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Li X, Li W, Zhang Y, Xu L, Song Y. Exploiting the potential of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in overcoming tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101150. [PMID: 38947742 PMCID: PMC11214299 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101150] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) targeting BCR-ABL has drastically changed the treatment approach of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), greatly prolonged the life of CML patients, and improved their prognosis. However, TKI resistance is still a major problem with CML patients, reducing the efficacy of treatment and their quality of life. TKI resistance is mainly divided into BCR-ABL-dependent and BCR-ABL-independent resistance. Now, the main clinical strategy addressing TKI resistance is to switch to newly developed TKIs. However, data have shown that these new drugs may cause serious adverse reactions and intolerance and cannot address all resistance mutations. Therefore, finding new therapeutic targets to overcome TKI resistance is crucial and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has emerged as a focus. The UPS mediates the degradation of most proteins in organisms and controls a wide range of physiological processes. In recent years, the study of UPS in hematological malignant tumors has resulted in effective treatments, such as bortezomib in the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. In CML, the components of UPS cooperate or antagonize the efficacy of TKI by directly or indirectly affecting the ubiquitination of BCR-ABL, interfering with CML-related signaling pathways, and negatively or positively affecting leukemia stem cells. Some of these molecules may help overcome TKI resistance and treat CML. In this review, the mechanism of TKI resistance is briefly described, the components of UPS are introduced, existing studies on UPS participating in TKI resistance are listed, and UPS as the therapeutic target and strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Li
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yanli Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
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2
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Greil C, Engelhardt M, Wäsch R. The Role of the APC/C and Its Coactivators Cdh1 and Cdc20 in Cancer Development and Therapy. Front Genet 2022; 13:941565. [PMID: 35832196 PMCID: PMC9273091 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.941565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To sustain genomic stability by correct DNA replication and mitosis, cell cycle progression is tightly controlled by the cyclic activity of cyclin-dependent kinases, their binding to cyclins in the respective phase and the regulation of cyclin levels by ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. The spindle assembly checkpoint plays an important role at the metaphase-anaphase transition to ensure a correct separation of sister chromatids before cytokinesis and to initiate mitotic exit, as an incorrect chromosome distribution may lead to genetically unstable cells and tumorigenesis. The ubiquitin ligase anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C) is essential for these processes by mediating the proteasomal destruction of cyclins and other important cell cycle regulators. To this end, it interacts with the two regulatory subunits Cdh1 and Cdc20. Both play a role in tumorigenesis with Cdh1 being a tumor suppressor and Cdc20 an oncogene. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the APC/C-regulators Cdh1 and Cdc20 in tumorigenesis and potential targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Su S, Chhabra G, Singh CK, Ndiaye MA, Ahmad N. PLK1 inhibition-based combination therapies for cancer management. Transl Oncol 2022; 16:101332. [PMID: 34973570 PMCID: PMC8728518 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase I (PLK1), a cell cycle regulating kinase, has been shown to have oncogenic function in several cancers. Although PLK1 inhibitors, such as BI2536, BI6727 (volasertib) and NMS-1286937 (onvansertib) are generally well-tolerated with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile, clinical successes are limited due to partial responses in cancer patients, especially those in advanced stages. Recently, combination therapies targeting multiple pathways are being tested for cancer management. In this review, we first discuss structure and function of PLK1, role of PLK1 in cancers, PLK1 specific inhibitors, and advantages of using combination therapy versus monotherapy followed by a critical account on PLK1-based combination therapies in cancer treatments, especially highlighting recent advancements and challenges. PLK1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy drugs and targeted small molecules have shown superior effects against cancer both in vitro and in vivo. PLK1-based combination therapies have shown increased apoptosis, disrupted cell cycle, and potential to overcome resistance in cancer cells/tissues over monotherapies. Further, with successes in preclinical experiments, researchers are validating such approaches in clinical trials. Although PLK1-based combination therapies have achieved initial success in clinical studies, there are examples where they have failed to improve patient survival. Therefore, further research is needed to identify and validate novel biologically informed co-targets for PLK1-based combinatorial therapies. Employing a network-based analysis, we identified potential PLK1 co-targets that could be examined further. In addition, understanding the mechanisms of synergism between PLK1 inhibitors and other agents may lead to a better approach on which agents to pair with PLK1 inhibition for optimum cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqin Su
