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Guo R, Wei Y, Du Y, Liu L, Zhang H, Ren R, Sun R, Zhang T, Xiong X, Zhao L, Wang H, Guo X, Zhu X. EX527, a sirtuins 1 inhibitor, sensitizes T-cell leukemia to death receptor-mediated apoptosis by downregulating cellular FLICE inhibitory protein. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2402588. [PMID: 39286953 PMCID: PMC11409494 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2402588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Death receptor-mediated extrinsic apoptosis system had been developed as a promising therapeutic strategy in clinical oncology, such as TRAIL therapy. However, multiple studies have demonstrated that TRAIL resistance is the biggest problem for disappointing clinical trials despite preclinical success. Targeting cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (cFLIP) is one strategy of combinatorial therapies to overcome resistance to DR-mediated apoptosis due to its negative regulator of extrinsic apoptosis. E × 527 (Selisistat) is a specific inhibitor of SIRT1 activity with safe and well tolerance in clinical trials. Here, we show that E × 527 could strengthen significantly activation of rhFasL-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway and increased apoptotic rate of T leukemia cells with high expression of cFLIP. Mechanically, Inhibition of SIRT1 by E × 527 increased polyubiquitination level of cFLIP via increasing acetylation of Ku70, which could promote proteosomal degradation of cFLIP protein. It implied that combinatorial therapies of E × 527 plus TRAIL may have a potential as a novel clinical application for TRAIL-resistant hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongqi Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yihui Wei
- Henan Red Cross Blood Center, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yating Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Luyue Liu
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Zhoukou Central Hospital, Zhoukou, China
| | - Haoqi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang
Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ruiying Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ruili Sun
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang
Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiwen Xiong
- School of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lijun Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hongfei Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang
Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drugs, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
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Kanagasabai T, Dunbar Z, Ochoa SG, Farris T, Dhandayuthapani S, Wijeratne EMK, Gunatilaka AAL, Shanker A. Bortezomib in Combination with Physachenolide C Reduces the Tumorigenic Properties of KRAS mut/P53 mut Lung Cancer Cells by Inhibiting c-FLIP. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:670. [PMID: 38339421 PMCID: PMC10854725 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defects in apoptosis regulation are one of the classical features of cancer cells, often associated with more aggressiveness and failure to therapeutic options. We investigated the combinatorial antitumor effects of a natural product, physachenolide C (PCC) and bortezomib, in KRASmut/P53mut lung cancer cells and xenograft mice models. METHODS The in vitro anticancer effects of the bortezomib and PCC combination were investigated using cell viability, migration, and invasion assays in 344SQ, H23, and H358 cell lines. Furthermore, the effects of combination treatment on the critical parameters of cellular metabolism, including extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation based on the oxygen consumption rate of cancer cells were assessed using Seahorse assay. Finally, the antitumor effect of the bortezomib (1 mg/kg) and PCC (10 mg/kg) combination was evaluated using xenograft mice models. RESULTS Our data showed that the bortezomib-PCC combination was more effective in reducing the viability of lung cancer cells in comparison with the individual treatments. Similarly, the combination treatment showed a significant inhibition of cell migration and invasion of cancer cells. Additionally, the key anti-apoptotic protein c-FLIP was significantly inhibited along with a substantial reduction in the key parameters of cellular metabolism in cancer cells. Notably, the bortezomib or PCC inhibited the tumor growth compared to the control group, the tumor growth inhibition was much more effective when bortezomib was combined with PCC in tumor xenograft mice models. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that PCC sensitizes cancer cells to bortezomib, potentially improving the antitumor effects against KRASmut/P53mut lung cancer cells, with an enhanced efficacy of combination treatments without causing significant side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanigaivelan Kanagasabai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (T.K.); (T.F.)
| | - Zerick Dunbar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Physiology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Salvador González Ochoa
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
| | - Tonie Farris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (T.K.); (T.F.)
| | | | - E. M. Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; (E.M.K.W.)
| | - A. A. Leslie Gunatilaka
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; (E.M.K.W.)
| | - Anil Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA;
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Li Y, Zhu J, Yu Z, Zhai F, Li H, Jin X. Regulation of apoptosis by ubiquitination in liver cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4832-4871. [PMID: 37970337 PMCID: PMC10636691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process critical to cell development and tissue homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Defective apoptosis is a crucial step in the malignant transformation of cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where the apoptosis rate is higher than in normal liver tissues. Ubiquitination, a post-translational modification process, plays a precise role in regulating the formation and function of different death-signaling complexes, including those involved in apoptosis. Aberrant expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases (E3s) in liver cancer (LC), such as cellular inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (cIAPs), X chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP), and linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC), can contribute to HCC development by promoting cell survival and inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, the review introduces the main apoptosis pathways and the regulation of proteins in these pathways by E3s and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). It summarizes the abnormal expression of these regulators in HCC and their effects on cancer inhibition or promotion. Understanding the role of ubiquitination in apoptosis and LC can provide insights into potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center of LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315040, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center of LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315040, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Zongdong Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center of LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315040, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Fengguang Zhai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center of LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315040, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center of LiHuiLi Hospital, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315040, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center, Ningbo UniversityNingbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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Prasad Panda S, Kesharwani A, Prasanna Mallick S, Prasanth D, Kumar Pasala P, Bharadwaj Tatipamula V. Viral-induced neuronal necroptosis: Detrimental to brain function and regulation by necroptosis inhibitors. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115591. [PMID: 37196683 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal necroptosis (programmed necrosis) in the CNS naturally occurs through a caspase-independent way and, especially in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parknson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and viral infections. Understanding necroptosis pathways (death receptor-dependent and independent), and its connections with other cell death pathways could lead to new insights into treatment. Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) mediates necroptosis via mixed-lineage kinase-like (MLKL) proteins. RIPK/MLKL necrosome contains FADD, procaspase-8-cellular FLICE-inhibitory proteins (cFLIPs), RIPK1/RIPK3, and MLKL. The necrotic stimuli cause phosphorylation of MLKL and translocate to the plasma membrane, causing an influx of Ca2+ and Na+ ions and, the immediate opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) with the release of inflammatory cell damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) like mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1), and interleukin1 (IL-1). The MLKL translocates to the nucleus to induce transcription of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex elements. MLKL-induced NLRP3 activity causes caspase-1 cleavage and, IL-1 activation which promotes neuroinflammation. RIPK1-dependent transcription increases illness-associated microglial and lysosomal abnormalities to facilitate amyloid plaque (Aβ) aggregation in AD. Recent research has linked neuroinflammation and mitochondrial fission with necroptosis. MicroRNAs (miRs) such as miR512-3p, miR874, miR499, miR155, and miR128a regulate neuronal necroptosis by targeting key components of necroptotic pathways. Necroptosis inhibitors act by inhibiting the membrane translocation of MLKL and RIPK1 activity. This review insights into the RIPK/MLKL necrosome-NLRP3 inflammasome interactions during death receptor-dependent and independent neuronal necroptosis, and clinical intervention by miRs to protect the brain from NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Prasad Panda
