1
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Wang Z, Li R, Yang G, Wang Y. Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways. J Drug Target 2024; 32:33-44. [PMID: 38095181 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2295222] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guilin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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2
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Saraswat A, Vemana HP, Dukhande V, Patel K. Novel gene therapy for drug-resistant melanoma: Synergistic combination of PTEN plasmid and BRD4 PROTAC-loaded lipid nanocarriers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102292. [PMID: 39238805 PMCID: PMC11374965 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Patients suffering from BRAF mutant melanoma have tumor recurrence within merely 7 months of treatment with a potent BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) like vemurafenib. It has been proven that diverse molecular pathways driving BRAFi resistance converge to activation of c-Myc in melanoma. Therefore, we identified a novel combinatorial therapeutic strategy by targeting loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) tumor suppressor gene and upregulated BRD4 oncoprotein as Myc-dependent vulnerabilities of drug-resistant melanoma. Being promising therapeutic targets, we decided to concomitantly deliver PTEN plasmid and BRD4 targeted PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimera (ARV) to drug the "undruggable" c-Myc in BRAFi-resistant melanoma. Since PTEN plasmid and ARV are distinct in their physicochemical properties, we fabricated PTEN-plasmid loaded lipid nanoparticles (PL-NANO) and ARV-825-loaded nanoliposomes (AL-NANO) to yield a mean particle size of less than 100 nm and greater than 99% encapsulation efficiency for each therapeutic payload. Combination of PL-NANO and AL-NANO displayed synergistic tumor growth inhibition and substantial apoptosis in in vitro two-dimensional and three-dimensional models. Importantly, simultaneous delivery of PL-NANO and AL-NANO achieved significant upregulation of PTEN expression levels and degradation of BRD4 protein to ultimately downregulate c-Myc levels in BRAFi-resistant melanoma cells. Altogether, lipid nanocarriers delivering this novel lethal cocktail stands as one-of-a-kind gene therapy to target undruggable c-Myc oncogene in BRAFi-resistant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Saraswat
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Hari Priya Vemana
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Vikas Dukhande
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
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3
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Zeng Y, Zhang Y, Cui Z, Mao J, Xu J, Yao R. The Selective SIRT3 Inhibitor 3-TYP Represses Primary Myeloma Growth by Reducing c-Myc Stability. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:1062-1069. [PMID: 38815162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is a hematological cancer that can be treated but remains incurable. With the advancement of science and technology, more drugs have been developed for myeloma chemotherapy that greatly improve the quality of life of patients. However, relapse remains a serious problem puzzling patients and doctors. Thus, developing more highly active and specific inhibitors is urgent for myeloma-targeted therapy. In this study, we identified the SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP (3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyridine) after screening a histone modification compound library, which showed high cytotoxicity and induced DNA damage in myeloma cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of 3-TYP in our xenograft tumor studies also confirmed that compound 3-TYP could inhibit primary myeloma growth by reducing c-Myc protein stability by decreasing c-Myc Ser62 phosphorylation levels. Taken together, the results of our study identified 3-TYP as a novel c-Myc inhibitor, which could be a potential chemotherapeutic agent to target multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yindi Zeng
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zeyu Cui
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiwei Mao
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinge Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruosi Yao
- Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Zhao L, Qin Y, Liu Y, An L, Liu W, Zhang C, Song Q, Dai C, Zhang J, Li A. The total xanthones extracted from Gentianella acuta alleviates HFpEF by activating the IRE1α/Xbp1s pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18466. [PMID: 38847482 PMCID: PMC11157675 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by pulmonary and systemic congestion resulting from left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and increased filling pressure. Currently, however, there is no evidence on effective pharmacotherapy for HFpEF. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of total xanthones extracted from Gentianella acuta (TXG) on HFpEF by establishing an high-fat diet (HFD) + L-NAME-induced mouse model. Echocardiography was employed to assess the impact of TXG on the cardiac function in HFpEF mice. Haematoxylin and eosin staining, wheat germ agglutinin staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were utilized to observe the histopathological changes following TXG treatment. The results demonstrated that TXG alleviated HFpEF by reducing the expressions of genes associated with myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis. Furthermore, TXG improved cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Mechanistic investigations revealed that TXG could activate the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)/X-box-binding protein 1 (Xbp1s) signalling pathway, but the knockdown of IRE1α using the IRE1α inhibitor STF083010 or siRNA-IRE1α impaired the ability of TXG to ameliorate cardiac remodelling in HFpEF models. In conclusion, TXG alleviates myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis through the activation of the IRE1α/Xbp1s signalling pathway, suggesting its potential beneficial effects on HFpEF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linna Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Yiping Qin
