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Kowalewski A, Borowczak J, Maniewski M, Gostomczyk K, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. Targeting apoptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116805. [PMID: 38781868 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116805] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent subtype of renal cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all renal cell cancers. Due to its exceptional inter- and intratumor heterogeneity, it is highly resistant to conventional systemic therapies. Targeting the evasion of cell death, one of cancer's hallmarks, is currently emerging as an alternative strategy for ccRCC. In this article, we review the current state of apoptosis-inducing therapies against ccRCC, including antisense oligonucleotides, BH3 mimetics, histone deacetylase inhibitors, cyclin-kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of apoptosis protein antagonists, and monoclonal antibodies. Although preclinical studies have shown encouraging results, these compounds fail to improve patients' outcomes significantly. Current evidence suggests that inducing apoptosis in ccRCC may promote tumor progression through apoptosis-induced proliferation, anastasis, and apoptosis-induced nuclear expulsion. Therefore, re-evaluating this approach is expected to enable successful preclinical-to-clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kowalewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Center of Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland.
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Clinical Department of Oncology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
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SREBP1 site 1 protease inhibitor PF-429242 suppresses renal cell carcinoma cell growth. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:717. [PMID: 34285190 PMCID: PMC8292369 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells have increased lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP1) is cleaved by site 1 protease (S1P) to release the transcriptionally active amino-terminal domain. PF-429242 is a potent and competitive S1P inhibitor. We here tested its activity in RCC cells. In established and primary human RCC cells, PF-429242 potently inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The S1P inhibitor provoked apoptosis activation in RCC cells. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated S1P silencing or CRISPR/Cas9-induced S1P knockout led to RCC cell growth inhibition and apoptosis activation. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of SREBP1 or S1P augmented RCC cell proliferation and migration. Daily i.v. injection of a single dose of PF-429242 robustly inhibited RCC xenograft growth in severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Additionally, intratumoral injection of S1P shRNA lentivirus inhibited RCC xenograft growth in mice. SREBP1, S1P, and its target gene low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) were significantly elevated in human RCC tissues. These results suggest that targeting S1P by PF-429242 inhibited RCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
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Zhang S, Chen Y, Tian C, He Y, Tian Z, Wan Y, Liu T. Dual-target Inhibitors Based on BRD4: Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1775-1795. [PMID: 32520674 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200610174453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, cancer continues being a dramatically increasing and serious threat to public health. Although many anti-tumor agents have been developed in recent years, the survival rate of patients is not satisfactory. The poor prognosis of cancer patients is closely related to the occurrence of drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new strategies for cancer treatment. Multi-target therapies aim to have additive or synergistic effects and reduce the potential for the development of resistance by integrating different pharmacophores into a single drug molecule. Given the fact that majority of diseases are multifactorial in nature, multi-target therapies are being exploited with increasing intensity, which has brought improved outcomes in disease models and obtained several compounds that have entered clinical trials. Thus, it is potential to utilize this strategy for the treatment of BRD4 related cancers. This review focuses on the recent research advances of dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 in the aspect of anti-tumor. METHODS We have searched the recent literatures about BRD4 inhibitors from the online resources and databases, such as pubmed, elsevier and google scholar. RESULTS In the recent years, many efforts have been taken to develop dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 as anti-cancer agents, such as HDAC/BRD4 dual inhibitors, PLK1/BRD4 dual inhibitors and PI3K/BRD4 dual inhibitors and so on. Most compounds display good anti-tumor activities. CONCLUSION Developing new anti-cancer agents with new scaffolds and high efficiency is a big challenge for researchers. Dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 are a class of important bioactive compounds. Making structural modifications on the active dual-target inhibitors according to the corresponding structure-activity relationships is of benefit to obtain more potent anti-cancer leads or clinical drugs. This review will be useful for further development of new dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitao Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Yanzhao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Chengsen Tian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250200, China
| | - Yujing He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Zeru Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Yichao Wan
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Organic Chemistry and Functional Molecule, Ministry of Education, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Controllable Preparation and Functional Application of Fine Polymers, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan 411201, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
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Augmented Antitumor Activity for Novel Dual PI3K/BDR4 Inhibitors, SF2523 and SF1126 in Ewing Sarcoma. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 43:e304-e311. [PMID: 33480647 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common pediatric bone cancer. Despite recent advances in the treatment, patients with metastatic tumors have dismal prognosis and hence novel therapies are urgently needed to combat this cancer. A recent study has shown that phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors can synergistically increase sensitivity to bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors in ES cells and therefore combined inhibition of PI3K and bromodomain and extraterminal domain bromodomain proteins might provide benefit in this cancer. Herein, we have investigated the efficacy of dual PI3K/BRD4 inhibitors, SF2523 and SF1126, for their antitumor activity in ES cell lines. The effect of SF1126 and SF2523 on cell viability and PI3K signaling was assessed on a panel of human ES cell lines. To evaluate the antitumor activity of SF1126, A673 cells were injected intrafemorally into RAG-2-/- mice and treated with 50 mg/kg SF1126 6 days per week, for 30 days. Both SF1126 and SF2523 decreased cell survival and inhibited phosphorylation of AKT in human ES cell lines. In vivo, SF1126 showed a significant reduction in tumor volume. These results suggest that dual PI3K/BRD4 inhibitor, SF1126, has antitumor activity in ES models.
