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Li L, Zhou H, Zhang C. Cuproptosis in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:91. [PMID: 38918694 PMCID: PMC11201306 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis, a newly identified copper (Cu)-dependent form of cell death, stands out due to its distinct mechanism that sets it apart from other known cell death pathways. The molecular underpinnings of cuproptosis involve the binding of Cu to lipoylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This interaction triggers enzyme aggregation and proteotoxic stress, culminating in cell death. The specific mechanism of cuproptosis has yet to be fully elucidated. This newly recognized form of cell death has sparked numerous investigations into its role in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on Cu metabolism and its link to cancer. Furthermore, we delineated the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and summarized the roles of cuproptosis-related genes in cancer. Finally, we offered a comprehensive discussion of the most recent advancements in Cu ionophores and nanoparticle delivery systems that utilize cuproptosis as a cutting-edge strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Houfeng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Zeng M, Wu B, Wei W, Jiang Z, Li P, Quan Y, Hu X. Disulfiram: A novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1389-1398. [PMID: 38275022 PMCID: PMC11188872 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is a major global health issue. Effective therapeutic strategies can prolong patients' survival and reduce the costs of treatment. Drug repurposing, which identifies new therapeutic uses for approved drugs, is a promising approach with the advantages of reducing research costs, shortening development time, and increasing efficiency and safety. Disulfiram (DSF), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat chronic alcoholism, has a great potential as an anticancer drug by targeting diverse human malignancies. Several studies show the antitumor effects of DSF, particularly the combination of DSF and copper (DSF/Cu), on a wide range of cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM), breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. In this review, we summarize the antitumor mechanisms of DSF/Cu, including induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and various cell death signaling pathways, and inhibition of proteasome activity, as well as inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Furthermore, we highlight the ability of DSF/Cu to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which provides a new approach to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Strikingly, DSF/Cu inhibits several molecular targets associated with drug resistance, and therefore it is becoming a novel option to increase the sensitivity of chemo-resistant and radio-resistant patients. Studies of DSF/Cu may shed light on its improved application to clinical tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Baibei Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Institute of Biochemistry of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zihan Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuanting Quan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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3
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Ma W, Hu N, Xu W, Zhao L, Tian C, Kamei KI. Ferroptosis inducers: A new frontier in cancer therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107331. [PMID: 38579614 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis represents a non-apoptotic form of programmed cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. This cell death modality not only facilitates the direct elimination of cancer cells, but also enhances their susceptibility to other pharmacological anti-cancer agents. The burgeoning interest in ferroptosis has been driven by a growing body of evidence that underscores the efficiency and minimal toxicity of ferroptosis inducers. Traditional inducers, such as erastin and RSL3 have shown substantial promise in clinical applications due to their potent therapeutic effects. Their significant potential of these inducers has spurred the development of a variety of small molecule ferroptosis inducers. These novel inducers boast an enhanced structural variety, improved metabolic stability, the capability to initiate ferroptosis without triggering apoptosis, making them well-suited for in vivo use. Despite these advancements, challenges still remain, particularly concerning the drug delivery, tumor specificity, and circulation duration of these small molecules in vivo. Addressing these challenges, contemporary research has pivoted towards innovative delivery systems tailored for ferroptosis inducers to facilitate precise, targeted, and synegestic therapeutic delivery. This review scrutinizes the latest progress in small molecule ferroptosis inducers and nano drug delivery systems geared towards ferroptosis sensitization. Furthermore, it delineated the prospective therapeutic advantages and the existing hurdles in the development of ferroptosis inducers for malignant tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Naiyuan Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Wenqian Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Linxi Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Chutong Tian
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery Systems of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kamei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Intelligent Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110016, China; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Program of Biology, Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Program of Bioengineering, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, MetroTech, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States.