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Adarsh Kesharwani
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarada Prasanna Mallick
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhrapradesh, India
| | - Dsnbk Prasanth
- Department of Pharmacognosy, KVSR Siddhartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vijayawada, AP, India
| | | | - Vinay Bharadwaj Tatipamula
- Center for Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Danang 550000, Viet Nam
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Lopatina T, Sarcinella A, Brizzi MF. Tumour Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Challenging Target to Blunt Tumour Immune Evasion. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164020. [PMID: 36011012 PMCID: PMC9406972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tumour onset and development occur because of specific immune support. The immune system, which is originally able to perceive and eliminate incipient cancer cells, becomes suppressed and hijacked by cancer. For these purposes, tumour cells use extracellular vesicles (TEVs). Specific molecular composition allows TEVs to reprogram immune cells towards tumour tolerance. Circulating TEVs move from their site of origin to other organs, preparing “a fertile soil” for metastasis formation. This implies that TEV molecular content can provide a valuable tool for cancer biomarker discovery and potential targets to reshape the immune system into tumour recognition and eradication. Abstract Control of the immune response is crucial for tumour onset and progression. Tumour cells handle the immune reaction by means of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EV). Tumour-derived extracellular vesicles (TEV) play key roles in immune reprogramming by delivering their cargo to different immune cells. Tumour-surrounding tissues also contribute to tumour immune editing and evasion, tumour progression, and drug resistance via locally released TEV. Moreover, the increase in circulating TEV has suggested their underpinning role in tumour dissemination. This review brings together data referring to TEV-driven immune regulation and antitumour immune suppression. Attention was also dedicated to TEV-mediated drug resistance.
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Ivanisenko NV, Seyrek K, Hillert-Richter LK, König C, Espe J, Bose K, Lavrik IN. Regulation of extrinsic apoptotic signaling by c-FLIP: towards targeting cancer networks. Trends Cancer 2021; 8:190-209. [PMID: 34973957 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The extrinsic pathway is mediated by death receptors (DRs), including CD95 (APO-1/Fas) or TRAILR-1/2. Defects in apoptosis regulation lead to cancer and other malignancies. The master regulator of the DR networks is the cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (c-FLIP). In addition to its key role in apoptosis, c-FLIP may exert other cellular functions, including control of necroptosis, pyroptosis, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, and tumorigenesis. To gain further insight into the molecular mechanisms of c-FLIP action in cancer networks, we focus on the structure, isoforms, interactions, and post-translational modifications of c-FLIP. We also discuss various avenues to target c-FLIP in cancer cells for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita V Ivanisenko
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kamil Seyrek
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Laura K Hillert-Richter
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Corinna König
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Espe
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kakoli Bose
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, BARC Training School Complex, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Inna N Lavrik
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia; Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Deng L, Wang C, He C, Chen L. Bone mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles promote TRAIL-related apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the delivery of microRNA-20a-3p. Cancer Biomark 2021; 30:223-235. [PMID: 33136092 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-201633] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been widely researched in cancer treatment, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study intended to discuss the mechanism of miR-20a-3p in BMSCs-extracellular vesicles (EVs) in HCC apoptosis. METHODS BMSCs were isolated and identified. EVs derived from BMSCs were extracted and identified. After overexpressing or inhibiting miR-20a-3p expression in BMSCs, EVs were extracted and acted on HCC cells and transplanted tumors. HCC cell apoptosis in the treatment of BMSCs-conditioned medium, BMSCs-EVs and/or miR-20a-3p mimic/inhibitor was evaluated, with the detection of levels of TRAIL and TRAIL-related proteins. A functional rescue experiment about c-FLIP was carried out in HCC cells. The target binding relationship between miR-20a-3p and c-FLIP was detected. The subcutaneous tumorigenesis model of mice was established and injected with BMSCs-EVs to estimate the effect of BMSCs-EVs-miR-20a-3p on HCC growth. RESULTS EVs isolated from BMSCs conditioned medium promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells. After BMSCs-EVs treatment, TRAIL levels, downstream proteins and miR-20a-3p were increased significantly, but the expression of c-FLIP was decreased. miR-20a-3p could target c-FLIP. BMSCs-EVs inhibited the growth of HCC cells, decreased c-FLIP expression, increased TRAIL levels, and promote the of HCC cell apoptosis. BMSCs-EVs with overexpressing miR-20a-3p further enhanced the apoptotic effect of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION BMSCs-EVs-carried miR-20a-3p targets c-FLIP and increases TRAIL levels in HCC cells, thus promoting TRAIL-related apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Engineering Research Center in Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chang Wang
- College of Computer Science, Chengdu Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao He
- Antibiotic Drug Office, Sichuan Institute of Veterinary Drug Control, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Orthopedics Department, Chengdu First People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Chen T, Yang P, Jia Y. Molecular mechanisms of astragaloside‑IV in cancer therapy (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:13. [PMID: 33448320 PMCID: PMC7834967 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Radix Astragali (RA) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is the most critical component of RA. Previous studies have demonstrated that AS-IV exerts effects on the myocardium, nervous system and endocrine system, among others. In the present review article, data from studies conducted over the past 20 years were collated, which have evaluated the effects of AS-IV on tumors. The mechanisms of action of AS-IV on malignant cells both in vivo and in vitro were summarized and it was demonstrated that AS-IV plays a vital role, particularly in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, promoting the apoptosis of tumor cells, enhancing immune function and preventing drug resistance. Moreover, AS-IV controls several epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related and autophagy-related pathways, such as the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), Wnt/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD signaling pathways, which are commonly affected in the majority of tumors. The present review provides new perspectives on the functions of AS-IV and its role as an adjuvant treatment in cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Chen
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300380, P.R. China
| | - Peiying Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300380, P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Jia
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300380, P.R. China
