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Ordónez-Rubiano EG, Cómbita A, Baldoncini M, Payán-Gómez C, Gómez-Amarillo DF, Hakim F, Camargo J, Zorro-Sepúlveda V, Luzzi S, Zorro O, Parra-Medina R. Cellular Senescence in Diffuse Gliomas: From Physiopathology to Possible Treatments. World Neurosurg 2024; 191:138-148. [PMID: 39233309 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.08.060] [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: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Cellular senescence in gliomas is a complex process that is induced by aging and replication, ionizing radiation, oncogenic stress, and the use of temozolomide. However, the escape routes that gliomas must evade senescence and achieve cellular immortality are much more complex, in which the expression of telomerase and the alternative lengthening of telomeres, as well as the mutation of some proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, are involved. In gliomas, these molecular mechanisms related to cellular senescence can have a tumor-suppressing or promoting effect and are directly involved in tumor recurrence and progression. From these cellular mechanisms related to cellular senescence, it is possible to generate targeted senostatic and senolytic therapies that improve the response to currently available treatments and improve survival rates. This review aims to summarize the mechanisms of induction and evasion of cellular senescence in gliomas, as well as review possible treatments with therapies targeting pathways related to cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar G Ordónez-Rubiano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital de San José - Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia; School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Alba Cómbita
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia; Department of Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Matías Baldoncini
- School of Medicine, Laboratory of Microsurgical Neuroanatomy, Second Chair of Gross Anatomy, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Neurological Surgery, Hospital San Fernando, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - César Payán-Gómez
- Dirección Académica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede de La Paz, La Paz, Colombia
| | - Diego F Gómez-Amarillo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Fernando Hakim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julián Camargo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Sabino Luzzi
- Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Oscar Zorro
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital de San José - Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Rafael Parra-Medina
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, Colombia; Research Institute, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud (FUCS), Hospital de San José - Sociedad de Cirugía de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
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2
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Cammas A, Desprairies A, Dassi E, Millevoi S. The shaping of mRNA translation plasticity by RNA G-quadruplexes in cancer progression and therapy resistance. NAR Cancer 2024; 6:zcae025. [PMID: 38828391 PMCID: PMC11140630 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcae025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational reprogramming in response to oncogenic signaling or microenvironmental stress factors shapes the proteome of cancer cells, enabling adaptation and phenotypic changes underlying cell plasticity, tumor progression and response to cancer therapy. Among the mechanisms regulating translation are RNA G-quadruplexes (RG4s), non-canonical four-stranded structures whose conformational modulation by small molecule ligands and RNA-binding proteins affects the expression of cancer proteins. Here, we discuss the role of RG4s in the regulation of mRNA translation by focusing on paradigmatic examples showing their contribution to adaptive mechanisms of mRNA translation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cammas
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Desprairies
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento (TN), Italy
| | - Stefania Millevoi
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université de Toulouse, Inserm U1037, CNRS, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse, France
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3
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Liu M, Zhang Y, Jian Y, Gu L, Zhang D, Zhou H, Wang Y, Xu ZX. The regulations of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:90. [PMID: 38278800 PMCID: PMC10817947 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal activation of telomerase occurs in most cancer types, which facilitates escaping from cell senescence. As the key component of telomerase, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is regulated by various regulation pathways. TERT gene changing in its promoter and phosphorylation respectively leads to TERT ectopic expression at the transcription and protein levels. The co-interacting factors play an important role in the regulation of TERT in different cancer types. In this review, we focus on the regulators of TERT and these downstream functions in cancer regulation. Determining the specific regulatory mechanism will help to facilitate the development