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4
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Halma MTJ, Tuszynski JA, Marik PE. Cancer Metabolism as a Therapeutic Target and Review of Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:4245. [PMID: 37836529 PMCID: PMC10574675 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is amenable to low-cost treatments, given that it has a significant metabolic component, which can be affected through diet and lifestyle change at minimal cost. The Warburg hypothesis states that cancer cells have an altered cell metabolism towards anaerobic glycolysis. Given this metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells, it is possible to target cancers metabolically by depriving them of glucose. In addition to dietary and lifestyle modifications which work on tumors metabolically, there are a panoply of nutritional supplements and repurposed drugs associated with cancer prevention and better treatment outcomes. These interventions and their evidentiary basis are covered in the latter half of this review to guide future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. J. Halma
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- EbMC Squared CIC, Bath BA2 4BL, UK
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11335 Saskatchewan Dr NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, The Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- DIMEAS, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, I-1029 Turin, Italy
| | - Paul E. Marik
- Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, Washington, DC 20036, USA
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He X, Li X, Tian W, Li C, Li P, Zhao J, Yang S, Li S. The role of redox-mediated lysosomal dysfunction and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115121. [PMID: 37418979 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox homeostasis refers to the dynamic equilibrium between oxidant and reducing agent in the body which plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological activities of the body. The imbalance of redox homeostasis can lead to the development of various human diseases. Lysosomes regulate the degradation of cellular proteins and play an important role in influencing cell function and fate, and lysosomal dysfunction is closely associated with the development of various diseases. In addition, several studies have shown that redox homeostasis plays a direct or indirect role in regulating lysosomes. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of redox homeostasis in the regulation of lysosomal function. Therapeutic strategies based on the regulation of redox exerted to disrupt or restore lysosomal function are further discussed. Uncovering the role of redox in the regulation of lysosomes helps to point new directions for the treatment of many human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng He
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuening Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Shilei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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6
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Zhang S, Zong Y, Chen L, Li Q, Li Z, Meng R. The immunomodulatory function and antitumor effect of disulfiram: paving the way for novel cancer therapeutics. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:103. [PMID: 37326784 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00729-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 60 years ago, disulfiram (DSF) was employed for the management of alcohol addiction. This promising cancer therapeutic agent inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant tumor cells. Furthermore, divalent copper ions can enhance the antitumor effects of DSF. Molecular structure, pharmacokinetics, signaling pathways, mechanisms of action and current clinical results of DSF are summarized here. Additionally, our attention is directed towards the immunomodulatory properties of DSF and we explore novel administration methods that may address the limitations associated with antitumor treatments based on DSF. Despite the promising potential of these various delivery methods for utilizing DSF as an effective anticancer agent, further investigation is essential in order to extensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of these delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yan Zong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Leichong Chen
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qianwen Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Rui Meng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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7
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Zheng P, Wu Y, Wang Y, Hu F. Disulfiram suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion in cervical cancer through the HSP90A/NDRG1 pathway. Cell Signal 2023; 109:110771. [PMID: 37329997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) has proven to be a promising anti-tumor drug in preclinical studies. However, its anti-cancer mechanism has not yet been elucidated. As an activator in tumor metastasis, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) is involved in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and is upregulated by cell differentiation signals in various cancer cell lines. DSF treatment results in a significant reduction in NDRG1, while down-regulated NDRG1 has a pronounced effect on invading cancer cells, as shown in our previous work. Here, in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that DSF contributes to regulating tumor growth, EMT, and the migration and invasion of cervical cancer. Furthermore, our results show DSF binds to the ATP-binding pocket in the N-terminal domain of HSP90A, thereby affecting the expression of its client protein NDRG1. To our knowledge, this is the first report of DSF binding to HSP90A. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the molecular mechanism by which DSF inhibits tumor growth and metastasis through the HSP90A/NDRG1/β-catenin pathway in cervical cancer cells. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanism underlying DSF function in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zheng
- College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China.
| | - Yaoqin Wu
- College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yuqiong Wang
- College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Third Institute of Oceanography Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
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8
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Guan D, Zhao L, Shi X, Ma X, Chen Z. Copper in cancer: From pathogenesis to therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114791. [PMID: 37105071 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the basic trace elements for the structure and metabolism of human tissue is copper. However, as a heavy metal, excessive intake or abnormal accumulation of copper in the body can cause inevitable damage to the organism because copper can result in direct injury to various cell components or disruption of the redox balance, eventually leading to cell death. Interestingly, a growing body of research reports that diverse cancers have raised serum and tumor copper levels. Tumor cells depend on more copper for their metabolism than normal cells, and a decrease in copper or copper overload can have a detrimental effect on tumor cells. New modalities for identifying and characterizing copper-dependent signals offer translational opportunities for tumor therapy, but their mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this article summarizes what we currently know about the correlation between copper and cancer and describes the characteristics of copper metabolism in tumor cells and the prospective application of copper-derived therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defeng Guan
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lihui Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Shi
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Ma
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Zhou Chen
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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9
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Yuan M, Wu Q, Zhang M, Lai M, Chen W, Yang J, Jiang L, Cao J. Disulfiram enhances the antitumor activity of cisplatin by inhibiting the Fanconi anemia repair pathway. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2023; 24:207-220. [PMID: 36915997 PMCID: PMC10014319 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
A series of chemotherapeutic drugs that induce DNA damage, such as cisplatin (DDP), are standard clinical treatments for ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, and other diseases that lack effective targeted drug therapy. Drug resistance is one of the main factors limiting their application. Sensitizers can overcome the drug resistance of tumor cells, thereby enhancing the antitumor activity of chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, we aimed to identify marketable drugs that could be potential chemotherapy sensitizers and explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that the alcohol withdrawal drug disulfiram (DSF) could significantly enhance the antitumor activity of DDP. JC-1 staining, propidium iodide (PI) staining, and western blotting confirmed that the combination of DSF and DDP could enhance the apoptosis of tumor cells. Subsequent RNA sequencing combined with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) pathway enrichment analysis and cell biology studies such as immunofluorescence suggested an underlying mechanism: DSF makes cells more vulnerable to DNA damage by inhibiting the Fanconi anemia (FA) repair pathway, exerting a sensitizing effect to DNA damaging agents including platinum chemotherapy drugs. Thus, our study illustrated the potential mechanism of action of DSF in enhancing the antitumor effect of DDP. This might provide an effective and safe solution for combating DDP resistance in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yuan