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Acharya A, Pandey K, Thurman M, Challagundala KB, Vann KR, Kutateladze TG, Morales GA, Durden DL, Byrareddy SN. Blockade of SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro by highly potent PI3K-α/mTOR/BRD4 inhibitor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33688653 DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.02.433604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenic viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and HIV hijack the host molecular machinery to establish infection and survival in infected cells. This has led the scientific community to explore the molecular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells, establishes productive infection, and causes life-threatening pathophysiology. Very few targeted therapeutics for COVID-19 currently exist, such as remdesivir. Recently, a proteomic approach explored the interactions of 26 of 29 SARS-CoV-2 proteins with cellular targets in human cells and identified 67 interactions as potential targets for drug development. Two of the critical targets, the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain proteins (BETs): BRD2/BRD4 and mTOR, are inhibited by the dual inhibitory small molecule SF2523 at nanomolar potency. SF2523 is the only known mTOR PI3K-α/(BRD2/BRD4) inhibitor with potential to block two orthogonal pathways necessary for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in human cells. Our results demonstrate that SF2523 effectively blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung bronchial epithelial cells in vitro , showing an IC 50 value of 1.5 µM, comparable to IC 50 value of remdesivir (1.1 µM). Further, we demonstrated that the combination of doses of SF2523 and remdesivir is highly synergistic: it allows for the reduction of doses of SF2523 and remdesivir by 25-fold and 4-fold, respectively, to achieve the same potency observed for a single inhibitor. Because SF2523 inhibits two SARS-CoV-2 driven pathogenesis mechanisms involving BRD2/BRD4 and mTOR signaling, our data suggest that SF2523 alone or in combination with remdesivir could be a novel and efficient therapeutic strategy to block SARS-CoV-2 infection and hence be beneficial in preventing severe COVID-19 disease evolution. One Sentence Summary Evidence of in silico designed chemotype (SF2523) targeting PI3K-α/mTOR/BRD4 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and is highly synergistic with remdesivir.
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Co-delivery of EGFR and BRD4 siRNA by cell-penetrating peptides-modified redox-responsive complex in triple negative breast cancer cells. Life Sci 2020; 266:118886. [PMID: 33310044 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has drawn more and more attention due to its high mitotic indices, high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Gene therapy, especially RNA interference (RNAi), has become a promising targeted therapy. However, improvement of transfection efficiency and discovery of target genes are major problems for the delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNA). MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present study, we developed GALA- and CREKA-modified PEG-SS-PEI to deliver siRNAs targeting on EGFR and BRD4 for TNBC therapy. The PEG-SS-PEI/siRNA complexes were prepared by electrostatic interaction and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The release characteristic, stability, cellular uptake and intracellular localization of the complexes were also studied. The effect of the complexes on cell viability was measured in MDA-MB-231 and HUVEC cells. The in vitro anti-tumor activities of the complexes were analyzed by Transwell invasion assay and wound healing assay. The gene silencing effect was evaluated by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. KEY FINDINGS The results revealed that the GALA- and CREKA-modified PEG-SS-PEI/siRNA complexes showed excellent transfection efficiency with redox-sensitive release profile and good biological compatibility. The complexes protected siRNA from the degradation of RNA enzymes. The complexes significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells via the synergistic inhibition of EGFR/PI3K/Akt and BRD4/c-Myc pathways. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, co-delivery of siEGFR and siBRD4 by GALA-PEG-SS-PEI and CREKA-PEG-SS-PEI may provide a more effective strategy for the treatment of TNBC.
