Preclinical efficacy of sepantronium bromide (YM155) in multiple myeloma is conferred by down regulation of Mcl-1

Hypoxia represses early responses of prostate and renal cancer cells to YM155 independent of HIF-1α and HIF-2α

The imidazolium compound Sepantronium Bromide (YM155) successfully promotes tumor regression in various pre-clinical models but has shown modest responses in human clinical trials. We provide evidence to support that the hypoxic milieu of tumors may limit the clinical usefulness of YM155. Hypoxia (1% O2) strongly (>16-fold) represses the cytotoxic activity of YM155 on prostate and renal cancer cells in vitro. Hypoxia also represses all early signaling responses associated with YM155, including activation of AMPK and retinoblastoma protein (Rb), inactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), inhibition of phospho-ribosomal protein S6 (rS6), and suppression of the expression of Cyclin Ds, Mcl-1 and Survivin. Cells pre-incubated with hypoxia for 24 ​h are desensitized to YM155 even when they are treated with YM155 under atmospheric oxygen conditions, supporting that cells at least temporarily retain hypoxia-induced resistance to YM155. We tested the role of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α in the hypoxia-induced resistance to YM155 by comparing responses of YM155 in VHL-proficient versus VHL-deficient RCC4 and 786-O renal cancer cells and silencing HIF expression in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Those studies suggested that hypoxia-induced resistance to YM155 occurs independent of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Moreover, the hypoxia mimetics deferoxamine and dimethyloxalylglycine, which robustly induce HIF-1α levels in PC-3 ​cells under atmospheric oxygen, did not diminish their early cellular responses to YM155. Collectively, our data support that hypoxia induces resistance of cells to YM155 through a HIF-1α and HIF-2α-independent mechanism. We hypothesize that a hypothetical hypoxia-inducer factor (HIF-X) represses early signaling responses to YM155.

Testing of the Survivin Suppressant YM155 in a Large Panel of Drug-Resistant Neuroblastoma Cell Lines

The survivin suppressant YM155 is a drug candidate for neuroblastoma. Here, we tested YM155 in 101 neuroblastoma cell lines (19 parental cell lines, 82 drug-adapted sublines). Seventy seven (77) cell lines displayed YM155 IC₅₀s in the range of clinical YM155 concentrations. ABCB1 was an important determinant of YM155 resistance. The activity of the ABCB1 inhibitor zosuquidar ranged from being similar to that of the structurally different ABCB1 inhibitor verapamil to being 65-fold higher. ABCB1 sequence variations may be responsible for this, suggesting that the design of variant-specific ABCB1 inhibitors may be possible. Further, we showed that ABCC1 confers YM155 resistance. Previously, p53 depletion had resulted in decreased YM155 sensitivity. However, TP53-mutant cells were not generally less sensitive to YM155 than TP53 wild-type cells in this study. Finally, YM155 cross-resistance profiles differed between cells adapted to drugs as similar as cisplatin and carboplatin. In conclusion, the large cell line panel was necessary to reveal an unanticipated complexity of the YM155 response in neuroblastoma cell lines with acquired drug resistance. Novel findings include that ABCC1 mediates YM155 resistance and that YM155 cross-resistance profiles differ between cell lines adapted to drugs as similar as cisplatin and carboplatin.

Targeting MCL-1 in hematologic malignancies: Rationale and progress

Myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (MCL-1) is an antiapoptotic protein that plays a key role in promoting cell survival in multiple myeloma (MM), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Overexpression of MCL-1 is associated with treatment resistance and poor prognosis; thus, MCL-1 inhibitors are rational therapeutic options for malignancies depending on MCL-1. Several MCL-1 inhibitors have entered clinical trials, including AZD5991, S64315, AMG 176, and AMG 397. A key area of investigation is whether MCL-1 inhibitors will complement the activity of BCL-2 inhibitors, such as venetoclax, and synergistically enhance anti-tumor efficacy when given in combination with other anti-cancer drugs. Another important question is whether a safe therapeutic window can be found for this new class of inhibitors. In summary, inhibition of MCL-1 shows potential as a treatment for hematologic malignancies and clinical evaluation of MCL-1 inhibitors is currently underway.