- Laboratory of Fruit Quality Biology / the State Agriculture Ministry Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Growth, Development and Quality Improvement, Fruit Science Institute, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mingyang Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Minshan Lai
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,Polytechnic Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Wenbo Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,Polytechnic Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Li Jiang
- The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China. .,The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China. .,Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Conan P, Léon A, Caroff N, Rollet C, Chaïr L, Martin J, Bihel F, Mignen O, Voisset C, Friocourt G. New insights into the regulation of Cystathionine beta synthase (CBS), an enzyme involved in intellectual deficiency in Down syndrome. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1110163. [PMID: 36711154 PMCID: PMC9879293 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1110163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the most frequent chromosomic aberration, results from the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. The identification of genes which overexpression contributes to intellectual disability (ID) in DS is important to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms involved and develop new pharmacological therapies. In particular, gene dosage of Dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation Regulated Kinase 1A (DYRK1A) and of Cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) are crucial for cognitive function. As these two enzymes have lately been the main targets for therapeutic research on ID, we sought to decipher the genetic relationship between them. We also used a combination of genetic and drug screenings using a cellular model overexpressing CYS4, the homolog of CBS in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to get further insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of CBS activity. We showed that overexpression of YAK1, the homolog of DYRK1A in yeast, increased CYS4 activity whereas GSK3β was identified as a genetic suppressor of CBS. In addition, analysis of the signaling pathways targeted by the drugs identified through the yeast-based pharmacological screening, and confirmed using human HepG2 cells, emphasized the importance of Akt/GSK3β and NF-κB pathways into the regulation of CBS activity and expression. Taken together, these data provide further understanding into the regulation of CBS and in particular into the genetic relationship between DYRK1A and CBS through the Akt/GSK3β and NF-κB pathways, which should help develop more effective therapies to reduce cognitive deficits in people with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Conan
- INSERM, Université de Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
| | - Alice Léon
- INSERM, Université de Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
| | - Noéline Caroff
- INSERM, Université de Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
| | - Claire Rollet
- INSERM, Université de Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
| | - Loubna Chaïr
- INSERM, Université de Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
| | - Jennifer Martin
- INSERM, Université de Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
| | - Frédéric Bihel
- Laboratoire d’Innovation Thérapeutique, UMR 7200, IMS MEDALIS, Faculty of Pharmacy, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Olivier Mignen
- U1227, Lymphocytes B, Autoimmunité et Immunothérapies, INSERM, Université de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Cécile Voisset
- INSERM, Université de Brest, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, Brest, France
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11
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Huan C, Gao J. A novel cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic signature for predicting treatment and immune environment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:12127-12145. [PMID: 36653989 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an urgent public health issue due to its poor prognosis and resistance to anti-cancer agents. However, the role of cuproptosis, a newly identified form cell death, in applications of HNSCC is still not a known. In this study, single-cell RNA sequencing data was used to explore cuproptosis-related gene expression in the tumour microenvironment. A prognostic model was constructed based on the cuproptosis-related lncRNA. Various methods were performed to predict the overall survival (OS) of different risk score patients and explore difference in enrichment function and pathways between the risk score patients. Finally, a series of immunogenomic landscape analyses were performed and evaluated the immune function, immune infiltration and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer cell cluster expressed the essential cuproptosis-related gene. As the risk score increased of HNSCC patients, a significant decrease in survival status and time occurred for patients in the high-risk score patient. The AUC for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS were 0.679, 0.713 and 0.656, indicating that the model regarded as an independent prognostic signature in comparison with the clinical-pathological characteristics. As a results of GO, the immune function and immune infiltration of different risk score patients were assessed, revealing significant differences in T cell function and abundance of different types of T cells. Low-risk score patients are relatively insensitive to chemotherapy agents such as docetaxel and cisplatin, and easily resistant to immunotherapy. A cuproptosis-related lncRNA prognostic model was constructed to predict OS of HNSCC patients and provided the newly therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxiang Huan
- Zhongshan Clinical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116000, China
| | - Jiaxin Gao
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530000, China
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12
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Liu Y, Guan X, Wang M, Wang N, Chen Y, Li B, Xu Z, Fu F, Zheng Z, Du C. Disulfiram/Copper induces antitumor activity against gastric cancer via the ROS/MAPK and NPL4 pathways. Bioengineered 2022; 13:6579-6589. [PMID: 35290151 PMCID: PMC9278967 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2038434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) is an anti-alcoholism medication with superior antitumor activity and clinical safety; its antitumor mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) have not been fully explored. In the present work, low nontoxic concentrations of copper (Cu) ions substantially enhanced DSF’s antitumor activity, inhibiting the proliferation and growth of GC cell lines. DSF/Cu elevated the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis was induced in an ROS-dependent manner. This process might involve primary inhibition GC by DSF/Cu through induction of apoptosis via the ROS/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Disordering transportation of ubiquitinated protein may also fuel the process. In summary, we found that DSF exerts antitumor effects on GC. DSF/Cu should be considered as adjunctive therapy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Dalian Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Xin Guan
- Department of Oncology, Northeast International Hospital, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Meiling Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Naixue Wang
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Jinzhou Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Yutong Chen
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Baolei Li
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Jinzhou Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Zhuxuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Dalian Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Fangwei Fu
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | | | - Cheng Du
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, P. R. China
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13
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Oliveri V. Selective Targeting of Cancer Cells by Copper Ionophores: An Overview. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:841814. [PMID: 35309510 PMCID: PMC8931543 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.841814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional cancer therapies suffer from severe off-target effects because most of them target critical facets of cells that are generally shared by all rapidly proliferating cells. The development of new therapeutic agents should aim to increase selectivity and therefore reduce side effects. In addition, these agents should overcome cancer cell resistance and target cancer stem cells. Some copper ionophores have shown promise in this direction thanks to an intrinsic selectivity in preferentially inducing cuproptosis of cancer cells compared to normal cells. Here, Cu ionophores are discussed with a focus on selectivity towards cancer cells and on the mechanisms responsible for this selectivity. The proposed strategies, to further improve the targeting of cancer cells by copper ionophores, are also reported.