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Tsai JJ, Pan PJ, Hsu FT, Chung JG, Chiang IT. Glycyrrhizic Acid Modulates Apoptosis through Extrinsic/Intrinsic Pathways and Inhibits Protein Kinase B- and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase-Mediated Metastatic Potential in Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2020; 48:223-244. [PMID: 32054305 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x20500123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A previous study presented that glycyrrhizic acid as the hepatoprotective agent inhibits total parenteral nutrition-associated acute liver injury in rats. However, the anticancer effect and mechanism of glycyrrhizic acid in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ambiguous. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of glycyrrhizic acid on apoptosis dysregulation and metastatic potential in HCC in vitro and in vivo. Both SK-Hep1 and Hep3B cells were treated with different concentrations of glycyrrhizic acid for 24 or 48h. SK-Hep1/luc2 tumor-bearing mice were treated with vehicle or glycyrrhizic acid (50mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal injection) for 7 days. Tumor cells growth, apoptotic, and metastatic signaling transduction were evaluated by using MTT assay, digital caliper, bioluminescence imaging (BLI), flow cytometry, western blotting assay, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The results demonstrated glycyrrhizic acid significantly inhibits tumor cell growth, cell invasion, and expression of AKT (Ser473), extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, anti-apoptotic and metastatic proteins in HCC in vitro and in vivo. Glycyrrhizic acid also significantly triggered apoptosis and extrinsic/intrinsic apoptotic signaling transduction. In addition, PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) and LY294002 (AKT inhibitor) obviously reduced cell invasion and expression of metastasis-associated proteins. Taken together, these results indicated that glycyrrhizic acid induces apoptosis through extrinsic/intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways and diminishes EGFR/AKT/ERK-modulated metastatic potential in HCC in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai-Jen Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan 260, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Po-Jung Pan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan 260, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fei-Ting Hsu
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - I-Tsang Chiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 505, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 406, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 505, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Zong H, Zhou H, Xiang Y, Wu G. miR-125b suppresses cellular proliferation by targeting c-FLIP in gallbladder carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:6822-6828. [PMID: 31788125 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary tract. The incidence rate of gallbladder cancer ranks sixth among gastrointestinal types of cancer, and its incidence is increasing each year. Further clarification of the pathogenesis of GBC is essential, and identification of novel effective treatments is required. It has been previously demonstrated that high expression of the anti-apoptotic protein cellular Fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1-converting enzyme inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) in GBC inhibited apoptosis in gallbladder cancer cells. In subsequent experiments, it was observed that microRNA (miR)-125b could target c-FLIP and inhibit the protein expression of c-FLIP by binding to the 3'untranslated regions of c-FLIP mRNA. In addition, the expression of miR-125b in GBC was significantly decreased, and the growth of gallbladder cancer cells was inhibited by the overexpression of miR-125b. The present study demonstrated that miR-125b could suppress the proliferation of gallbladder cancer cells by targeting c-FLIP. c-FLIP enriched the target gene pathway of miR-125b and may serve as a novel target for the treatment of GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Zong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Huading Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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Lee KC, Chen WT, Liu YC, Lin SS, Hsu FT. Amentoflavone Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression Through Blockage of ERK/NF-ĸB Activation. In Vivo 2018; 32:1097-1103. [PMID: 30150431 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to confirm therapeutic efficacy and find probable mechanism of action of amentoflavone in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Luciferase reporter vector pGL4.50_transfected SK-Hep1 (SK-Hep1/luc2) tumor-bearing mice were treated with vehicle or amentoflavone (100 mg/kg/day by gavage) for 14 days. Tumor growth, amentoflavone toxicity, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB) signaling in tumor progression were evaluated with digital caliper, bioluminescence imaging, computed tomography, body weight, pathological examination of liver, and immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS Amentoflavone significantly inhibited tumor growth, ERK/NF-ĸB activation, and expression of tumor progression-associated proteins as compared to vehicle-treated group. In addition, body weight and liver morphology of mice were not influenced by amentoflavone treatment. CONCLUSION These results suggest that amentoflavone inhibits HCC progression through suppression of ERK/NF-ĸB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Ching Lee
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Central-Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Radiation Oncology, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Ting Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Central-Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Psychiatry, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Chang Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Central-Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Department of Radiation Oncology, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Song-Shei Lin
- Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Central-Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Fei-Ting Hsu
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. .,Department of Medical Imaging, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Research Center of Translational Imaging, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.,Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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12
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Multiple Functions of Cellular FLIP Are Essential for Replication of Hepatitis B Virus. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00339-18. [PMID: 29875248 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00339-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver diseases; however, the host factors which facilitate the replication and persistence of HBV are largely unidentified. Cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a typical antiapoptotic protein. In many cases of liver diseases, the expression level of c-FLIP is altered, which affects the fate of hepatocytes. We previously found that c-FLIP and its cleaved form interact with HBV X protein (HBx), which is essential for HBV replication, and regulate diverse cellular signals. In this study, we investigated the role of endogenous c-FLIP in HBV replication and its underlying mechanisms. The knockdown of endogenous c-FLIP revealed that this protein regulates HBV replication through two different mechanisms. (i) c-FLIP interacts with HBx and protects it from ubiquitin-dependent degradation. The N-terminal DED1 domain of c-FLIP is required for HBx stabilization. (ii) c-FLIP regulates the expression or stability of hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNFs), which have critical roles in HBV transcription and maintenance of hepatocytes. c-FLIP regulates the stability of HNFs through physical interactions. We verified our findings in three HBV infection systems: HepG2-NTCP cells, differentiated HepaRG cells, and primary human hepatocytes. In conclusion, our results identify c-FLIP as an essential factor in HBV replication. c-FLIP regulates viral replication through its multiple effects on viral and host proteins that have critical roles in HBV replication.IMPORTANCE Although the chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection still poses a major health concern, the host factors which are required for the replication of HBV are largely uncharacterized. Our studies identify cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) as an essential factor in HBV replication. We found the dual roles of c-FLIP in regulation of HBV replication: c-FLIP interacts with HBx and enhances its stability and regulates the expression or stability of hepatocyte nuclear factors which are essential for transcription of HBV genome. Our findings may provide a new target for intervention in persistent HBV infection.