of a cancer treatment strategy that targets telomerase and cancer cell senescence. As the most important catalytic subunit component of telomerase, TERT is rapidly regulated by transcriptional factors and PTM-related activation. These changes directly influence TERT-related telomere maintenance by regulating telomerase activity in telomerase-positive cancer cells, telomerase assembly with telomere-binding proteins, and recruiting telomerase to the telomere. Besides, there are also non-canonical functions that are influenced by TERT, including the basic biological functions of cancer cells, such as proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, initiating cell formation, EMT, and cell invasion. Other downstream effects are the results of the influence of transcriptional factors by TERT. Currently, some small molecular inhibitors of TERT and TERT vaccine are under research as a clinical therapeutic target. Purposeful work is in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yongping Jian
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Liting Gu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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4
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Chojak R, Fares J, Petrosyan E, Lesniak MS. Cellular senescence in glioma. J Neurooncol 2023; 164:11-29. [PMID: 37458855 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04387-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioma is the most common primary brain tumor and is often associated with treatment resistance and poor prognosis. Standard treatment typically involves radiotherapy and temozolomide-based chemotherapy, both of which induce cellular senescence-a tumor suppression mechanism. DISCUSSION Gliomas employ various mechanisms to bypass or escape senescence and remain in a proliferative state. Importantly, senescent cells remain viable and secrete a large number of factors collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that, paradoxically, also have pro-tumorigenic effects. Furthermore, senescent cells may represent one form of tumor dormancy and play a role in glioma recurrence and progression. CONCLUSION In this article, we delineate an overview of senescence in the context of gliomas, including the mechanisms that lead to senescence induction, bypass, and escape. Furthermore, we examine the role of senescent cells in the tumor microenvironment and their role in tumor progression and recurrence. Additionally, we highlight potential therapeutic opportunities for targeting senescence in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Chojak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edgar Petrosyan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 676 N. St Clair Street, Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Lu Q, Lu X, Zhang Y, Huang W, Zhou H, Li T. Recent advances in ferroptosis and therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1068437. [PMID: 36710875 PMCID: PMC9880056 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1068437] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an emerging form of cell death characterized by the over-accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis directly or indirectly disturbs glutathione peroxidases cycle through diverse pathways, impacting the cellular antioxidant capacities, aggravating accumulation of reactive oxygen species in lipid, and it finally causes oxidative overload and cell death. Ferroptosis plays a significant role in the pathophysiological processes of many diseases. Glioblastoma is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors in the central nervous system in adults. Although there are many treatment plans for it, such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, they are currently ineffective and the recurrent rate is almost up to 100%. The therapies abovementioned have a strong relationship with ferroptosis at the cellular and molecular level according to the results reported by numerous researchers. The regulation of ferroptosis can significantly determine the outcome of the cells of glioblastoma. Thus ferroptosis, as a regulated form of programed cell death, has the possibility for treating glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixiong Lu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuansheng Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Hu Zhou, ; Tao Li,
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China,*Correspondence: Hu Zhou, ; Tao Li,
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Savva L, Fossépré M, Keramidas O, Themistokleous A, Rizeq N, Panagiotou N, Leclercq M, Nicolaidou E, Surin M, Hayes SC, Georgiades SN. Gaining Insights on the Interactions of a Class of Decorated (2-([2,2'-Bipyridin]-6-yl)phenyl)platinum Compounds with c-Myc Oncogene Promoter G-Quadruplex and Other DNA Structures. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201497. [PMID: 35726630 PMCID: PMC9804160 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Organometallic molecules offer some of the most promising scaffolds for interaction with G-quadruplex nucleic acids. We report the efficient synthesis of a family of organoplatinum(II) complexes, featuring a 2-([2,2'-bipyridin]-6-yl)phenyl tridentate (N∧ N∧ C) ligand, that incorporates peripheral side-chains aiming at enhancing and diversifying its interaction capabilities. These include a di-isopropyl carbamoyl amide, a morpholine ethylenamide, two enantiomeric proline imides and an oxazole. The binding affinities of the Pt-complexes were evaluated via UV-vis and fluorescence titrations, against 5 topologically-distinct DNA structures, including c-myc G-quadruplex, two telomeric (22AG) G-quadruplexes, a duplex (ds26) and a single-stranded (polyT) DNA. All compounds exhibited binding selectivity in favour of c-myc, with association constants (Ka ) in the range of 2-5×105 M-1 , lower affinity for both folds of 22AG and for ds26 and negligible affinity for polyT. Remarkable emission enhancements (up to 200-fold) upon addition of excess DNA were demonstrated by a subset of the compounds with c-myc, providing a basis for optical selectivity, since optical response to all other tested DNAs was low. A c-myc DNA-melting experiment showed significant stabilizing abilities for all compounds, with the most potent binder, the morpholine-Pt-complex, exhibiting a ΔTm >30 °C, at 1 : 5 DNA-to-ligand molar ratio. The same study implied contributions of the diverse side-chains to helix stabilization. To gain direct evidence of the nature of the interactions, mixtures of c-myc with the four most promising compounds were studied via UV Resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy, which revealed end-stacking binding mode, combined with interactions of side-chains with loop nucleobase residues. Docking simulations were conducted to provide insights into the binding modes for the same four Pt-compounds, suggesting that the binding preference for two alternative orientations of the c-myc G-quadruplex thymine 'cap' ('open' vs. 'closed'), as well as the relative contributions to affinity from end-stacking and H-bonding, are highly dependent on the nature of the interacting Pt-complex side-chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukiani Savva
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Mathieu Fossépré
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel MaterialsUniversity of Mons – UMONS20 Place du ParcB-7000MonsBelgium
| | - Odysseas Keramidas
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | | | - Natalia Rizeq
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Nikos Panagiotou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Maxime Leclercq
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel MaterialsUniversity of Mons – UMONS20 Place du ParcB-7000MonsBelgium
| | - Eliana Nicolaidou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel MaterialsUniversity of Mons – UMONS20 Place du ParcB-7000MonsBelgium
| | - Sophia C. Hayes
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
| | - Savvas N. Georgiades
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Cyprus1 Panepistimiou Avenue, Aglandjia2109NicosiaCyprus
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Exploring the Interaction of G-quadruplex Binders with a (3 + 1) Hybrid G-quadruplex Forming Sequence within the PARP1 Gene Promoter Region. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27154792. [PMID: 35897968 PMCID: PMC9369712 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme PARP1 is an attractive target for cancer therapy, as it is involved in DNA repair processes. Several PARP1 inhibitors have been approved for clinical treatments. However, the rapid outbreak of resistance is seriously threatening the efficacy of these compounds, and alternative strategies are required to selectively regulate PARP1 activity. A noncanonical G-quadruplex-forming sequence within the PARP1 promoter was recently identified. In this study, we explore the interaction of known G-quadruplex binders with the G-quadruplex structure found in the PARP gene promoter region. The results obtained by NMR, CD, and fluorescence titration, also confirmed by molecular modeling studies, demonstrate a variety of different binding modes with small stabilization of the G-quadruplex sequence located at the PARP1 promoter. Surprisingly, only pyridostatin produces a strong stabilization of the G-quadruplex-forming sequence. This evidence makes the identification of a proper (3+1) stabilizing ligand a challenging goal for further investigation.
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Vertecchi E, Rizzo A, Salvati E. Telomere Targeting Approaches in Cancer: Beyond Length Maintenance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073784. [PMID: 35409143 PMCID: PMC8998427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are crucial structures that preserve genome stability. Their progressive erosion over numerous DNA duplications determines the senescence of cells and organisms. As telomere length homeostasis is critical for cancer development, nowadays, telomere maintenance mechanisms are established targets in cancer treatment. Besides telomere elongation, telomere dysfunction impinges on intracellular signaling pathways, in particular DNA damage signaling and repair, affecting cancer cell survival and proliferation. This review summarizes and discusses recent findings in anticancer drug development targeting different “telosome” components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Vertecchi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angela Rizzo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 4, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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9
