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Nunes C, Anckaert J, De Vloed F, De Wyn J, Durinck K, Vandesompele J, Speleman F, Vermeirssen V. HTSplotter: An end-to-end data processing, analysis and visualisation tool for chemical and genetic in vitro perturbation screening. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296322. [PMID: 38181013 PMCID: PMC10769073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
In biomedical research, high-throughput screening is often applied as it comes with automatization, higher-efficiency, and more and faster results. High-throughput screening experiments encompass drug, drug combination, genetic perturbagen or a combination of genetic and chemical perturbagen screens. These experiments are conducted in real-time assays over time or in an endpoint assay. The data analysis consists of data cleaning and structuring, as well as further data processing and visualisation, which, due to the amount of data, can easily become laborious, time-consuming and error-prone. Therefore, several tools have been developed to aid researchers in this process, but these typically focus on specific experimental set-ups and are unable to process data of several time points and genetic-chemical perturbagen screens. To meet these needs, we developed HTSplotter, a web tool and Python module that performs automatic data analysis and visualization of visualization of eitherendpoint or real-time assays from different high-throughput screening experiments: drug, drug combination, genetic perturbagen and genetic-chemical perturbagen screens. HTSplotter implements an algorithm based on conditional statements to identify experiment types and controls. After appropriate data normalization, including growth rate normalization, HTSplotter executes downstream analyses such as dose-response relationship and drug synergism assessment by the Bliss independence (BI), Zero Interaction Potency (ZIP) and Highest Single Agent (HSA) methods. All results are exported as a text file and plots are saved in a PDF file. The main advantage of HTSplotter over other available tools is the automatic analysis of genetic-chemical perturbagen screens and real-time assays where growth rate and perturbagen effect results are plotted over time. In conclusion, HTSplotter allows for the automatic end-to-end data processing, analysis and visualisation of various high-throughput in vitro cell culture screens, offering major improvements in terms of versatility, efficiency and time over existing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nunes
- Lab for Computational Biology, Integromics and Gene Regulation (CBIGR), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Pediatric Precision Oncology Lab (PPOL), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasper Anckaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- OncoRNALab, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fanny De Vloed
- Pediatric Precision Oncology Lab (PPOL), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien De Wyn
- Pediatric Precision Oncology Lab (PPOL), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kaat Durinck
- Pediatric Precision Oncology Lab (PPOL), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- OncoRNALab, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Pediatric Precision Oncology Lab (PPOL), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Vermeirssen
- Lab for Computational Biology, Integromics and Gene Regulation (CBIGR), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Pediatric Precision Oncology Lab (PPOL), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Egbuna C, Patrick‐Iwuanyanwu KC, Onyeike EN, Khan J, Palai S, Patel SB, Parmar VK, Kushwaha G, Singh O, Jeevanandam J, Kumarasamy S, Uche CZ, Narayanan M, Rudrapal M, Odoh U, Chikeokwu I, Găman M, Saravanan K, Ifemeje JC, Ezzat SM, Olisah MC, Chikwendu CJ, Adedokun KA, Imodoye SO, Bello IO, Twinomuhwezi H, Awuchi CG. Phytochemicals and bioactive compounds effective against acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic review. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:4191-4210. [PMID: 37457145 PMCID: PMC10345688 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic review identified various bioactive compounds which have the potential to serve as novel drugs or leads against acute myeloid leukemia. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy that arises from the dysregulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, and cell death. The risk factors associated with the onset of AML include long-term exposure to radiation and chemicals such as benzene, smoking, genetic disorders, blood disorders, advancement in age, and others. Although novel strategies to manage AML, including a refinement of the conventional chemotherapy regimens, hypomethylating agents, and molecular targeted drugs, have been developed in recent years, resistance and relapse remain the main clinical problems. In this study, three databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were systematically searched to identify various bioactive compounds with antileukemic properties. A total of 518 articles were identified, out of which 59 were viewed as eligible for the current report. From the data extracted, over 60 bioactive compounds were identified and divided into five major groups: flavonoids, alkaloids, organosulfur compounds, terpenes, and terpenoids, and other known and emerging bioactive compounds. The mechanism of actions of the analyzed individual bioactive molecules differs remarkably and includes disrupting chromatin structure, upregulating the synthesis of certain DNA repair proteins, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and inhibiting/regulating Hsp90 activities, DNA methyltransferase 1, and histone deacetylase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuebuka Egbuna
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu UniversityAnambraNigeria
| | - Kingsley C. Patrick‐Iwuanyanwu
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Eugene N. Onyeike
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE‐PUTOR)University of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Port HarcourtPort HarcourtNigeria
| | - Johra Khan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical SciencesMajmaah UniversityAl MajmaahSaudi Arabia
| | - Santwana Palai