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Yangong Liu
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Liping An
- College of Basic MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Weizhe Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- College of Basic MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Chuang Zhang
- Department of TechnologyHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Qiuhang Song
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Cheng Dai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- Faculty of NursingHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Aiying Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio‐Cerebrovascular DiseaseShijiazhuangHebeiChina
- College of Basic MedicineHebei University of Chinese MedicineShijiazhuangHebeiChina
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5
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Li S, Wang Y, Yin J, Li K, Liu L, Gao J. Design, synthesis, and activity evaluation of 2-iminobenzimidazoles as c-Myc inhibitors for treating multiple myeloma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28411. [PMID: 38590884 PMCID: PMC10999938 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy that remains incurable and poses a significant threat to global public health. The multifunctional transcription factor c-Myc plays a crucial role in various cellular processes and is closely associated with MM progression. As part of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLHZip) family, c-Myc forms heterodimers with its obligate partner Max, binds to the Enhancer-box (E-box) of DNA, and ultimately co-regulates gene expression. Therefore, impeding the capacity for heterodimerization to bind to DNA represents a favored strategy in thwarting c-Myc transcription. In this study, we first synthesized a series of novel 2-iminobenzimidazole derivatives and further estimated their potential anti-MM activity. Notably, among all the derivatives, 5b and 5d demonstrated remarkable inhibitory activity against RPMI-8226 and U266 cells, with IC50 values of 0.85 μM and 0.97 μM for compound 5b, and 0.96 μM and 0.89 μM for compound 5d. Western blot and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that compounds 5b and 5d effectively suppressed both c-Myc protein expression and transcriptional activity of the c-Myc promoter in RPMI-8226 and U266 cells. Furthermore, these compounds induced apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest in the aforementioned MM cells. Molecular docking studies revealed that 5b and 5d exhibited strong binding affinity to the interface between c-Myc/Max and E-box of DNA. Taken together, our findings suggest that further investigations are warranted for potential therapeutic applications of 5b and 5d for c-Myc-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Yinchuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Jiacheng Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Kaihang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Linlin Liu
- College of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
| | - Jian Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, PR China
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, PR China
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6
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Liu Q, Niu ZP, Yang K, Song JR, Wei XN, Huang YB, Yuan CM, Li YM. Synergistic combination of isogarcinol isolated from edible fruits of Garcinia multiflora and dexamethasone to overcome leukemia glucocorticoid resistance. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115936. [PMID: 38039755 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115936] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Isogarcinol (ISO), a cytotoxic polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinol isolated from the edible fruits of Garcinia multiflora. However, synergistic combination of ISO and dexamethasone (DEX) to overcome leukemia glucocorticoid resistance has never been investigated. Therefore, in this study, the effects of ISO in combination with DEX was conducted on leukemia in vivo and glucocorticoid resistance in vitro. As a result, the combination of the two compounds could efficiently inhibit leukemia progression in mice and reverse DEX resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Jurkat cells. Significantly, our findings indicated that c-Myc may be a potential target of ISO, as it is involved in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by the combination of ISO and DEX in Jurkat cells. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that ISO and DEX inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promotes the nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which activates target genes NR3C1 and TSC22D3, leading to apoptosis in Jurkat cells. Hence, our results suggest that ISO, as a safe and effective food-derived agent, can enhance the anti-leukemia effects of DEX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014 Guizhou, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025 Guizhou, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Zhen-Peng Niu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004 Guizhou, China
| | - Kun Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025 Guizhou, China
| | - Jing-Rui Song
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014 Guizhou, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Xue-Nai Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014 Guizhou, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Yu-Bing Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014 Guizhou, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China
| | - Chun-Mao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014 Guizhou, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China.
