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Duan W, Yu M, Chen J. BRD4: New Hope in the Battle Against Glioblastoma. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106767. [PMID: 37061146 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The BET family proteins, comprising BRD2, BRD3 and BRD4, represent epigenetic readers of acetylated histone marks that play pleiotropic roles in the tumorigenesis and growth of multiple human malignancies, including glioblastoma (GBM). A growing body of investigation has proven BET proteins as valuable therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Recently, several BRD4 inhibitors and degraders have been reported to successfully suppress GBM in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the precise role and mechanism of BRD4 in the pathogenesis of GBM have not been fully elucidated or summarized. This review focuses on summarizing the roles and mechanisms of BRD4 in the context of the initiation and development of GBM. In addition, several BRD4 inhibitors have been evaluated for therapeutic purposes as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immune therapies. Here, we provide a critical appraisal of studies evaluating various BRD4 inhibitors and degraders as novel treatment strategies against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Duan
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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2
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Yang WQ, Liang R, Gao MQ, Liu YZ, Qi B, Zhao BS. Inhibition of bromodomain-containing protein 4 enhances the migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by inducing cell autophagy. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:2340-2352. [PMID: 36568944 PMCID: PMC9782615 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i12.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the predominant type of esophageal cancer, has a 5-year survival rate less than 20%. Although the cause of poor prognosis is the high incidence and mortality of ESCC, the high rate of metastasis after esophageal cancer surgery is the main cause of death after the surgery. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an epigenetic reader of chromatin-acetylated histones in tumorigenesis and development, plays an essential role in regulating oncogene expression. BRD4 inhibition and BRD4 inhibition-based treatment can potentially suppress ESCC growth. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of BRD4 on ESCC cell migration remain unclear.
AIM To explore the effect of BRD4 on cell migration of ESCC in vitro and its possible molecular mechanism.
METHODS Human ESCC cell lines KYSE-450 and KYSE-150 were used. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to examine cell proliferation, and the transwell migration assay was conducted to test ESCC cell migration. JQ1, a BRD4 inhibitor, was applied to cells, and BRD4 siRNA was transfected into ESCC cells to knockdown endogenous BRD4. GFP-RFP-LC3 adenovirus was infected into ESCC cells to evaluate the effect of JQ1 on autophagy. Western blotting was performed to determine the protein levels of BRD4, E-cadherin, vimentin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and p-AMPK.
RESULTS BRD4 was either downregulated by small interfering RNA or pretreated with JQ1 in ESCC cells, leading to increased tumor migration in ESCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Inhibition of BRD4 not only significantly suppressed cell proliferation but also strongly increased cell migration by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The protein expression of vimentin was increased and E-cadherin decreased in a dose-dependent manner, subsequently promoting autophagy in KYSE-450 and KYSE-150 cells. Pretreatment with JQ1, a BRD4 inhibitor, inhibited BRD4-induced LC3-II activation and upregulated AMPK phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, an increased number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes were observed in JQ1-treated ESCC cells. The autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reversed the effects of BRD4 knockdown on ESCC cell migration and blocked JQ1-induced cell migration. 3-MA also downregulated the expression of vimentin and upregulation E-cadherin.
CONCLUSION BRD4 inhibition enhances cell migration by inducing EMT and autophagy in ESCC cells via the AMPK-modified pathway. Thus, the facilitating role on ESCC cell migration should be considered for BRD4 inhibitor clinical application to ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qian Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
| | - Man-Qi Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
| | - Yu-Zhen Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Life Science Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
| | - Bo Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
| | - Bao-Sheng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
- Esophageal Cancer Institute, Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui 453100, Henan Province, China
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3
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Zhao MJ, Cheng L, Huang YJ, Tao Y, Gu X, Zheng JQ. Establishment and Validation of an ICP-MS Method for Simultaneous Measurement of 24 Elemental Impurities in Ubenimex APIs According to USP/ICH guidelines. CURR PHARM ANAL 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573412916999200423103711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
To control the potential presence of heavy metals in pharmaceuticals, the United States
Pharmacopeia (USP) and International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) have put forth new requirements and
guidelines. USP <232> and ICH Q3D specify 24 elemental impurities and their concentration limits in consideration of
the permitted daily exposure (PDE) of different drug categories (oral, parenteral and inhalation). while USP <233>
describes more information about sample preparation and method validation procedure.