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal HusbandryOUATOdishaBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Sandip B. Patel
- Department of PharmacologyL.M. College of Pharmacy, NavrangpuraAhmedabadIndia
| | | | - Garima Kushwaha
- Department of BiotechnologyIndian Institute of TechnologyRoorkeeIndia
| | - Omkar Singh
- Department of Chemical EngineeringIndian Institute of Technology MadrasChennaiIndia
| | - Jaison Jeevanandam
- CQM—Centro de Química da MadeiraUniversidade da Madeira, Campus da PenteadaFunchalPortugal
| | | | - Chukwuemelie Zedech Uche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of NigeriaEnuguNsukkaNigeria
| | - Mathiyazhagan Narayanan
- Division of Research and InnovationDepartment of Biotecnology, Saveetha School of Engineering SIMATSTamil NaduChennaiIndia
| | - Mithun Rudrapal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical SciencesVignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & ResearchGunturIndia
| | - Uchenna Odoh
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicines, Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of NigeriaNsukkaNigeria
| | - Ikenna Chikeokwu
- Department of PharmacognosyEnugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT)Agbani Enugu StateEnuguNigeria
| | - Mihnea‐Alexandru Găman
- Faculty of Medicine"Carol Davila" University of Medicine and PharmacyBucharestRomania
- Department of HematologyCenter of Hematology and Bone Marrow TransplantationBucharestRomania
| | - Kaliyaperumal Saravanan
- PG and Research Department of ZoologyNehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Puthanampatti (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University)Tamil NaduTiruchirappalliIndia
| | - Jonathan C. Ifemeje
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu UniversityAnambraNigeria
| | - Shahira M. Ezzat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of PharmacyCairo UniversityCairoEgypt
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of PharmacyOctober University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA)GizaEgypt
| | - Michael C. Olisah
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli CampusAnambraNigeria
| | - Chukwudi Jude Chikwendu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural SciencesChukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu UniversityAnambraNigeria
| | - Kamoru A. Adedokun
- Department of ImmunologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterNew YorkBuffaloUSA
| | - Sikiru O. Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer InstituteUniversity of UtahUtahSalt Lake CityUSA
| | - Ibrahim O. Bello
- Department of Biological SciencesSouthern Illinois University EdwardsvilleIllinoisEdwardsvilleUSA
| | - Hannington Twinomuhwezi
- Department of ChemistryKyambogo University, KyambogoKampalaUganda
- School of Natural and Applied SciencesKampala International UniversityKampalaUganda
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Peng W, Chen L, Liu J. Celastrol inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the FOXA1/CLDN4 axis. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2023; 12:392-399. [PMID: 37397926 PMCID: PMC10311132 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Celastrol is a biologically active compound with potent anti-tumor properties. However, the mechanism of action of celastrol in gastric cancer (GC) has not been fully elucidated. Methods To explore the specific mechanism of the effect of celastrol on GC cells. GC cells were transfected with forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) or claudin 4 (CLDN4), or short hairpin RNA targeting FOXA1. The expressions of FOXA1 and CLDN4 in GC cells were determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot. GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured by MTT assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between CLDN4 and FOXA1 was examined by luciferase reporter assay. Resluts CLDN4 and FOXA1 were upregulated in GC cells. Celastrol prevented the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells by downregulating FOXA1 expression. Overexpression of FOXA1 or CLDN4 accelerated GC progression. CLDN4 overexpression also induced the activation of the expressions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. FOXA1 enhanced the transcription of CLDN4. Conclusion Celastrol regulated GC progression via targeting the FOXA1/CLDN4 axis to impede the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our study proposed a new mechanism of how celastrol inhibited tumorigenesis in GC, which provided evidence for the potential use of celastrol for anti-GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Changsha Social Work College, Changsha 410018, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Changsha Medical College, Changsha 410219, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Changsha Social Work College, Changsha 410018, Hunan Province, China
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Wang C, Dai S, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Gong L, Fu K, Ma C, Peng C, Li Y. Celastrol as an emerging anticancer agent: Current status, challenges and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114882. [PMID: 37196541 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Celastrol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F., which has multiple pharmacological activities. In particular, modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that celastrol exhibits significant broad-spectrum anticancer activities in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, hematological malignancies, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, renal carcinoma, breast cancer, bone tumor, brain tumor, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. Therefore, by searching the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and CNKI, this review comprehensively summarizes the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer effects of celastrol. According to the data, the anticancer effects of celastrol can be mediated by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion, inducing cell apoptosis, suppressing autophagy, hindering angiogenesis and inhibiting tumor metastasis. More importantly, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Bcl-2/Bax-caspase 9/3, EGFR, ROS/JNK, NF-κB, STAT3, JNK/Nrf2/HO-1, VEGF, AR/miR-101, HSF1-LKB1-AMPKα-YAP, Wnt/β-catenin and CIP2A/c-MYC signaling pathways are considered as important molecular targets for the anticancer effects of celastrol. Subsequently, studies of its toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties showed that celastrol has some adverse effects, low oral bioavailability and a narrow therapeutic window. In addition, the current challenges of celastrol and the corresponding therapeutic strategies are also discussed, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development and application of celastrol in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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5