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Gupta B, Ruttala HB, Poudel BK, Pathak S, Regmi S, Gautam M, Poudel K, Sung MH, Ou W, Jin SG, Jeong JH, Ku SK, Choi HG, Yong CS, Kim JO. Polyamino Acid Layer-by-Layer (LbL) Constructed Silica-Supported Mesoporous Titania Nanocarriers for Stimuli-Responsive Delivery of microRNA 708 and Paclitaxel for Combined Chemotherapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2018; 10:24392-24405. [PMID: 29978708 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b06642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cellular Fas-associated protein with death domain-like interleukin-1β-converting enzyme-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), often strongly expressed in numerous cancers, plays a pivotal role in thwarting apoptosis and inducing chemotherapy resistance in cancer. An integrated approach combining chemotherapy with suppression of c-FLIP levels could prove paramount in the treatment of cancers with c-FLIP overexpression. In this study, we utilized a polymeric layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of silica-supported mesoporous titania nanoparticles (MTNst) to co-deliver paclitaxel (PTX) and microRNA 708 (miR708) for simultaneous chemotherapy and c-FLIP suppression in colorectal carcinoma. The resulting LbL miR708/PTX-MTNst showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HCT-116 and DLD-1 colorectal carcinoma cell lines, which was remarkably superior to that of free PTX or LbL PTX-MTNst. LbL miR708/PTX-MTNst strongly inhibited c-FLIP expression and resulted in increased expression of proapoptotic proteins. In DLD-1 xenograft tumor-bearing mice, the nanoparticles accumulated in the tumor, resulting in remarkable tumor regression, with the PTX and miR708-loaded nanoparticles showing significantly greater inhibitory effects than the free PTX or PTX-loaded nanoparticles. Immunohistochemical analyses of the tumors further confirmed the remarkable apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of the nanoparticles, whereas organ histology reinforced the biocompatibility of the system. Therefore, the LbL miR708/PTX-MTNst system, owing to its ability to deliver both chemotherapeutic drug and inhibitory miRNA to the tumor site, shows great potential to treat colorectal carcinoma in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biki Gupta
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Hima Bindu Ruttala
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Bijay Kumar Poudel
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Shiva Pathak
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Shobha Regmi
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Milan Gautam
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Kishwor Poudel
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hyun Sung
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Wenquan Ou
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Giu Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering , Dankook University , 119 Dandae-ro , Dongnam-gu, Cheonan 31116 , Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Heon Jeong
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Kwang Ku
- College of Korean Medicine , Daegu Haany University , Gyeongsan 712-702 , Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Gon Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology , Hanyang University , 55, Hanyangdaehak-ro , Sangnok-gu, Ansan 426-791 , Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Soon Yong
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Oh Kim
- College of Pharmacy , Yeungnam University , 214-1, Dae-Dong , Gyeongsan 712-749 , Republic of Korea
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Regorafenib inhibits tumor progression through suppression of ERK/NF-κB activation in hepatocellular carcinoma bearing mice. Biosci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29535278 PMCID: PMC5938429 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regorafenib has been demonstrated in our previous study to trigger apoptosis through suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) SK-Hep1 cells in vitro. However, the effect of regorafenib on NF-κB-modulated tumor progression in HCC in vivo is ambiguous. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of regorafenib on NF-κB-modulated tumor progression in HCC bearing mouse model. pGL4.50 luciferase reporter vector transfected SK-Hep1 (SK-Hep1/luc2) and Hep3B 2.1-7 tumor bearing mice were established and used for the present study. Mice were treated with vehicle or regorafenib (20 mg/kg/day by gavage) for 14 days. Effects of regorafenib on tumor growth and protein expression together with toxicity of regorafenib were evaluated with digital caliper and bioluminescence imaging (BLI), ex vivo Western blotting immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and measurement of body weight and pathological examination of liver tissue, respectively, in SK-Hep1/luc2 and Hep3B 2.1-7 tumor bearing mice. The results indicated regorafenib significantly reduced tumor growth and expression of phosphorylated ERK, NF-κB p65 (Ser536), phosphorylated AKT, and tumor progression-associated proteins. In addition, we found regorafenib induced both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Body weight and liver morphology were not affected by regorafenib treatment. Our findings present the mechanism of tumor progression inhibition by regorafenib is linked to suppression of ERK/NF-κB signaling in SK-Hep1/luc2 and Hep3B 2.1-7 tumor bearing mice.