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Zheng B, Sun X, Chen XF, Chen Z, Zhu WL, Zhu H, Gu DH. Dual inhibition of DNA-PKcs and mTOR by CC-115 potently inhibits human renal cell carcinoma cell growth. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:20445-20456. [PMID: 33109772 PMCID: PMC7655216 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
CC-115 is a dual inhibitor of DNA-PKcs and mTOR, both are valuable therapeutic targets for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our results showed that CC-115 inhibited survival and proliferation of established RCC cell lines (786-O and A489) and primary human RCC cells. The dual inhibitor induced selective apoptosis activation in RCC cells, as compared to no cytotoxicity nor apoptotic effects toward normal renal epithelial cells. CC-115 inhibited DNA-PKcs and mTORC1/2 activation in RCC cells. It was however ineffective in DNA-PKcs-mTOR double knockout (DKO) 786-O cells. CC-115 induced feedback autophagy activation in RCC cells. Autophagy inhibitors or Beclin-1/Light chain 3 (LC3) silencing potentiated CC-115-induced anti-RCC cell activity. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of Beclin-1 inhibited CC-115-induced cytotoxicity. At last CC-115 oral administration inhibited 786-O subcutaneous xenograft growth in nude mice. Taken together, dual inhibition of DNA-PKcs and mTOR by CC-115 potently inhibited RCC cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zheng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xu Sun
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Hospital Affiliated 5 to Nantong University, Taizhou People’s Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Xin-Feng Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhan Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhu
- Port Clinic, Changshu Customs, Changshu, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong-Hua Gu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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BRD4 inhibition sensitizes renal cell carcinoma cells to the PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor VS-5584. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:19147-19158. [PMID: 33051401 PMCID: PMC7732329 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway promotes the progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study tested the anti-RCC cell activity of the PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, VS-5584. We show that VS-5584 inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTORC1/2 activation in established (786-O and A498 lines) and primary RCC cells, thereby suppressing cell survival, proliferation, migration and cell cycle progression. VS-5584 induced significant apoptosis in RCC cells. A daily single oral dose of VS-5584 (20 mg/kg) significantly inhibited 786-O tumor growth in vivo. VS-5584 treatment of 786-O tumor xenografts and RCC cells resulted in feedback upregulation of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4). Furthermore, BRD4 inhibition (by JQ1 and CPI203), knockdown or complete knockout potentiated VS-5584-induced RCC cell death and apoptosis. Conversely, forced overexpression of BRD4 attenuated the cytotoxicity of VS-5584 in 786-O cells. Collectively, VS-5584 potently inhibits RCC cell proliferation and survival. Its anti-tumor activity is further enhanced by the targeted inhibition of BRD4.
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Ye X, Ruan JW, Huang H, Huang WP, Zhang Y, Zhang F. PI3K-Akt-mTOR inhibition by GNE-477 inhibits renal cell carcinoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:9489-9499. [PMID: 32421688 PMCID: PMC7288912 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sustained activation of PI3K-Akt-mTOR cascade is important for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell progression. GNE-477 is a novel and efficacious PI3K-mTOR dual inhibitor. The current study tested its anti-RCC cell activity. In the primary cultured human RCC cells, GNE-477 potently inhibited cell growth, viability and proliferation, as well as cell cycle progression, migration and invasion. Furthermore, it induced robust apoptosis activation in primary RCC cells, but being non-cytotoxic to HK-2 epithelial cells and primary human renal epithelial cells. In the primary RCC cells GNE-477 inactivated PI3K-Akt-mTOR cascade by blocking phosphorylation of p85, Akt1, p70S6K1 and S6. Restoring Akt-mTOR activation by a constitutively-active Akt1 reversed GNE-477-induced anti-RCC cell activity. In nude mice intraperitoneal injection of GNE-477 potently suppressed RCC xenograft tumor growth. Collectively, targeting PI3K-Akt-mTOR cascade by GNE-477 inhibits RCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Ye
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jian-Wei Ruan
- Department of Orthopedics, Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Hang Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei-Ping Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Fangyi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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The therapeutic value of SC66 in human renal cell carcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:353. [PMID: 32393791 PMCID: PMC7214466 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2566-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K-AKT-mTOR cascade is required for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression. SC66 is novel AKT inhibitor. We found that SC66 inhibited viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of RCC cell lines (786-O and A498) and patient-derived primary RCC cells. Although SC66blocked AKT-mTORC1/2 activation in RCC cells, it remained cytotoxic in AKT-inhibited/-silenced RCC cells. In RCC cells, SC66 cytotoxicity appears to occur via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, sphingosine kinase 1inhibition, ceramide accumulation and JNK activation, independent of AKT inhibition. The ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine, the JNK inhibitor (JNKi) and the anti-ceramide sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate all attenuated SC66-induced cytotoxicity in 786-O cells. In vivo, oral administration of SC66 potently inhibited subcutaneous 786-O xenograft growth in SCID mice. AKT-mTOR inhibition, SphK1 inhibition, ceramide accumulation and JNK activation were detected in SC66-treated 786-O xenograft tumors, indicating that SC66 inhibits RCC cell progression through AKT-dependent and AKT-independent mechanisms.
