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Sabbah DA, Hajjo R, Bardaweel SK, Zhong HA. Targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in anticancer research: a recent update on inhibitor design and clinical trials (2020-2023). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:141-158. [PMID: 38557273 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2338100] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent years have witnessed great achievements in drug design and development targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase-B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway, a pathway central to cell growth and proliferation. The nearest neighbor protein-protein interaction networks for PI3K and AKT show the interplays between these target proteins which can be harnessed for drug discovery. In this review, we discuss the drug design and clinical development of inhibitors of PI3K/AKT in the past three years. We review in detail the structures, selectivity, efficacy, and combination therapy of 35 inhibitors targeting these proteins, classified based on the target proteins. Approaches to overcoming drug resistance and to minimizing toxicities are discussed. Future research directions for developing combinational therapy and PROTACs of PI3K and AKT inhibitors are also discussed. AREA COVERED This review covers clinical trial reports and patent literature on inhibitors of PI3K and AKT published between 2020 and 2023. EXPERT OPINION To address drug resistance and drug toxicity of inhibitors of PI3K and AKT, it is highly desirable to design and develop subtype-selective PI3K inhibitors or subtype-selective AKT1 inhibitors to minimize toxicity or to develop allosteric drugs that can form covalent bonds. The development of PROTACs of PI3Kα or AKT helps to reduce off-target toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima A Sabbah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rima Hajjo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- National Center for Epidemics and Communicable Disease Control (JCDC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Sanaa K Bardaweel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Haizhen A Zhong
- DSC 309, Department of Chemistry, The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
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Li Q, Li Z, Luo T, Shi H. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways for cancer therapy. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:47. [PMID: 36539659 PMCID: PMC9768098 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways are commonly activated by mutations and chromosomal translocation in vital targets. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is dysregulated in nearly all kinds of neoplasms, with the component in this pathway alternations. RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascades are used to conduct signaling from the cell surface to the nucleus to mediate gene expression, cell cycle processes and apoptosis. RAS, B-Raf, PI3K, and PTEN are frequent upstream alternative sites. These mutations resulted in activated cell growth and downregulated cell apoptosis. The two pathways interact with each other to participate in tumorigenesis. PTEN alterations suppress RAF/MEK/ERK pathway activity via AKT phosphorylation and RAS inhibition. Several inhibitors targeting major components of these two pathways have been supported by the FDA. Dozens of agents in these two pathways have attracted great attention and have been assessed in clinical trials. The combination of small molecular inhibitors with traditional regimens has also been explored. Furthermore, dual inhibitors provide new insight into antitumor activity. This review will further comprehensively describe the genetic alterations in normal patients and tumor patients and discuss the role of targeted inhibitors in malignant neoplasm therapy. We hope this review will promote a comprehensive understanding of the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathways in facilitating tumors and will help direct drug selection for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Oncology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Breast, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, P. R. China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, P. R. China.
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Arora M, Kutinová Canová N, Farghali H. mTOR as an eligible molecular target for possible pharmacological treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 921:174857. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Kocak M, Ezazi Erdi S, Jorba G, Maestro I, Farrés J, Kirkin V, Martinez A, Pless O. Targeting autophagy in disease: established and new strategies. Autophagy 2021; 18:473-495. [PMID: 34241570 PMCID: PMC9037468 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1936359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved pathway responsible for clearing cytosolic aggregated proteins, damaged organelles or invading microorganisms. Dysfunctional autophagy leads to pathological accumulation of the cargo, which has been linked to a range of human diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, infectious and autoimmune diseases and various forms of cancer. Cumulative work in animal models, application of genetic tools and pharmacologically active compounds, has suggested the potential therapeutic value of autophagy modulation in disease, as diverse as Huntington, Salmonella infection, or pancreatic cancer. Autophagy activation versus inhibition strategies are being explored, while the role of autophagy in pathophysiology is being studied in parallel. However, the progress of preclinical and clinical development of autophagy modulators has been greatly hampered by the paucity of selective pharmacological agents and biomarkers to dissect their precise impact on various forms of autophagy and cellular responses. Here, we summarize established and new strategies in autophagy-related drug discovery and indicate a path toward establishing a more efficient discovery of autophagy-selective pharmacological agents. With this knowledge at hand, modern concepts for therapeutic exploitation of autophagy might become more plausible. Abbreviations: ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy-related gene; AUTAC: autophagy-targeting chimera; CNS: central nervous system; CQ: chloroquine; GABARAP: gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor-associated protein; HCQ: hydroxychloroquine; LYTAC: lysosome targeting chimera; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NDD: neurodegenerative disease; PDAC: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; PE: phosphatidylethanolamine; PIK3C3/VPS34: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate; PROTAC: proteolysis-targeting chimera; SARS-CoV-2: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Kocak
- Cancer Research UK, Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research London, Sutton, UK
| | | | | | - Inés Maestro
- Centro De Investigaciones Biologicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Vladimir Kirkin
- Cancer Research UK, Cancer Therapeutics Unit, the Institute of Cancer Research London, Sutton, UK
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro De Investigaciones Biologicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red En Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ole Pless
- Fraunhofer ITMP ScreeningPort, Hamburg, Germany
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5