Objective:
To establish and verify an ICP-MS method for the determination of 24 elemental impurities (Cd, Pb, As, Hg,
Co, V, Ni, Tl, Au, Pd, Ir, Os, Ph, Ru, Se, Ag, Pt, Li, Sb, Ba, Mo, Cu, Sn, Cr) in ubenimex APIs according to USP/ICH
guidelines.
Method:
Samples were analyzed by ICP-MS after direct dissolution in diluted acid solution. All elements were detected
in He/HEHe mode (except for Li, which was in No gas mode).
Results:
The spiked recoveries were within 80-120% except Hg (79.4% at 0.5J level in HEHe mode) and Cd (121.9%
at 0.5J level in HE mode). The RSD of repeatability (N = 6) for all elements were < 7.0% and intermediate precision (N
= 12) were < 9.0%. The correlation coefficients of linear (R) for 24 elements were all > 0.998. The limits of detection
(LOD) were < 1 ng/mL except that Ni was 1.23 ng/mL in HEHe mode. The contents of 24 elements in 3 batches of
samples were significantly lower than the actual target limit of ICH, while the highest content of Pd did not exceed 10
μg/g.
Conclusion:
The established method was proved to be simple, sensitive and accurate. It successfully applied to the
elemental impurity determination in 3 batches of ubenimex APIs from different manufactories. This method also
provided technical guidance for determination of multiple elements in pharmaceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Juan Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control (Key Laboratory of Core Technology for Generic Drug Evaluation, China Drug Administration), Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Yu-Jia Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Ying Tao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Xiao Gu
- Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control (Key Laboratory of Core Technology for Generic Drug Evaluation, China Drug Administration), Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
| | - Jin-Qi Zheng
- Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control (Key Laboratory of Core Technology for Generic Drug Evaluation, China Drug Administration), Hangzhou, Zhejiang,China
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Li F, Yang C, Zhang HB, Ma J, Jia J, Tang X, Zeng J, Chong T, Wang X, He D, Guo P. BET inhibitor JQ1 suppresses cell proliferation via inducing autophagy and activating LKB1/AMPK in bladder cancer cells. Cancer Med 2019; 8:4792-4805. [PMID: 31250978 PMCID: PMC6712466 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM JQ1, a BET bromodomain inhibitor, is a promising therapeutic approach for bladder cancer (BC). Our study aimed to determine whether autophagy is induced by JQ1 and its potential role toward proliferation in BC. METHODS Cell proliferation was determined by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell counting assay, and colony formation assay. Autophagosomes and autolysosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy and mRFP-EGFP-LC3 fluorescence assay. 3-MA, BAFA1, NH4 Cl, and siATG5 were used to inhibit autophagy. AMPK siRNA was used to knock down AMPK. T24 xenograft model in mice was chosen to perform in vivo studies. Autophagy markers LC-3B and p62, p-AMPKα, p-ACC, p-ULK1, p-mTOR and p-LKB1 were determined by western blot in vitro studies and by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in vivo specimens. RESULTS We found that BC cell proliferation was suppressed by JQ1; moreover, JQ1 induced the accumulation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes, and autophagy flux, and the growth suppression capacity of JQ1 was attenuated by autophagy inhibitors. Furthermore, we found that JQ1 induced the phosphorylation of AMPKα, and AMPKα knockdown attenuated autophagy induction and anti-proliferation effect induced by JQ1 in BC cells, indicating that autophagy induced by JQ1 is dependent on AMPKα. Through endogenous immunoprecipitation analysis, we found that JQ1 dramatically increased the interaction between LKB1 and AMPKα, which may lead to more AMPK activation. Proliferation inhibition, autophagy induction, and LKB1/AMPK activation capacities of JQ1 were further confirmed in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results demonstrate that autophagy is induced by JQ1 through activation of LKB1/AMPK pathway, and the autophagy induced by JQ1 positively contributes to the inhibition of BC cell proliferation. These findings provide a novel point of view to understand the mechanism of how targeting BET bromodomain suppress cancer cell growth and suggest that targeting BET bromodomain might be a potential approach to treat BC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hai-Bao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianbin Ma
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Jia
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Zeng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tie Chong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinyang Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dalin He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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5