Emerging Effects of Sepantronium Bromide (YM155) on MOLT-4 Cell Line Apoptosis Induction and Expression of Critical Genes Involved in Apoptotic Pathways

Purpose: Sepantronium bromide (YM155) is a Survivin inhibitor which recently advanced as an anticancer agent in phase II clinical trials. Survivin belongs to IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) gene family and is a pivotal target for treatment due to its overexpression and oncogenic function in many malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Although survivin is a specific target for YM155, recent reports have shown that it has many other crucial targets that regulate its anti-apoptotic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether YM155 could have an effect on cell death-inducing genes as well as inducing apoptosis in T-ALL MOLT4- cell line. Methods: We treated MOLT-4 cells with increasing concentrations of YM155 and then cell viability was determined using MTT (methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium) assay. Also, the rate of induction of apoptosis in MOLT-4 cells and the target genes expression levels were evaluated by Annexin V/PI and real-time PCR, respectively. Results: YM155 inhibited cell growth in MOLT-4 cells. This outcome is achieved by inducing apoptosis and a significant increase in the expression level of P53, MiR-9, caspase 3 and decreasing the mRNA expression levels of survivin, Sirtuin1(SIRT1), member of anti-apoptotic proteins family (Bcl-2), and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) initiating factors Snail1and Zeb2. Conclusion: The results showed that use of YM155 can be a potential drug therapy in T-ALL patients with promising effects on apoptosis induction.

Early Cellular Responses of Prostate Carcinoma Cells to Sepantronium Bromide (YM155) Involve Suppression of mTORC1 by AMPK

The imidazolium compound YM155, first discovered as a potent inhibitor of Survivin, effectively kills many carcinomas in preclinical models. However, the upstream signaling mechanism triggered by YM155 remains unclear. Here we studied early signaling responses in vitro in prostate and renal cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. We found that YM155 rapidly activates the retinoblastoma protein, correlating with the loss of expression of all three Cyclin Ds. Using Western blot, various selective chemical inhibitors and q-PCR, we show that YM155-mediated decrease in protein levels of Cyclin Ds, Survivin and Mcl-1 is independent of transcription or proteasomal control mechanisms. Moreover, we provide the first evidence that YM155 changes the phosphorylation status of known mTOR-target proteins involved in translational control, namely ribosomal protein S6 (rS6) and 4E-BP1. Our data support that YM155 achieves this by blocking mTORC1 via the phosphorylation of Raptor at S792 through activated AMPKα (T172). Furthermore, we also used a polysome profile, supporting that YM155 markedly suppresses cap-dependent translation of mRNAs which include Survivin, Cyclin D1 and Mcl-1. We provide the first evidence that YM155 functions as a potent activator of AMPKα, a robust suppressor of mTORC1 and an attenuator of global protein synthesis.

Interplay between Endoplasmic Reticular Stress and Survivin in Colonic Epithelial Cells

