Kramarski R. Disrupting the oncogenic synergism between nucleolin and Ras results in cell growth inhibition and cell death. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75269. [PMID: 24086490 PMCID: PMC3782480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ErbB receptors, Ras proteins and nucleolin are major contributors to malignant transformation. The pleiotropic protein nucleolin can bind to both Ras protein and ErbB receptors. Previously, we have demonstrated a crosstalk between Ras, nucleolin and the ErbB1 receptor. Activated Ras facilitates nucleolin interaction with ErbB1 and stabilizes ErbB1 levels. The three oncogenes synergistically facilitate anchorage independent growth and tumor growth in nude mice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the present study we used several cancer cell lines. The effect of Ras and nucleolin inhibition was determined using cell growth, cell death and cell motility assays. Protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. We found that inhibition of Ras and nucleolin reduces tumor cell growth, enhances cell death and inhibits anchorage independent growth. Our results reveal that the combined treatment affects Ras and nucleolin levels and localization. Our study also indicates that Salirasib (FTS, Ras inhibitor) reduces cell motility, which is not affected by the nucleolin inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that targeting both nucleolin and Ras may represent an additional avenue for inhibiting cancers driven by these oncogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sari Schokoroy
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Dolly Juster
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoel Kloog
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
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Schmukler E, Grinboim E, Schokoroy S, Amir A, Wolfson E, Kloog Y, Pinkas-Kramarski R. Ras inhibition enhances autophagy, which partially protects cells from death. Oncotarget 2013; 4:145-55. [PMID: 23370967 PMCID: PMC3702214 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a process of regulated turnover of cellular constituents, is essential for normal growth control but may be defective under pathological conditions. The Ras/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway negatively regulates autophagy. Ras signaling has been documented in a large number of human cancers. In this in-vitro study we examined the effect of the Ras inhibitor Salirasib (S-trans, trans-farnesylthiosalicylic acid; FTS) on autophagy induction and cell viability. We show that Ras inhibition by FTS induced autophagy in several cell lines, including mouse embryonic fibroblasts and the human cancer cell lines HeLa, HCT-116 and DLD-1. The autophagy induced by FTS seems to inhibit the cell death induced by FTS, since in the absence of autophagy the death of FTS-treated cells was enhanced. Therefore, inhibition of autophagy may promote the inhibition of tumor cell growth and the cell death mediated by FTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eran Schmukler
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Ras proteins (K-Ras, N-Ras, and H-Ras) are GTPases that function as molecular switches for a variety of critical cellular activities and their function is tightly and temporally regulated in normal cells. Oncogenic mutations in the RAS genes, which create constitutively-active Ras proteins, can result in uncontrolled proliferation or survival in tumor cells. AREAS COVERED The paper discusses three therapeutic approaches targeting the Ras pathway in cancer: i) Ras itself, ii) Ras downstream pathways, and iii) synthetic lethality. The most adopted approach is targeting Ras downstream signaling, and specifically the PI3K-AKT-mTOR and Raf-MEK pathways, as they are frequently major oncogenic drivers in cancers with high Ras signaling. Although direct targeting of Ras has not been successful clinically, newer approaches being investigated in preclinical studies, such as RNA interference-based and synthetic lethal approaches, promise great potential for clinical application. EXPERT OPINION The challenges of current and emerging therapeutics include the lack of "tumor specificity" and their limitation to those cancers which are "dependent" on aberrant Ras signaling for survival. While the newer approaches have the potential to overcome these limitations, they also highlight the importance of robust preclinical studies and bidirectional translational research for successful clinical development of Ras-related targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asami Takashima
- Boston University School of Medicine, Cancer Research Center , 72 E. Concord St. Boston MA, 02118 , USA
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Salirasib sensitizes hepatocarcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through DR5 and survivin-dependent mechanisms. Cell Death Dis 2013; 4:e471. [PMID: 23348585 PMCID: PMC3563988 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2012.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ras activation is a frequent event in human hepatocarcinoma that may contribute to resistance towards apoptosis. Salirasib is a ras and mTOR inhibitor that induces a pro-apoptotic phenotype in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines. In this work, we evaluate whether salirasib sensitizes those cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Cell viability, cell death and apoptosis were evaluated in vitro in HepG2, Hep3B and Huh7 cells treated with DMSO, salirasib and YM155 (a survivin inhibitor), alone or in combination with recombinant TRAIL. Our results show that pretreatment with salirasib sensitized human hepatocarcinoma cell lines, but not normal human hepatocytes, to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Indeed, FACS analysis showed that 25 (Huh7) to 50 (HepG2 and Hep3B) percent of the cells treated with both drugs were apoptotic. This occurred through activation of the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathways, as evidenced by a marked increase in caspase 3/7 (five to ninefold), caspase 8 (four to sevenfold) and caspase 9 (eight to 12-fold) activities in cells treated with salirasib and TRAIL compared with control. Survivin inhibition had an important role in this process and was sufficient to sensitize hepatocarcinoma cells to apoptosis. Furthermore, TRAIL-induced apoptosis in HCC cells pretreated with salirasib was dependent on activation of death receptor (DR) 5. In conclusion, salirasib sensitizes hepatocarcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by a mechanism involving the DR5 receptor and survivin inhibition. These results in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines and primary hepatocytes provide a rationale for testing the combination of salirasib and TRAIL agonists in human hepatocarcinoma.
