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Hirai S, Yamada T, Katayama Y, Ishida M, Kawachi H, Matsui Y, Nakamura R, Morimoto K, Horinaka M, Sakai T, Sekido Y, Tokuda S, Takayama K. Effects of Combined Therapeutic Targeting of AXL and ATR on Pleural Mesothelioma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:212-222. [PMID: 37802502 PMCID: PMC10831449 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Few treatment options exist for pleural mesothelioma (PM), which is a progressive malignant tumor. However, the efficacy of molecular-targeted monotherapy is limited, and further therapeutic strategies are warranted to treat PM. Recently, the cancer cell-cycle checkpoint inhibitors have attracted attention because they disrupt cell-cycle regulation. Here, we aimed to establish a novel combinational therapeutic strategy to inhibit the cell-cycle checkpoint kinase, ATR in PM cells. The siRNA screening assay showed that anexelekto (AXL) knockdown enhanced cell growth inhibition when exposed to ATR inhibitors, demonstrating the synergistic effects of the ATR and AXL combination in some PM cells. The AXL and ATR inhibitor combination increased cell apoptosis via the Bim protein and suppressed cell migration when compared with each monotherapy. The combined therapeutic targeting of AXL and ATR significantly delayed regrowth compared with monotherapy. Thus, optimal AXL and ATR inhibition may potentially improve the PM outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichi Hirai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Yamada
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Katayama
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Ishida
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hayato Kawachi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yohei Matsui
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakamura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Morimoto
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mano Horinaka
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Sakai
- Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sekido
- Division of Cancer Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinsaku Tokuda
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichi Takayama
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Chu YD, Lai MW, Yeh CT. Unlocking the Potential of Arginine Deprivation Therapy: Recent Breakthroughs and Promising Future for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10668. [PMID: 37445845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis to maintain cellular functions. Recent studies suggest that arginine also promotes wound healing, cell division, ammonia metabolism, immune system regulation, and hormone biosynthesis-all of which are critical for tumor growth. These discoveries, coupled with the understanding of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, have led to renewed interest in arginine deprivation as a new anticancer therapy. Several arginine deprivation strategies have been developed and entered clinical trials. The main principle behind these therapies is that arginine auxotrophic tumors rely on external arginine sources for growth because they carry reduced key arginine-synthesizing enzymes such as argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) in the intracellular arginine cycle. To obtain anticancer effects, modified arginine-degrading enzymes, such as PEGylated recombinant human arginase 1 (rhArg1-PEG) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20), have been developed and shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. They have been tried as a monotherapy or in combination with other existing therapies. This review discusses recent advances in arginine deprivation therapy, including the molecular basis of extracellular arginine degradation leading to tumor cell death, and how this approach could be a valuable addition to the current anticancer arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Lam SK, Yan S, Lam JSM, Feng Y, Khan M, Chen C, Ko FCF, Ho JCM. Disturbance of the Warburg effect by dichloroacetate and niclosamide suppresses the growth of different sub-types of malignant pleural mesothelioma in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1020343. [PMID: 36304150 PMCID: PMC9592830 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1020343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the most common cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). In 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a combination of cisplatin with pemetrexed to treat unresectable MPM. Nonetheless novel treatment is urgently needed. The objective of this study is to report the combination effect of dichloroacetate (DCA) or niclosamide (Nic) Nic in MPM. Materials and methods: The effect of a combination of DCA and Nic was studied using a panel of MPM cell lines (H28, MSTO-211H, H226, H2052, and H2452). Cell viability was monitored by MTT assay. Glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, glucose, glycogen, pyruvate, lactate, citrate, succinate and ATP levels were determined by corresponding ELISA. Apoptosis, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cell cycle analysis, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide were investigated by flow cytometry. Cell migration and colony formation were investigated by transwell migration and colony formation assays respectively. The in vivo effect was confirmed using 211H and H226 nude mice xenograft models. Results and conclusion: Cell viability was reduced. Disturbance of glycolysis and/or oxidative phosphorylation resulted in downregulation of glycogen, citrate and succinate. DCA and/or Nic increased apoptosis, mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization, G2/M arrest and reactive oxygen species. Moreover, DCA and/or Nic suppressed cell migration and colony formation. Furthermore, a better initial tumor suppressive effect was induced by the DCA/Nic combination compared with either drug alone in both 211H and H226 xenograft models. In H226 xenografts, DCA/Nic increased median survival of mice compared with single treatment. Single drug and/or a combination disturbed the Warburg effect and activated apoptosis, and inhibition of migration and proliferation in vivo. In conclusion, dichloroacetate and/or niclosamide showed a tumor suppressive effect in MPM in vitro and in vivo, partially mediated by disturbance of glycolysis/oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, ROS production, G2/M arrest, and suppression of migration and proliferation.