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Recinella L, Chiavaroli A, Masciulli F, Fraschetti C, Filippi A, Cesa S, Cairone F, Gorica E, De Leo M, Braca A, Martelli A, Calderone V, Orlando G, Ferrante C, Menghini L, Di Simone SC, Veschi S, Cama A, Brunetti L, Leone S. Protective Effects Induced by a Hydroalcoholic Allium sativum Extract in Isolated Mouse Heart. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072332. [PMID: 34371842 PMCID: PMC8308751 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible protective effects of a garlic hydroalcoholic extract on the burden of oxidative stress and inflammation occurring on mouse heart specimens exposed to E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is a well-established inflammatory stimulus. Headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) technique was applied to determine the volatile fraction of the garlic powder, and the HS-SPME conditions were optimized for each of the most representative classes of compounds. CIEL*a*b* colorimetric analyses were performed on the powder sample at the time of delivery, after four and after eight months of storage at room temperature in the dark, to evaluate the color changing. Freshly prepared hydroalcoholic extract was also evaluated in its color character. Furthermore, the hydroalcoholic extract was analyzed through GC-MS. The extract was found to be able to significantly inhibit LPS-induced prostaglandin (PG) E2 and 8-iso-PGF2α levels, as well as mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, interleukin (IL)-6, and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), in heart specimens. Concluding, our findings showed that the garlic hydroalcoholic extract exhibited cardioprotective effects on multiple inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Recinella
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Annalisa Chiavaroli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Fabrizio Masciulli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Caterina Fraschetti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonello Filippi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Stefania Cesa
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Cairone
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (A.F.); (S.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Era Gorica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
| | - Marinella De Leo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Braca
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of Pisa University, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alma Martelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (V.C.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutrafood: Nutraceutica e Alimentazione per la Salute”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Biology and Pathology of Ageing”, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giustino Orlando
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Claudio Ferrante
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Luigi Menghini
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Simonetta Cristina Di Simone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0871-3554758
| | - Sheila Leone
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy; (L.R.); (A.C.); (F.M.); (G.O.); (C.F.); (L.M.); (S.C.D.S.); (S.V.); (A.C.); (S.L.)
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Simioni C, Conti I, Varano G, Brenna C, Costanzi E, Neri LM. The Complexity of the Tumor Microenvironment and Its Role in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Implications for Therapies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673506. [PMID: 34026651 PMCID: PMC8131840 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment that surrounds a tumor, in addition to the tumor itself, plays an important role in the onset of resistance to molecularly targeted therapies. Cancer cells and their microenvironment interact closely between them by means of a molecular communication that mutually influences their biological characteristics and behavior. Leukemia cells regulate the recruitment, activation and program of the cells of the surrounding microenvironment, including those of the immune system. Studies on the interactions between the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) cells have opened a scenario of potential therapeutic targets which include cytokines and their receptors, signal transduction networks, and hypoxia-related proteins. Hypoxia also enhances the formation of new blood vessels, and several studies show how angiogenesis could have a key role in the pathogenesis of ALL. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-microenvironment communication and angiogenesis could contribute to the early diagnosis of leukemia and to personalized molecular therapies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Innovative Multi-Disciplinary Approaches for Precision Studies in Leukemia edited by Sandra Marmiroli (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy) and Xu Huang (University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) - Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Conti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Varano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cinzia Brenna
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eva Costanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) - Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Farzaneh Z, Vosough M, Agarwal T, Farzaneh M. Critical signaling pathways governing hepatocellular carcinoma behavior; small molecule-based approaches. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:208. [PMID: 33849569 PMCID: PMC8045321 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01924-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of death due to cancer. Although there are different treatment options, these strategies are not efficient in terms of restricting the tumor cell's proliferation and metastasis. The liver tumor microenvironment contains the non-parenchymal cells with supportive or inhibitory effects on the cancerous phenotype of HCC. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of liver carcinoma cells. Recent studies have established new approaches for the prevention and treatment of HCC using small molecules. Small molecules are compounds with a low molecular weight that usually inhibit the specific targets in signal transduction pathways. These components can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, block metastasis, and tumor growth. Devising strategies for simultaneously targeting HCC and the non-parenchymal population of the tumor could lead to more relevant research outcomes. These strategies may open new avenues for the treatment of HCC with minimal cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. This study provides the latest findings on critical signaling pathways governing HCC behavior and using small molecules in the control of HCC both in vitro and in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Farzaneh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tarun Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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8
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Zhang J. Targeting mTOR by CZ415 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis via Lipin-1 in Cervical Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:524-531. [PMID: 32944878 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CZ415, a novel inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, has demonstrated anti-tumor activity in several types of cancer. However, its biological function and underlying mechanism of action in cervical cancer (CC) have not been fully studied. Two CC cell lines (Hela and Siha) were treated with increasing concentrations of CZ415. Cell viability was tested with the CCK-8 assay, cell proliferation was determined by Edu staining and the colony formation assay, and apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining. Protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to confirm the anti-tumor activity of CZ415 in vivo. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were performed on samples of tumor tissue. Results showed that CZ415 inhibited CC cell survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and 100 nanomolar and 48 h were the optimal conditions. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that treatment with CZ415 significantly inhibited spheroid formation, cell proliferation, and tumor growth. Further studies showed that the anti-cancer effects of CZ415 were due to an induction of apoptosis, which was accompanied by an upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2 through Lipin-1. CZ415 also reduced the levels of mTOR/STAT3 expression. However, these phenotypic changes were reversed by overexpression of Lipin-1. Our results suggest that the novel mTOR inhibitor CZ415 mediates tumor malignancy via Lipin-1 and might be useful for treating CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhang
- Department of Women's Health Care, Xiaonan District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Xiaogan City, 432000, Hubei Province, China.