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Powerful inhibition of in-vivo growth of experimental hepatic cancers by bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide antagonist RC-3940-II. Anticancer Drugs 2013; 23:906-13. [PMID: 22926257 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e328354bd25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic carcinoma is a major health problem worldwide. Its incidence is increasing in Western countries and there is currently no effective systemic therapy against it. Targeted treatment modalities developed in the past few years have provided very limited success. Development of new treatment strategies is therefore essential. We investigated the effects of bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide (BN/GRP) antagonist RC-3940-II on experimental human liver cancers in nude mice. SK-Hep-1 and Hep-G2 cancers transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice were treated daily with 10 or 20 µg of RC-3940-II. Tumor growth was monitored for 50-184 days in five experiments. Tumor gene expression was analyzed with PCR array and protein expression by immunoblotting. Characteristics of BN/GRP receptors in the tumors were analyzed by binding assays. Effects of RC-3940-II on cell proliferation were investigated in vitro. RC-3940-II inhibited the growth of SK-Hep-1 cancers in nude mice by 65-98%, with total regression in 9 of 36 tumors in three experiments. The BN/GRP antagonist inhibited the growth of Hep-G2 cancers as well by 73-82% in two experiments, being effective even on originally large tumors. Gene expression analysis showed an increase in several angiogenesis inhibitors and decrease in proangiogenic genes after RC-3940-II treatment. Receptor assays demonstrated high-affinity binding sites for BN/GRP in both tumor lines. BN/GRP antagonist RC-3940-II powerfully inhibits growth of SK-Hep-1 and Hep-G2 cancers in nude mice. Its effect may be linked to changes in expression of those cancer genes important in angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. RC-3940-II may be considered for further investigations in treatment of liver cancers.
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CHEN YU, HE YUFANG, NAN MINLUN, SUN WENYI, HU JIE, CUI AI, LI FAN, WANG FANG. Novel rotundic acid derivatives: Synthesis, structural characterization and in vitro antitumor activity. Int J Mol Med 2012; 31:353-60. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2012.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Ji Z, Flaherty KT, Tsao H. Targeting the RAS pathway in melanoma. Trends Mol Med 2012; 18:27-35. [PMID: 21962474 PMCID: PMC3759017 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a highly lethal type of skin cancer and is often refractory to all traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Key insights into the genetic makeup of melanoma tumors have led to the development of promising targeted agents. An activated RAS pathway, anchored by oncogenic BRAF, appears to be the central motor driving melanoma proliferation. Although recent clinical trials have brought enormous hope to patients with melanoma, adverse effects and novel escape mechanisms of these inhibitors have already emerged. Definition of the limits of the first successful targeted therapies will provide the basis for further advances in management of disseminated melanoma. In this review, the current state of targeted therapy for melanoma is discussed, including the potent BRAF(V600E) inhibitor vemurafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Ji
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Pushpavalli S, Ramaiah MJ, Srinivas C, Mukhopadhya D, Aditya JL, Kumbhare RM, Bhadra U, Bhadra MP. Effect of Benzothiazole based conjugates in causing apoptosis by Regulating p53, PTEN and MAP Kinase proteins affecting miR-195a and miR-101-1. Cancer Cell Int 2011; 11:36. [PMID: 22035408 PMCID: PMC3228781 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2867-11-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for majority of liver cancers and is the leading cause of cancer related death in Asia. Like any other cancer, HCC develops when there is a mutation to the cellular machinery that causes the cell to replicate at a higher rate and results in the loss of apoptosis. Therefore, a delicate balance between the expression of various genes involved in proliferation and apoptosis decide the ultimate fate of the cell to undergo rapid proliferation (cancer) or cell death. RESULTS The benzothiazole based compounds exhibited effective cytotoxicity at 4 μM concentration and have shown G1 cell cycle arrest with decrease in levels of G1 cell cycle proteins such as cyclin D1 and Skp2. Involvement of tumour suppressor proteins such as PTEN and p53 was studied. Interestingly these compounds displayed decrease in the phosphorylated forms of AKT, p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 which play a vital role in cell proliferation. Compounds have exhibited strong and significant effect on the expression of micro RNAs such as miR-195a & miR-101-1 which regulate hepatic cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS The cell cycle arrest and apoptotic inducing nature of these compounds was revealed by FACS, BrdU cell proliferation and tunel assays. Compounds affected both tumour suppressor proteins as well as proteins that are involved in active cell proliferation. Micro RNAs whose target is Cyclin D1 such as miR-195a and miR-101-1 that is required for growth of hepatoma cells was drastically affected. These compounds caused apoptosis by activating caspase-3 and PARP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sncvl Pushpavalli
- Division of Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500607, India
| | - M Janaki Ramaiah
- Division of Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500607, India
| | - Ch Srinivas
- Division of Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500607, India
| | - Debasmita Mukhopadhya
- Division of Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500607, India