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Shchuka VM, Khader N, Dorogin A, Shynlova O, Mitchell JA. MYB and ELF3 differentially modulate labor-inducing gene expression in myometrial cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0271081. [PMID: 36595497 PMCID: PMC9810189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous uterine contractions are initiated when smooth muscle cells (SMCs) within the uterine muscle, or myometrium, transition from a functionally dormant to an actively contractile phenotype at the end of the pregnancy period. We know that this process is accompanied by gestational time point-specific differences in the SMC transcriptome, which can be modulated by the activator protein 1 (AP-1), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) transcription factors. Less is known, however, about the additional proteins that might assist these factors in conferring the transcriptional changes observed at labor onset. Here, we present functional evidence for the roles of two proteins previously understudied in the SMC context-MYB and ELF3-which can contribute to the regulation of labor-driving gene transcription. We show that the MYB and ELF3 genes exhibit elevated transcript expression levels in mouse and human myometrial tissues during spontaneous term labor. The expression of both genes was also significantly increased in mouse myometrium during preterm labor induced by the progesterone antagonist mifepristone (RU486), but not during infection-simulating preterm labor induced by intrauterine infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, both MYB and ELF3 proteins affect labor-driving gene promoter activity, although in surprisingly opposing ways: Gja1 and Fos promoter activation increases in the presence of MYB and decreases in the presence of ELF3. Collectively, our study adds to the current understanding of the transcription factor network that defines the transcriptomes of SMCs during late gestation and implicates two new players in the control of labor timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virlana M. Shchuka
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (VMS); (JAM); (OS)
| | - Nawrah Khader
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Dorogin
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oksana Shynlova
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (VMS); (JAM); (OS)
| | - Jennifer A. Mitchell
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (VMS); (JAM); (OS)
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Cao Z, Shu Y, Wang J, Wang C, Feng T, Yang L, Shao J, Zou L. Super enhancers: Pathogenic roles and potential therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Genes Dis 2022; 9:1466-1477. [PMID: 36157504 PMCID: PMC9485276 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant hematological tumor with disordered oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes and limited treatments. The potent anti-cancer effects of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors, targeting the key component of super enhancers, in early clinical trials on AML patients, implies the critical role of super enhancers in AML. Here, we review the concept and characteristic of super enhancer, and then summarize the current researches about super enhancers in AML pathogenesis, diagnosis and classification, followed by illustrate the potential super enhancer-related targets and drugs, and propose the future directions of super enhancers in AML. This information provides integrated insight into the roles of super enhancers in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Cao
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Yi Shu
- Center for Clinical Molecular Laboratory Medicine of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
| | - Jinxia Wang
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Tienan Feng
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jingbo Shao
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Lin Zou
- Clinical Research Unit, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Institute of Pediatric Infection, Immunity, Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200062, PR China
- Center for Clinical Molecular Laboratory Medicine of Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, PR China
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7
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Bašová P, Paszeková H, Minařík L, Dluhošová M, Burda P, Stopka T. Combined Approach to Leukemic Differentiation Using Transcription Factor PU.1-Enhancing Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126729. [PMID: 35743167 PMCID: PMC9224232 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126729] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor PU.1 (Purine-rich DNA binding, SPI1) is a key regulator of hematopoiesis, whose level is influenced by transcription through its enhancers and its post-transcriptional degradation via microRNA-155 (miR-155). The degree of transcriptional regulation of the PU.1 gene is influenced by repression via DNA methylation, as well as other epigenetic factors, such as those related to progenitor maturation status, which is modulated by the transcription factor Myeloblastosis oncogene (MYB). In this work, we show that combinatorial treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with DNA methylation inhibitors (5-Azacytidine), MYB inhibitors (Celastrol), and anti-miR-155 (AM155) ideally leads to overproduction of PU.1. We also show that PU.1 reactivation can be compensated by miR-155 and that only a combined approach leads to sustained PU.1 derepression, even at the protein level. The triple effect on increasing PU.1 levels in myeloblasts stimulates the myeloid transcriptional program while inhibiting cell survival and proliferation, leading to partial leukemic differentiation.