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15
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Kleinesudeik L, Rohde K, Fulda S. Regulation of the antiapoptotic protein cFLIP by the glucocorticoid Dexamethasone in ALL cells. Oncotarget 2018; 9:16521-16532. [PMID: 29662664 PMCID: PMC5893259 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that the Smac mimetic BV6 and glucocorticoids, e.g. Dexamethasone (Dexa), synergize to induce cell death in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we discover that this synergism involves Dexa-stimulated downregulation of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIP) in ALL cells. Dexa rapidly decreases cFLIPL protein levels, which is further enhanced by addition of BV6. While attenuating the activation of non-canonical nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling by BV6, Dexa suppresses cFLIPL protein but not mRNA levels pointing to a transcription-independent downregulation of cFLIPL by Dexa. Analysis of protein degradation pathways indicates that Dexa causes cFLIPL depletion independently of proteasomal, lysosomal or caspase pathways, as inhibitors of the proteasome, lysosomal enzymes or caspases all failed to protect from Dexa-mediated loss of cFLIPL protein. Also, Dexa alone or in combination with BV6 does not affect overall activity of the proteasome. Importantly, overexpression of cFLIPL to an extent that is no longer subject to Dexa-imposed downregulation rescues Dexa/BV6-mediated cell death. Vice versa, knockdown of cFLIP increases BV6-mediated cell death, thus mimicking the effect of Dexa. Altogether, these data demonstrate that Dexa-mediated downregulation of cFLIPL protein promotes Dexa/BV6-mediated cell death, thereby providing novel insights into the synergistic antitumor activity of this combination treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Kleinesudeik
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Rohde
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Lohitesh K, Chowdhury R, Mukherjee S. Resistance a major hindrance to chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: an insight. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:44. [PMID: 29568237 PMCID: PMC5859782 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality, accounting for almost 90% of total liver cancer burden. Surgical resection followed by adjuvant and systemic chemotherapy are the most meticulously followed treatment procedures but the complex etiology and high metastatic potential of the disease renders surgical treatment futile in majority of the cases. Another hindrance to the scenario is the acquired resistance to drugs resulting in relapse of the disease. Hence, to provide insights into development of novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers, this review focuses on the various molecular mechanisms underlying chemoresistance in HCC. We have provided a comprehensive summary of the various strategies adopted by HCC cells, extending from apoptosis evasion, autophagy activation, drug expulsion to epigenetic transformation as modes of therapy resistance. The role of stem cells in imparting chemoresistance is also discussed. Furthermore, the review also focuses on how this knowledge might be exploited for the development of an effective, prospective therapy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lohitesh
- Department of Biological-Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Campus, VidyaVihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031 India
| | - Rajdeep Chowdhury
- Department of Biological-Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Campus, VidyaVihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031 India
| | - Sudeshna Mukherjee
- Department of Biological-Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Campus, VidyaVihar, Pilani, Rajasthan 333031 India
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17
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Tsai JJ, Pan PJ, Hsu FT. Regorafenib induces extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis through inhibition of ERK/NF-κB activation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 37:1036-1044. [PMID: 28000898 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of NF-κB inactivation in regorafenib-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma SK-HEP-1 cells. SK-HEP-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of the NF-κB inhibitor 4-N-[2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethyl]quinazoline-4,6-diamine (QNZ) or regorafenib for different periods. The effects of QNZ and regorafenib on cell viability, expression of NF-κB-modulated anti-apoptotic proteins and apoptotic pathways were analyzed by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, western blotting, DNA gel electrophoresis, flow cytometry and NF-κB reporter gene assay. Inhibitors of various kinases including AKT, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), P38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were used to evaluate the mechanism of regorafenib-induced NF-κB inactivation. The results demonstrated that both QNZ and regorafenib significantly inhibited the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and triggered extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis. We also demonstrated that regorafenib inhibited NF-κB activation through ERK dephosphorylation. Taken all together, our findings indicate that regorafenib triggers extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis through suppression of ERK/NF-κB activation in SK-HEP-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai-Jen Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Yilan 260, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Po-Jung Pan
- Cancer Medical Care Center, National Yang‑Ming University Hospital, Yilan 260, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Fei-Ting Hsu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan, R.O.C
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18
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Lei S, Yang J, Chen C, Sun J, Yang L, Tang H, Yang T, Chen A, Zhao H, Li Y, Du X. FLIP(L) is critical for aerobic glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:79. [PMID: 27178057 PMCID: PMC4865989 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Tumor cells use aerobic glycolysis to rapidly generate ATP and growth substrate which expenses a large amount of glucose. However, how tumor cells take in enough glucose from the tumor microenvironment of insufficient blood supply remains poorly understood. The cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP), a cell apoptosis inhibiting molecule, is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is implicated in HCC development. Methods The effects of FLIPL (the long form of FLIP) on aerobic glycolysis and glucose uptake were assessed in HCC cells and xenograft tumors. The correlations between FLIPL expression and sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) expression in clinical HCC tissues were analyzed. The consequences of FLIPL-induced regulation of SGLT1 at the transcription and translation levels and the interaction between FLIPL and SGLT1 were examined. FLIPL-mediated tolerance upon glucose limitation and its mechanism were detected. Results We report a novel role for FLIPL in promoting the aerobic glycolysis of HCC cells. FLIPL overexpression induced a significant increase in cell aerobic glycolysis indexes including glucose uptake, glucose consumption, and lactate production. FLIPL co-localized and interacted with SGLT1, a major active glucose transporter in HCC cells. FLIPL increased the stability of SGLT1 protein by inhibiting its ubiquitination and degradation. The expression level of FLIPL was positively correlated with the expression level of SGLT1 in 79 HCC tissues from surgical operation. Furthermore, FLIPL increased cell tolerance ability and decreased cell apoptosis to low glucose by regulating SGLT1. Conclusions Our results indicate that FLIPL plays an essential role in HCC aerobic glycolysis and that SGLT1 is required for FLIPL-modulated tumor proliferation under low glucose conditions. Targeting the actions of FLIPL in cell glucose-dependent aerobic glycolysis may provide an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention in HCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0358-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixiong Lei
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Jiandong Yang
- Department of General Surgery, 210 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiachen Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China
| | - Haili Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - An Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huadong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
| | - Xilin Du
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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Luan Z, He Y, He F, Chen Z. Rocaglamide overcomes tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by attenuating the inhibition of caspase-8 through cellular FLICE-like-inhibitory protein downregulation. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:203-11. [PMID: 25333816 PMCID: PMC4237083 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The enhancement of apoptosis is a therapeutic strategy used in the treatment of cancer. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising antitumor agent. However, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells exhibit marked resistance to the induction of cell death by TRAIL. The present study investigated whether rocaglamide, a naturally occurring product isolated from the genus Aglaia, is able to sensitize resistant HCC cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Two HCC cell lines, HepG2 and Huh-7, were treated with rocaglamide and/or TRAIL and the induction of apoptosis and effects on the TRAIL signaling pathway were investigated. The in vivo efficacy of rocaglamide was determined in TRAIL-resistant Huh-7-derived tumor xenografts. Rocaglamide significantly sensitized the TRAIL-resistant HCC cells to apoptosis by TRAIL, which resulted from the rocaglamide-mediated downregulation of cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein and subsequent caspase-8 activation. Furthermore, rocaglamide markedly inhibited tumor growth from Huh-7 cells propagated in severe combined immunodeficient mice, suggesting that chemosentization also occurred in vivo. These data suggest that rocaglamide acted synergistically with TRAIL against the TRAIL-resistant HCC cells. Thus, it is concluded that rocaglamide as an adjuvant to TRAIL-based therapy may present a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Luan
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Fan He
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhishui Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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20
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Apoptosis and molecular targeting therapy in cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:150845. [PMID: 25013758 PMCID: PMC4075070 DOI: 10.1155/2014/150845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 741] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is the programmed cell death which maintains the healthy survival/death balance in metazoan cells. Defect in apoptosis can cause cancer or autoimmunity, while enhanced apoptosis may cause degenerative diseases. The apoptotic signals contribute into safeguarding the genomic integrity while defective apoptosis may promote carcinogenesis. The apoptotic signals are complicated and they are regulated at several levels. The signals of carcinogenesis modulate the central control points of the apoptotic pathways, including inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins and FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP). The tumor cells may use some of several molecular mechanisms to suppress apoptosis and acquire resistance to apoptotic agents, for example, by the expression of antiapoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 or by the downregulation or mutation of proapoptotic proteins such as BAX. In this review, we provide the main regulatory molecules that govern the main basic mechanisms, extrinsic and intrinsic, of apoptosis in normal cells. We discuss how carcinogenesis could be developed via defective apoptotic pathways or their convergence. We listed some molecules which could be targeted to stimulate apoptosis in different cancers. Together, we briefly discuss the development of some promising cancer treatment strategies which target apoptotic inhibitors including Bcl-2 family proteins, IAPs, and c-FLIP for apoptosis induction.