Sustained endoplasmic reticular stress (ERS) is implicated in aggressive metastasis of cancer cells and increased tumor cell proliferation. Cancer cells activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), which aids in cellular survival and adaptation to harsh conditions. Inhibition of apoptosis, in contrast, is a mechanism adopted by cancer cells with the help of the inhibitor of an apoptosis (IAP) class of proteins such as Survivin to evade cell death and gain a proliferative advantage. In this study, we aimed to reveal the interrelation between ERS and Survivin. We initially verified the expression of Survivin in Winnie (a mouse model of chronic ERS) colon tissues by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) in comparison with wild type Blk6 mice. Additionally, we isolated the goblet cells and determined the expression of Survivin by IF and protein validation. Tunicamycin was utilized at a concentration of 10 µg/mL to induce ERS in the LS174T cell line and the gene expression of the ERS markers was measured. This was followed by determination of inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of ERS was carried out by 4Phenyl Butyric acid (4PBA) at a concentration of 10 mM to assess whether there was a reciprocation effect. The downstream cell death assays including caspase 3/7, Annexin V, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage were evaluated in the presence of ERS and absence of ERS, which was followed by a proliferative assay (EdU click) with and without ERS. Correspondingly, we inhibited Survivin by YM155 at a concentration of 100 nM and observed the succeeding ERS markers and inflammatory markers. We also verified the caspase 3/7 assay. Our results demonstrate that ERS inhibition not only significantly reduced the UPR genes (Grp78, ATF6, PERK and XBP1) along with Survivin but also downregulated the inflammatory markers such as IL8, IL4, and IL6, which suggests a positive correlation between ERS and the inhibition of apoptosis. Furthermore, we provided evidence that ERS inhibition promoted apoptosis in LS174T cells and shortened the proliferation rate. Moreover, Survivin inhibition by YM155 led to a comparable effect as that of ERS inhibition, which includes attenuation of ERS genes and inflammatory markers as well as the promotion of programmed cell death via the caspase 3/7 pathway. Together, our results propose the interrelation between ERS and inhibition of apoptosis assigning a molecular and therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

YM155 sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis through cathepsin S-dependent down-regulation of Mcl-1 and NF-κB-mediated down-regulation of c-FLIP expression in human renal carcinoma Caki cells

YM155, a small-molecule survivin inhibitor, has been reported for its anti-cancer activity in various cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of YM155 to enhance TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in human renal carcinoma cells. We found that YM155 alone had no effect on apoptosis, however, combined treatment with YM155 and TRAIL markedly induced apoptosis in human renal carcinoma cells (Caki, ACHN, and A498), breast cancer cells (MDA-MB231), and glioma cells (U251MG), but not normal cells [mesangial cell (MC) and human skin fibroblast (HSF)]. YM155 induced down-regulation of Mcl-1 expression at the post-translational levels, and the overexpression of Mcl-1 markedly inhibited YM155 plus TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, YM155 induced down-regulation of c-FLIP mRNA expression through inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity. Ectopic expression of c-FLIP markedly blocked YM155-induced TRAIL sensitization. Taken together, our results suggested that YM155 sensitizes TRAIL-mediated apoptosis via down-regulation of Mcl-1 and c-FLIP expression in renal carcinoma Caki cells.

YM155 exerts potent cytotoxic activity against quiescent (G0/G1) multiple myeloma and bortezomib resistant cells via inhibition of survivin and Mcl-1

YM155, a novel small molecule inhibitor of survivin, shows broad anticancer activity. Here, we have focused on the cytotoxic activity of YM155 against multiple myeloma (MM) including cytokinetically quiescent (G₀/G₁) cells and bortezomib resistant cells. YM155 strongly inhibited the growth of MM cell lines with the IC₅₀ value of below 10 nM. YM155 also showed potent anti-myeloma activity in mouse xenograft model. YM155 suppressed the expression of survivin and rapidly directed Mcl-1 protein for proteasome degradation. YM155 abrogated the interleukin-6-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, subsequently blocked Mcl-1 expression and induced apoptosis in MM cells. Triple-color flow cytometric analysis revealed that YM155 potently induced cell death of MM cells in G₀ phase. Quiescent primary MM cells were also sensitive to YM155. We established bortezomib-resistant MM cell line, U266/BTZR1, which possess a point mutation G322A. YM155 exhibited similar cytotoxic potency against U266/BTZR1 compared with parental cells. Interestingly, survivin expression was markedly elevated in U266/BTZR1 cells. Treatment with YM155 significantly down-regulated this increased survivin and Mcl-1 expression in U266/BTZR1 cells. In conclusion, our data indicate that YM155 exhibits potent cytotoxicity against quiescent (G₀/G₁) MM cells and bortezomib-resistant cells. These unique features of YM155 may be beneficial for the development of new therapeutic strategies to eliminate quiescent MM cells and overcome bortezomib resistance.