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8
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Schmidt TJ, Klempnauer KH. Natural Products with Antitumor Potential Targeting the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 Transcription Module. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072077. [PMID: 35408476 PMCID: PMC9000602 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYB is expressed predominantly in hematopoietic progenitor cells, where it plays an essential role in the development of most lineages of the hematopoietic system. In the myeloid lineage, MYB is known to cooperate with members of the CCAAT box/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors. MYB and C/EBPs interact with the co-activator p300 or its paralog CREB-binding protein (CBP), to form a transcriptional module involved in myeloid-specific gene expression. Recent work has demonstrated that MYB is involved in the development of human leukemia, especially in acute T-cell leukemia (T-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chemical entities that inhibit the transcriptional activity of the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 transcription module may therefore be of use as potential anti-tumour drugs. In searching for small molecule inhibitors, studies from our group over the last 10 years have identified natural products belonging to different structural classes, including various sesquiterpene lactones, a steroid lactone, quinone methide triterpenes and naphthoquinones that interfere with the activity of this transcriptional module in different ways. This review gives a comprehensive overview on the various classes of inhibitors and the inhibitory mechanisms by which they affect the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 transcriptional module as a potential anti-tumor target. We also focus on the current knowledge on structure-activity relationships underlying these biological effects and on the potential of these compounds for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry (IPBP), University of Münster, PharmaCampus-Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Munster, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.J.S.); (K.-H.K.)
| | - Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, D-48149 Munster, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.J.S.); (K.-H.K.)
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9
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Klempnauer KH. C/EBPβ sustains the oncogenic program of AML cells by cooperating with MYB and co-activator p300 in a transcriptional module. Exp Hematol 2022; 108:8-15. [PMID: 35032593 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor MYB is a key regulator of gene expression in hematopoietic cells and has emerged as a novel drug target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Studies aiming to identify potential MYB inhibitors have shown that the natural compound helenalin acetate (HA) inhibits viability and induces cell death and differentiation of AML cells by disrupting the MYB-induced gene expression program. Interestingly, CCAAT-box/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ), a transcription factor known to cooperate with MYB and the co-activator p300 in myeloid cells, rather than MYB itself, was identified as the primary target of HA. This supports a model in which MYB, C/EBPβ and p300 form the core of a transcriptional module that is essential for the maintenance of proliferative potential of AML cells, highlighting a novel role of C/EBPβ as a pro-leukemogenic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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10
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Ghani LA, Yusenko MV, Frank D, Moorthy R, Widen JC, Dörner W, Khandanpour C, Harki DA, Klempnauer KH. A synthetic covalent ligand of the C/EBPβ transactivation domain inhibits acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Lett 2022; 530:170-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Identification of a c-MYB-directed therapeutic for acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2022; 36:1541-1549. [PMID: 35368048 PMCID: PMC9162920 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be cured by conventional chemotherapy, relapsed disease being a common problem. Molecular targeting of essential oncogenic mediators is an attractive approach to improving outcomes for this disease. The hematopoietic transcription factor c-MYB has been revealed as a central component of complexes maintaining aberrant gene expression programs in AML. We have previously screened the Connectivity Map database to identify mebendazole as an anti-AML therapeutic targeting c-MYB. In the present study we demonstrate that another hit from this screen, the steroidal lactone withaferin A (WFA), induces rapid ablation of c-MYB protein and consequent inhibition of c-MYB target gene expression, loss of leukemia cell viability, reduced colony formation and impaired disease progression. Although WFA has been reported to have pleiotropic anti-cancer effects, we demonstrate that its anti-AML activity depends on c-MYB modulation and can be partially reversed by a stabilized c-MYB mutant. c-MYB ablation results from disrupted HSP/HSC70 chaperone protein homeostasis in leukemia cells following induction of proteotoxicity and the unfolded protein response by WFA. The widespread use of WFA in traditional medicines throughout the world indicates that it represents a promising candidate for repurposing into AML therapy.