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Tomita R, Nishijo N, Hayama T, Fujioka T. Discrimination of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Lines Using Amino Acid Metabolomics with HPLC. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:724-729. [PMID: 35650101 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a malignancy closely associated with asbestos exposure. Although early diagnosis provides a chance of effective treatment and better prognosis, invasive biopsy and cytological procedure are required for definitive diagnosis. In this study, we developed a method to differentiate between MPM and control cell lines, named "amino acid metabolomics," consisting in the assessment of the balance of their amino acid levels in the cell culture medium. Culture media of MESO-1 (MPM cell line) and Met-5A (control) cells were used in this study to evaluate amino acid levels using HPLC, following the fluorescence derivatization method. The time-dependent changes in amino acid levels were visualized on the score plot following principal component analysis, and the results revealed differential changes in amino acid levels between the two cell culture supernatants. A discriminative model based on linear discriminant analysis could distinguish MPM and control cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoko Tomita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University
| | - Nao Nishijo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University
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Wu C, You M, Nguyen D, Wangpaichitr M, Li YY, Feun LG, Kuo MT, Savaraj N. Enhancing the Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Signaling and Arginine Deprivation in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147628. [PMID: 34299249 PMCID: PMC8306073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma as a very aggressive type of cancer is still in urgent need of improved treatment. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) are two of many suggested drugs for treating melanoma. Both have shown anti-tumor activities without harming normal cells. However, resistance to both drugs has also been noted. Studies on the mechanism of action of and resistance to these drugs provide multiple targets that can be utilized to increase the efficacy and overcome the resistance. As a result, combination strategies have been proposed for these drug candidates with various other agents, and achieved enhanced or synergistic anti-tumor effect. The combination of TRAIL and ADI-PEG20 as one example can greatly enhance the cytotoxicity to melanoma cells including those resistant to the single component of this combination. It is found that combination treatment generally can alter the expression of the components of cell signaling in melanoma cells to favor cell death. In this paper, the signaling of TRAIL and ADI-PEG20-induced arginine deprivation including the main mechanism of resistance to these drugs and exemplary combination strategies is discussed. Finally, factors hampering the clinical application of both drugs, current and future development to overcome these hurdles are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjing Wu
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
| | - Min You
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
| | - Dao Nguyen
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Medhi Wangpaichitr
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ying-Ying Li
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
| | - Lynn G. Feun
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Macus T. Kuo
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Niramol Savaraj
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Research Service, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (C.W.); (M.W.); (Y.-Y.L.)
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.Y.); (D.N.); (L.G.F.)