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Wu DM, Hong XW, Wen X, Han XR, Wang S, Wang YJ, Shen M, Fan SH, Zhuang J, Zhang ZF, Shan Q, Li MQ, Hu B, Sun CH, Lu J, Zheng YL. MCL1 gene silencing promotes senescence and apoptosis of glioma cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. IUBMB Life 2018; 71:81-92. [PMID: 30296359 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioma is known to be the most prevalent primary brain tumor. In recent years, there has been evidence indicating myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL1) plays a role in brain glioblastoma. Therefore, the present study was conducted with aims of exploring the ability of MCL1 silencing to influence glioma cell senescence and apoptosis through the mediation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Glioma and tumor-adjacent tissues were collected in order to detect the presence of higher levels of MCL1 protein expression. Next, the mRNA and protein expression of MCL1, PI3K, Akt, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-associated X (Bax), B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog (Bmi-1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were determined. Cell counting kit-8 assay was applied to detect cell proliferation, β-galactosidase staining for cell senescence, and flow cytometry for cell cycle entry and apoptosis. Initially, the results revealed higher positive expression rate of MCL1 protein, increased mRNA and protein expression of MCL1, PI3K, Akt, Bmi-1, and Bcl-2 and decreased that of Bax and PTEN in human glioma tissues. The silencing of MCL1 resulted in a decrease in mRNA and protein expression of PI3K, Akt, Bmi-1, and Bcl-2 and an increase in Bax and PTEN expressions in glioma cells. Moreover, silencing of MCL1 also inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle entry in glioma cells, and promoted glioma cell senescence and apoptosis. In conclusion, the aforementioned results collectively suggested that the silencing of MCL1 promotes senescence and apoptosis in glioma cells through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, decreasing the expression of MCL1 might have therapeutic functions in glioma. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):81-92, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Mei Wu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Wu Hong
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Rui Han
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Shen
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Hua Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Zhuang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,School of Environment Science and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221008, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian, 223300, China
| | - Zi-Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Shan
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Qiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Hu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hui Sun
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Lu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Lin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, China.,College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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6
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Chen YH, Zeng WJ, Wen ZP, Cheng Q, Chen XP. Under explored epigenetic modulators: role in glioma chemotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 833:201-209. [PMID: 29864410 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients with somatic mutations of epigenetic regulators are characterized by aberrant chromatin modification patterns. Recent mechanistic studies pairing chemical tool compounds and deep-sequencing technology have greatly broadened our understanding of epigenetic regulation in glioma progression and underpinned alternative treatment of epigenetic inhibitors. However, the effect of most inhibitors is condition-dependent, and the overall results of clinical trials still have not been applied to patients. There is an intense need to develop more potent and specific compounds as well as identify the population who may achieve clinical benefits. Besides, combination therapy with conventional therapeutics is another alternative strategy. In this review, we summarize well-characterized chemical probes in glioma research and clinical translation. We also discuss the target population and combination of therapy regimens of various agents. In a holistic sense, we try to provide guidance for selecting targeted chemical probes and pave the way for personalized rational therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Chen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Wen-Jing Zeng
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Wen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Chen
- Department of Clinical pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China.