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12
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Yusenko MV, Biyanee A, Frank D, Köhler LHF, Andersson MK, Khandanpour C, Schobert R, Stenman G, Biersack B, Klempnauer KH. Bcr-TMP, a Novel Nanomolar-Active Compound That Exhibits Both MYB- and Microtubule-Inhibitory Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010043. [PMID: 35008207 PMCID: PMC8750090 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recent work has identified the transcription regulator MYB as an interesting therapeutic target for the treatment of certain leukemias and other cancers that are dependent on deregulated MYB activity, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Here we report the identification and characterization of 2-amino-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (Bcr-TMP), a novel highly active MYB inhibitory compound. We show that nanomolar concentrations of Bcr-TMP are sufficient to down-regulate the expression of MYB target genes and induce both cell-death and differentiation in AML cell lines. Importantly, Bcr-TMP also and exerts stronger anti-proliferative effects on MYB-addicted primary AML cells and patient-derived ACC cells than on their non-oncogenic counterparts. Preliminary work shows that Bcr-TMP acts through p300, a protein interacting with MYB and stimulating its activity. Interestingly, Bcr-TMP has an additional activity as an anti-microtubule agent. Overall, Bcr-TMP is an interesting compound that warrants further research to understand its mechanism of action and its therapeutic potential for MYB-dependent malignancies. Abstract Studies of the role of MYB in human malignancies have highlighted MYB as a potential drug target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Here, we present the initial characterization of 2-amino-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-3-carbonitrile (Bcr-TMP), a nanomolar-active MYB-inhibitory compound identified in a screen for novel MYB inhibitors. Bcr-TMP affects MYB function in a dual manner by inducing its degradation and suppressing its transactivation potential by disrupting its cooperation with co-activator p300. Bcr-TMP also interferes with the p300-dependent stimulation of C/EBPβ, a transcription factor co-operating with MYB in myeloid cells, indicating that Bcr-TMP is a p300-inhibitor. Bcr-TMP reduces the viability of AML cell lines at nanomolar concentrations and induces cell-death and expression of myeloid differentiation markers. It also down-regulates the expression of MYB target genes and exerts stronger anti-proliferative effects on MYB-addicted primary murine AML cells and patient-derived ACC cells than on their non-oncogenic counterparts. Surprisingly, we observed that Bcr-TMP also has microtubule-disrupting activity, pointing to a possible link between MYB-activity and microtubule stability. Overall, Bcr-TMP is a highly potent multifunctional MYB-inhibitory agent that warrants further investigation of its therapeutic potential and mechanism(s) of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Yusenko
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (M.V.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Abhiruchi Biyanee
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (M.V.Y.); (A.B.)
| | - Daria Frank
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (D.F.); (C.K.)
| | - Leonhard H. F. Köhler
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; (L.H.F.K.); (R.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Mattias K. Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden; (M.K.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Cyrus Khandanpour
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (D.F.); (C.K.)
| | - Rainer Schobert
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; (L.H.F.K.); (R.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Göran Stenman
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden; (M.K.A.); (G.S.)
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany; (L.H.F.K.); (R.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Institute for Biochemistry, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Munster, Germany; (M.V.Y.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-251-8333203; Fax: +49-251-8333206
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13
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Sahara S, Herzog AE, Nör JE. Systemic therapies for salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:4092-4110. [PMID: 34659878 PMCID: PMC8493384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a slow growing, but relentless cancer. Due to its rarity and lack of understanding of its molecular etiology, no standard chemotherapy for ACC currently exists and many patients suffer from recurrent and/or metastatic disease. As such, development of safe and effective therapies is imperative. To describe and summarize existing clinical trial studies and preclinical discoveries, we surveyed the PubMed on developmental therapeutics for ACC. Objective response rates to monotherapy with cytotoxic agents were approximately 10% with cisplatin, 5-FU, gemcitabine, mitoxantrone, epirubicin, vinorelbine and paclitaxel. The most studied combination therapies were cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-cisplatin (CAP) and cisplatin-vinorelbine, with an objective response rate of 18-31%. Among molecularly targeted drugs, the most studied drugs are inhibitors targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) to inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Among those, lenvatinib and axitinib showed a relatively high objective response rate of 11-16% and 9-17%, respectively. Given high recurrence rates and chemoresistance of ACC, treatments targeting cancer stem cells (CSC), which function as tumor-initiating cells and drive chemoresistance, may be particularly valuable. CSC have been shown to be targetable via MYB, Notch1, p53 and epigenetic mechanisms. Myb overexpression is characteristic in ACC but was previously thought to present a difficult target due to its nature as a transcription factor. However, due to the development Myb-targeted inhibitors and an ongoing clinical trial of MYB-targeted cancer vaccine therapy, MYB is becoming an increasingly attractive therapeutic target. Drugs targeting NOTCH signaling demonstrated 5-17% response rate in phase I clinical trials. Within the field of epigenetics, treatment with PRMT5 inhibitors has shown 21% partial response rate in phase I clinical trial. Immunotherapies, such as PD-1 inhibitors, are also associated with CSC, but have not been effective against ACC. However, clinical trials of cancer vaccine therapies are actively being conducted. In addition to conventional chemotherapies and inhibitors of angiogenesis, the emergence of new therapies such as immunotherapy and those targeting cancer stemness is expected to bring clinical benefits to patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosuke Sahara
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of MedicineHamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Alexandra E Herzog
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
| | - Jacques E Nör
- Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Michigan School of MedicineAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan College of EngineeringAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer CenterAnn Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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14