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-575-3143; Fax: +1-305-575-3375
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Seastedt KP, Pruett N, Hoang CD. Mouse models for mesothelioma drug discovery and development. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:697-708. [PMID: 33380218 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1867530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mesothelioma is an aggressive mesothelial lining tumor. Available drug therapies include chemotherapeutic agents, targeted molecular therapies, and immune system modulators. Mouse models were instrumental in the discovery and evaluation of such therapies, but there is need for improved understanding of the role of inflammation, tumor heterogeneity, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and the tumor microenvironment. Novel mouse models may provide new insights and drive drug therapy discovery that improves efficacy. AREAS COVERED This review concerns available mouse models for mesothelioma drug discovery and development including the advantages and disadvantages of each. Gaps in current knowledge of mesothelioma are highlighted, and future directions for mouse model research are considered. EXPERT OPINION Soon, CRISPR-Cas gene-editing will improve understanding of mesothelioma mechanisms foundational to the discovery and testing of efficacious therapeutic targets. There are at least two likely areas of upcoming methodology development. One is concerned with precise modeling of inflammation - is it a causal process whereby inflammatory signals contribute to tumor initiation, or is it a secondary passenger process driven by asbestos exposure effects? The other area of methods improvement regards the availability of humanized immunocompromised mice harboring patient-derived xenografts. Combining human tumors in an environment with human immune cells will enable rapid innovation in immuno-oncology therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth P Seastedt
- Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nathanael Pruett
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Chuong D Hoang
- Thoracic Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Lam SK, Yan S, Xu S, Ho JCM. Targeting polyamine as a novel therapy in xenograft models of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Lung Cancer 2020; 148:138-148. [PMID: 32911426 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the key culprit in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Although the import and use of asbestos have been restricted, the incidence of MPM continues to increase globally due to the prolonged lag time in malignant transformation. The development of a novel adjuvant therapy for the minority of individuals with resectable early-stage disease and effective treatment for those with unresectable MPM are urgently needed. Our preliminary data revealed that ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is highly expressed in MPM xenografts. This study aimed to determine the treatment effects of α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a specific ODC inhibitor, in MPM xenografts. RESULTS In an "extended adjuvant DFMO treatment" setting, nude mice were fed with DFMO for 7 days prior to inoculation of 200,000 cells. DFMO suppressed tumor growth and increased median survival in both xenografts. In H226 xenograft, 43 % of treated mice had not reached the humane endpoint by day 132, mimicking long-term survival. DFMO decreased spermidine, increased nitrotyrosine and activated apoptosis in both xenografts. Furthermore, increase in nitrosocysteine, intratumoral IL-6, keratinocyte chemoattractant and TNFα, DNA lesion and inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway were induced by DFMO in H226 xenograft. In "DFMO treatment" setting, 107 cells were inoculated into nude mice and DFMO treatment commenced when tumor size reached ∼50-100 mm3. DFMO also suppressed tumor growth by similar mechanisms. Supplementation with spermidine reversed the therapeutic effect of DFMO. DFMO increased actin nitration at tyrosine 53 and inhibited actin polymerization. CONCLUSION DFMO is preclinically effective in treating MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Kwan Lam
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheng Yan
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shi Xu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James Chung-Man Ho
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Chung SF, Kim CF, Kwok SY, Tam SY, Chen YW, Chong HC, Leung SL, So PK, Wong KY, Leung YC, Lo WH. Mono-PEGylation of a Thermostable Arginine-Depleting Enzyme for the Treatment of Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124234. [PMID: 32545874 PMCID: PMC7353006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
L-arginine (L-Arg) depletion induced by randomly PEGylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) can treat arginosuccinate synthase (ASS)-negative cancers, and ADI-PEG20 is undergoing phase III clinical trials. Unfortunately, ASS-positive cancers are resistant to ADI-PEG20. Moreover, the yield of ADI production is low because of the formation of inclusion bodies. Here, we report a thermostable arginine-depleting enzyme, Bacillus caldovelox arginase mutant (BCA-M: Ser161->Cys161). An abundant amount of BCA-M was easily obtained via high cell-density fermentation and heat treatment purification. Subsequently, we prepared BCA-M-PEG20, by conjugating a single 20 kDa PEG monomer onto the Cys161 residue via thio-chemistry. Unlike ADI-PEG20, BCA-M-PEG20 significantly inhibited ASS-positive lung cancer cell growth. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that a single intraperitoneal injection (i.p). administration of 250 U/mouse of BCA-M-PEG20 induced low L-Arg level over 168 h. The mono-PEGylation of BCA-M prolonged its elimination half-life from 6.4 to 91.4 h (a 14-fold increase). In an A549 lung cancer xenograft model, a weekly administration of 250 U/mouse of BCA-M-PEG20 suppressed tumor growth significantly. We also observed that BCA-M-PEG20 did not cause any significant safety issue in mouse models. Overall, BCA-M-PEG20 showed excellent results in drug production, potency, and stability. Thereby, it has great potential to become a promising candidate for lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kwok-Yin Wong
- Correspondence: (K.-Y.W.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-H.L.); Tel.: +852-3400-8661 (Y.-C.L.)