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14
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Xu Y, Lu L, Luo J, Wang L, Zhang Q, Cao J, Jiao Y. Disulfiram Alone Functions as a Radiosensitizer for Pancreatic Cancer Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Oncol 2021; 11:683695. [PMID: 34631519 PMCID: PMC8494980 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.683695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains very poor worldwide, partly due to the lack of specificity of early symptoms and innate resistance to chemo-/radiotherapy. Disulfiram (DSF), an anti-alcoholism drug widely used in the clinic, has been known for decades for its antitumor effects when simultaneously applied with copper ions, including pancreatic cancer. However, controversy still exists in the context of the antitumor effects of DSF alone in pancreatic cancer and related mechanisms, especially in its potential roles as a sensitizer for cancer radiotherapy. In the present study, we focused on whether and how DSF could facilitate ionizing radiation (IR) to eliminate pancreatic cancer. DSF alone significantly suppressed the survival of pancreatic cancer cells after exposure to IR, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, DSF treatment alone caused DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and further enhanced IR-induced DSBs in pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, DSF alone boosted IR-induced cell cycle G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer exposed to IR. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis results suggested that DSF could trigger cell adhesion molecule (CAM) signaling, which might be involved in its function in regulating the radiosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells. In conclusion, we suggest that DSF alone may function as a radiosensitizer for pancreatic cancer, probably by regulating IR-induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, at least partially through the CAM signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lunjie Lu
- Department of Radiation Physics, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Judong Luo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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15
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Prognostic association of starvation-induced gene expression in head and neck cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19130. [PMID: 34580365 PMCID: PMC8476550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy-related genes (ARGs) have been implicated in the initiation and progression of malignant tumor promotion. To investigate the dynamics of expression of genes, including ARGs, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells were placed under serum-free conditions to induce growth retardation and autophagy, and these starved cells were subjected to transcriptome analysis. Among the 21 starvation-induced genes (SIGs) located in the autophagy, cell proliferation, and survival signaling pathways, we identified SIGs that showed prominent up-regulation or down-regulation in vitro. These included AGR2, BST2, CALR, CD22, DDIT3, FOXA2, HSPA5, PIWIL4, PYCR1, SGK3, and TRIB3. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database of HNSCC patients was used to examine the expression of up-regulated genes, and CALR, HSPA5, and TRIB3 were found to be highly expressed relative to solid normal tissue in cancer and the survival rate was reduced in patients with high expression. Protein-protein interaction analysis demonstrated the formation of a dense network of these genes. Cox regression analysis revealed that high expression of CALR, HSPA5, and TRIB3 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with TCGA-HNSCC. Therefore, these SIGs up-regulated under serum starvation may be molecular prognostic markers in HNSCC patients.