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Cambuli F, Foletto V, Alaimo A, De Felice D, Gandolfi F, Palumbieri MD, Zaffagni M, Genovesi S, Lorenzoni M, Celotti M, Bertossio E, Mazzero G, Bertossi A, Bisio A, Berardinelli F, Antoccia A, Gaspari M, Barbareschi M, Fiorentino M, Shen MM, Loda M, Romanel A, Lunardi A. Intra-epithelial non-canonical Activin A signaling safeguards prostate progenitor quiescence. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54049. [PMID: 35253958 PMCID: PMC9066067 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The healthy prostate is a relatively quiescent tissue. Yet, prostate epithelium overgrowth is a common condition during aging, associated with urinary dysfunction and tumorigenesis. For over thirty years, TGF-β ligands have been known to induce cytostasis in a variety of epithelia, but the intracellular pathway mediating this signal in the prostate, and its relevance for quiescence, have remained elusive. Here, using mouse prostate organoids to model epithelial progenitors, we find that intra-epithelial non-canonical Activin A signaling inhibits cell proliferation in a Smad-independent manner. Mechanistically, Activin A triggers Tak1 and p38 ΜAPK activity, leading to p16 and p21 nuclear import. Spontaneous evasion from this quiescent state occurs upon prolonged culture, due to reduced Activin A secretion, a condition associated with DNA replication stress and aneuploidy. Organoids capable to escape quiescence in vitro are also able to implant with increased frequency into immunocompetent mice. This study demonstrates that non-canonical Activin A signaling safeguards epithelial quiescence in the healthy prostate, with potential implications for the understanding of cancer initiation, and the development of therapies targeting quiescent tumor progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cambuli
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly,Department of Medicine, Genetics and DevelopmentUrologySystems BiologyHerbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer CenterColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA,Present address:
Molecular Pharmacology ProgramSloan Kettering InstituteMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Veronica Foletto
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Alessandro Alaimo
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Dario De Felice
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Francesco Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational GenomicsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Maria Dilia Palumbieri
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela Zaffagni
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Sacha Genovesi
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Marco Lorenzoni
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Martina Celotti
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Emiliana Bertossio
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | | | - Arianna Bertossi
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Alessandra Bisio
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Francesco Berardinelli
- Department of ScienceUniversity of Roma TreRomaItaly,Laboratory of Neurodevelopment, Neurogenetics and Molecular Neurobiology UnitIRCCS Santa Lucia FoundationRomaItaly
| | | | - Marco Gaspari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of CatanzaroCatanzaroItaly
| | | | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty MedicineUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Michael M Shen
- Department of Medicine, Genetics and DevelopmentUrologySystems BiologyHerbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer CenterColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Massimo Loda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineWeill Medical College of Cornell UniversityNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Alessandro Romanel
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Computational GenomicsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Andrea Lunardi
- The Armenise‐Harvard Laboratory of Cancer Biology & GeneticsDepartment of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
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10
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Mendes E, Aljnadi IM, Bahls B, Victor BL, Paulo A. Major Achievements in the Design of Quadruplex-Interactive Small Molecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:300. [PMID: 35337098 PMCID: PMC8953082 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Organic small molecules that can recognize and bind to G-quadruplex and i-Motif nucleic acids have great potential as selective drugs or as tools in drug target discovery programs, or even in the development of nanodevices for medical diagnosis. Hundreds of quadruplex-interactive small molecules have been reported, and the challenges in their design vary with the intended application. Herein, we survey the major achievements on the therapeutic potential of such quadruplex ligands, their mode of binding, effects upon interaction with quadruplexes, and consider the opportunities and challenges for their exploitation in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduarda Mendes
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Israa M. Aljnadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bárbara Bahls
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Bruno L. Victor
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI, Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Alexandra Paulo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (E.M.); (I.M.A.); (B.B.)