Survivin inhibitor YM155 induces mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, DNA damage and apoptosis in Bcl-xL silenced glioma cell lines

Because the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL is overexpressed in glioma, one might expect that inhibiting or silencing this gene would promote tumor cell killing. However, our studies have shown that this approach has limited independent activity, but may tip the balance in favor of apoptosis induction in response to other therapeutic interventions. To address this issue, we performed a pharmacological screen using a panel of signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents in Bcl-xL silenced cells. Although limited apoptosis induction was observed with a series of inhibitors for receptor tyrosine kinases, PKC inhibitors, Src family members, JAK/STAT, histone deacetylase, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, MAP kinase, CDK, heat shock proteins, proteasomal processing, and various conventional chemotherapeutic agents, we observed a dramatic potentiation of apoptosis in Bcl-xL silenced cells with the survivin inhibitor, YM155. Treatment with YM155 increased the release of cytochrome c, smac/DIABLO and apoptosis inducing-factor, and promoted loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of Bax, recruitment of LC3-II to the autophagosomes and apoptosis in Bcl-xL silenced cells. We also found an additional mechanism for the augmentation of apoptosis due to abrogation of DNA double-strand break repair mediated by Rad51 repression and enhanced accumulation of γH2AX. In summary, our observations may provide a new insight into the link between Bcl-xL and survivin inhibition for the development of novel therapies for glioma. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

YM155 enhances ABT-737-mediated apoptosis through Mcl-1 downregulation in Mcl-1-overexpressed cancer cells

ABT-737 is a BH3 mimetic inhibitor of Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and Bcl-w, and it has been reported for anti-cancer effects in various types of cancer cells. However, ABT-737 fails to induce apoptosis in cancer cell with high levels of Mcl-1 expression. The pharmacological survivin inhibitor YM155 has been reported to induce downregulation of Mcl-1 expression. Therefore, we investigated the effect of YM155 to sensitize resistance against ABT-737 in Mcl-1-overexpressed human renal carcinoma Caki cells. We found that ABT-737 alone and YM155 alone did not induce apoptosis, but YM155 markedly sensitized ABT-737-mediated apoptosis in Mcl-1-overexpressed Caki cells, human glioma cells (U251MG), and human lung carcinoma cells (A549). In contrast, combined treatment with ABT-737 and YM155 did not increase apoptosis in normal mouse kidney cells (TCMK-1) and human mesangial cells (MC). YM155 induced lysosome-dependent downregulation of Mcl-1 expression in Mcl-1-overexpressed Caki cells. In addition, combined treatment with ABT-737 and YM155 induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited interaction of Bcl-xL and Bax. Taken together, our results suggested that YM155 effectively improves sensitivity to ABT-737 through downregulation of Mcl-1 expression.

Survivin inhibitor YM155 suppresses gastric cancer xenograft growth in mice without affecting normal tissues

Survivin overexpression is associated with poor prognosis of human gastric cancer, and is a target for gastric cancer therapy. YM155 is originally identified as a specific inhibitor of survivin. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of YM155 on human gastric cancer. Our results showed that YM155 treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation, reduced colony formation and induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, YM155 treatment significantly decreased survivin expression without affecting XIAP expression and increased the cleavage of apoptosis-associated proteins caspase 3, 7, 8, 9. YM155 significantly inhibited sphere formation of gastric cancer cells, suppressed expansion and growth of the formed spheres (cancer stem cell-like cells, CSCs) and downregulated the protein levels of β-catenin, c-Myc, Cyclin D1 and CD44 in gastric cancer cells. YM155 infusion at 5 mg/kg/day for 7 days markedly inhibited growth of gastric cancer xenograft in a nude mouse model. Immunohistochemistry staining and Western Blot showed that YM155 treatment inhibited expression of survivin and CD44, induced apoptosis and reduced CD44⁺ CSCs in xenograft tumor tissues in vivo. No obvious pathological changes were observed in organs (e.g. heart, liver, lung and kidney) in YM155-treated mice. Our results demonstrated that YM155 inhibits cell proliferation, induces cell apoptosis, reduces cancer stem cell expansion, and inhibits xenograft tumor growth in gastric cancer cells. Our results elucidate a new mechanism by which YM155 inhibits gastric cancer growth by inhibition of CSCs. YM155 may be a promising agent for gastric cancer treatment.