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Chandra K Singh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mary A Ndiaye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Avenue, Room 7045, Madison, WI 53705, USA; William S. Middleton VA Medical Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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4
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Huang TT, Wang X, Qiang SJ, Zhao ZN, Wu ZX, Ashby CR, Li JZ, Chen ZS. The Discovery of Novel BCR-ABL Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Using a Pharmacophore Modeling and Virtual Screening Approach. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:649434. [PMID: 33748144 PMCID: PMC7969810 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.649434] [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: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) typically results from a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 to produce the bcr-abl oncogene that when translated, yields the p210 BCR-ABL protein in more than 90% of all CML patients. This protein has constitutive tyrosine kinase activity that activates numerous downstream pathways that ultimately produces uncontrolled myeloid proliferation. Although the use of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and ponatinib have increased the overall survival of CML patients, their use is limited by drug resistance and severe adverse effects. Therefore, there is the need to develop novel compounds that can overcome these problems that limit the use of these drugs. Therefore, in this study, we sought to find novel compounds using Hypogen and Hiphip pharmacophore models based on the structures of clinically approved BCR-ABL TKIs. We also used optimal pharmacophore models such as three-dimensional queries to screen the ZINC database to search for potential BCR-ABL inhibitors. The hit compounds were further screened using Lipinski’s rule of five, ADMET and molecular docking, and the efficacy of the hit compounds was evaluated. Our in vitro results indicated that compound ZINC21710815 significantly inhibited the proliferation of K562, BaF3/WT, and BaF3/T315I leukemia cells by inducing cell cycle arrest. The compound ZINC21710815 decreased the expression of p-BCR-ABL, STAT5, and Crkl and produced apoptosis and autophagy. Our results suggest that ZINC21710815 may be a potential BCR-ABL inhibitor that should undergo in vivo evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Zhen-Nan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Charles R Ashby
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, United States
| | - Jia-Zhong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, United States
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5
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Resveratrol inhibits STAT5 activation through the induction of SHP-1 and SHP-2 tyrosine phosphatases in chronic myelogenous leukemia cells. Anticancer Drugs 2019; 29:646-651. [PMID: 29878900 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
STAT5 is an important transcription factor that is constitutively activated in various types of malignancies, including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Whether the antitumor effects of resveratrol (RES) are linked to its capability to inhibit STAT5 activation in CML cells was investigated. We found that RES inhibited STAT5 activation in K562 and KU812 cell lines; RES also reduced the STAT5 concentration in the nucleus of K562 and KU812 cells. Protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor, sodium pervanadate, reversed the RES-induced downregulation of STAT5, suggesting the involvement of a PTP. Indeed, we observed that RES decreased the expression of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 and SHP-2; moreover, the deletion of SHP-1 and SHP-2 genes by siRNA abolished the ability of RES to inhibit STAT5 activation, which suggested the critical role of both SHP-1 and SHP-2 in its possible mechanism of action. RES downregulated the expression of STAT5-regulated gene products such as Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, Cyclin D1, and Mcl-1, and increased the expression of Bax. This correlated with the suppression of proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Overall, our results suggest that RES is a blocker of STAT5 activation and thus may be potentially useful for the treatment of CML.
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Abstract
1 in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer, which is the most diagnosed malignancy among women. Although breast cancer was regarded as “immunologically cold”, recent studies demonstrate that immunotherapy can be successful employed in combination regimens for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive type of breast cancer without many treatment options available. In March 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for the first immunotherapy-based regimen comprising atezolizumab in combination with protein-bound paclitaxel for patients with advanced metastatic TNBC, expressing programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and without previous systemic treatment for metastatic disease. This immunotherapy-based regimen is not only a promising therapy for the TNBC patients, but it also represents an inspiring proof of concept for the development of more efficient advanced immunotherapy-based strategies for breast cancer treatment in the future.