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9
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Martorana A, La Monica G, Lauria A. Quinoline-Based Molecules Targeting c-Met, EGF, and VEGF Receptors and the Proteins Involved in Related Carcinogenic Pathways. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184279. [PMID: 32961977 PMCID: PMC7571062 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The quinoline ring system has long been known as a versatile nucleus in the design and synthesis of biologically active compounds. Currently, more than one hundred quinoline compounds have been approved in therapy as antimicrobial, local anaesthetic, antipsychotic, and anticancer drugs. In drug discovery, indeed, over the last few years, an increase in the publication of papers and patents about quinoline derivatives possessing antiproliferative properties has been observed. This trend can be justified by the versatility and accessibility of the quinoline scaffold, from which new derivatives can be easily designed and synthesized. Within the numerous quinoline small molecules developed as antiproliferative drugs, this review is focused on compounds effective on c-Met, VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and EGF (epidermal growth factor) receptors, pivotal targets for the activation of important carcinogenic pathways (Ras/Raf/MEK and PI3K/AkT/mTOR). These signalling cascades are closely connected and regulate the survival processes in the cell, such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and angiogenesis. The antiproliferative biological data of remarkable quinoline compounds have been analysed, confirming the pivotal importance of this ring system in the efficacy of several approved drugs. Furthermore, in view of an SAR (structure-activity relationship) study, the most recurrent ligand–protein interactions of the reviewed molecules are summarized.
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10
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Chen Y, Zhou X. Research progress of mTOR inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112820. [PMID: 32966896 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved Serine/Threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase, which belongs to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-related kinase (PIKK) protein family. mTOR exists as two types of protein complex: mTORC1 and mTORC2, which act as central controller regulating processes of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, survival and autophagy. The mTOR inhibitors block mTOR signaling pathway, producing anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, autophagy and apoptosis induction effects, thus mTOR inhibitors are mainly used in cancer therapy. At present, mTOR inhibitors are divided into four categories: Antibiotic allosteric mTOR inhibitors (first generation), ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitors (second generation), mTOR/PI3K dual inhibitors (second generation) and other new mTOR inhibitors (third generation). In this article, these four categories of mTOR inhibitors and their structures, properties and some clinical researches will be introduced. Among them, we focus on the structure of mTOR inhibitors and try to analyze the structure-activity relationship. mTOR inhibitors are classified according to their chemical structure and their contents are introduced systematically. Moreover, some natural products that have direct or indirect mTOR inhibitory activities are introduced together. In this article, we analyzed the target, binding mode and structure-activity relationship of each generation of mTOR inhibitors and proposed two hypothetic scaffolds (the inverted-Y-shape scaffold and the C-shape scaffold) for the second generation of mTOR inhibitors. These findings may provide some help or reference for drug designing, drug modification or the future development of mTOR inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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11
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Modulation of the Autophagy-lysosomal Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Small Molecules. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071580. [PMID: 32235537 PMCID: PMC7181071 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer; it is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In early-stage disease, surgical resection and liver transplantation are considered curative treatments. However, the majority of HCC patients present with advanced-stage disease that is treated using palliative systemic therapy. Since HCC is heterogeneous owing to its multiple etiologies, various risk factors, and inherent resistance to chemotherapy, the development of an effective systemic treatment strategy for HCC remains a considerable challenge. Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent catabolic degradation pathway that is essential for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. Autophagy dysfunction is closely linked with the pathogenesis of various cancers; therefore, the discovery of small molecules that can modulate autophagy has attracted considerable interest in the development of a systemic treatment strategy for advanced HCC. Here, we reviewed the roles of autophagy in HCC and the recent advances regarding small molecules that target autophagy regulatory mechanisms.