| | - Yun-Chung Leung
- Correspondence: (K.-Y.W.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-H.L.); Tel.: +852-3400-8661 (Y.-C.L.)
| | - Wai-Hung Lo
- Correspondence: (K.-Y.W.); (Y.-C.L.); (W.-H.L.); Tel.: +852-3400-8661 (Y.-C.L.)
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A bioengineered arginine-depleting enzyme as a long-lasting therapeutic agent against cancer. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:3921-3934. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10484-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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10
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Agnello G, Alters SE, Rowlinson SW. Preclinical safety and antitumor activity of the arginine-degrading therapeutic enzyme pegzilarginase, a PEGylated, cobalt-substituted recombinant human arginase 1. Transl Res 2020; 217:11-22. [PMID: 31954097 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic remodeling contributes to the development and progression of some cancers and exposes them to vulnerabilities, including specific nutrient dependencies that can be targeted therapeutically. Arginine is a semiessential amino acid, and several cancers are unable to endogenously synthesize sufficient levels of arginine for survival and proliferation, most commonly due to reduced expression of argininosuccinate synthase (ASS1). Such cancers are dependent on arginine and they can be targeted via enzyme-mediated depletion of systemic arginine. We report the preclinical safety, antitumor efficacy, and immune-potentiating effects of pegzilarginase, a highly potent human arginine-degrading enzyme. Toxicology studies showed that pegzilarginase-mediated arginine depletion is well tolerated at therapeutic levels that elicit an antitumor growth effect. To determine which tumor types are best suited for clinical development, we profiled clinical tumor samples for ASS1 expression, which correlated with pegzilarginase sensitivity in vivo in patient-derived xenograft (PDx) models. Among the histologies tested, malignant melanoma, small cell lung cancer and Merkel cell carcinoma had the highest prevalence of low ASS1 expression, the highest proportion of PDx models responding to pegzilarginase, and the strongest correlation between low or no ASS1 expression and sensitivity to pegzilarginase. In an immune-competent syngeneic mouse model, pegzilarginase slowed tumor growth and promoted the recruitment of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. This is consistent with the known autophagy-inducing effects of arginine depletion, and the link between autophagy and major histocompatibility complex antigen presentation to T cells. Our work supports the ongoing clinical investigations of pegzilarginase in solid tumors and clinical combination of pegzilarginase with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Papazoglou ED, Jagirdar RM, Kouliou OA, Pitaraki E, Hatzoglou C, Gourgoulianis KI, Zarogiannis SG. In Vitro Characterization of Cisplatin and Pemetrexed Effects in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma 3D Culture Phenotypes. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101446. [PMID: 31569615 PMCID: PMC6826727 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. The main treatment for MPM is doublet chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Pemetrexed, while ongoing trials test the efficacy of pemetrexed monotherapy. However, there is lack of evidence regarding the effects of Cisplatin and Pemetrexed on MPM cell phenotypes, especially in three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. In this study, we evaluated the effects Cisplatin and Pemetrexed on cell viability using homologous cell derived extracellular matrix (hECM) as substratum and subsequently in the following 3D cell culture phenotypes: tumor spheroid formation, tumor spheroid invasion, and collagen gel contraction. We used benign mesothelial MeT-5A cells as controls and the MPM cell lines M14K (epithelioid), MSTO (biphasic), and ZL34 (sarcomatoid). Cell viability of all cell lines was significantly decreased with all treatments. Mean tumor spheroid perimeter was reduced after treatment with Pemetrexed or the doublet therapy in all cell lines, while Cisplatin reduced the mean spheroid perimeter of MeT-5A and MSTO cells. Doublet treatment reduced the invasive capacity of spheroids of cell lines into collagenous matrices, while Cisplatin lowered the invasion of the MSTO and ZL34 cell lines, and Pemetrexed lowered the invasion of MeT-5A and ZL34 cell lines. Treatment with Pemetrexed or the combination significantly reduced the collagen gel contraction of all cell lines, while Cisplatin treatment affected only the MeT-5A and M14K cells. The results of the current study can be used as an in vitro 3D platform for testing novel drugs against MPM for ameliorating the effects of first line chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios D Papazoglou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Rajesh M Jagirdar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Olympia A Kouliou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Eleanna Pitaraki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Chrissi Hatzoglou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
| | - Sotirios G Zarogiannis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece.