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Chen CW, Lee YL, Liou JP, Liu YH, Liu CW, Chen TY, Huang HM. A novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor, MPT0B206, downregulates Bcr-Abl expression and induces apoptosis in imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant CML cells. Apoptosis 2018; 21:1008-18. [PMID: 27344662 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-016-1264-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Imatinib, a Bcr-Abl-specific inhibitor, is effective for treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but drug resistance has emerged for this disease. In this study, we synthesized a novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor, MPT0B206 (N-[1-(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indol-7-yl]-formamide), and demonstrated its apoptotic effect and mechanism in imatinib-sensitive K562 and imatinib-resistant K562R CML cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy showed that MPT0B206 induced microtubule depolymerization in K562 and K562R cells. MPT0B206 inhibited the growth of these cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. It did not affect the viability of normal human umbilical vein endothelial cells. MPT0B206 induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and the appearance of the mitotic marker MPM-2 in K562 and K562R cells, which is associated with the upregulation of cyclin B1 and the dephosphorylation of Cdc2. Treatment of K562 and K562R cells with MPT0B206 induced apoptosis and reduced the protein levels of procaspase-9 and procaspase-3 and increased caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage. MPT0B206 also reduced the levels of the antiapoptotic proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 and increased the level of the apoptotic protein Bax. Additional experiments showed that MPT0B206 markedly downregulated Bcr-Abl mRNA expression and total and phosphorylated Bcr-Abl protein levels and inhibited the phosphorylation of its downstream proteins STAT5, MAPK, and AKT, and the protein level of c-Myc in K562 and K562R cells. Furthermore, MPT0B206 triggered viability reduction and apoptosis in CML cells carrying T315I-mutated Bcr-Abl. Together, these results suggest that MPT0B206 is a promising alternative for treating imatinib-resistant CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Chen
- Neurosurgery Department, Chi Mei Medical Center, No. 901, Zhonghua Rd., Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Lun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsiu Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Wei Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yun Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., Tainan, 701, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Mei Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, No. 250, Wuxing St., Taipei, 11031, Taiwan.
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Bono S, Lulli M, D'Agostino VG, Di Gesualdo F, Loffredo R, Cipolleschi MG, Provenzani A, Rovida E, Dello Sbarba P. Different BCR/Abl protein suppression patterns as a converging trait of chronic myeloid leukemia cell adaptation to energy restriction. Oncotarget 2018; 7:84810-84825. [PMID: 27852045 PMCID: PMC5356700 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BCR/Abl protein drives the onset and progression of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). We previously showed that BCR/Abl protein is suppressed in low oxygen, where viable cells retain stem cell potential. This study addressed the regulation of BCR/Abl protein expression under oxygen or glucose shortage, characteristic of the in vivo environment where cells resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) persist. We investigated, at transcriptional, translational and post-translational level, the mechanisms involved in BCR/Abl suppression in K562 and KCL22 CML cells. BCR/abl mRNA steady-state analysis and ChIP-qPCR on BCR promoter revealed that BCR/abl transcriptional activity is reduced in K562 cells under oxygen shortage. The SUnSET assay showed an overall reduction of protein synthesis under oxygen/glucose shortage in both cell lines. However, only low oxygen decreased polysome-associated BCR/abl mRNA significantly in KCL22 cells, suggesting a decreased BCR/Abl translation. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 or the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk extended BCR/Abl expression under oxygen/glucose shortage in K562 cells. Glucose shortage induced autophagy-dependent BCR/Abl protein degradation in KCL22 cells. Overall, our results showed that energy restriction induces different cell-specific BCR/Abl protein suppression patterns, which represent a converging route to TKi-resistance of CML cells. Thus, the interference with BCR/Abl expression in environment-adapted CML cells may become a useful implement to current therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federico Di Gesualdo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Rosa Loffredo
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cipolleschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Università degli Studi di Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Persio Dello Sbarba
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
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Pandey MK, Gupta SC, Nabavizadeh A, Aggarwal BB. Regulation of cell signaling pathways by dietary agents for cancer prevention and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:158-181. [PMID: 28823533 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although it is widely accepted that better food habits do play important role in cancer prevention and treatment, how dietary agents mediate their effects remains poorly understood. More than thousand different polyphenols have been identified from dietary plants. In this review, we discuss the underlying mechanism by which dietary agents can modulate a variety of cell-signaling pathways linked to cancer, including transcription factors, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), activator protein-1 (AP-1), β-catenin/Wnt, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor- gamma (PPAR-γ), Sonic Hedgehog, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2); growth factors receptors (EGFR, VEGFR, IGF1-R); protein Kinases (Ras/Raf, mTOR, PI3K, Bcr-abl and AMPK); and pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, interleukins, COX-2, 5-LOX). In addition, modulation of proteasome and epigenetic changes by the dietary agents also play a major role in their ability to control cancer. Both in vitro and animal based studies support the role of dietary agents in cancer. The efficacy of dietary agents by clinical trials has also been reported. Importantly, natural agents are already in clinical trials against different kinds of cancer. Overall both in vitro and in vivo studies performed with dietary agents strongly support their role in cancer prevention. Thus, the famous quote "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" made by Hippocrates 25 centuries ago still holds good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA.