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12
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Cervello M, Emma MR, Augello G, Cusimano A, Giannitrapani L, Soresi M, Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Gulino A, Belmonte B, Montalto G, McCubrey JA. New landscapes and horizons in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:3053-3094. [PMID: 32018226 PMCID: PMC7041742 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most frequent form of cancer and leads to the fourth highest number of deaths each year. HCC results from a combination of environmental factors and aging as there are driver mutations at oncogenes which occur during aging. Most of HCCs are diagnosed at advanced stage preventing curative therapies. Treatment in advanced stage is a challenging and pressing problem, and novel and well-tolerated therapies are urgently needed. We will discuss further advances beyond sorafenib that target additional signaling pathways and immune checkpoint proteins. The scenario of possible systemic therapies for patients with advanced HCC has changed dramatically in recent years. Personalized genomics and various other omics approaches may identify actionable biochemical targets, which are activated in individual patients, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify predictive biomarkers and aberrantly activated signaling pathways capable of guiding the clinician in choosing the most appropriate therapy for the individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria R. Emma
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lydia Giannitrapani
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Shaw M. Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Stephen L. Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S. Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Alessandro Gulino
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belmonte
- Tumour Immunology Unit, Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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13
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Hao T, Li Y, Fan S, Li W, Wang S, Li S, Cao R, Zhong W. Design, synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a novel mTOR-targeted anti-EV71 agent. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 175:172-186. [PMID: 31082764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.04.048] [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: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to the limitations of existing anti-EV71 targets, we have been eager to discover a new anti-EV71 agent based on mTOR (the mammalian target of rapamycin), which is an important target for finding antiviral agents based on host cells. Torin2 is a second-generation ATP competitive mTOR kinase inhibitor (IC50 = 0.25 nM). Our research team tested the anti-EV71 activity of Torin2 in vitro for the first time. The result showed that Torin2 had significant anti-EV71 activity (IC50 = 0.01 μM). In this study, thirty novel Torin2 derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for anti-EV71 activity. Among them, 11a, 11b, 11d, 11e and 11m displayed similar activity to Torin2. 11e displayed the most potent activity, with an IC50 value of 0.027 μM, which was closest to Torin2, and displayed potent mTOR kinase inhibitory activity. A molecular modeling study showed that 11e interacted with Val2240 and Lys2187 via hydrogen bonds and had a good match with the receptor. Additionally, a mechanism study showed that most of the compounds had significant inhibition for the mTOR pathway substrates p70S6K and Akt. The water solubility test of compounds with potent activity revealed that 11a and 11m were improved by approximately 5-15-fold compared to Torin2. These data suggest that 11a and 11m may be potential candidates for anti-EV71 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Hao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Yuexiang Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Shiyong Fan
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Shixu Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Song Li
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Ruiyuan Cao
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China.
| | - Wu Zhong
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, PR China.
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14
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Zhang J, Wang G, Zhou Y, Chen Y, Ouyang L, Liu B. Mechanisms of autophagy and relevant small-molecule compounds for targeted cancer therapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1803-1826. [PMID: 29417176 PMCID: PMC11105210 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved, multi-step lysosomal degradation process for the clearance of damaged or superfluous proteins and organelles. Accumulating studies have recently revealed that autophagy is closely related to a variety of types of cancer; however, elucidation of its Janus role of either tumor-suppressive or tumor-promoting still remains to be discovered. In this review, we focus on summarizing the context-dependent role of autophagy and its complicated molecular mechanisms in different types of cancer. Moreover, we discuss a series of small-molecule compounds targeting autophagy-related proteins or the autophagic process for potential cancer therapy. Taken together, these findings would shed new light on exploiting the intricate mechanisms of autophagy and relevant small-molecule compounds as potential anti-cancer drugs to improve targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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15
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Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is the kinase subunit of two structurally and functionally distinct large multiprotein complexes, referred to as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. mTORC1 and mTORC2 play key physiological roles as they control anabolic and catabolic processes in response to external cues in a variety of tissues and organs. However, mTORC1 and mTORC2 activities are deregulated in widespread human diseases, including cancer. Cancer cells take advantage of mTOR oncogenic signaling to drive their proliferation, survival, metabolic transformation, and metastatic potential. Therefore, mTOR lends itself very well as a therapeutic target for innovative cancer treatment. mTOR was initially identified as the target of the antibiotic rapamycin that displayed remarkable antitumor activity in vitro Promising preclinical studies using rapamycin and its derivatives (rapalogs) demonstrated efficacy in many human cancer types, hence supporting the launch of numerous clinical trials aimed to evaluate the real effectiveness of mTOR-targeted therapies. However, rapamycin and rapalogs have shown very limited activity in most clinical contexts, also when combined with other drugs. Thus, novel classes of mTOR inhibitors with a stronger antineoplastic potency have been developed. Nevertheless, emerging clinical data suggest that also these novel mTOR-targeting drugs may have a weak antitumor activity. Here, we summarize the current status of available mTOR inhibitors and highlight the most relevant results from both preclinical and clinical studies that have provided valuable insights into both their efficacy and failure.