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Abstract
MYC is a master transcriptional regulator that controls almost all cellular processes. Over the last several decades, researchers have strived to define the context-dependent transcriptional gene programs that are controlled by MYC, as well as the mechanisms that regulate MYC function, in an effort to better understand the contribution of this oncoprotein to cancer progression. There are a wealth of data indicating that deregulation of MYC activity occurs in a large number of cancers and significantly contributes to disease progression, metastatic potential, and therapeutic resistance. Although the therapeutic targeting of MYC in cancer is highly desirable, there remain substantial structural and functional challenges that have impeded direct MYC-targeted drug development and efficacy. While efforts to drug the ‘undruggable’ may seem futile given these challenges and considering the broad reach of MYC, significant strides have been made to identify points of regulation that can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. These include targeting the deregulation of MYC transcription in cancer through small-molecule inhibitors that induce epigenetic silencing or that regulate the G-quadruplex structures within the MYC promoter. Alternatively, compounds that disrupt the DNA-binding activities of MYC have been the long-standing focus of many research groups, since this method would prevent downstream MYC oncogenic activities regardless of upstream alterations. Finally, proteins involved in the post-translational regulation of MYC have been identified as important surrogate targets to reduce MYC activity downstream of aberrant cell stimulatory signals. Given the complex regulation of the MYC signaling pathway, a combination of these approaches may provide the most durable response, but this has yet to be shown. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the different therapeutic strategies being employed to target oncogenic MYC function, with a focus on post-translational mechanisms.
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Timme N, Han Y, Liu S, Yosief HO, García HD, Bei Y, Klironomos F, MacArthur IC, Szymansky A, von Stebut J, Bardinet V, Dohna C, Künkele A, Rolff J, Hundsdörfer P, Lissat A, Seifert G, Eggert A, Schulte JH, Zhang W, Henssen AG. Small-Molecule Dual PLK1 and BRD4 Inhibitors are Active Against Preclinical Models of Pediatric Solid Tumors. Transl Oncol 2019; 13:221-232. [PMID: 31869746 PMCID: PMC6931204 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2019.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous inhibition of multiple molecular targets is an established strategy to improve the continuance of clinical response to therapy. Here, we screened 49 molecules with dual nanomolar inhibitory activity against BRD4 and PLK1, best classified as dual kinase-bromodomain inhibitors, in pediatric tumor cell lines for their antitumor activity. We identified two candidate dual kinase-bromodomain inhibitors with strong and tumor-specific activity against neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells. Dual PLK1 and BRD4 inhibitor treatment suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in pediatric tumor cell lines at low nanomolar concentrations. This was associated with reduced MYCN-driven gene expression as assessed by RNA sequencing. Treatment of patient-derived xenografts with dual inhibitor UMB103 led to significant tumor regression. We demonstrate that concurrent inhibition of two central regulators of MYC protein family of protooncogenes, BRD4, and PLK1, with single small molecules has strong and specific antitumor effects in preclinical pediatric cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Timme
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Youjia Han
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Chemistry, UMass Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Heathcliff Dorado García
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yi Bei
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Filippos Klironomos
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ian C MacArthur
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annabell Szymansky
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Jennifer von Stebut
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Bardinet
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Constantin Dohna
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Rolff
- Experimental Pharmacology and Oncology Berlin-Buch GmbH (EPO), Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Hundsdörfer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany; Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Andrej Lissat
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Seifert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, UMass Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anton G Henssen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC) of the Charité and the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