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ali Nabavizadeh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
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Xu L, Zhu Y, Shao J, Chen M, Yan H, Li G, Zhu Y, Xu Z, Yang B, Luo P, He Q. Dasatinib synergises with irinotecan to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibiting the protein synthesis of PLK1. Br J Cancer 2017; 116:1027-1036. [PMID: 28267710 PMCID: PMC5396112 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of malignant tumour and has poor prognosis. Currently, systematic chemotherapy is the only approach to prolong survival. Thus the development of new treatment regimens is urgently needed to improve the therapeutic efficacy. Our study intended to assess the combination of dasatinib and irinotecan against HCC and made an effort to develop a potential medical choice for advanced HCC patients. METHODS We used SRB colorimetric assay and clonogenic assay to assess antitumour effect in vitro and HCC xenograft model to assess antitumour effect in vivo. We applied flow cytometry and western blotting to explore the mechanism of the combined therapy. Knockdown and overexpression of PLK1 are also applied for validation. RESULTS We confirmed that dasatinib has synergistic effect with irinotecan (or SN38) on HCC both in vitro and in vivo. The effect is due to arisen apoptosis rate of HCC cells that is accompanied by mitochondria dysfunction. The enhanced antitumour efficacy of SN38 could be explained by additional inhibition of PLK1, which is triggered by dasatinib. Unlike existed PLK1 inhibitors, dasatinib does not inhibit PLK1 activity in a direct way. Instead, we found that dasatinib reduces PLK1 level by interfering with its protein synthesis progress. We validated that this kind of downregulation of PLK1 level has a key role in the synergistic effect of the two agents. CONCLUSIONS Dasatinib is able to reinforce the anti-HCC efficacy of irinotecan/SN38 by downregulation of PLK1 synthesis. The combination of the two agents might be a potential medical choice for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yuanrun Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinjin Shao
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Min Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hao Yan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Guanqun Li
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhifei Xu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peihua Luo
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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11
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Schnerch D, Schüler J, Follo M, Felthaus J, Wider D, Klingner K, Greil C, Duyster J, Engelhardt M, Wäsch R. Proteasome inhibition enhances the efficacy of volasertib-induced mitotic arrest in AML in vitro and prolongs survival in vivo. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21153-21166. [PMID: 28416751 PMCID: PMC5400573 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Elderly and frail patients, diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and ineligible to undergo intensive treatment, have a dismal prognosis. The small molecule inhibitor volasertib induces a mitotic block via inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 and has shown remarkable anti-leukemic activity when combined with low-dose cytarabine. We have demonstrated that AML cells are highly vulnerable to cell death in mitosis yet manage to escape a mitotic block through mitotic slippage by sustained proteasome-dependent slow degradation of cyclin B. Therefore, we tested whether interfering with mitotic slippage through proteasome inhibition arrests and kills AML cells more efficiently during mitosis. We show that therapeutic doses of bortezomib block the slow degradation of cyclin B during a volasertib-induced mitotic arrest in AML cell lines and patient-derived primary AML cells. In a xenotransplant mouse model of human AML, mice receiving volasertib in combination with bortezomib showed superior disease control compared to mice receiving volasertib alone, highlighting the potential therapeutic impact of this drug combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Schnerch
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Marie Follo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Felthaus
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wider
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Christine Greil
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Monika Engelhardt
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralph Wäsch
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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12