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11
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Balzano E, Di Tommaso E, Antoccia A, Pelliccia F, Giunta S. Characterization of Chromosomal Instability in Glioblastoma. Front Genet 2022; 12:810793. [PMID: 35154254 PMCID: PMC8831864 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.810793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). The poor prognosis of GBM due to resistance to therapy has been associated with high chromosomal instability (CIN). Replication stress is a major cause of CIN that manifests as chromosome rearrangements, fragility, and breaks, including those cytologically expressed within specific chromosome regions named common fragile sites (CFSs). In this work, we characterized the expression of human CFSs in the glioblastoma U-251 MG cell line upon treatment with the inhibitor of DNA polymerase alpha aphidicolin (APH). We observed 52 gaps/breaks located within previously characterized CFSs. We found 17 to be CFSs in GBM cells upon treatment with APH, showing a frequency equal to at least 1% of the total gaps/breaks. We report that two CFSs localized to regions FRA2E (2p13/p12) and FRA2F (2q22) were only found in U-251 MG cells, but not lymphocytes or fibroblasts, after APH treatment. Notably, these glioblastoma-specific CFSs had a relatively high expression compared to the other CFSs with breakage frequency between ∼7 and 9%. Presence of long genes, incomplete replication, and delayed DNA synthesis during mitosis (MiDAS) after APH treatment suggest that an impaired replication process may contribute to this loci-specific fragility in U-251 MG cells. Altogether, our work offers a characterization of common fragile site expression in glioblastoma U-251 MG cells that may be further exploited for cytogenetic and clinical studies to advance our understanding of this incurable cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Balzano
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Elena Di Tommaso
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Antoccia
- Laboratory of Genetics and Cytogenetics, Dipartimento di Scienze, Università Degli Studi Roma Tre, Roma, Italy
| | - Franca Pelliccia
- Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Franca Pelliccia, ; Simona Giunta,
| | - Simona Giunta
- Laboratory of Genome Evolution, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Franca Pelliccia, ; Simona Giunta,
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12
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Effects of the Combined Treatment with a G-Quadruplex-Stabilizing Ligand and Photon Beams on Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells: A Magnetic Resonance Study. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312709. [PMID: 34884511 PMCID: PMC8657890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis and high rates of chemo-radiotherapy failure, mainly due to a small cell fraction with stem-like properties (GSCs). The mechanisms underlying GSC response to radiation need to be elucidated to enhance sensitivity to treatments and to develop new therapeutic strategies. In a previous study, two GSC lines, named line #1 and line #83, responded differently to carbon ions and photon beams, with the differences likely attributable to their own different metabolic fingerprint rather than to radiation type. Data from the literature showed the capability of RHPS4, a G-quadruplex stabilizing ligand, to sensitize the glioblastoma radioresistant U251MG cells to X-rays. The combined metabolic effect of ligand #190, a new RHPS4-derivative showing reduced cardiotoxicity, and a photon beam has been monitored by magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy for the two GSC lines, #1 and #83, to reveal whether a synergistic response occurs. MR spectra from both lines were affected by single and combined treatments, but the variations of the analysed metabolites were statistically significant mainly in line #1, without synergistic effects due to combination. The multivariate analysis of ten metabolites shows a separation between control and treated samples in line #1 regardless of treatment type, while separation was not detected in line #83.
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13
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Wickhorst PJ, Ihmels H, Paululat T. Studies on the Interactions of 3,11-Difluoro-6,8,13-trimethyl-8 H-quino[4,3,2- kl]acridinium and Insulin with the Quadruplex-Forming Oligonucleotide Sequence a2 from the Insulin-Linked Polymorphic Region. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216595. [PMID: 34771003 PMCID: PMC8587938 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, several quadruplex-DNA-forming sequences have been identified in the insulin-linked polymorphic region (ILPR), which is a guanine-rich oligonucleotide sequence in the promoter region of insulin. The formation of this non-canonical quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) has been shown to be involved in the biological activity of the ILPR, specifically with regard to its interplay with insulin. In this context, this contribution reports on the investigation of the association of the quadruplex-forming ILPR sequence a2 with insulin as well as with the well-known G4-DNA ligand 3,11-difluoro-6,8,13-trimethyl-8H-quino[4,3,2-kl]acridinium (1), also named RHPS4, by optical and NMR spectroscopy. CD- and NMR-spectroscopic measurements confirmed the preferential formation of an antiparallel quadruplex structure of a2 with four stacked guanine quartets. Furthermore, ligand 1 has high affinity toward a2 and binds by terminal π stacking to the G1-G11-G15-G25 quartet. In addition, the spectroscopic studies pointed to an association of insulin to the deoxyribose backbone of the loops of a2.