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550014 Guizhou, China; Natural Products Research Center of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550014, China.
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7
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Yu L, He X, Fang X, Liu L, Liu J. Deep Learning with Geometry-Enhanced Molecular Representation for Augmentation of Large-Scale Docking-Based Virtual Screening. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6501-6514. [PMID: 37882338 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Structure-based virtual screening has been a crucial tool in drug discovery for decades. However, as the chemical space expands, the existing structure-based virtual screening techniques based on molecular docking and scoring struggle to handle billion-entry ultralarge libraries due to the high computational cost. To address this challenge, people have resorted to machine learning techniques to enhance structure-based virtual screening for efficiently exploring the vast chemical space. In those cases, compounds are usually treated as sequential strings or two-dimensional topology graphs, limiting their ability to incorporate three-dimensional structural information for downstream tasks. We herein propose a novel deep learning protocol, GEM-Screen, which utilizes the geometry-enhanced molecular representation of the compounds docking to a specific target and is trained on docking scores of a small fraction of a library through an active learning strategy to approximate the docking outcome for yet nontraining entries. This protocol is applied to virtual screening campaigns against the AmpC and D4 targets, demonstrating that GEM-Screen enriches more than 90% of the hit scaffolds for AmpC in the top 4% of model predictions and more than 80% of the hit scaffolds for D4 in the same top-ranking size of library. GEM-Screen can be used in conjunction with traditional docking programs for docking of only the top-ranked compounds to avoid the exhaustive docking of the whole library, thus allowing for discovering top-scoring compounds from billion-entry libraries in a rapid yet accurate fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao He
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Molecule Intelligent Syntheses, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- New York University-East China Normal University Center for Computational Chemistry, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xiaomin Fang
- Baidu International Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518063, China
| | - Lihang Liu
- Baidu International Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518063, China
| | - Jinfeng Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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8
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Zeng Z, Fu M, Hu Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Luo M. Regulation and signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: implications for targeted therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37853437 PMCID: PMC10583419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01877-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), initially identified in leukemia in 1994, constitute a distinct subset of tumor cells characterized by surface markers such as CD133, CD44, and ALDH. Their behavior is regulated through a complex interplay of networks, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. Numerous signaling pathways were found to be involved in the regulatory network of CSCs. The maintenance of CSC characteristics plays a pivotal role in driving CSC-associated tumor metastasis and conferring resistance to therapy. Consequently, CSCs have emerged as promising targets in cancer treatment. To date, researchers have developed several anticancer agents tailored to specifically target CSCs, with some of these treatment strategies currently undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we outline the origin and biological characteristics of CSCs, explore the regulatory networks governing CSCs, discuss the signaling pathways implicated in these networks, and investigate the influential factors contributing to therapy resistance in CSCs. Finally, we offer insights into preclinical and clinical agents designed to eliminate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology Nursing, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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9
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Yao R, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Zhang Y, Liu L, Gao J. Novel c-Myc G4 stabilizer EP12 promotes myeloma cytotoxicity by disturbing NF-κB signaling. Exp Cell Res 2023; 431:113759. [PMID: 37625768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by the excessive proliferation of bone marrow plasma cells and the production of abnormal immunoglobulins. Despite advances in therapeutic strategies, it remains an incurable disease. Recently, innovative anticancer drugs have been developed and approved, leading to improvements in MM therapy; however, drug resistance continues to be a major obstacle that results in treatment failure. Therefore, the development of novel agents is imperative to achieve superior therapeutic outcomes for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Previously, we identified EP12 as a c-Myc G4 stabilizer that could induce cytotoxicity in MM cells in vitro. However, further investigation is required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and anti-MM activity of EP12 in vivo. In this study, we have discovered that the compound EP12 effectively inhibits primary myeloma growth in vivo by destabilizing c-Myc and disrupting the canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that EP12, as a potent c-Myc inhibitor, holds great promise as a therapeutic agent for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruosi Yao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yindi Zeng