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García-Cano J, Roche O, Cimas FJ, Pascual-Serra R, Ortega-Muelas M, Fernández-Aroca DM, Sánchez-Prieto R. p38MAPK and Chemotherapy: We Always Need to Hear Both Sides of the Story. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:69. [PMID: 27446920 PMCID: PMC4928511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The p38MAPK signaling pathway was initially described as a stress response mechanism. In fact, during previous decades, it was considered a pathway with little interest in oncology especially in comparison with other MAPKs such as ERK1/2, known to be target of oncogenes like Ras. However, its involvement in apoptotic cell death phenomena makes this signaling pathway more attractive for many cancer research laboratories. This apoptotic role allows to establish a link between p38MAPK and regular chemotherapeutic agents such as Cisplatin or base analogs (Cytarabine, Gemcitabine or 5-Fluorouracil) which are currently used in hospitals across the world. In fact, and more recently, p38MAPK has also been connected with targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (vg. Imatinib, Sorafenib) and, to a lesser extent, with monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the oncogenic or tumor suppressor potential of this signaling pathway has aroused the interest of the scientific community in evaluating p38MAPK as a novel target for cancer therapy. In this review, we will summarize the role of p38MAPK in chemotherapy as well as the potential that p38MAPK inhibition can bring to cancer therapy. All the evidences suggest that p38MAPK could be a double-edged sword and that the search for the most appropriate candidate patients, depending on their pathology and treatment, will lead to a more rational use of this new therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús García-Cano
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Laboratorio de Oncología, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha/PCTCLM Albacete, Spain
| | - Olga Roche
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Laboratorio de Oncología, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha/PCTCLM Albacete, Spain
| | - Francisco J Cimas
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Laboratorio de Oncología, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha/PCTCLM Albacete, Spain
| | - Raquel Pascual-Serra
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Laboratorio de Oncología, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha/PCTCLM Albacete, Spain
| | - Marta Ortega-Muelas
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Laboratorio de Oncología, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha/PCTCLM Albacete, Spain
| | - Diego M Fernández-Aroca
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Laboratorio de Oncología, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha/PCTCLM Albacete, Spain
| | - Ricardo Sánchez-Prieto
- Unidad de Medicina Molecular, Laboratorio de Oncología, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Unidad de Biomedicina UCLM-CSIC, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha/PCTCLM Albacete, Spain
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13
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Hsp90 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. LEUKEMIA RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2015; 2015:757694. [PMID: 26770832 PMCID: PMC4681826 DOI: 10.1155/2015/757694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy that arises due to reciprocal translocation of 3' sequences from c-Abelson (ABL) protooncogene of chromosome 9 with 5' sequence of truncated break point cluster region (BCR) on chromosome 22. BCR-ABL is a functional oncoprotein p210 that exhibits constitutively activated tyrosine kinase causing genomic alteration of hematopoietic stem cells. BCR-ABL specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) successfully block CML progression. However, drug resistance owing to BCR-ABL mutations and overexpression is still an issue. Heat-shock proteins (Hsps) function as molecular chaperones facilitating proper folding of nascent polypeptides. Their increased expression under stressful conditions protects cells by stabilizing unfolded or misfolded peptides. Hsp90 is the major mammalian protein and is required by BCR-ABL for stabilization and maturation. Hsp90 inhibitors destabilize the binding of BCR-ABL protein thus leading to the formation of heteroprotein complex that is eventually degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Results of many novel Hsp90 inhibitors that have entered into various clinical trials are encouraging. The present review targets the current development in the CML treatment by availing Hsp90 specific inhibitors.