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Zuo H, Wang S, Feng J, Liu X. BRD4 contributes to high-glucose-induced podocyte injury by modulating Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling. Biochimie 2019; 165:100-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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p38gamma overexpression promotes renal cell carcinoma cell growth, proliferation and migration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 516:466-473. [PMID: 31229268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have proposed that p38gamma (p38γ) might be critically involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Its expression and potential functions in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are studied here. We show that p38γ mRNA and protein levels are upregulated in human RCC tissues, as compared to its levels in the surrounding normal renal tissues. p38γ upregulation was also detected in established (786-O line) and primary human RCC cells. Functional studies in 786-O cells and primary human RCC cells demonstrated that p38γ silencing (by targeted shRNAs) or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated p38γ knockout (KO) potently inhibited cell growth, viability, proliferation and migration. Furthermore, p38γ shRNA or KO in RCC cells decreased retinoblastoma (Rb) phosphorylation and downregulated cyclin E1/A expression. Additionally, significant apoptosis activation was detected in p38γ-silenced and p38γ-KO RCC cells. Contrarily, ectopic overexpression of p38γ facilitated cell growth, viability, proliferation and migration in RCC cells. Taken together, we show that p38γ overexpression promotes RCC cell growth, proliferation and migration. p38γ could be a novel therapeutic target for human RCC.
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15
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Ye XT, Huang H, Huang WP, Hu WL. LncRNA THOR promotes human renal cell carcinoma cell growth. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 501:661-667. [PMID: 29752937 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have characterized a novel but extremely conserved long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) THOR. THOR directly associates with insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) to promote mRNA stabilization of key pro-cancerous genes. RESULTS Here, we show that THOR is expressed in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues and established/primary human RCC cells. It was not detected in normal renal tissues nor in HK-2 and primary human renal epithelial cells. THOR silencing (by targeted siRNAs) or CRISPR/Cas9 knockout inhibited RCC cell growth, viability and proliferation in vitro. Reversely, forced over-expression of THOR promoted RCC cell survival and proliferation. IGF2BP1-regulated genes, including IGF2, GLI1 and Myc, were downregulated by THOR silencing or knockout, but they were upregulated after THOR over-expression. In vivo, THOR-knockout 786-O tumors grew significantly slower than the control tumors in nude mice. CONCLUSION THOR expression promotes RCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. THOR could be a novel and important therapeutic target for human RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ting Ye
- Graduate School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hang Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei-Ping Huang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei-Lie Hu
- Graduate School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Urology, Guangzhou General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Guangzhou, China.
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Joshi S, Singh AR, Liu KX, Pham TV, Zulcic M, Skola D, Chun HB, Glass CK, Morales GA, Garlich JR, Durden DL. SF2523: Dual PI3K/BRD4 Inhibitor Blocks Tumor Immunosuppression and Promotes Adaptive Immune Responses in Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1036-1044. [PMID: 31018997 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages (MΘs) are key immune infiltrates in solid tumors and serve as major drivers behind tumor growth, immune suppression, and inhibition of adaptive immune responses in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein, BRD4, which binds to acetylated lysine on histone tails, has recently been reported to promote gene transcription of proinflammatory cytokines but has rarely been explored for its role in IL4-driven MΘ transcriptional programming and MΘ-mediated immunosuppression in the TME. Herein, we report that BET bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1, blocks association of BRD4 with promoters of arginase and other IL4-driven MΘ genes, which promote immunosuppression in TME. Pharmacologic inhibition of BRD4 using JQ1 and/or PI3K using dual PI3K/BRD4 inhibitor SF2523 (previously reported by our group as a potent inhibitor to block tumor growth and metastasis in various cancer models) suppresses tumor growth in syngeneic and spontaneous murine cancer models; reduces infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells; blocks polarization of immunosuppressive MΘs; restores CD8+ T-cell activity; and stimulates antitumor immune responses. Finally, our results suggest that BRD4 regulates the immunosuppressive myeloid TME, and BET inhibitors and dual PI3K/BRD4 inhibitors are therapeutic strategies for cancers driven by the MΘ-dependent immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Joshi
- UCSD Department of Pediatrics, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
| | - Alok R Singh
- UCSD Department of Pediatrics, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Kevin X Liu
- UCSD Department of Pediatrics, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Timothy V Pham
- UCSD Department of Pediatrics, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Muamera Zulcic
- UCSD Department of Pediatrics, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Dylan Skola
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Hyun Bae Chun