| | - J L Aditya
- Division of Functional Genomics and Gene silencing, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500007, India
| | - Ravindra M Kumbhare
- Division of Fluoro organics, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500607, India
| | - Utpal Bhadra
- Division of Functional Genomics and Gene silencing, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500007, India
| | - Manika Pal Bhadra
- Division of Chemical Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad-500607, India
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Huang Y, Tong S, Tai AW, Hussain M, Lok ASF. Hepatitis B virus core promoter mutations contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis by deregulating SKP2 and its target, p21. Gastroenterology 2011; 141:1412-21, 1421.e1-5. [PMID: 21704589 PMCID: PMC3186859 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.06.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Clinical studies have associated hepatitis B virus core promoter (CP) mutations with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The CP region overlaps with the HBV X (HBx) gene, which has been implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. The cyclin kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 is an important regulator of cell cycle progression and proliferation. We determined whether HBx mutants that result from mutations in the CP deregulate p21 and these processes. METHODS We constructed a series of HBx mutants with changes in the CP region that correspond to A1762T/G1764A (TA), T1753A, T1768A, or a combination of these (combo) and expressed them, along with wild-type HBx under control of its endogenous promoter, in primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) and HepG2 cells. We then analyzed the effects of CP mutations on expression and degradation of p21 and the effects on cell cycle progression and proliferation. RESULTS The combo mutant decreased levels of p21 and increased cyclin E expression in PHHs and HepG2 cells. The combo mutant, but not HBx with single or double CP mutations, accelerated p21 degradation in HepG2 cells. The combo mutant increased expression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) in PHHs and Huh7 cells. Silencing of SKP2 abrogated the effects of CP mutations on p21 expression. The kinetics of p21 expression correlated with changes in cell cycle distribution. The combo mutant accelerated cell cycle progression; p21 overexpression restored G1 arrest. CONCLUSIONS HBx mutants with changes that correspond to a combination of CP mutations up-regulate SKP2, which then down-regulates p21 via ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. CP mutations might increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma via this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shuping Tong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Andrew W. Tai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Division of Gastroenterology, Ann Arbor Veterans Administration Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Munira Hussain
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anna SF Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Stärkel P, Charette N, Borbath I, Schneider-Merck T, De Saeger C, Abarca J, Leclercq I, Horsmans Y. Ras inhibition in hepatocarcinoma by S-trans-trans-farnesylthiosalicyclic acid: Association of its tumor preventive effect with cell proliferation, cell cycle events, and angiogenesis. Mol Carcinog 2011; 51:816-25. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.20849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Fei HR, Chen HL, Xiao T, Chen G, Wang FZ. Caudatin induces cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis in HepG2 cell. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:131-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-0721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Lian H, Tang J, Sun YC, Zhang S. Mechanisms underlying vesicular stomatitis virus-induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells in vitro. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:667-673. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i7.667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of a laboratory-attenuated vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) strain on HepG2 cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS: After HepG2 cells were infected with VSV at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1.0, cell viability was determined by MTT assay; morphological assessment of apoptosis was performed by acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB) and Hoechst/PI staining; apoptotic cells were quantified by annexin V/PI double-staining and cell cycle analysis; mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured by JC-1 staining; and activation of caspase proteolytic cascade was measured with caspase-9, caspase-8 and -3 colorimetric assay kits.
RESULTS: The attenuated VSV strain could markedly inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. After HepG2 cells were exposed to VSV at an MOI of 1.0 for 24 h, the percentages of early apoptotic cells (26.46% ± 6.01% vs 4.86% ± 2. 28%, t = -5.817, P < 0.01) and cells in sub-G1 phase (14.07% ± 3.83% vs 3.99% ± 1.36%, t = -4.293, P < 0.05) were increased compared with mock-infected cells. VSV infection significantly decreased mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm) (t = -4.586, P < 0.05) and increased the activity of caspase-9 and caspase-3 (both P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Human hepatoma cell line HepG2 is highly susceptible to infection with oncolytic VSV. VSV can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cell and promote apoptosis through the intrinsic mitochondria pathway. VSV-induced collapse of the mitochondrial trans-membrane potential could exert a feedback effect to elicit caspase-9, and then lead to the activation of the key downstream factor caspase-3.
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