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14
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Huguet F. Dasatinib for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2015. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2015.1098530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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15
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Safety of a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor and novel targeted therapy for the treatment of a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma. Anticancer Drugs 2015; 26:907-9. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Bucur O, Gaidos G, Yatawara A, Pennarun B, Rupasinghe C, Roux J, Andrei S, Guo B, Panaitiu A, Pellegrini M, Mierke DF, Khosravi-Far R. A novel caspase 8 selective small molecule potentiates TRAIL-induced cell death. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9893. [PMID: 25962125 PMCID: PMC4426715 DOI: 10.1038/srep09893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant soluble TRAIL and agonistic antibodies against TRAIL receptors (DR4 and DR5) are currently being created for clinical cancer therapy, due to their selective killing of cancer cells and high safety characteristics. However, resistance to TRAIL and other targeted therapies is an important issue facing current cancer research field. An attractive strategy to sensitize resistant malignancies to TRAIL-induced cell death is the design of small molecules that target and promote caspase 8 activation. For the first time, we describe the discovery and characterization of a small molecule that directly binds caspase 8 and enhances its activation when combined with TRAIL, but not alone. The molecule was identified through an in silico chemical screen for compounds with affinity for the caspase 8 homodimer's interface. The compound was experimentally validated to directly bind caspase 8, and to promote caspase 8 activation and cell death in single living cells or population of cells, upon TRAIL stimulation. Our approach is a proof-of-concept strategy leading to the discovery of a novel small molecule that not only stimulates TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells, but may also provide insights into the structure-function relationship of caspase 8 homodimers as putative targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavian Bucur
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriel Gaidos
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Achani Yatawara
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Bodvael Pennarun
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jérémie Roux
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefan Andrei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bingqian Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | | | - Dale F. Mierke
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Roya Khosravi-Far
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Robinson S, Levy Y, Maisel C, Tong AW. Haematological complete remission by ponatinib and bortezomib in a patient with relapsed, Ph⁺ pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep 2014; 2014:bcr-2014-203894. [PMID: 24729118 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-203894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A 74-year-old man was previously diagnosed with BCR-ABL1-positive pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (pre-B ALL) based on bone marrow cytology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and fluorescent in situ hybridisation findings. Following a highly complicated hospital course, the patient achieved cytogenetic remission by consolidated chemotherapy and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib. He subsequently presented with relapsed pre-B ALL after 3 years in remission. In consideration of his challenging clinical history, he was started on concurrent ponatinib (45 mg daily) and bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2) intravenous weekly). The major molecular response was achieved (<0.0893% BCR-ABL1 transcripts) after 3 months. Bone marrow now demonstrates a BCR-ABL1-negative, complete cytogenetic response. The patient continues to do well with mild thrombocytopenia and improved anaemia on bortezomib and 30 mg daily ponatinib. Our experience with a single patient suggests the feasibility of combined targeted therapy with ponatinib and bortezomib. This novel treatment approach achieved clinical remission with a manageable toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Robinson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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18
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Bucur O, Stancu AL, Muraru MS, Melet A, Petrescu SM, Khosravi-Far R. PLK1 is a binding partner and a negative regulator of FOXO3 tumor suppressor. Discoveries (Craiova) 2014; 2:e16. [PMID: 26280018 PMCID: PMC4535815 DOI: 10.15190/d.2014.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXO family members (FOXOs: FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4 and FOXO6) are important transcription factors and tumor suppressors controlling cell homeostasis and cell fate. They are characterized by an extraordinary functional diversity, being involved in regulation of cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage response, oxidative detoxification, cell differentiation and stem cell maintenance, cell metabolism, angiogenesis, cardiac and other organ's development, aging, and other critical cellular processes. FOXOs are tightly regulated by reversible phosphorylation, ubiquitination, acetylation and methylation. Interestingly, the known kinases phosphorylate only a small percentage of the known or predicted FOXOs phosphorylation sites, suggesting that additional kinases that phosphorylate and control FOXOs activity exist. In order to identify novel regulators of FOXO3, we have employed a