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Ajmal M, Ajmal A, Huang L, Zeng L. The Potential Therapeutic Role of Celastrol in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:725602. [PMID: 34490381 PMCID: PMC8418197 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.725602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction remained at the centre of heart failure research for many years (also known as heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF). Although more than 50% of all heart failure patients experience a form of heart failure characterised by preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to this form of heart failure remain not well-understood. Several evidence-based treatments for HFrEF are in routine use, but there are limited evidence-based therapies for HFpEF. The effects of these remain controversial, with current treatment options being limited to managing the associated symptoms and conditions. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways play key roles in the development and progression of HFpEF, such as the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Celastrol, derived from medicinal plants, is a bioactive compound with strong anti-inflammatory properties, which could deem it as fruitful in overcoming the effects of such dysregulated UPR. This literature review therefore focuses on Celastrol's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, alongside its other potential therapeutic activities, and its ability to impede the pathways that are thought to be involved in the development of HFpEF, such as the JAK2/STAT pathway, to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of this bioactive compound, in the treatment of HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ajmal
- GKT School of Medical Education, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aisha Ajmal
- St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Heart Center, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingfang Zeng
- School of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sciences, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Soncini D, Orecchioni S, Ruberti S, Minetto P, Martinuzzi C, Agnelli L, Todoerti K, Cagnetta A, Miglino M, Clavio M, Contini P, Varaldo R, Bergamaschi M, Guolo F, Passalacqua M, Nencioni A, Monacelli F, Gobbi M, Neri A, Abbadessa G, Eathiraj S, Schwartz B, Bertolini F, Lemoli RM, Cea M. The new small tyrosine kinase inhibitor ARQ531 targets acute myeloid leukemia cells by disrupting multiple tumor-addicted programs. Haematologica 2020; 105:2420-2431. [PMID: 33054082 PMCID: PMC7556675 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.224956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinases have been implicated in promoting tumorigenesis of several human cancers. Exploiting these vulnerabilities has been shown to be an effective anti-tumor strategy as demonstrated for example by the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, ibrutinib, for treatment of various blood cancers. Here, we characterize a new multiple kinase inhibitor, ARQ531, and evaluate its mechanism of action in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia. Treatment with ARQ531, by producing global signaling pathway deregulation, resulted in impaired cell cycle progression and survival in a large panel of leukemia cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells, regardless of the specific genetic background and/or the presence of bone marrow stromal cells. RNA-seq analysis revealed that ARQ531 constrained tumor cell proliferation and survival through Bruton's tyrosine kinase and transcriptional program dysregulation, with proteasome-mediated MYB degradation and depletion of short-lived proteins that are crucial for tumor growth and survival, including ERK, MYC and MCL1. Finally, ARQ531 treatment was effective in a patient-derived leukemia mouse model with significant impairment of tumor progression and survival, at tolerated doses. These data justify the clinical development of ARQ531 as a promising targeted agent for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Soncini
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Samantha Ruberti
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Minetto
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Martinuzzi
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Agnelli
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Todoerti
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonia Cagnetta
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Miglino
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marino Clavio
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Contini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Varaldo
- Division of Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Micaela Bergamaschi
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Guolo
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Passalacqua
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Monacelli
- Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology-Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto M. Lemoli
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Cea
- Chair of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialities (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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16
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Chen A, Koehler AN. Transcription Factor Inhibition: Lessons Learned and Emerging Targets. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:508-518. [PMID: 32359481 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors have roles at focal points in signaling pathways, controlling many normal cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, immune responses, and differentiation. Their activity is frequently deregulated in disease and targeting this class of proteins is a major focus of interest. However, the structural disorder and lack of binding pockets have made design of small molecules for transcription factors challenging. Here, we review some of the most recent developments for small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors emphasized in James Darnell's vision 17 years ago. We also discuss the progress so far on transcription factors recently nominated by genome-scale loss-of-function screens from the cancer dependency map project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA.
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17
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Barrett CM, McCracken R, Elmer J, Haynes KA. Components from the Human c-myb Transcriptional Regulation System Reactivate Epigenetically Repressed Transgenes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E530. [PMID: 31947658 PMCID: PMC7014047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020530] [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: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A persistent challenge for mammalian cell engineering is the undesirable epigenetic silencing of transgenes. Foreign DNA can be incorporated into closed chromatin before and after it has been integrated into a host cell's genome. To identify elements that mitigate epigenetic silencing, we tested components from the c-myb and NF-kB transcriptional regulation systems in transiently transfected DNA and at chromosomally integrated transgenes in PC-3 and HEK 293 cells. DNA binding sites for MYB (c-myb) placed upstream of a minimal promoter enhanced expression from transiently transfected plasmid DNA. We targeted p65 and MYB fusion proteins to a chromosomal transgene, UAS-Tk-luciferase, that was silenced by ectopic Polycomb chromatin complexes. Transient expression of Gal4-MYB induced an activated state that resisted complete re-silencing. We used custom guide RNAs and dCas9-MYB to target MYB to different positions relative to the promoter and observed that transgene activation within ectopic Polycomb chromatin required proximity of dCas9-MYB to the transcriptional start site. Our report demonstrates the use of MYB in the context of the CRISPR-activation system, showing that DNA elements and fusion proteins derived from c-myb can mitigate epigenetic silencing to improve transgene expression in engineered cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M. Barrett
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Reilly McCracken
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, 217 White Hall, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; (R.M.); (J.E.)