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- College of Medical Imaging, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jian Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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10
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Hazem RM, Aboslema RF, Mehanna ET, Kishk SM, Elsayed M, El-Sayed NM. Antitumor effect of trimetazidine in a model of solid Ehrlich carcinoma is mediated by inhibition of glycolytic pathway and AKT signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110672. [PMID: 37591408 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110672] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance in glucose metabolism was proposed to be a pathogenetic mechanism of breast cancer. Trimetazidine (TMZ) inhibits β-oxidation of fatty acids through blocking the activity of 3-ketoacylCoA thiolase enzyme, leading to enhancement of glucose oxidation and metabolic respiration. The present study aimed to examine the cytotoxic effect of TMZ in both in vivo and in vitro models of breast cancer, focusing on its impact on the expression of some glycolytic enzymes and AKT signaling. The cytotoxic effect of TMZ was screened against breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line at different concentrations [0.01-100 μM]. In vivo, graded doses (10, 20, 30 mg/kg) of TMZ were tested against solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) in mice. Tumor tissues were isolated for assessment of the expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and glycolytic enzymes by quantitative PCR. The protein expression of AKT and cellular myelocytomatosis (c-Myc) was determined by western blotting, while p53 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Molecular docking study of TMZ effect on AKT and c-Myc was performed using Auto-Dock Vina docking program. TMZ showed a cytotoxic action against MCF-7 cells, having IC50 value of 2.95 μM. In vivo, TMZ reduced tumor weight, downregulated the expression of glycolytic enzymes, suppressed AKT signaling, but increased p53 expression. Molecular docking and in silico studies proposed that TMZ is an AKT and c-Myc selective inhibitor. In conclusion, TMZ demonstrated a viable approach to suppress tumor proliferation in biological models of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem M Hazem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Rasha F Aboslema
- The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Eman T Mehanna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Safaa M Kishk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Elsayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Norhan M El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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11
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Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Mark KG, Kolla S, Aguirre JD, Garshott DM, Schmitt S, Haakonsen DL, Xu C, Kater L, Kempf G, Martínez-González B, Akopian D, See SK, Thomä NH, Rapé M. Orphan quality control shapes network dynamics and gene expression. Cell 2023; 186:3460-3475.e23. [PMID: 37478862 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
All eukaryotes require intricate protein networks to translate developmental signals into accurate cell fate decisions. Mutations that disturb interactions between network components often result in disease, but how the composition and dynamics of complex networks are established remains poorly understood. Here, we identify the E3 ligase UBR5 as a signaling hub that helps degrade unpaired subunits of multiple transcriptional regulators that act within a network centered on the c-Myc oncoprotein. Biochemical and structural analyses show that UBR5 binds motifs that only become available upon complex dissociation. By rapidly turning over unpaired transcription factor subunits, UBR5 establishes dynamic interactions between transcriptional regulators that allow cells to effectively execute gene expression while remaining receptive to environmental signals. We conclude that orphan quality control plays an essential role in establishing dynamic protein networks, which may explain the conserved need for protein degradation during transcription and offers opportunities to modulate gene expression in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G Mark
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - SriDurgaDevi Kolla
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jacob D Aguirre
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle M Garshott
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Schmitt
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diane L Haakonsen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Christina Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lukas Kater
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georg Kempf
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brenda Martínez-González
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - David Akopian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie K See
- Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nicolas H Thomä
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Rapé
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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