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Azadirachta indica Modulates Electrical Properties and Type of Cell Death in NDEA-Induced Hepatic Tumors. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 70:383-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-9923-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Poor antibody validation is a challenge in biomedical research: a case study for detection of c-FLIP. Apoptosis 2014; 18:1154-62. [PMID: 23917691 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-013-0880-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Successful translation of findings derived from preclinical studies into effective therapies is critical in biomedical research. Lack of robustness and reproducibility of the preclinical data, due to insufficient number of repeats, inadequate cell-based and mouse models contribute to the poor success rate. Antibodies are widely used in preclinical research, notably to determine the expression of potential therapeutic targets in tissues of interest, including tumors, but also to identify disease and/or treatment response biomarkers. We sought to determine whether the current antibody characterization standards in preclinical research are sufficient to ensure reliability of the data found in peer-reviewed publications. To address this issue, we used detection of the protein c-FLIP, a major factor of resistance to apoptosis, as a proof of concept. Accurate detection of endogenous c-FLIP levels in the preclinical settings is imperative since it is considered as a potential theranostic biomarker. Several sources of c-FLIP antibodies validated by their manufacturer and recommended for western blotting were therefore rigorously tested. We found a wide divergence in immune recognition properties. While these antibodies have been used in many publications, our results show that several of them failed to detect endogenous c-FLIP protein by Western blotting. Our results suggest that antibody validation standards are inadequate, and that systematic use of genetic knockdowns and/or knockouts to establish proof of specificity is critical, even for antibodies previously used in the scientific literature. Because antibodies are fundamental tools in both preclinical and clinical research, ensuring their specificity is crucial.
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Cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein long form (c-FLIPL) overexpression is related to cervical cancer progression. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2013; 32:316-22. [PMID: 23518915 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0b013e31825d8064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide and infection by high-risk human papillomavirus types is a precursor event. The cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) has been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancers and could be associated with cervical cancer progression because of its ability to inhibit the apoptotic process. To detect c-FLIP expression in cervical cancer, an immunohistochemical staining was performed, using tissue microarrays, on a series of 536 archival biopsy samples, including normal cervical tissues, low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and squamous cervical carcinomas. The epithelium in the normal cervix and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions mainly stained negatively for c-FLIP, whereas high-grade intraepithelial lesions and cancer samples showed an elevated expression of c-FLIP. A direct association was observed between the increasing grade of the lesion and the intensity of c-FLIP staining, in which the frequency of intense c-FLIP expression increased from 12.5% in the normal tissue to 82.1% in the cervical cancer tissue. An increased expression of c-FLIP may be an important factor in the progression of cervical cancer. This finding could aid in identifying patients with preneoplastic lesions at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. c-FLIP expression in cervical tissue may be a potential cervical cancer progression marker.
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Micheau O, Shirley S, Dufour F. Death receptors as targets in cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 169:1723-44. [PMID: 23638798 PMCID: PMC3753832 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Anti-tumour therapies based on the use pro-apoptotic receptor agonists, including TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or monoclonal antibodies targeting TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2, have been disappointing so far, despite clear evidence of clinical activity and lack of adverse events for the vast majority of these compounds, whether combined or not with conventional or targeted anti-cancer therapies. This brief review aims at discussing the possible reasons for the lack of apparent success of these therapeutic approaches and at providing hints in order to rationally design optimal protocols based on our current understanding of TRAIL signalling regulation or resistance for future clinical trials. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Emerging Therapeutic Aspects in Oncology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue-8.
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Lim KH, Choi HS, Park YK, Park ES, Shin GC, Kim DH, Ahn SH, Kim KH. HBx-induced NF-κB signaling in liver cells is potentially mediated by the ternary complex of HBx with p22-FLIP and NEMO. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57331. [PMID: 23483900 PMCID: PMC3587578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained activation of NF-κB is one of the causative factors for various liver diseases, including liver inflammation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been known that activating the NF-κB signal by hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is implicated in the development of HCC. However, despite numerous studies on HBx-induced NF-κB activation, the detailed mechanisms still remain unsolved. Recently, p22-FLIP, a cleavage product of c-FLIPL, has been reported to induce NF-κB activation through interaction with the IκB kinase (IKK) complex in primary immune cells. Since our previous report on the interaction of HBx with c-FLIPL, we explored whether p22-FLIP is involved in the modulation of HBx function. First, we identified the expression of endogenous p22-FLIP in liver cells. NF-κB reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that the expression of p22-FLIP synergistically enhances HBx-induced NF-κB activation. Moreover, we found that HBx physically interacts with p22-FLIP and NEMO and potentially forms a ternary complex. Knock-down of c-FLIP leading to the downregulation of p22-FLIP showed that endogenous p22-FLIP is involved in HBx-induced NF-κB activation, and the formation of a ternary complex is necessary to activate NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, we showed a novel mechanism of HBx-induced NF-κB activation in which ternary complex formation is involved among HBx, p22-FLIP and NEMO. Our findings will extend the understanding of HBx-induced NF-κB activation and provide a new target for intervention in HBV-associated liver diseases and in the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keo-Heun Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Sun Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kwang Park
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Sook Park