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16
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Zhao P, Tang X, Huang Y. Teaching new tricks to old dogs: A review of drug repositioning of disulfiram for cancer nanomedicine. VIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/viw.20200127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Nanjing China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Xueping Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
- Artemisinin Research Center Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou China
| | - Yongzhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients Shanghai China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Institutes of Drug Discovery and Development Chinese Academy of Sciences Zhongshan China
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17
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Jia Y, Huang T. Overview of Antabuse ® (Disulfiram) in Radiation and Cancer Biology. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:4095-4101. [PMID: 34045896 PMCID: PMC8146747 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s308168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antabuse®, generic name disulfiram, has been extensively used in daily clinical practice to treat alcohol abuse. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that disulfiram was capable of inhibiting tumor cell proliferation; clinical studies have indicated that the administration of this drug was associated with favorable survival, whilst in vitro experiments have elucidated the anticancer mechanism of disulfiram. In addition, radiation and cancer biology studies have shown that disulfiram can protect normal cells and sensitize tumor cells during radiotherapy. This review aims at describing the antitumor activity of disulfiram in both preclinical studies and clinical trials, whilst focusing on the advances of this drug in radiation and cancer biology, and the promise of repurposing it as a novel sensitizer to, and protector against, radiation on the incoming clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People’s Republic of China
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18
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Ye Y, Ye F, Li X, Yang Q, Zhou J, Xu W, Aschner M, Lu R, Miao S. 3,3'-diindolylmethane exerts antiproliferation and apoptosis induction by TRAF2-p38 axis in gastric cancer. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:189-202. [PMID: 33315588 PMCID: PMC7790923 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM), an active phytochemical derivative extracted from cruciferous vegetables, possesses anticancer effects. However, the underlying anticancer mechanism of DIM in gastric cancer remains unknown. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), one of the signal transduction proteins, plays critical role in proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells, but there are still lack of practical pharmacological modulators for potential clinical application. Here, we further explored the role of TRAF2 in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis by DIM in human gastric cancer BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells. After treating BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cells with DIM for 24 h, cell proliferation, apoptosis and TRAF2-related protein were measured. Our findings showed that DIM inhibited the expressions of TRAF2, activated p-p38 and its downstream protein p-p53, which were paralleled with DIM-triggered cells proliferation, inhibition and apoptosis induction. These effects of DIM were reversed by TRAF2 overexpression or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-specific inhibitor (SB203580). Taken together, our data suggest that regulating TRAF2/p38 MAPK signaling pathway is essential for inhibiting gastric cancer proliferation and inducing apoptosis by DIM. These findings broaden the understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of DIM's action as a new modulator of TRAF2, and provide a new therapeutic target for human gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ye
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Fen Ye
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Shaoxing People’s Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, Zhenjiang First People's Hospital, Zhenjiang 212002, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, Cancer Center, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Wenrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine of Jiangsu Province, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rongzhu Lu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Center for Experimental Research, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital to Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215132, China
| | - Shuhan Miao
- Department of Health Care, Zhenjiang Fourth Peoples Hospital, Zhenjiang 212001, China
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19
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Lu C, Li X, Ren Y, Zhang X. Disulfiram: a novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 87:159-172. [PMID: 33426580 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a major health issue worldwide and the global burden of cancer is expected to reduce the costs of treatment as well as prolong the survival time. One of the promising approaches is drug repurposing, because it reduces costs and shortens the production cycle of research and development. Disulfiram (DSF), which was originally approved as an anti-alcoholism drug, has been proven safe and shows the potential to target tumours. Its anti-tumour effect has been reported in many preclinical studies and recently on seven types of cancer in humans: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), liver cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma (GBM) and melanoma and has a successful breakthrough in the treatment of NSCLC and GBM. The mechanisms, particularly the intracellular signalling pathways, still remain to be completely elucidated. As shown in our previous study, DSF inhibits NF-kB signalling, proteasome activity, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. It induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy and has been used as an adjuvant therapy with irradiation or chemotherapy drugs. On the other hand, DSF not only kills the normal cancer cells but also has the ability to target cancer stem cells, which provides a new approach to prevent tumour recurrence and metastasis. Furthermore, other researchers have reported the ability of DSF to bind to nuclear protein localization protein 4 (NPL4), induce its immobilization and dysfunction, ultimately leading to cell death. Here, we provide an overview of DSF repurposing as a treatment in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and review studies describing the mechanisms underlying its anti-neoplastic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lu
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongya Ren
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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20
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Pan M, Zheng Q, Yu Y, Ai H, Xie Y, Zeng X, Wang C, Liu L, Zhao M. Seesaw conformations of Npl4 in the human p97 complex and the inhibitory mechanism of a disulfiram derivative. Nat Commun 2021; 12:121. [PMID: 33402676 PMCID: PMC7785736 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
p97, also known as valosin-containing protein (VCP) or Cdc48, plays a central role in cellular protein homeostasis. Human p97 mutations are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting p97 and its cofactors is a strategy for cancer drug development. Despite significant structural insights into the fungal homolog Cdc48, little is known about how human p97 interacts with its cofactors. Recently, the anti-alcohol abuse drug disulfiram was found to target cancer through Npl4, a cofactor of p97, but the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we uncovered three Npl4 conformational states in complex with human p97 before ATP hydrolysis. The motion of Npl4 results from its zinc finger motifs interacting with the N domain of p97, which is essential for the unfolding activity of p97. In vitro and cell-based assays showed that the disulfiram derivative bis-(diethyldithiocarbamate)-copper (CuET) can bypass the copper transporter system and inhibit the function of p97 in the cytoplasm by releasing cupric ions under oxidative conditions, which disrupt the zinc finger motifs of Npl4, locking the essential conformational switch of the complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Qingyun Zheng
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Huasong Ai
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Xin Zeng
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Chu Wang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
| | - Minglei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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21
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A photoactivatable Ru (II) complex bearing 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline: A potent chemotherapeutic drug inducing apoptosis in triple negative human breast adenocarcinoma cells. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 336:109317. [PMID: 33197429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The photoactivatable Ru (II) complex 1 [Ru(bipy)2(dpphen)]Cl2 (where bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and dpphen = 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) has been shown to possess promising anticancer activity against triple negative adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. The present study aims to elucidate the plausible mechanism of action of the photoactivatable complex 1 against MDA-MB-231 cells. Upon photoactivation, complex 1 exhibited time-dependent cytotoxic activity with a phototoxicity index (P Index) of >100 after 72 h. A significant increase in cell rounding and detachment, loss of membrane integrity, ROS accumulation and DNA damage was observed. Flow cytometry and a fluorescent apoptosis/necrosis assay showed an induction of cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed the induction of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways and inhibition of the MAPK and PI3K pathways. The photoproduct of complex 1 showed similar effects on key apoptotic protein expression confirming that it is behind the observed cell death. In conclusion, the present study revealed that complex 1 is a potent multi-mechanistic photoactivatable chemotherapeutic drug that may serve as a potential lead molecule for targeted cancer chemotherapy.