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14
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Teng FY, Jiang ZZ, Guo M, Tan XZ, Chen F, Xi XG, Xu Y. G-quadruplex DNA: a novel target for drug design. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6557-6583. [PMID: 34459951 PMCID: PMC11072987 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) DNA is a type of quadruple helix structure formed by a continuous guanine-rich DNA sequence. Emerging evidence in recent years authenticated that G4 DNA structures exist both in cell-free and cellular systems, and function in different diseases, especially in various cancers, aging, neurological diseases, and have been considered novel promising targets for drug design. In this review, we summarize the detection method and the structure of G4, highlighting some non-canonical G4 DNA structures, such as G4 with a bulge, a vacancy, or a hairpin. Subsequently, the functions of G4 DNA in physiological processes are discussed, especially their regulation of DNA replication, transcription of disease-related genes (c-MYC, BCL-2, KRAS, c-KIT et al.), telomere maintenance, and epigenetic regulation. Typical G4 ligands that target promoters and telomeres for drug design are also reviewed, including ellipticine derivatives, quinoxaline analogs, telomestatin analogs, berberine derivatives, and CX-5461, which is currently in advanced phase I/II clinical trials for patients with hematologic cancer and BRCA1/2-deficient tumors. Furthermore, since the long-term stable existence of G4 DNA structures could result in genomic instability, we summarized the G4 unfolding mechanisms emerged recently by multiple G4-specific DNA helicases, such as Pif1, RecQ family helicases, FANCJ, and DHX36. This review aims to present a general overview of the field of G-quadruplex DNA that has progressed in recent years and provides potential strategies for drug design and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yuan Teng
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zong-Zhe Jiang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Man Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Zhen Tan
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu-Guang Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
- LBPA, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 61, Avenue du Président Wilson, 94235, Cachan, France.
| | - Yong Xu
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, and Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, and Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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15
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Xu J, Jiang R, He H, Ma C, Tang Z. Recent advances on G-quadruplex for biosensing, bioimaging and cancer therapy. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Alessandrini I, Recagni M, Zaffaroni N, Folini M. On the Road to Fight Cancer: The Potential of G-quadruplex Ligands as Novel Therapeutic Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5947. [PMID: 34073075 PMCID: PMC8198608 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid sequences able to adopt a G-quadruplex conformation are overrepresented within the human genome. This evidence strongly suggests that these genomic regions have been evolutionary selected to play a pivotal role in several aspects of cell biology. In the present review article, we provide an overview on the biological impact of targeting G-quadruplexes in cancer. A variety of small molecules showing good G-quadruplex stabilizing properties has been reported to exert an antitumor activity in several preclinical models of human cancers. Moreover, promiscuous binders and multiple targeting G-quadruplex ligands, cancer cell defense responses and synthetic lethal interactions of G-quadruplex targeting have been also highlighted. Overall, evidence gathered thus far indicates that targeting G-quadruplex may represent an innovative and fascinating therapeutic approach for cancer. The continued methodological improvements, the development of specific tools and a careful consideration of the experimental settings in living systems will be useful to deepen our knowledge of G-quadruplex biology in cancer, to better define their role as therapeutic targets and to help design and develop novel and reliable G-quadruplex-based anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marco Folini
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via G.A. Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (I.A.); (M.R.); (N.Z.)
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17
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Piper K, Beldick SR, Karsy M, Allawh T, Shirodkar M, Miller J, Kiriakidou M, Curtis M, Evans JJ. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis masquerading as pituitary adenoma with apoplexy. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2021; 5:342-346. [PMID: 33784948 DOI: 10.1080/24725625.2021.1909222] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a small- and medium-vessel autoimmune vasculitis. Rare presentations of GPA can manifest as ophthalmologic and endocrinological deficits with sellar enhancement on imaging. While GPA typically presents distinct in appearance from other sellar pathologies, such as pituitary adenoma, we report the case of a 41-year-old woman with GPA of the pituitary that was initially diagnosed as pituitary macroadenoma with apoplexy and treated with two surgical resections without improvement of clinical symptoms. Pathology analysis of the second resection specimen revealed an inflammatory process consistent with GPA. After the pathologic and clinical diagnosis of GPA was established, treatment with steroid and steroid-sparing immunosuppressants resulted in improvements both on imaging and symptomatically. We discuss important aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of this rare presentation of GPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keenan Piper
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie R Beldick
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael Karsy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tanya Allawh
- Department of Rheumatology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monika Shirodkar
- Department of Endocrinology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Miller
- Department of Endocrinology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marianthi Kiriakidou
- Department of Rheumatology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark Curtis
- Department of Pathology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James J Evans