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gu Choul Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, and Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Functional Genomics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major antiapoptotic protein and an important cytokine and chemotherapy resistance factor that suppresses cytokine- and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. c-FLIP is expressed as long (c-FLIPL), short (c-FLIPS), and c-FLIPR splice variants in human cells. c-FLIP binds to FADD and/or caspase-8 or -10 and TRAIL receptor 5 (DR5). This interaction in turn prevents Death-Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC) formation and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade. c-FLIPL and c-FLIPS are also known to have multifunctional roles in various signaling pathways, as well as activating and/or upregulating several cytoprotective and pro-survival signaling proteins including Akt, ERK, and NF-κB. In addition to its role in apoptosis, c-FLIP is involved in programmed necroptosis (necrosis) and autophagy. Necroptosis is regulated by the Ripoptosome, which is a signaling intracellular cell death platform complex. The Ripoptosome contains receptor-interacting protein-1/Receptor-Interacting Protein-3 (RIP1), caspase-8, caspase-10, FADD, and c-FLIP isoforms involved in switching apoptotic and necroptotic cell death. c-FLIP regulates the Ripoptosome; in addition to its role in apoptosis, it is therefore also involved in necrosis. c-FLIPL attenuates autophagy by direct acting on the autophagy machinery by competing with Atg3 binding to LC3, thereby decreasing LC3 processing and inhibiting autophagosome formation. Upregulation of c-FLIP has been found in various tumor types, and its silencing has been shown to restore apoptosis triggered by cytokines and various chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, c-FLIP is an important target for cancer therapy. This review focuses on (1) the anti-apoptotic role of c-FLIP splice variants in preventing apoptosis and inducing cytokine and chemotherapy drug resistance, as well as its roles in necrosis and autophagy, and (2) modulation of c-FLIP expression as a means to enhance apoptosis and modulate necrosis and autophagy in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad R Safa
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN 46202, USA ; Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN 46202, USA
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Safa AR. c-FLIP, a master anti-apoptotic regulator. Exp Oncol 2012; 34:176-184. [PMID: 23070002 PMCID: PMC4817998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a master anti-apoptotic regulator and resistance factor that suppresses tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Fas-L, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis, as well as apoptosis triggered by chemotherapy agents 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 and TRAIL receptor 5 (DR5) in a ligand-dependent and -independent fashion and forms an apoptosis inhibitory complex (AIC). This interaction in turn prevents death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade. c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) are also known to have multifunctional roles in various signaling pathways, as well as activating and/or upregulating several cytoprotective and pro-survival signaling proteins including Akt, ERK, and NF-kB. Upregulation of c-FLIP has been found in various tumor types, and its silencing 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 much effort is focused on developing other c-FLIP-targeted cancer therapies. This review focuses on (1) the anti-apoptotic role of c-FLIP splice variants in preventing apoptosis and inducing cytokine and chemotherapy drug resistance, (2) the molecular mechanisms and factors that regulate c-FLIP expression, and (3) modulation of c-FLIP expression and function to eliminate cancer cells or increase the efficacy of anticancer agents. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Apoptosis: Four Decades Later".
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Safa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Zhang D, Liu J, Wang Y, Chen J, Chen T. shRNA-mediated silencing of Gli2 gene inhibits proliferation and sensitizes human hepatocellular carcinoma cells towards TRAIL-induced apoptosis. J Cell Biochem 2012; 112:3140-50. [PMID: 21695716 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been reported in various cancer types including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a key effector of this signaling, Gli2 plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis, including the activation of genes encoding apoptosis inhibitors and cell-cycle regulators. In this study, we examined the role of Gli2 proliferation and survival of HCC cells. First, the expression levels of Hh pathway components were detected in a subset of HCC cell lines. To establish the role of Gli2 in maintaining the tumorigenic properties of HCC cells, we developed small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting Gli2 and transfected it into SMMC-7721 cell, which was selected with high level of Hh signaling expression. Next, effects of Gli2 gene silencing, on cell proliferation and on the expression of cell cycle-related proteins were evaluated, then, whether down-regulation of Gli2 renders HCC cell susceptible to TRAIL was examined in vitro. Knockdown of Gli2 inhibited cell proliferation and induced G1 phase arrest of cell cycle in SMMC-7721 cell through down-regulation of cyclin D1, cyclinE2, and up-regulation of p21-WAF1. Also, Gli2 gene siliencing sensitized SMMC-7721 cell to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-induced apoptosis by reducing the expression of the long and short isoform of c-FLIP and Bcl-2, and then augmented the activation of initiator caspases-8/-9 and effector caspases-3, which induces PARP cleavage. In conclusion, our data suggest that Gli2 plays a predominant role in the proliferation and apoptosis resistance of HCC cells, and that knockdown of Gli2 may be a novel anticancer strategy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
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Schattenberg JM, Zimmermann T, Wörns M, Sprinzl MF, Kreft A, Kohl T, Nagel M, Siebler J, Schulze Bergkamen H, He YW, Galle PR, Schuchmann M. Ablation of c-FLIP in hepatocytes enhances death-receptor mediated apoptosis and toxic liver injury in vivo. J Hepatol 2011; 55:1272-80. [PMID: 21703207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Apoptosis is crucially involved in acute and chronic liver injury, including viral, cholestatic, toxic, and metabolic liver disease. Additionally, dysregulation of apoptosis signaling pathways has been implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. The most prominent members of the apoptosis-mediating tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily are the TNF-R1 (CD120a) and the CD95 (Apo-1/Fas) receptor. Although extensively studied, the intracellular signaling events in hepatocytes are only incompletely understood. METHODS To examine the role of the caspase-8 homolog cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) in liver injury, we generated mice with hepatocyte specific deletion of c-FLIP. Three models of acute liver injury were employed: the agonistic anti-CD95 antibody Jo2, d-galactosamine and LPS (GalN/LPS), and concanavalin A. RESULTS Conditional ablation of c-FLIP in hepatocytes augmented liver injury and cell death in all three models of liver injury. CD95- and GalN/LPS-induced liver injury was ameliorated by a pancaspase inhibitor, while ConA-induced injury was unaffected by caspase inhibition. Augmented activation of the MAPK JNK was observed in parallel to liver injury in c-FLIP knockout mice in all injury models; however, inhibition of JNK only affected TNF- and ConA-mediated injury. CONCLUSIONS In summary, c-FLIP is a central regulator of cell death in hepatocytes, involving increased activation of caspases and the MAPK JNK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn M Schattenberg
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55101 Mainz, Germany.