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22
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Kinker GS, Greenwald AC, Tal R, Orlova Z, Cuoco MS, McFarland JM, Warren A, Rodman C, Roth JA, Bender SA, Kumar B, Rocco JW, Fernandes PACM, Mader CC, Keren-Shaul H, Plotnikov A, Barr H, Tsherniak A, Rozenblatt-Rosen O, Krizhanovsky V, Puram SV, Regev A, Tirosh I. Pan-cancer single-cell RNA-seq identifies recurring programs of cellular heterogeneity. Nat Genet 2020; 52:1208-1218. [PMID: 33128048 PMCID: PMC8135089 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-00726-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cultured cell lines are the workhorse of cancer research, but the extent to which they recapitulate the heterogeneity observed among malignant cells in tumors is unclear. Here we used multiplexed single-cell RNA-seq to profile 198 cancer cell lines from 22 cancer types. We identified 12 expression programs that are recurrently heterogeneous within multiple cancer cell lines. These programs are associated with diverse biological processes, including cell cycle, senescence, stress and interferon responses, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and protein metabolism. Most of these programs recapitulate those recently identified as heterogeneous within human tumors. We prioritized specific cell lines as models of cellular heterogeneity and used them to study subpopulations of senescence-related cells, demonstrating their dynamics, regulation and unique drug sensitivities, which were predictive of clinical response. Our work describes the landscape of heterogeneity within diverse cancer cell lines and identifies recurrent patterns of heterogeneity that are shared between tumors and specific cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela S Kinker
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Institute of Bioscience, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alissa C Greenwald
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rotem Tal
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zhanna Orlova
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael S Cuoco
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James M McFarland
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Allison Warren
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Rodman
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Roth
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samantha A Bender
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bhavna Kumar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James W Rocco
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Hadas Keren-Shaul
- The Nancy & Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Life Science Core Facility, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexander Plotnikov
- The Nancy & Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Haim Barr
- The Nancy & Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aviad Tsherniak
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Valery Krizhanovsky
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Itay Tirosh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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23
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Qiu C, Zhang X, Huang B, Wang S, Zhou W, Li C, Li X, Wang J, Yang N. Disulfiram, a Ferroptosis Inducer, Triggers Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization by Up-Regulating ROS in Glioblastoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10631-10640. [PMID: 33116640 PMCID: PMC7585819 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s272312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Disulfiram (DSF), a drug used in the treatment of alcoholism since 1948, has been shown to have antitumor properties in various tumor types possibly due to the induction of a type cell death, ferroptosis, and the sensitization of cells to chemo- and radiotherapy. In this study, we explored the antitumor properties of DSF in glioblastoma (GBM) and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods GBM cell lines U251 and LN229 were treated with DSF to assess cytotoxicity and activity of the molecule in vitro. Response of cells to treatment was examined using cell viability, flow cytometry, LDH release assay, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Results DSF inhibited cell growth of GBM U251 and LN229 cell lines in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. Flow cytometry demonstrated that DSF caused G0-G1 growth arrest. DSF treatment led to increased ROS and lipid peroxidation levels relative to controls indicating the involvement of ferroptosis. Furthermore, DSF triggered lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), a critical mechanism promoting cell death, in a ROS-dependent manner. Finally, DSF enhanced radiosensitivity of U251 and LN229 cells. Discussion Our findings indicated that DSF induced ferroptosis and LMP and enhanced the radiosensitivity of GBM cells. Therefore, DSF might have efficient antitumor activity in the treatment of human GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,K. G. Jebsen Brain Tumor Research Center, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Wang Z, Jiang H, Cai LY, Ji N, Zeng X, Zhou Y, Shen YQ, Chen QM. Repurposing disulfiram to induce OSCC cell death by cristae dysfunction promoted autophagy. Oral Dis 2020; 27:1148-1160. [PMID: 32989819 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disulfiram has been repurposed as a potential candidate to suppress various cancers. However, its anti-tumor effects and molecular mechanisms of oral squamous cell carcinoma remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the anti-cancer activity and underlying mechanisms of disulfiram in the context of oral squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS We tested the cytotoxicity of disulfiram in oral squamous cell carcinoma using a 3D culture model and a PDX model. Cell proliferation, cell death, and related signaling pathways were evaluated. Mitochondrial DNA copy number, mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial mass, and mitochondrial complexes were analyzed. RESULTS Disulfiram can induce excessive autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells as a result of OXPHOS deficiency. Disulfiram-induced OPA1 degradation can impair the functional cristae structure, which results in a dramatic reduction in mitochondrial respiration capability as well as ATP production. Subsequently, energy deprivation leads to excessive autophagy through AMPK activation. In addition, exogenous ATP blocked the activation of AMPK and rescued disulfiram-induced cell death. CONCLUSION DSF targets mitochondrial inner membrane protein OPA1 to disturb the energy supply, triggering excessive autophagy, and cell death in OSCC. Our study suggests OPA1-dependent ATP generation is pharmacologically targetable in OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu-Yao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying-Qiang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian-Ming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Medicine of Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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25