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16
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Jin L, Liu WR, Tian MX, Jiang XF, Wang H, Zhou PY, Ding ZB, Peng YF, Dai Z, Qiu SJ, Zhou J, Fan J, Shi YH. CCL24 contributes to HCC malignancy via RhoB- VEGFA-VEGFR2 angiogenesis pathway and indicates poor prognosis. Oncotarget 2018; 8:5135-5148. [PMID: 28042950 PMCID: PMC5354897 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CCL24 is one chemotactic factor extensively studied in airway inflammation and colorectal cancer but less studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) retrospectively. So HCC tissue microarray (TMA) was used to estimate relationship between CCL24 and prognosis, cell experiments were conducted to study its influence for HCC cell biological behavior. CCL24 was injected to nude mice to monitor tumor formation and pulmonary metastasis; qRT-PCR, western blot and Immunohistochemistry were used to explore potential mechanism. CCL24 plays roles in target cells via its downstream CCR3, or it is regulated by Type 2 helper T cells (Th2 cell) factors, so immune related experiments were conducted. Meanwhile, Rho GTPase family have close relation not only with T cell priming, but with neovascularization; CCL24 contributes to neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration via CCR3, so Rho GTPase family, Th2 cell factors, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells were used to uncover their trafficking. Ultimate validation was confirmed by small interfering RNA. Results showed CCL24 expression was higher in caner tissues than adjacent normal tissues, it could contribute to proliferation, migration, and invasion in HCCs, could accelerate pulmonary metastasis, promote HUVECs tube formation. Th2 cell factors were irrelevant with CCL24 in HCCs; and RhoB, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 correlated with CCL24 in both mRNA and protein level. Downstream RhoB-VEGFA signaling pathway was validated by siRhoB and siVEGFA inhibition. In a word, CCL24 contributes to HCC malignancy via RhoB-VEGFA-VEGFR2 angiogenesis pathway and indicates poor prognosis, which urges us to study further CCL24 effects on diagnosis and potential therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Ren Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Xin Tian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Fei Jiang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Yun Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Bin Ding
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Fei Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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17
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Synergistic effects of selective inhibitors targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway or NUP214-ABL1 fusion protein in human Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 7:79842-79853. [PMID: 27821800 PMCID: PMC5346755 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) accounts for 25–30% of adult ALL and its incidence increases with age in adults >40 years old. Irrespective of age, the ABL1 fusion genes are markers of poor prognosis and amplification of the NUP214-ABL1 oncogene can be detected mainly in patients with T-ALL. T cell malignancies harboring the ABL1 fusion genes are sensitive to many cytotoxic agents, but up to date complete remissions have not been achieved. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is often activated in leukemias and plays a crucial role in leukemogenesis. We analyzed the effects of three BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), alone and in combination with a panel of selective PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors, on three NUP214-ABL1 positive T-ALL cell lines that also displayed PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation. Cells were sensitive to anti BCR-ABL1 TKIs Imatinib, Nilotinib and GZD824, that specifically targeted the ABL1 fusion protein, but not the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Four drugs against the PI3K/Akt/mTOR cascade, GSK690693, NVP-BGT226, ZSTK474 and Torin-2, showed marked cytotoxic effects on T-leukemic cells, without affecting the NUP214-ABL1 kinase and related pathway. Dephosphorylation of pAkt and pS6 showed the cytotoxicity of these compounds. Either single or combined administration of drugs against the different targets displayed inhibition of cellular viability associated with a concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and autophagy, having the combined treatments a significant synergistic cytotoxic effect. Co-targeting NUP214-ABL1 fusion gene and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway could represent a new and effective pharmacological strategy to improve the outcome in NUP214-ABL1 positive T-ALL.
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18
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Alameen AAM, Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Ultimo S, McCubrey JA, Gonelli A, Marisi G, Ulivi P, Capitani S, Neri LM. Healthy CD4+ T lymphocytes are not affected by targeted therapies against the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 7:55690-55703. [PMID: 27494886 PMCID: PMC5342446 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An attractive molecular target for novel anti-cancer therapies is the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway which is commonly deregulated in many types of cancer. Nevertheless, the effects of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors on T lymphocytes, a key component of immune responses, have been seldom explored. In this study we investigated the effects on human CD4+ T-cells of a panel of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors: BGT226, Torin-2, MK-2206, and ZSTK474. We also assessed their efficacy against two acute leukemia T cell lines. T lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Inhibitor effects on cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, while cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assays. In addition, the activation status of the pathway as well as induction of autophagy were analyzed by Western blotting. Quiescent healthy T lymphocytes were unaffected by the drugs whereas mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes as well as leukemic cell lines displayed a cell cycle block, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and dephosphorylation of key components of the signaling pathway. Autophagy was also induced in proliferating lymphocytes and in JURKAT and MOLT-4 cell lines. When autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine or Bafilomycin A1, drug cytotoxicity was increased, indicating that autophagy is a protective mechanism. Therefore, our findings suggest that PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors preserve lymphocyte viability. This is a valuable result to be taken into account when selecting drugs for targeted cancer therapy in order to minimize detrimental effects on immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A M Alameen
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Marisi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Yao S, Tian C, Ding Y, Ye Q, Gao Y, Yang N, Li Q. Down-regulation of Krüppel-like factor-4 by microRNA-135a-5p promotes proliferation and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma by transforming growth factor-β1. Oncotarget 2018; 7:42566-42578. [PMID: 27302923 PMCID: PMC5173156 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like Factor-4 (KLF4) is a zinc finger transcription factor which plays an important role in cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis. In Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the function of KLF4 has been characterized as tumor suppressor. However, the mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 down-regulated KLF4 by activating miR-135a-5p. MiR-135a-5p promoted proliferation and metastasis in HCC cells by direct targeting KLF4 both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, miR-135a-5p expression was up-regulated in clinical HCC tissues, and was inversely correlated with the expression of KLF4. Taken together, our data indicated that TGF-β1 down-regulated KLF4 by activating miR-135a-5p, promoting proliferation and metastasis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120,China