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Christopher K Glass
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | | | - Donald L Durden
- UCSD Department of Pediatrics, Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
- SignalRx Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, California
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17
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Zhu JX, Xiao JR. SF2523 inhibits human chondrosarcoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 511:559-565. [PMID: 30824188 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.02.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Developing novel therapeutic agents against chondrosarcoma is important. SF2523 is a PI3K-Akt-mTOR and bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) dual inhibitor. Its activity in human chondrosarcoma cells is tested. Our results show that SF2523 potently inhibited survival, proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis activation in SW1353 cells and primary human chondrosarcoma cells. The dual inhibitor was yet non-cytotoxic to the primary human osteoblasts and OB-6 osteoblastic cells. SF2523 blocked Akt-mTOR activation and downregulated BRD4-regulated genes (Bcl-2 and c-Myc) in chondrosarcoma cells. It was more efficient in killing chondrosarcoma cells than other established PI3K-Akt-mTOR and BRD4 inhibitors, including JQ1, perifosine and OSI-027. In vivo, intraperitoneal injection of SF2523 (30 mg/kg) potently inhibited subcutaneous SW1353 xenograft tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Akt-mTOR inhibition as well as Bcl-2 and c-Myc downregulation were detected in SF2523-treated SW1353 tumor tissues. In conclusion, targeting PI3K-Akt-mTOR and BRD4 by SF2523 potently inhibited chondrosarcoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xue Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Ru Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Combinatorial Approach to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy: Rational Drug Design Strategy to Simultaneously Hit Multiple Targets to Kill Tumor Cells and to Activate the Immune System. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:5245034. [PMID: 30853982 PMCID: PMC6377965 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5245034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive CAR T-cell therapy, has clearly established itself as an important modality to treat melanoma and other malignancies. Despite the tremendous clinical success of immunotherapy over other cancer treatments, this approach has shown substantial benefit to only some of the patients while the rest of the patients have not responded due to immune evasion. In recent years, a combination of cancer immunotherapy together with existing anticancer treatments has gained significant attention and has been extensively investigated in preclinical or clinical studies. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of novel regimens combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with therapeutic interventions that (1) increase tumor immunogenicity such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and epigenetic therapy; (2) reverse tumor immunosuppression such as TAMs, MDSCs, and Tregs targeted therapy; and (3) reduce tumor burden and increase the immune effector response with rationally designed dual or triple inhibitory chemotypes.
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19
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Wu CZ, Zheng JJ, Bai YH, Xia P, Zhang HC, Guo Y. HMGB1/RAGE axis mediates the apoptosis, invasion, autophagy, and angiogenesis of the renal cell carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:4501-4510. [PMID: 30122942 PMCID: PMC6078191 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s167197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a sort of non-histone protein in chromatin, which plays an important role in tumor proliferation, invasion, and immune escape. HMGB1-RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) interactions have been reported to be important in a number of cancers. Methods CCK8, flow cytometry and qRT-PCR were used to detected cell viability, apoptosis and gene expression, respectively. Results In the present study, we demonstrated that HMGB1/RAGE axis regulated the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of the renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Further, we discovered that HMGB1/RAGE axis increased the expression of autophagic proteins LC3 and Beclin-1 in RCC. Finally, we used a coculture model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with RCC cell lines to find out that HMGB1 also increased the expression of VEGF and VEGFR2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. An in vivo study further confirmed that HMGB1 knockdown inhibited RCC tumor growth. Conclusion Our results illustrated that HMGB1/RAGE axis mediated RCC cell viability, apoptosis, invasion, autophagy, and angiogenesis, which provides a novel theoretical basis for using HMGB1 as the target in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cun-Zao Wu
- Department of Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,
| | - Jian-Jian Zheng
- Department of Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong-Heng Bai
- Department of Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,
| | - Hai-Cong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Department of Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China,
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