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Abstract
Macroautophagy (referred to here as autophagy) degrades and recycles cytoplasmic constituents to sustain cellular and mammalian metabolism and survival during starvation. Deregulation of autophagy is involved in numerous diseases, such as cancer. Cancers up-regulate autophagy and depend on it for survival, growth, and malignancy in a tumor cell-autonomous fashion. Recently, it has become apparent that autophagy in host tissues as well as the tumor cells themselves contribute to tumor growth. Understanding how autophagy regulates metabolism and tumor growth has revealed new essential tumor nutrients, where they come from, and how they are supplied and used, which can now be targeted for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Poillet-Perez
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, USA
| | - Eileen White
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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Xu S, Lam SK, Cheng PNM, Ho JCM. Contactin 1 modulates pegylated arginase resistance in small cell lung cancer through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12030. [PMID: 31427725 PMCID: PMC6700313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48476-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major hurdle in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Previously we demonstrated the potential anticancer effect of pegylated arginase BCT-100 in SCLC cell lines and xenograft models. To facilitate future clinical application of BCT-100 in SCLC treatment, we elucidated the potential mechanisms that underlie acquired drug resistance to BCT-100. H446 and H526 SCLC cells were serially cultured in stepwise increasing concentrations of BCT-100 until stable BCT-100-resistant cell lines emerged (H446-BR and H526-BR). Compared with parent cells, H446-BR and H526-BR displayed stronger migration ability, anoikis resistance and EMT progression. Gene chip assay was employed to select three potential targets (CDH17, CNTN-1 and IGF2BP1). Silencing CNTN-1 rather than CDH17 or IGF2BP1 in H446-BR and H526-BR cells re-sensitized resistant cells to BCT-100 treatment and attenuated the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. The AKT signaling pathway was activated in H446-BR and H526-BR cells accompanied by EMT progression, and AKT inhibitor LY294002 reversed the EMT progression in resistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Xu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital of Shenzhen Longhua District, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Sze-Kwan Lam
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul Ning-Man Cheng
- Bio-cancer Treatment International, 511-513, Bioinformatics Building, Hong Kong Science Park, Tai Po, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James Chung-Man Ho
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Zou S, Wang X, Liu P, Ke C, Xu S. Arginine metabolism and deprivation in cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109210. [PMID: 31330440 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain cancer cells with nutrient auxotrophy and have a much higher nutrient demand compared with normal human cells. Arginine as a versatile amino acid, has multiple biological functions in metabolic and signaling pathways. Depletion of this amino acid by arginine depletor is generally well tolerated and has become a targeted therapy for arginine auxotrophic cancers. However, the modulatory eff ;ect of arginine on cancer cells is very complicated and still controversial. Therefore, this article focuses on arginine metabolism and depletion therapy in cancer treatment to provide systemical review on this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyun Zou
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangmei Wang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Po Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changneng Ke