| | - Jacob Elmer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, 217 White Hall, 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085, USA; (R.M.); (J.E.)
| | - Karmella A. Haynes
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, 501 East Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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18
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Jiang Y, Gao R, Cao C, Forbes L, Li J, Freeberg S, Fredenburg KM, Justice JM, Silver NL, Wu L, Varma S, West R, Licht JD, Zajac-Kaye M, Kentsis A, Kaye FJ. MYB-activated models for testing therapeutic agents in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2019; 98:147-155. [PMID: 31606723 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are no effective systemic therapies for adenoid cystic cancer (ACC) and lack of tumor lines and mouse models have hindered drug development.We aim to develop MYB-activated models for testing new therapeutic agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied new ACC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and generated a matched cell line from one patient. In addition, we generated a genetically-engineered MYB-NFIB mouse model (GEMM) that was crossed with Ink4a+/-/Arf+/- mice to study tumor spectrum and obtain tumor lines. Using human and murine ACC-like tumor lines, we analyzed MYB expression by RNA-Seq and immunoblot and tested efficacy of new MYB inhibitors. RESULTS We detected MYB-NFIB transcripts in both UFH1 and UFH2 PDX and observed tumor inhibition by MYB depletion using shRNA in vivo. We observed rapid loss of MYB expression when we cultured UFH1 in vitro, but were able to generate a UFH2 tumor cell line that retained MYB expression for 6 months. RNA-Seq expression detected an ACC-like mRNA signature in PDX samples and we confirmed an identical KMT2A/MLL variant in UFH2 PDX, matched cell line, and primary biopsy. Although the predominant phenotype of the MYB-NFIB GEMM was B-cell leukemia, we also generated a MYB-activated ACC-like mammary tumor cell line. We observed tumor inhibition using a novel MYB peptidomimetic in both human and murine tumor models. CONCLUSIONS We generated and studied new murine and human MYB-activated tumor samples and detected growth inhibition with MYB peptidomimetics. These data provide tools to define treatment strategies for patients with advanced MYB-activated ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jiang
- Department Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Ruli Gao
- Department Genetics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunxia Cao
- Department Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Lauren Forbes
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jianping Li
- Department Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Shelby Freeberg
- Department Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | | | - Jeb M Justice
- Department Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Natalie L Silver
- Department Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Sushama Varma
- Department Pathology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Robert West
- Department Pathology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Jonathan D Licht
- Department Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Maria Zajac-Kaye
- Department Anatomy Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Alex Kentsis
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Frederic J Kaye
- Department Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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19
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Lamkin DM, Srivastava S, Bradshaw KP, Betz JE, Muy KB, Wiese AM, Yee SK, Waggoner RM, Arevalo JMG, Yoon AJ, Faull KF, Sloan EK, Cole SW. C/EBPβ regulates the M2 transcriptome in β-adrenergic-stimulated macrophages. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 80:839-848. [PMID: 31132458 PMCID: PMC6660400 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
At the M2 terminal of the macrophage activation spectrum, expression of genes is regulated by transcription factors that include STAT6, CREB, and C/EBPβ. Signaling through β-adrenergic receptors drives M2 activation of macrophages, but little is known about the transcription factors involved. In the present study, we found that C/EBPβ regulates the signaling pathway between β-adrenergic stimulation and expression of Arg1 and several other specific genes in the greater M2 transcriptome. β-adrenergic signaling induced Cebpb gene expression relatively early with a peak at 1 h post-stimulation, followed by peak Arg1 gene expression at 8 h. C/EBPβ transcription factor activity was elevated at the enhancer region for Arg 1 at both 4 and 8 h after stimulation but not near the more proximal promoter region. Knockdown of Cebpb suppressed the β-adrenergic-induced peak in Cebpb gene expression as well as subsequent accumulation of C/EBPβ protein in the nucleus, which resulted in suppression of β-adrenergic-induced Arg1 gene expression. Analysis of genome-wide transcriptional profiles identified 20 additional M2 genes that followed the same pattern of regulation by β-adrenergic- and C/EBPβ-signaling. Promoter-based bioinformatic analysis confirmed enrichment of binding motifs for C/EBPβ transcription factor across these M2 genes. These findings pinpoint a mechanism that may be targeted to redirect the deleterious influence of β-adrenergic signaling on macrophage involvement in M2-related diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald M Lamkin
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States.