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Plati J, Bucur O, Khosravi-Far R. Apoptotic cell signaling in cancer progression and therapy. Integr Biol (Camb) 2011; 3:279-96. [PMID: 21340093 DOI: 10.1039/c0ib00144a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a tightly regulated cell suicide program that plays an essential role in the development and maintenance of tissue homeostasis by eliminating unnecessary or harmful cells. Impairment of this native defense mechanism promotes aberrant cellular proliferation and the accumulation of genetic defects, ultimately resulting in tumorigenesis, and frequently confers drug resistance to cancer cells. The regulation of apoptosis at several levels is essential to maintain the delicate balance between cellular survival and death signaling that is required to prevent disease. Complex networks of signaling pathways act to promote or inhibit apoptosis in response to various cues. Apoptosis can be triggered by signals from within the cell, such as genotoxic stress, or by extrinsic signals, such as the binding of ligands to cell surface death receptors. Various upstream signaling pathways can modulate apoptosis by converging on, and thereby altering the activity of, common central control points within the apoptotic signaling pathways, which involve the BCL-2 family proteins, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, and FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP). This review highlights the role of these fundamental regulators of apoptosis in the context of both normal apoptotic signaling mechanisms and dysregulated apoptotic pathways that can render cancer cells resistant to cell death. In addition, therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the activity of BCL-2 family proteins, IAPs, and c-FLIP for the targeted induction of apoptosis are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Plati
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Schattenberg JM, Schuchmann M, Galle PR. Cell death and hepatocarcinogenesis: Dysregulation of apoptosis signaling pathways. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 26 Suppl 1:213-9. [PMID: 21199533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06582.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a disease with a poor prognosis despite recent advances in the pathophysiology and treatment. Although the disease is biologically heterogeneous, dysregulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis both occur frequently and contribute to the malignant phenotype. Chronic liver disease is associated with intrahepatic inflammation which promotes dysregulation of cellular signaling pathways; this triggers proliferation and thus lays the ground for expansion of premalignant cells. Cancer emerges when immunological control fails and transformed cells develop resistance against cell death signaling pathways. The same mechanisms underlie the poor responsiveness of HCC towards chemotherapy. Only recently advances in understanding the signaling pathways involved has led to the development of an effective pharmacological therapy for advanced disease. The current review will discuss apoptosis signaling pathways and focus on apoptosis resistance of HCC involving derangements in cell death receptors (e.g. tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF], CD95/Apo-1, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand [TRAIL]) and associated adapter molecules (e.g. FADD and FLIP) of apoptotic signaling pathways. In addition, the role of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκB) and members of the B cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) family that contribute to the regulation of apoptosis in hepatocytes are discussed. Eventually, the delineation of cell death signaling pathways could contribute to the implementation of new therapeutic strategies to treat HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorn Markus Schattenberg
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.
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The enigmatic roles of caspases in tumor development. Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:1952-79. [PMID: 24281211 PMCID: PMC3840446 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2041952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One function ascribed to apoptosis is the suicidal destruction of potentially harmful cells, such as cancerous cells. Hence, their growth depends on evasion of apoptosis, which is considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Apoptosis is ultimately carried out by the sequential activation of initiator and executioner caspases, which constitute a family of intracellular proteases involved in dismantling the cell in an ordered fashion. In cancer, therefore, one would anticipate caspases to be frequently rendered inactive, either by gene silencing or by somatic mutations. From clinical data, however, there is little evidence that caspase genes are impaired in cancer. Executioner caspases have only rarely been found mutated or silenced, and also initiator caspases are only affected in particular types of cancer. There is experimental evidence from transgenic mice that certain initiator caspases, such as caspase-8 and -2, might act as tumor suppressors. Loss of the initiator caspase of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, caspase-9, however, did not promote cellular transformation. These data seem to question a general tumor-suppressive role of caspases. We discuss several possible ways how tumor cells might evade the need for alterations of caspase genes. First, alternative splicing in tumor cells might generate caspase variants that counteract apoptosis. Second, in tumor cells caspases might be kept in check by cellular caspase inhibitors such as c-FLIP or XIAP. Third, pathways upstream of caspase activation might be disrupted in tumor cells. Finally, caspase-independent cell death mechanisms might abrogate the selection pressure for caspase inactivation during tumor development. These scenarios, however, are hardly compatible with the considerable frequency of spontaneous apoptosis occurring in several cancer types. Therefore, alternative concepts might come into play, such as compensatory proliferation. Herein, apoptosis and/or non-apoptotic functions of caspases may even promote tumor development. Moreover, experimental evidence suggests that caspases might play non-apoptotic roles in processes that are crucial for tumorigenesis, such as cell proliferation, migration, or invasion. We thus propose a model wherein caspases are preserved in tumor cells due to their functional contributions to development and progression of tumors.
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Bijangi-Vishehsaraei K, Huang S, Safa AR, Saadatzadeh MR, Murphy MP. 4-(4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-N-hydroxybutanamide (CMH) targets mRNA of the c-FLIP variants and induces apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 342:133-142. [PMID: 20446019 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-010-0477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cellular FLICE (FADD-like IL-1beta-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major resistance factor for the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand TRAIL and in drug resistance in human malignancies. c-FLIP is an antagonist of caspases-8 and -10, which inhibits apoptosis and is expressed as long (c-FLIP(L)) and short (c-FLIP(S)) splice forms. c-FLIP is often overexpressed in various human cancers, including breast cancer. Several studies have shown that silencing c-FLIP by specific siRNAs sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL and anticancer agents. However, systemic use of siRNA as a therapeutic agent is not practical at present. In order to reduce or inhibit c-FLIP expression, small molecules are needed to allow targeting c-FLIP without inhibiting caspases-8 and -10. We used a small molecule inhibitor of c-FLIP, 4-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-N-hydroxybutanamide (CMH), and show that CMH, but not its inactive analog, downregulated c-FLIP(L) and c-FLIP(S) mRNA and protein levels, caused poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) degradation, reduced cell survival, and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These results revealed that c-FLIP is a critical apoptosis regulator that can serve as a target for small molecule inhibitors that downregulate its expression and serve as effective targeted therapeutics against breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Bijangi-Vishehsaraei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 980 W. Walnut Street, R3-C524, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Su Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 980 W. Walnut Street, R3-C524, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ahmad R Safa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 980 W. Walnut Street, R3-C524, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Michael P Murphy
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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