| | - Chuan Tian
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120,China
| | - Youcheng Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120,China
| | - Qingwang Ye
- Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120,China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120,China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China
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20
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Ding Z, Shi C, Jiang L, Tolstykh T, Cao H, Bangari DS, Ryan S, Levit M, Jin T, Mamaat K, Yu Q, Qu H, Hopke J, Cindhuchao M, Hoffmann D, Sun F, Helms MW, Jahn-Hofmann K, Scheidler S, Schweizer L, Fang DD, Pollard J, Winter C, Wiederschain D. Oncogenic dependency on β-catenin in liver cancer cell lines correlates with pathway activation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:114526-114539. [PMID: 29383099 PMCID: PMC5777711 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a serious public health challenge with few therapeutic options available to cancer patients.Wnt/β-catenin pathway is thought to play a significant role in HCC pathogenesis. In this study, we confirmed high frequency of CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutations in two independent cohorts of HCC patients and demonstrated significant upregulation of β-catenin protein in the overwhelming majority of HCC patient samples, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and established cell lines. Using genetic tools validated for target specificity through phenotypic rescue experiments, we went on to investigate oncogenic dependency on β-catenin in an extensive collection of human HCC cells lines. Our results demonstrate that dependency on β-catenin generally tracks with its activation status. HCC cell lines that harbored activating mutations in CTNNB1 or displayed elevated levels of non-phosphorylated (active) β-catenin were significantly more sensitive to β-catenin siRNA treatment than cell lines with wild-type CTNNB1 and lower active β-catenin. Finally, significant therapeutic benefit of β-catenin knock-down was demonstrated in established HCC tumor xenografts using doxycycline-inducible shRNA system. β-catenin downregulation and tumor growth inhibition was associated with reduction in AXIN2, direct transcriptional target of β-catenin, and decreased cancer cell proliferation as measured by Ki67 staining. Taken together, our data highlight fundamental importance of aberrant β-catenin signaling in the maintenance of oncogenic phenotype in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihu Ding
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chaomei Shi
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lan Jiang
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Hui Cao
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Susan Ryan
- Sanofi Translational In Vivo Models, Framingham, MA, USA
| | | | - Taiguang Jin
- Sanofi Asia Pacific R&D Hub, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Karl Mamaat
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Current address: Leica Biosystems, Boston, MA
| | - Qunyan Yu
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hui Qu
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joern Hopke
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Molecular Screening Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - May Cindhuchao
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Molecular Screening Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dietmar Hoffmann
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Molecular Screening Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fangxian Sun
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mike W. Helms
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Sabine Scheidler
- Sanofi Biologics Research/Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Liang Schweizer
- Sanofi Asia Pacific R&D Hub, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Current address: Harbour BioMed, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Douglas D. Fang
- Discovery Services, WuXi AppTec Co., Shanghai, China
- Current address: Ascentage Pharma Group, Ltd., Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jack Pollard
- Sanofi Oncology Therapeutic Area, Cambridge, MA, USA
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21
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He S, Li Q, Jiang X, Lu X, Feng F, Qu W, Chen Y, Sun H. Design of Small Molecule Autophagy Modulators: A Promising Druggable Strategy. J Med Chem 2017; 61:4656-4687. [PMID: 29211480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent mechanism of intracellular degradation for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Dysregulation of autophagy has been verified to be closely linked to a number of human diseases. Consequently, targeting autophagy has been highlighted as a novel therapeutic strategy for clinical utility. Mounting efforts have been done in recent years to elucidate the mechanisms of autophagy regulation and to identify potential modulators of autophagy. However, most of the compounds target complex and multifaceted pathway and proteins, which may limit the evaluation of therapeutic value and in depth studies as chemical tools. Therefore, the development of specific and active autophagy modulators becomes most desirable. Here, we briefly review the regulation of autophagy and then summarize the recent development of small molecules targeting the core autophagic machinery. Finally, we put forward our viewpoints on the current problems, with the aim to provide reference for future drug discovery and potential therapeutic perspectives on novel, potent, selective autophagy modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Xueyang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Science , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 211198 , China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Feng Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Science , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 211198 , China
| | - Wei Qu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Science , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 211198 , China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy , Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing , 210023 , China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
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22
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Kaempferol induces autophagic cell death of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via activating AMPK signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:86227-86239. [PMID: 29156790 PMCID: PMC5689680 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we demonstrate that Kaempferol inhibited survival and proliferation of established human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines (HepG2, Huh-7, BEL7402, and SMMC) and primary human HCC cells. Kaempferol treatment in HCC cells induced profound AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, which led to Ulk1 phosphorylation, mTOR complex 1 inhibition and cell autophagy. Autophagy induction was reflected by Beclin-1/autophagy gene 5 upregulation and p62 degradation as well as light chain 3B (LC3B)-I to LC3B-II conversion and LC3B puncta formation. Inhibition of AMPK, via AMPKα1 shRNA or dominant negative mutation, reversed above signaling changes. AMPK inhibition also largely inhibited Kaempferol-induced cytotoxicity in HCC cells. Autophagy inhibition, by 3-methyaldenine or Beclin-1 shRNA, also protected HCC cells from Kaempferol. Kaempferol downregulated melanoma antigen 6, the AMPK ubiquitin ligase, causing AMPKα1 stabilization and accumulation. We conclude that Kaempferol inhibits human HCC cells via activating AMPK signaling.