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Shi Xu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China; Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Endogenous arginase 2 as a potential biomarker for PEGylated arginase 1 treatment in xenograft models of squamous cell lung carcinoma. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:18. [PMID: 30808864 PMCID: PMC6391460 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0128-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depletion of arginine induced by PEGylated arginase 1 (ARG1) (BCT-100) has shown anticancer effects in arginine auxotrophic cancers that lack argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC). High levels of endogenous arginase 2 (ARG2) have been previously reported in human lung cancers. Although a high-ARG2 level neither causes immunosuppression nor affects disease progression, it may theoretically affect the efficacy of PEGylated ARG1 treatment. ARG2 was shown to be highly expressed in H520 squamous cell lung carcinoma (lung SCC) xenografts but undetectable in SK-MES-1 and SW900 lung SCC xenografts. We propose that high-endogenous expression of ARG2 could impede the anti-tumor effect of PEGylated ARG1 in lung SCC. The in vivo effect of PEGylated ARG1 was investigated using three xenograft models of lung SCC. PEGylated ARG1 (60 mg/kg) suppressed tumor growth in SK-MES-1 and SW900 but not H520 xenografts. ASS1 was expressed in SK-MES-1 and SW900 xenografts while OTC expression remained low in all xenografts. A high-endogenous ARG2 level was detected only in H520 xenografts. Serum arginine level was decreased significantly by PEGylated ARG1 in all xenografts. Nonetheless intratumoral arginine level was decreased by PEGylated ARG1 in SK-MES-1 and SW900, not H520 xenografts. In SK-MES-1 xenografts, PEGylated ARG1 treatment induced G1 arrest, downregulation of Ki67 and Mcl-1 and activation of apoptosis. In SW900 xenografts, upregulation of Bim and activation of apoptosis were observed upon PEGylated ARG1 treatment. Silencing of ARG2 re-sensitized the H520 xenografts to PEGylated ARG1 treatment, partially mediated through arginine depletion via G1 arrest and apoptosis. PEGylated ARG1 treatment (BCT-100) was effective in lung SCC xenografts with low-endogenous levels of ASS1/OTC and ARG2. High-endogenous ARG2 expression may cause resistance to PEGylated ARG1 treatment in lung SCC xenografts. ARG2 may serve as a third predictive biomarker in PEGylated ARG1 treatment in lung SCC.
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Xu S, Lam SK, Cheng PNM, Ho JCM. Recombinant human arginase induces apoptosis through oxidative stress and cell cycle arrest in small cell lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3471-3482. [PMID: 30155941 PMCID: PMC6215893 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for approximately 13% of all lung cancer cases. Small cell lung cancer is characterized by frequent relapse, and current treatments lack tumor specificity. Arginine is a non‐essential amino acid for human normal cells but critical to some tumor cells that cannot synthesize arginine. Therefore, arginine deprivation has become a potential therapeutic option for selected tumors. BCT‐100 is a pegylated arginase that has documented anticancer activity in arginine auxotrophic tumors, such as melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute myeloid leukemia. One of the resistance mechanisms to arginase treatment is overexpression of argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), two important enzymes in the urea cycle. We selected 9 SCLC and 1 non‐small cell lung carcinoma cell lines to determine the growth inhibition effects of BCT‐100 and established that cell lines with low expression of ASS1 and OTC are relatively sensitive to BCT‐100 treatment. Knocking down OTC in a H841 cell line could potentiate its sensitivity to BCT‐100 treatment. Arginine concentration was sharply decreased, accompanied by apoptosis through oxidative stress as well as G1 cell cycle arrest. In addition, BCT‐100 showed an anticancer effect on H446 and H510A xenograft models by lowering arginine levels and inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Xu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sze-Kwan Lam
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - James Chung-Man Ho
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Lam SK, U KP, Li YY, Xu S, Cheng PNM, Ho JCM. Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase 1 facilitates pegylated arginase treatment in lung adenocarcinoma xenograft models. Oncol Rep 2018; 40:1994-2004. [PMID: 30066894 PMCID: PMC6111542 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine depletion has shown anticancer effects among arginine auxotrophic cancers. An anti-proliferative effect of pegylated arginase (BCT-100) has been shown in acute myeloid leukaemia, hepatocellular carcinoma and mesothelioma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of BCT-100 in lung adenocarcinoma. A panel of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and xenograft models were used to investigate the effect of BCT-100. Protein expression, arginine level, putrescine level, spermidine level and apoptosis were analyzed by western blotting, ELISA, high performance liquid chromatography, dot blot and TUNEL