| | - Shreyesi Srivastava
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Karen P Bradshaw
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Jenna E Betz
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Kevin B Muy
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Anna M Wiese
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Shelby K Yee
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Rebecca M Waggoner
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Jesusa M G Arevalo
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Divison of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Alexander J Yoon
- Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Kym F Faull
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
| | - Erica K Sloan
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Steve W Cole
- Norman Cousins Center for PNI, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States; Divison of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, United States
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20
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Zuo A, Zhao P, Zheng Y, Hua H, Wang X. Tripterine inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by up-regulating microRNA-15a. Biol Chem 2019; 400:1069-1078. [PMID: 30913029 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Tripterine is an important active component isolated from Triperygium wilfordii Hook F. This study investigated the effects of tripterine on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, as well as microRNA-15a (miR-15a) expression. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to measure the expression of miR-15a. Cell transfection was conducted to change the expression of miR-15a. Viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, BrdU incorporation assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit and two-chamber Transwell assay, respectively. Expression of key factors involving in cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis, as well as the PI3K/AKT and JNK pathways, were evaluated using Western blotting. We found that tripterine inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, but induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, tripterine up-regulated the expression of miR-15a in a concentration-dependent manner and miR-15a participated in the effects of tripterine on MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. In addition, tripterine inactivated PI3K/AKT and JNK pathways in MDA-MB-231 cells by up-regulating miR-15a. In conclusion, tripterine inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by up-regulating miR-15a and inactivating PI3K/AKT and JNK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjun Zuo
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of General Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Xingang Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 59 Haier Road, Qingdao 266000, China
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21
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Abstract
The c-Myb gene encodes a transcription factor that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis through protein-protein interaction and transcriptional regulation of signaling pathways. The protein is frequently overexpressed in human leukemias, breast cancers, and other solid tumors suggesting that it is a bona fide oncogene. c-MYB is often overexpressed by translocation in human tumors with t(6;7)(q23;q34) resulting in c-MYB-TCRβ in T cell ALL, t(X;6)(p11;q23) with c-MYB-GATA1 in acute basophilic leukemia, and t(6;9)(q22-23;p23-24) with c-MYB-NF1B in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Antisense oligonucleotides to c-MYB were developed to purge bone marrow cells to eliminate tumor cells in leukemias. Recently, small molecules that inhibit c-MYB activity have been developed to disrupt its interaction with p300. The Dmp1 (cyclin D binding myb-like protein 1; Dmtf1) gene was isolated through its virtue for binding to cyclin D2. It is a transcription factor that has a Myb-like repeat for DNA binding. The Dmtf1 protein directly binds to the Arf promoter for transactivation and physically interacts with p53 to activate the p53 pathway. The gene is hemizygously deleted in 35-42% of human cancers and is associated with longer survival. The significances of aberrant expression of c-MYB and DMTF1 proteins in human cancers and their clinical significances are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Fry
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Kazushi Inoue
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
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22
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Shi K, Chen X, Xie B, Yang SS, Liu D, Dai G, Chen Q. Celastrol Alleviates Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Inhibiting Cellular Inflammation Induced by Cigarette Smoke via the Ednrb/Kng1 Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1276. [PMID: 30498444 PMCID: PMC6249343 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating disease caused by chronic exposure to cigarette smoke (CS). Celastrol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Also it is presently known to protect against liver damage induced by type II diabetes. However, its role in COPD is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of Celastrol on cellular inflammation in mice exposed to CS and Beas-2B cells treated with CS extract (CSE). C57BL/6 mice and Beas-2B cells were randomly divided into three groups: control group, COPD or CSE group, and Celastrol treatment group. The COPD mice models were subjected to smoke exposure and cell models were treated with CSE. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes following treatment with Celastrol in COPD, the molecular networks was mapped by Cytoscape. The levels of inflammatory cytokinesinterleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and oxidative stress factors superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining to detect the injury of mouse lung tissue. mRNA and protein levels of Ednrb and Kng1 in the tissues and cells were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Compared to mice in the COPD group, mice treated with Celastrol had significantly reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and significantly increased levels of oxidative stress factors superoxide dismutase and catalase. The same results were obtained at the cellular level using Beas-2B cells. Compared to the model groups, Celastrol reduced lung injury in mice and significantly reduced cellular apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Ednrb is a target gene of Celastrol and differentially expressed in COPD. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that Ednrb expression in patients with COPD was significantly increased compared to that in healthy controls. Additionally, Celastrol effectively reduced Ednrb/Kng1 expression in both cell and animal models. Celastrol has a therapeutic effect on COPD and may alleviate COPD by inhibiting inflammation development by suppressing the Ednrb/Kng1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Shi
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sha Sha Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gan Dai
- Department of Microbiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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