proteomics screening strategy. Using HeLa cancer cell line and a Tandem Affinity Purification followed by Mass Spectrometry analysis, we identified several proteins as binding partners of FOXO3. Noteworthy, Polo Like Kinase 1 (PLK1) proto-oncogene was one of the identified FOXO3 binding partners. PLK1 plays a critical role during cell cycle (G2-M transition and all phases of mitosis) and in maintenance of genomic stability. Our experimental results presented in this manuscript demonstrate that FOXO3 and PLK1 exist in a molecular complex through most of the phases of the cell cycle, with a higher occurrence in the G2-M cell cycle phases. PLK1 induces translocation of FOXO3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and suppresses FOXO3 activity, measured by the decrease in the pro-apoptotic Bim protein levels and in the cell cycle inhibitor protein p27. Furthermore, PLK1 can directly phosphorylate FOXO3 in an in vitro kinase assay. These results present the discovery of PLK1 proto-oncogene as a binding partner and a negative regulator of FOXO3 tumor suppressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavian Bucur
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Lucia Stancu
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Sinziana Muraru
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Roya Khosravi-Far
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Jones DL. Opinion paper: To publish or not, manuscripts using natural products. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 92:93-4. [PMID: 24502630 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas L Jones
- a Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advance Robotics, Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Science Center
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20
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Stancu AL, Smith MR, Almasan A. New agents for the treatment of lymphoid leukemia and lymphoma: focus on recent FDA approvals. Discoveries (Craiova) 2014; 2:e14. [PMID: 26280017 PMCID: PMC4535816 DOI: 10.15190/d.2014.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia and lymphoma are systemic malignancies that represent half of all childhood cancers, though 90% occur in adults. Various treatment options are available, but therapy is mainly systemic chemotherapy plus appropriate monoclonal antibodies. In certain situations radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation play a role. Some types/subtypes of these diseases are potentially curable, yet many leukemias and lymphomas do not properly respond to current therapies. Although the FDA (US Food and Drugs Administration) approvals of new drugs have shown a small increasing trend between 2007-2012, overall, the trend of new approvals remains relatively steady between 2006-2013, with a peak of 39 new drugs approved in 2012 and a drop in the new FDA drug approvals in 2013, to 27. Drugs approved for cancer treatment have shown a similar trend. Between 2006-2013, at least one drug was approved every year for the treatment of particular types of lymphoma or leukemia, except in 2010, with a peak of 5 new approvals in 2012. Between January 2013-March 2014, several important new approvals were made: ibrutinib for the treatment of CLL and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), obinutuzumab for the treatment of CLL (in combination with chlorambucil), and lenalidomide for the treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. The results, importance, adverse effects and mechanisms of action of these agents are discussed in this review. These results held promise and their discovery and approval for the treatment of CLL and MCL is a major step forward. However, the emergence of resistance and the lack of cures need to be addressed by rational development of combination therapy, as well as development of novel drugs with enhanced potency or different mechanism of action, to achieve better overall and complete response rates with decreased toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Lucia Stancu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mitchell R. Smith
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Cleveland Clinic, OH, USA
| | - Alexandru Almasan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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21
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Dumitrascu GR, Bucur O. Critical physiological and pathological functions of Forkhead Box O tumor suppressors. Discoveries (Craiova) 2013; 1:e5. [PMID: 32309538 PMCID: PMC6941590 DOI: 10.15190/d.2013.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead box, subclass O (FOXO) proteins are critical transcription factors, ubiquitously expressed in the human body. These proteins are characterized by a remarkable functional diversity, being involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, oxidative detoxification, DNA damage repair, stem cell maintenance, cell differentiation, cell metabolism, angiogenesis, cardiac development, aging and others. In addition, FOXO have critical implications in both normal and cancer stem cell biology. New strategies to modulate FOXO expression and activity may now be developed since the discovery of novel FOXO regulators and non-coding RNAs (such as microRNAs) targeting FOXO transcription factors. This review focuses on physiological and pathological functions of FOXO proteins and on their action as fine regulators of cell fate and context-dependent cell decisions. A better understanding of the structure and critical functions of FOXO transcription factors and tumor suppressors may contribute to the development of novel therapies for cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana R Dumitrascu
- "Victor Babes" National Institute of Pathology and Biomedical Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Bucur
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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