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Disulfiram potentiates docetaxel cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells through enhanced ROS and autophagy. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:1749-1765. [PMID: 32617902 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays a critical role in reducing the drug sensitivity of docetaxel (DTX) therapy. Disulfiram (DSF) has exhibited potent autophagy inducing activity in multiple studies. We hypothesized that DSF co-treatment could sensitize breast cancer cells to DTX therapy via autophagy modulation. METHODS Breast cancer cells, MCF7, and 4T1, were treated with DTX and DSF, alone and in combination. The effects were analyzed by evaluating cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, induction of autophagy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, the consequence of autophagy and ROS inhibition on the DTX + DSF mediated cytotoxicity was also evaluated. RESULTS Significant synergism in cytotoxicity was observed with DTX + DSF combination in breast cancer cells, MCF7, and 4T1. Hyper induction of ROS and autophagy was also found with the combination treatment. ROS inhibition by N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), as well as autophagy inhibition by ATG5 silencing significantly reduced the autophagy level as well as cytotoxicity of the DTX + DSF combination, indicating that the induction of autophagy mediated by high ROS generation played a critical role behind the synergistic cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that DTX + DSF combination therapy can effectively sensitize cancer cells by hyper inducing autophagy through ROS generation and can be developed as a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment in the future.
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26
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Yang Q, Yao Y, Li K, Jiao L, Zhu J, Ni C, Li M, Dou QP, Yang H. An Updated Review of Disulfiram: Molecular Targets and Strategies for Cancer Treatment. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:3248-3256. [PMID: 31419930 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190816233755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Repurposing already approved drugs as new anticancer agents is a promising strategy considering the advantages such as low costs, low risks and less time-consumption. Disulfiram (DSF), as the first drug for antialcoholism, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 60 years ago. Increasing evidence indicates that DSF has great potential for the treatment of various human cancers. Several mechanisms and targets of DSF related to cancer therapy have been proposed, including the inhibition of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), cancer cell stemness and cancer metastasis, and alteration of the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). This article provides a brief review about the history of the use of DSF in humans and its molecular mechanisms and targets of anticancer therapy, describes DSF delivery strategies for cancer treatment, summarizes completed and ongoing cancer clinical trials involving DSF, and offers strategies to better use DSF in cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhu Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Yao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Jiao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Jiazhen Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Ni
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Q Ping Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology and Pathology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States
| | - Huanjie Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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27
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Kirtonia A, Gala K, Fernandes SG, Pandya G, Pandey AK, Sethi G, Khattar E, Garg M. Repurposing of drugs: An attractive pharmacological strategy for cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 68:258-278. [PMID: 32380233 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human malignancies are one of the major health-related issues though out the world and anticipated to rise in the future. The development of novel drugs/agents requires a huge amount of cost and time that represents a major challenge for drug discovery. In the last three decades, the number of FDA approved drugs has dropped down and this led to increasing interest in drug reposition or repurposing. The present review focuses on recent concepts and therapeutic opportunities for the utilization of antidiabetics, antibiotics, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, PDE inhibitors and estrogen receptor antagonist, Antabuse, antiparasitic and cardiovascular agents/drugs as an alternative approach against human malignancies. The repurposing of approved non-cancerous drugs is an effective strategy to develop new therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer patients at an affordable cost in clinics. In the current scenario, most of the countries throughout the globe are unable to meet the medical needs of cancer patients because of the high cost of the available cancerous drugs. Some of these drugs displayed potential anti-cancer activity in preclinic and clinical studies by regulating several key molecular mechanisms and oncogenic pathways in human malignancies. The emerging pieces of evidence indicate that repurposing of drugs is crucial to the faster and cheaper discovery of anti-cancerous drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kirtonia
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Kavita Gala
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India; Equal contribution
| | - Gouri Pandya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India; Equal contribution
| | - Amit Kumar Pandey
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Haryana, 122413, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM's NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai, 400056, India.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
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28
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Zhong Y, Sun R, Geng Y, Zhou Q, Piao Y, Xie T, Zhou R, Shen Y. N-Oxide polymer-cupric ion nanogels potentiate disulfiram for cancer therapy. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:1726-1733. [PMID: 31995039 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm01841g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Disulfiram (DSF) exerts potent anticancer activity via the formation of chelates with copper or zinc ions in tumor tissues, but the low abundance of these ions in the tumor cannot sustain its antitumor activity. Herein, we show that a zwitterionic water-soluble N-oxide polymer, poly[2-(N-oxide-N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (OPDMA), can complex cupric ions and form nanogels (OPDMA/Cu), which efficiently deliver copper ions to tumor tissue to potentiate DSF significantly for effective antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhong
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Rui Sun
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Yu Geng
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Quan Zhou
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Ying Piao
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Tao Xie
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- Institute of Quantitative Biology and Department of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
| | - Youqing Shen
- College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