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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18
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Savva L, Georgiades SN. Recent Developments in Small-Molecule Ligands of Medicinal Relevance for Harnessing the Anticancer Potential of G-Quadruplexes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26040841. [PMID: 33562720 PMCID: PMC7914483 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplexes, a family of tetraplex helical nucleic acid topologies, have emerged in recent years as novel targets, with untapped potential for anticancer research. Their potential stems from the fact that G-quadruplexes occur in functionally-important regions of the human genome, such as the telomere tandem sequences, several proto-oncogene promoters, other regulatory regions and sequences of DNA (e.g., rDNA), as well as in mRNAs encoding for proteins with roles in tumorigenesis. Modulation of G-quadruplexes, via interaction with high-affinity ligands, leads to their stabilization, with numerous observed anticancer effects. Despite the fact that only a few lead compounds for G-quadruplex modulation have progressed to clinical trials so far, recent advancements in the field now create conditions that foster further development of drug candidates. This review highlights biological processes through which G-quadruplexes can exert their anticancer effects and describes, via selected case studies, progress of the last few years on the development of efficient and drug-like G-quadruplex-targeted ligands, intended to harness the anticancer potential offered by G-quadruplexes. The review finally provides a critical discussion of perceived challenges and limitations that have previously hampered the progression of G-quadruplex-targeted lead compounds to clinical trials, concluding with an optimistic future outlook.
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19
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Zell J, Rota Sperti F, Britton S, Monchaud D. DNA folds threaten genetic stability and can be leveraged for chemotherapy. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:47-76. [PMID: 35340894 PMCID: PMC8885165 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00151a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Damaging DNA is a current and efficient strategy to fight against cancer cell proliferation. Numerous mechanisms exist to counteract DNA damage, collectively referred to as the DNA damage response (DDR) and which are commonly dysregulated in cancer cells. Precise knowledge of these mechanisms is necessary to optimise chemotherapeutic DNA targeting. New research on DDR has uncovered a series of promising therapeutic targets, proteins and nucleic acids, with application notably via an approach referred to as combination therapy or combinatorial synthetic lethality. In this review, we summarise the cornerstone discoveries which gave way to the DNA being considered as an anticancer target, and the manipulation of DDR pathways as a valuable anticancer strategy. We describe in detail the DDR signalling and repair pathways activated in response to DNA damage. We then summarise the current understanding of non-B DNA folds, such as G-quadruplexes and DNA junctions, when they are formed and why they can offer a more specific therapeutic target compared to that of canonical B-DNA. Finally, we merge these subjects to depict the new and highly promising chemotherapeutic strategy which combines enhanced-specificity DNA damaging and DDR targeting agents. This review thus highlights how chemical biology has given rise to significant scientific advances thanks to resolutely multidisciplinary research efforts combining molecular and cell biology, chemistry and biophysics. We aim to provide the non-specialist reader a gateway into this exciting field and the specialist reader with a new perspective on the latest results achieved and strategies devised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Zell
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon France
| | - Francesco Rota Sperti
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon France
| | - Sébastien Britton
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS Toulouse France
- Équipe Labellisée la Ligue Contre le Cancer 2018 Toulouse France
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire de l'Université de Bourgogne, ICMUB CNRS UMR 6302, UBFC Dijon France
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Microsecond Pulsed Electric Fields: An Effective Way to Selectively Target and Radiosensitize Medulloblastoma Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 109:1495-1507. [PMID: 33509660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer stem cells constitute an endless reserve for the maintenance and progression of tumors, and they could be the reason for conventional therapy failure. New therapeutic strategies are necessary to specifically target them. In this context, microsecond pulsed electric fields have been selected to expose D283Med cells, a human medulloblastoma cell line resulted to be rich in cancer stem cells, and normal human astrocytes. METHODS We analyzed in vitro different endpoints at different times after microsecond pulsed electric field exposure, such as permeabilization, reactive oxygen species generation, cell viability/proliferation, cell cycle, and clonogenicity, as well as the expression of different genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, and senescence. Furthermore, the response of D283Med cells exposed to microsecond pulsed electric fields was validated in vivo in a heterotopic mouse xenograft model. RESULTS Our in vitro results showed that a specific pulse protocol (ie, 0.3 MV/m, 40 μs, 5 pulses) was able to induce irreversible membrane permeabilization and apoptosis exclusively in medulloblastoma cancer stem cells. In the surviving cells, reactive oxygen species generation was observed, together with a transitory G2/M cell-cycle arrest with a senescence-associated phenotype via the upregulation of GADD45A. In vivo results, after pulsed electric field exposure, demonstrated a significant tumor volume reduction with no eradication of tumor mass. In conjunction, we verified the efficacy of electric pulse pre-exposure followed by ionizing irradiation in vivo to enable complete inhibition of tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal novel therapeutic options for the targeting of medulloblastoma cancer stem cells, indicating nonionizing pulsed electric field pre-exposure as an effective means to overcome the radioresistance of cancer stem cells.