assay, respectively. BCT-100 converts arginine to ornithine. BCT-100 reduced in vitro cell viability across different lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and suppressed tumour growth in an HCC4006 ×enograft, while paradoxical growth stimulation was observed in H358, HCC827, H1650 and H1975 ×enografts. Upon BCT-100 treatment, ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1) was induced in two solid tumour xenografts (H1650 and H1975). It was postulated that the accumulated ornithine could be channeled via ODC1 to produce polyamines that promoted tumour growth. The action of an ODC1 inhibitor (α-difluoromethylornithine, DFMO) was studied in the restoration of the anticancer effects of BCT-100 in lung adenocarcinoma. In both H1650 and H1975 ×enografts, a combination of DFMO and BCT-100 significantly suppressed tumour growth, resulting in doubled median survival compared with the control. Putrescine was decreased in almost all treatment arms in the H1650, H1975 and HCC4006 ×enografts. Nonetheless spermidine was reduced only following DFMO/BCT-100 treatment in the H1650 and H1975 ×enografts. Apoptosis was enhanced in the combined treatment arm in both H1650 and H1975 ×enografts. In the HCC4006 ×enograft, addition of DFMO did not alter the tumour suppressive effect of BCT-100. In conclusion, inhibition of ODC1 by DFMO was crucial in facilitating BCT-100 treatment in lung adenocarcinoma that was partially mediated by depleting arginine and polyamines with consequent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Kwan Lam
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Kin Pong U
- Bio‑Cancer Treatment International, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Shi Xu
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | | | - James Chung-Man Ho
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
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Fung MKL, Chan GCF. Drug-induced amino acid deprivation as strategy for cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:144. [PMID: 28750681 PMCID: PMC5530962 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-017-0509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is caused by uncontrollable growth of neoplastic cells, leading to invasion of adjacent and distant tissues resulting in death. Cancer cells have specific nutrient(s) auxotrophy and have a much higher nutrient demand compared to normal tissues. Therefore, different metabolic inhibitors or nutrient-depleting enzymes have been tested for their anti-cancer activities. We review recent available laboratory and clinical data on using various specific amino acid metabolic pathways inhibitors in treating cancers. Our focus is on glutamine, asparagine, and arginine starvation. These three amino acids are chosen due to their better scientific evidence compared to other related approaches in cancer treatment. Amino acid-specific depleting enzymes have been adopted in different standard chemotherapy protocols. Glutamine starvation by glutaminase inhibitior, transporter inhibitor, or glutamine depletion has shown to have significant anti-cancer effect in pre-clinical studies. Currently, glutaminase inhibitor is under clinical trial for testing anti-cancer efficacy. Clinical data suggests that asparagine depletion is effective in treating hematologic malignancies even as a single agent. On the other hand, arginine depletion has lower toxicity profile and can effectively reduce the level of pro-cancer biochemicals in patients as shown by ours and others’ data. This supports the clinical use of arginine depletion as anti-cancer therapy but its exact efficacy in various cancers requires further investigation. However, clinical application of these enzymes is usually hindered by common problems including allergy to these foreign proteins, off-target cytotoxicity, short half-life and rapidly emerging chemoresistance. There have been efforts to overcome these problems by modifying the drugs in different ways to circumvent these hindrance such as (1) isolate human native enzymes to reduce allergy, (2) isolate enzyme isoforms with higher specificities and efficiencies, (3) pegylate the enzymes to reduce allergy and prolong the half-lives, and (4) design drug combinations protocols to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy by drug synergy and minimizing resistance. These improvements can potentially lead to the development of more effective anti-cancer treatment with less adverse effects and higher therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Kwong Lam Fung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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