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23
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Abrams SL, Ruvolo PP, Ruvolo VR, Ligresti G, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Tafuri A, Steelman LS, Candido S, Libra M, McCubrey JA. Targeting signaling and apoptotic pathways involved in chemotherapeutic drug-resistance of hematopoietic cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:76525-76557. [PMID: 29100331 PMCID: PMC5652725 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical problem in leukemia as well as other cancer therapies is the development of chemotherapeutic drug-resistance. We have developed models of hematopoietic drug resistance that are based on expression of dominant-negative TP53 [TP53 (DN)] or constitutively-active MEK1 [MEK1(CA)] oncogenes in the presence of chemotherapeutic drugs. In human cancer, functional TP53 activity is often lost in human cancers. Also, activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway frequently occurs due to mutations/amplification of upstream components of this and other interacting pathways. FL5.12 is an interleukin-3 (IL−3) dependent hematopoietic cell line that is sensitive to doxorubicin (a.k.a Adriamycin). FL/Doxo is a derivative cell line that was isolated by culturing the parental FL5.12 cells in doxorubicin for prolonged periods of time. FL/Doxo + TP53 (DN) and FL/Doxo + MEK1 (CA) are FL/Doxo derivate cell lines that were infected with retrovirus encoding TP53 (DN) or MEK1 (CA) and are more resistant to doxorubicin than FL/Doxo cells. This panel of cell lines displayed differences in the sensitivity to inhibitors that suppress mTORC1, BCL2/BCLXL, MEK1 or MDM2 activities, as well as, the proteasomal inhibitor MG132. The expression of key genes involved in cell growth and drug-resistance (e.g., MDM2, MDR1, BAX) also varied in these cells. Thus, we can begin to understand some of the key genes that are involved in the resistance of hematopoietic cells to chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Peter P Ruvolo
- Section of Signal Transduction and Apoptosis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Current/Present address: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivian R Ruvolo
- Section of Signal Transduction and Apoptosis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Current/Present address: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Current/Present address: Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Agostino Tafuri
- Hematology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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24
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Mediani L, Gibellini F, Bertacchini J, Frasson C, Bosco R, Accordi B, Basso G, Bonora M, Calabrò ML, Mattiolo A, Sgarbi G, Baracca A, Pinton P, Riva G, Rampazzo E, Petrizza L, Prodi L, Milani D, Luppi M, Potenza L, De Pol A, Cocco L, Capitani S, Marmiroli S. Reversal of the glycolytic phenotype of primary effusion lymphoma cells by combined targeting of cellular metabolism and PI3K/Akt/ mTOR signaling. Oncotarget 2016; 7:5521-37. [PMID: 26575168 PMCID: PMC4868703 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PEL is a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, occurring predominantly as a lymphomatous effusion in body cavities, characterized by aggressive clinical course, with no standard therapy. Based on previous reports that PEL cells display a Warburg phenotype, we hypothesized that the highly hypoxic environment in which they grow in vivo makes them more reliant on glycolysis, and more vulnerable to drugs targeting this pathway. We established here that indeed PEL cells in hypoxia are more sensitive to glycolysis inhibition. Furthermore, since PI3K/Akt/mTOR has been proposed as a drug target in PEL, we ascertained that pathway-specific inhibitors, namely the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor, PF-04691502, and the Akt inhibitor, Akti 1/2, display improved cytotoxicity to PEL cells in hypoxic conditions. Unexpectedly, we found that these drugs reduce lactate production/extracellular acidification rate, and, in combination with the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG), they shift PEL cells metabolism from aerobic glycolysis towards oxidative respiration. Moreover, the associations possess strong synergistic cytotoxicity towards PEL cells, and thus may reduce adverse reaction in vivo, while displaying very low toxicity to normal lymphocytes. Finally, we showed that the association of 2-DG and PF-04691502 maintains its cytotoxic and proapoptotic effect also in PEL cells co-cultured with human primary mesothelial cells, a condition known to mimic the in vivo environment and to exert a protective and pro-survival action. All together, these results provide a compelling rationale for the clinical development of new therapies for the treatment of PEL, based on combined targeting of glycolytic metabolism and constitutively activated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mediani
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Gibellini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Frasson
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health and Institute of Pediatric Research - Città della Speranza Foundation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Bosco
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Benedetta Accordi
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health and Institute of Pediatric Research - Città della Speranza Foundation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basso
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health and Institute of Pediatric Research - Città della Speranza Foundation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Bonora
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Calabrò
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Adriana Mattiolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sgarbi
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Baracca
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Riva
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Rampazzo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Petrizza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Prodi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Milani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Anto De Pol
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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25
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Wang G, Wang JJ, Fu XL, Guang R, To SST. Advances in the targeting of HIF-1α and future therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma multiforme (Review). Oncol Rep 2016; 37:657-670. [PMID: 27959421 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell metabolism can be reprogrammed by tissue hypoxia leading to cell transformation and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) progression. In response to hypoxia, GBM cells are able to express a transcription factor called hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). HIF-1 belongs to a family of heterodimeric proteins that includes HIF-1α and HIF-1β subunits. HIF-1α has been reported to play a pivotal role in GBM development and progression. In the present review, we discuss the role of HIF-1α in glucose uptake, cancer proliferation, cell mobility and chemoresistance in GBM. Evidence from previous studies indicates that HIF-1α regulates angiogenesis, metabolic and transcriptional signaling pathways. Examples of such are the EGFR, PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. It affects cell migration and invasion by regulating glucose metabolism and growth in GBM cells. The present review focuses on the strategies through which to target HIF-1α and the related downstream genes highlighting their regulatory roles in angiogenesis, apoptosis, migration and glucose metabolism for the development of future GBM therapeutics. Combined treatment with inhibitors of HIF-1α and glycolysis may enhance antitumor effects in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai 200235, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai 200235, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Li Fu
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai 200235, P.R. China