Effects of YM155 on survivin levels and viability in neuroblastoma cells with acquired drug resistance

Resistance formation after initial therapy response (acquired resistance) is common in high-risk neuroblastoma patients. YM155 is a drug candidate that was introduced as a survivin suppressant. This mechanism was later challenged, and DNA damage induction and Mcl-1 depletion were suggested instead. Here we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of action of YM155 in neuroblastoma cells with acquired drug resistance. The efficacy of YM155 was determined in neuroblastoma cell lines and their sublines with acquired resistance to clinically relevant drugs. Survivin levels, Mcl-1 levels, and DNA damage formation were determined in response to YM155. RNAi-mediated depletion of survivin, Mcl-1, and p53 was performed to investigate their roles during YM155 treatment. Clinical YM155 concentrations affected the viability of drug-resistant neuroblastoma cells through survivin depletion and p53 activation. MDM2 inhibitor-induced p53 activation further enhanced YM155 activity. Loss of p53 function generally affected anti-neuroblastoma approaches targeting survivin. Upregulation of ABCB1 (causes YM155 efflux) and downregulation of SLC35F2 (causes YM155 uptake) mediated YM155-specific resistance. YM155-adapted cells displayed increased ABCB1 levels, decreased SLC35F2 levels, and a p53 mutation. YM155-adapted neuroblastoma cells were also characterized by decreased sensitivity to RNAi-mediated survivin depletion, further confirming survivin as a critical YM155 target in neuroblastoma. In conclusion, YM155 targets survivin in neuroblastoma. Furthermore, survivin is a promising therapeutic target for p53 wild-type neuroblastomas after resistance acquisition (neuroblastomas are rarely p53-mutated), potentially in combination with p53 activators. In addition, we show that the adaptation of cancer cells to molecular-targeted anticancer drugs is an effective strategy to elucidate a drug's mechanism of action.

Dioxonaphthoimidazoliums are Potent and Selective Rogue Stem Cell Clearing Agents with SOX2-Suppressing Properties

Pluripotent stem cells are uniquely positioned for regenerative medicine, but their clinical potential can only be realized if their tumorigenic tendencies are decoupled from their pluripotent properties. Deploying small molecules to remove remnant undifferentiated pluripotent cells, which would otherwise transform into teratomas and teratomacarcinomas, offers several advantages over non-pharmacological methods. Dioxonapthoimidazolium YM155, a survivin suppressant, induced selective and potent cell death of undifferentiated stem cells. Herein, the structural requirements for stemotoxicity were investigated and found to be closely aligned with those essential for cytotoxicity in malignant cells. There was a critical reliance on the quinone and imidazolium moieties but a lesser dependence on ring substituents, which served mainly to fine-tune activity. Several potent analogues were identified which, like YM155, suppressed survivin and decreased SOX2 in stem cells. The decrease in SOX2 would cause an imbalance in pluripotent factors that could potentially prompt cells to differentiate and hence decrease the risk of aberrant teratoma formation. As phosphorylation of the NF-κB p50 subunit was also suppressed, the crosstalk between phospho-p50, SOX2, and survivin could implicate a causal role for NF-κB signaling in mediating the stem cell clearing properties of dioxonaphthoimidazoliums.