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21
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New Avenues in Radiotherapy of Glioblastoma: from Bench to Bedside. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-020-00654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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22
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G-quadruplex, Friend or Foe: The Role of the G-quartet in Anticancer Strategies. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:848-861. [PMID: 32467069 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The clinical applicability of G-quadruplexes (G4s) as anticancer drugs is currently being evaluated. Several G4 ligands and aptamers are undergoing clinical trials following the notable examples of quarfloxin and AS1411, respectively. In this review, we summarize the latest achievements and breakthroughs in the use of G4 nucleic acids as both therapeutic tools ('friends', as healing anticancer drugs) and targets ('foes', within the harmful cancer cell), particularly using aptamers and quadruplex-targeted ligands, respectively. We explore the recent research on synthetic G4 ligands toward the discovery of anticancer therapeutics and their mechanism of action. Additionally, we highlight recent advances in chemical and structural biology that enable the design of specific G4 aptamers to be used as novel anticancer agents.
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23
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Amato R, Valenzuela M, Berardinelli F, Salvati E, Maresca C, Leone S, Antoccia A, Sgura A. G-quadruplex Stabilization Fuels the ALT Pathway in ALT-positive Osteosarcoma Cells. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11030304. [PMID: 32183119 PMCID: PMC7140816 DOI: 10.3390/genes11030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most human tumors maintain telomere lengths by telomerase, whereas a portion of them (10–15%) uses a mechanism named alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The telomeric G-quadruplex (G4) ligand RHPS4 is known for its potent antiproliferative effect, as shown in telomerase-positive cancer models. Moreover, RHPS4 is also able to reduce cell proliferation in ALT cells, although the influence of G4 stabilization on the ALT mechanism has so far been poorly investigated. Here we show that sensitivity to RHPS4 is comparable in ALT-positive (U2OS; SAOS-2) and telomerase-positive (HOS) osteosarcoma cell lines, unlinking the telomere maintenance mechanism and RHPS4 responsiveness. To investigate the impact of G4 stabilization on ALT, the cardinal ALT hallmarks were analyzed. A significant induction of telomeric doublets, telomeric clusterized DNA damage, ALT-associated Promyelocytic Leukaemia-bodies (APBs), telomere sister chromatid exchanges (T-SCE) and c-circles was found exclusively in RHPS4-treated ALT cells. We surmise that RHPS4 affects ALT mechanisms through the induction of replicative stress that in turn is converted in DNA damage at telomeres, fueling recombination. In conclusion, our work indicates that RHPS4-induced telomeric DNA damage promotes overactivation of telomeric recombination in ALT cells, opening new questions on the therapeutic employment of G4 ligands in the treatment of ALT positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Amato
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (R.A.); (M.V.); (S.L.); (A.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Martina Valenzuela
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (R.A.); (M.V.); (S.L.); (A.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesco Berardinelli
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (R.A.); (M.V.); (S.L.); (A.A.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0657-33-6330
| | - Erica Salvati
- BPM-CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carmen Maresca
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (R.A.); (M.V.); (S.L.); (A.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonio Antoccia
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (R.A.); (M.V.); (S.L.); (A.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Antonella Sgura
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (R.A.); (M.V.); (S.L.); (A.A.); (A.S.)
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