| | - Rui Guang
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai 200235, P.R. China
| | - Shing-Shun Tony To
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
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26
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Chen L, Tian H, Li M, Ge C, Zhao F, Zhang L, Li H, Liu J, Wang T, Yao M, Li J. Derivate isocorydine inhibits cell proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:5951-61. [PMID: 26596832 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4362-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that isocorydine (ICD) can be served as a potential antitumor agent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A novel derivate of isocorydine (d-ICD) could significantly improve its anticancer activity in tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms of d-ICD on HCC cells remain to be unclear. In this study, we observed that d-ICD inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We found d-ICD induced G2/M cycle arrest of HCC cells via DNA damage 45 alpha (GADD45A) and p21 pathway in vitro and in vivo. In d-ICD-treated cells, cell cycle-related proteins cyclin B1 and p-CDC2 were upregulated and p-cyclin B1, CDC2, and E2F1 were inhibited. p21 expression can be reversed by knockdown of GADD45A in d-ICD-treated HCC cells. Enforced expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) in combination with d-ICD enhanced the p21 expression in HCC cells. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter assay showed that upregulation of GADD45A by C/EBPβ was achieved through the increase of GADD45A promoter activity. These findings indicate that d-ICD inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell cycle arrest through activation of C/EBPβ-GADD45A-p21 pathway in HCC cells. d-ICD might be a promising chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Chen
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Li
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junxi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Northwestern Plant Resources and Key Laboratory Fornatural Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tingpu Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui, China
| | - Ming Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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27
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McRee AJ, Sanoff HK, Carlson C, Ivanova A, O'Neil BH. A phase I trial of mFOLFOX6 combined with the oral PI3K inhibitor BKM120 in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2015; 33:1225-31. [PMID: 26490655 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-015-0298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The oral PI3K inhibitor BKM120 has been reported as safe and well tolerated in early phase clinical trials of advanced cancer patients. We performed a phase I trial of BKM120 plus mFOLFOX6 (5-FU/LV + oxaliplatin), a common chemotherapeutic backbone in GI malignancies, to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and characterize the safety and tolerability of the combination. METHODS Patients with advanced solid tumors received oral BKM120 daily combined with standard doses of mFOLFOX6 every 2 weeks of a 28 day cycle. The study utilized a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation schema. RESULTS A total of 17 patients received treatment with BKM120, 13 of which were evaluate for dose limited toxicity (DLT). The most common tumor types were colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. DLT included grade 3 hyperglycemia, grade 3 AST/ALT elevation, grade 4 neutropenia and grade 4 thrombocytopenia. A total of 76 % of patients experienced treatment related grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs), the most common of which were neutropenia, fatigue, leukopenia, hyperglycemia and thrombocytopenia. One patient demonstrated an unconfirmed partial response and three patients had stable disease. DISCUSSION The MTD of BKM120 in combination with standard doses of mFOLFOX6 was 40 mg daily, which is well below the 100 mg daily dose proven effective and tolerable both as a single agent and in combination with other chemotherapeutics. In addition, the regimen of BKM120 with mFOLFOX6 in patients with refractory solid tumors resulted in increased toxicity than would be expected from either the PI3K inhibitor or the chemotherapy backbone alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn J McRee
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB #7305, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Hanna K Sanoff
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB #7305, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Cheryl Carlson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB #7305, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Anastasia Ivanova
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, CB #7305, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Bert H O'Neil
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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28
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Sionov RV, Vlahopoulos SA, Granot Z. Regulation of Bim in Health and Disease. Oncotarget 2015; 6:23058-134. [PMID: 26405162 PMCID: PMC4695108 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The BH3-only Bim protein is a major determinant for initiating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Tight regulation of its expression and activity at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels together with the induction of alternatively spliced isoforms with different pro-apoptotic potential, ensure timely activation of Bim. Under physiological conditions, Bim is essential for shaping immune responses where its absence promotes autoimmunity, while too early Bim induction eliminates cytotoxic T cells prematurely, resulting in chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Enhanced Bim induction in neurons causes neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. Moreover, type I diabetes is promoted by genetically predisposed elevation of Bim in β-cells. On the contrary, cancer cells have developed mechanisms that suppress Bim expression necessary for tumor progression and metastasis. This review focuses on the intricate network regulating Bim activity and its involvement in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Spiros A. Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Horemeio Research Laboratory, Thivon and Levadias, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Zvi Granot
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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29
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Roles of NGAL and MMP-9 in the tumor microenvironment and sensitivity to targeted therapy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1863:438-448. [PMID: 26278055 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Various, diverse molecules contribute to the tumor microenvironment and influence invasion and metastasis. In this review, the roles of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the tumor microenvironment and sensitivity to therapy will be discussed. The lipocalin family of proteins has many important functions. For example when NGAL forms a complex with MMP-9 it increases its stability which is important in cancer metastasis. Small hydrophobic molecules are bound by NGAL which can alter their entry into and efflux from cells. Iron transport and storage are also influenced by NGAL activity. Regulation of iron levels is important for survival in the tumor microenvironment as well as metastasis. Innate immunity is also regulated by NGAL as it can have bacteriostatic properties. NGAL and MMP-9 expression may also affect the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy as well as targeted therapy. Thus NGAL and MMP-9 play important roles in key processes involved in metastasis as well as response to therapy. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Tumor Microenvironment Regulation of Cancer Cell Survival, Metastasis, Inflammation, and Immune Surveillance edited by Peter Ruvolo and Gregg L. Semenza.
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