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29
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Ekinci E, Rohondia S, Khan R, Dou QP. Repurposing Disulfiram as An Anti-Cancer Agent: Updated Review on Literature and Patents. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 14:113-132. [PMID: 31084595 DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190514104035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite years of success of most anti-cancer drugs, one of the major clinical problems is inherent and acquired resistance to these drugs. Overcoming the drug resistance or developing new drugs would offer promising strategies in cancer treatment. Disulfiram, a drug currently used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, has been found to have anti-cancer activity. OBJECTIVE To summarize the anti-cancer effects of Disulfiram through a thorough patent review. METHODS This article reviews molecular mechanisms and recent patents of Disulfiram in cancer therapy. RESULTS Several anti-cancer mechanisms of Disulfiram have been proposed, including triggering oxidative stress by the generation of reactive oxygen species, inhibition of the superoxide dismutase activity, suppression of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. In addition, Disulfiram can reverse the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs by inhibiting the P-glycoprotein multidrug efflux pump and suppressing the activation of NF-kB, both of which play an important role in the development of drug resistance. Furthermore, Disulfiram has been found to reduce angiogenesis because of its metal chelating properties as well as its ability to inactivate Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and matrix metalloproteinases. Disulfiram has also been shown to inhibit the proteasomes, DNA topoisomerases, DNA methyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase P1, and O6- methylguanine DNA methyltransferase, a DNA repair protein highly expressed in brain tumors. The patents described in this review demonstrate that Disulfiram is useful as an anti-cancer drug. CONCLUSION For years the FDA-approved, well-tolerated, inexpensive, orally-administered drug Disulfiram was used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism, but it has recently demonstrated anti-cancer effects in a range of solid and hematological malignancies. Its combination with copper at clinically relevant concentrations might overcome the resistance of many anti-cancer drugs in vitro, in vivo, and in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Ekinci
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Sagar Rohondia
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Raheel Khan
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Qingping P Dou
- Departments of Oncology, Pharmacology & Pathology, School of Medicine, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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30
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Schmidtova S, Kalavska K, Gercakova K, Cierna Z, Miklikova S, Smolkova B, Buocikova V, Miskovska V, Durinikova E, Burikova M, Chovanec M, Matuskova M, Mego M, Kucerova L. Disulfiram Overcomes Cisplatin Resistance in Human Embryonal Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1224. [PMID: 31443351 PMCID: PMC6769487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is a clinical challenge. We investigated the underlying mechanisms associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and modalities circumventing the chemoresistance. Chemoresistant models (designated as CisR) of human embryonal carcinoma cell lines NTERA-2 and NCCIT were derived and characterized using flow cytometry, gene expression, functional and protein arrays. Tumorigenicity was determined on immunodeficient mouse model. Disulfiram was used to examine chemosensitization of resistant cells. ALDH1A3 isoform expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 216 patients' tissue samples. Chemoresistant cells were significantly more resistant to cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin compared to parental cells. NTERA-2 CisR cells exhibited altered morphology and increased tumorigenicity. High ALDH1A3 expression and increased ALDH activity were detected in both refractory cell lines. Disulfiram in combination with cisplatin showed synergy for NTERA-2 CisR and NCCIT CisR cells and inhibited growth of NTERA-2 CisR xenografts. Significantly higher ALDH1A3 expression was detected in TGCTs patients' tissue samples compared to normal testicular tissue. We characterized novel clinically relevant model of chemoresistant TGCTs, for the first time identified the ALDH1A3 as a therapeutic target in TGCTs and more importantly, showed that disulfiram represents a viable treatment option for refractory TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schmidtova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Gercakova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Cierna
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera Miskovska
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Kolarska 12, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Erika Durinikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Matuskova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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31
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Cole DW, Svider PF, Shenouda KG, Lee PB, Yoo NG, McLeod TM, Mutchnick SA, Yoo GH, Kaufman RJ, Callaghan MU, Fribley AM. Targeting the unfolded protein response in head and neck and oral cavity cancers. Exp Cell Res 2019; 382:111386. [PMID: 31075256 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Many FDA-approved anti-cancer therapies, targeted toward a wide array of molecular targets and signaling networks, have been demonstrated to activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). Despite a critical role for UPR signaling in the apoptotic execution of cancer cells by many of these compounds, the authors are currently unaware of any instance whereby a cancer drug was developed with the UPR as the intended target. With the essential role of the UPR as a driving force in the genesis and maintenance of the malignant phenotype, a great number of pre-clinical studies have surged into the medical literature describing the ability of dozens of compounds to induce UPR signaling in a myriad of cancer models. The focus of the current work is to review the literature and explore the role of the UPR as a mediator of chemotherapy-induced cell death in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) and oral cavity (OCSCC), with an emphasis on preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Cole
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Peter F Svider
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kerolos G Shenouda
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Paul B Lee
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas G Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Thomas M McLeod
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sean A Mutchnick
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - George H Yoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael U Callaghan
- Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Andrew M Fribley
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA; Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
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