YM155 potently triggers cell death in breast cancer cells through an autophagy-NF-kB network

Specific overexpression in cancer cells and evidence of oncogenic functions make Survivin an attractive target in cancer tharapy. The small molecule compound YM155 has been described as the first “Survivin suppressant” but molecular mechanisms involved in its biological activity and its clinical potential remain obscure. We herein show that YM155 exerts single agent toxicity on primary breast cancer cells grown in an ex vivo assay preserving tumor microenvironment. In vitro assays indicate that YM155 more efficiently triggers cell death in breast cancer cells (including these with stem-cell like properties) than in non tumorigenic mammary cells. YM155-induced cell death is critically dependent on autophagy and NF-kB but independent of p53 and it coïncides with DNA damage an a DNA damage response in p53-proficient cells. Our results point out a crosstalk between NF-KB and autophagy controlling YM155-induced death in breast cancer cells and argue for the potential use of YM155 as a genotoxic agent in breast cancer therapy.

Icaritin suppresses multiple myeloma, by inhibiting IL-6/JAK2/STAT3

Icaritin is an active prenylflavonoid derived from Epimedium genus, a traditional Chinese medicine. Icaritin has a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities, including cardiovascular function improvement, hormone regulation and antitumor activity. Here, we investigated the effect of icaritin on multiple myeloma (MM) in vitro and in vivo. Icaritin inhibited cell growth of MM cell line and primary MM cells. In contrast, icaritin had low or no cytotoxic effect on normal hematopoiesis. We also demonstrated that in MM xenograft mouse models, icaritin suppressed tumor growth and decreased serum IL-6 and IgE levels, but did not show adverse reactions such as body weight loss. The anti-MM activity of icaritin was mainly mediated by inhibiting IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling. We suggest that icaritin can be further tested in clinical trials in MM.

Cyclophilin A as a downstream effector of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in multiple myeloma cells

Cyclophilin A (Cyp A), a member of the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPI) family, may function as a molecular signalling switch. Comparative proteomic studies have identified Cyp A as a potential downstream target of protein kinase B (Akt). This study confirmed that Cyp A is a downstream effector of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathway. Cyp A was highly phosphorylated in response to interleukin-6 treatment, which was consistent with the accumulation of phosphorylated Akt, suggesting that Cyp A is a phosphorylation target of Akt and downstream effector of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Cyclosporine A (CsA), a PPI inhibitor, inhibited the growth of multiple myeloma (MM) U266 cells. Moreover, CsA treatment inhibited the activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in MM U266 cells. Several Cyp A mutants were generated. Mutants with mutated AKT phosphorylation sites increased the G1 phase arrest in MM U266 cells. The other mutants that mimicked the phosphorylated state of Cyp A decreased the percentage of G1 phase. These results demonstrated that the states of phosphorylation of Cyp A by Akt can influence the progress of the cell cycle in MM U266 cells and that this effect is probably mediated through the Janus-activated kinase 2/STAT3 signalling pathway.

AML sensitivity to YM155 is modulated through AKT and Mcl-1

HL60 and U937 (acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines) were assessed for sensitivity to YM155, and found to have distinct sensitive and resistant phenotypes, respectively. In HL60 cells, YM155 inhibition of growth proliferation was due to apoptosis which was measured by annexin V/PI staining. YM155 induced apoptosis through activation of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways that also culminated in caspase-3 activity and PARP cleavage. YM155 sensitivity was partially associated with this compound's ability to down-regulate survivin transcription since this was more pronounced in the HL60 cell line. However, marked differences were also observed in XIAP, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1L, and Mcl-1s. Furthermore, YM155 treatment completely inhibited production of total Akt protein in HL60, but not U937 cells. Importantly, Akt activity (pAkt-Ser473) levels were maintained in YM155 treated U937 cells which may help stabilize other anti-apoptotic proteins. Combination treatments with an Akt inhibitor, MK-2206, reduced levels of pAkt-Ser473 in U937 cells and synergistically sensitized them to YM155 cytotoxicity. Collectively our results indicate that Akt signaling may be an important factor mediating YM155 response in AML, and combinatorial therapies with Akt inhibitors could improve treatment efficacy in YM155-resistant cells.