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7
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Abstract
Hexim1 acts as a tumor suppressor and is involved in the regulation of innate immunity. It was initially described as a non-coding RNA-dependent regulator of transcription. Here, we detail how 7SK RNA binds to Hexim1 and turns it into an inhibitor of the positive transcription elongation factor (P-TEFb). In addition to its action on P-TEFb, it plays a role in a variety of different mechanisms: it controls the stability of transcription factor components and assists binding of transcription factors to their targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke A Michels
- a IBENS , Ecole Normale Supérieure UMR CNRS 8107, UA INSERM 1024 , 46 rue d'Ulm Paris Cedex France
| | - Olivier Bensaude
- a IBENS , Ecole Normale Supérieure UMR CNRS 8107, UA INSERM 1024 , 46 rue d'Ulm Paris Cedex France
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8
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Wang X, Liu Y, Wu R, Guo F, Zhang L, Cui M, Wu X, Zhang Y, Liu W. Role of ubenimex as an anticancer drug and its synergistic effect with Akt inhibitor in human A375 and A2058 cells. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:943-953. [PMID: 29503569 PMCID: PMC5826084 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s157480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant melanoma (MM) is a malignant tumor produced by changes in melanocytes in the skin or other organs. In the classification of skin tumor mortality, skin melanoma ranks the highest. Ubenimex, an Aminopeptidase N (APN) inhibitor, is now widely used for cancer as an adjunct therapy, conferring antitumor effects. Apoptosis and the induction of autophagy have both been found to be closely associated with tumor cell death. Methods In this study, the A375 and A2058 cell lines were treated with ubenimex. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Apoptosis and autophagic cell death were assessed using flow cytometry and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Protein expression was assessed by Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence. Matrigel invasion and migration assays were used to examine the metastatic ability of melanoma cells. Results The results revealed that ubenimex inhibited the expression of APN in melanoma cells, which may be connected with the inhibition of metastasis. In addition, it increased melanoma cell death by inducing apoptosis and autophagic cell death. This effect was accompanied by increased levels of p-JNK. Moreover, treatment with ubenimex induced protective Akt activation, and combined use of an Akt inhibitor with ubenimex provided a better effect for inducing tumor cell death. Conclusion As an effective anti-tumor drug in vitro, ubenimex might be an excellent adjunctive therapy for the treatment of melanoma, with greater effects when combined with the use of an Akt inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongde Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyu Cui
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongfei Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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9
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Han L, Zhang Y, Liu S, Zhao Q, Liang X, Ma Z, Gupta PK, Zhao M, Wang A. Autophagy flux inhibition, G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction by ubenimex in glioma cell lines. Oncotarget 2017; 8:107730-107743. [PMID: 29296201 PMCID: PMC5746103 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate whether ubenimex could work as an anti-tumor drug alone in glioma cells and figure out the underlying potential mechanisms. Ubenimex is widely used as an adjunct therapy in multiple solid cancers. However, it is rarely used to treat glioblastoma. The function of ubenimex in enhancing JQ1 treatment sensitivity of glioma cells by blocking autophagic degradation of HEXIM1 was previously studied. However, the detailed mechanism of autophagy regulation by ubenimex remains unclear. The U87 and U251 cell lines were treated with different doses of ubenimex. Cell viability was measured by using the WST-8 assay. Cell death was assessed using trypan blue staining and flow cytometry. The migration and invasive ability of glioma cells were examined by transwell migration/invasion assay. LC3-GFP-RFP was used to measure autophagic flux. Protein expression was assessed by Western blot analysis. Autophagosomes were evaluated using the transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, cell cycle arrest (PI Staining) was measured by flow cytometry. Results revealed that ubenimex inhibited cell proliferation as well as migration/invasion in glioma cells. Besides, ubenimex increased glioma cell death via autophagic flux inhibition. Meanwhile, ubenimex induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis, and this effect was accompanied by the decreased levels of p-Akt, indicating the role of ubenimex in the regulation of glioma cell proliferation and metastasis. To sum up, this study concluded that ubenimex could work as an anti-tumor drug alone in the glioma cells via inhibiting autophagic flux and inducing G2/M arrest as well as apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Han
- Department of Neurology, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Yongfei Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Xianhong Liang
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Zhiguo Ma
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Police Hospital, Jinan, P.R. China
| | | | - Miaoqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Aihua Wang
- Department of Neurology, Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
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