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Tao HY, Zhao CY, Wang Y, Sheng WJ, Zhen YS. Targeting Telomere Dynamics as an Effective Approach for the Development of Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3805-3825. [PMID: 38708177 PMCID: PMC11069074 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere is a protective structure located at the end of chromosomes of eukaryotes, involved in maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome. Telomeres play an essential role in cancer progression; accordingly, targeting telomere dynamics emerges as an effective approach for the development of cancer therapeutics. Targeting telomere dynamics may work through multifaceted molecular mechanisms; those include the activation of anti-telomerase immune responses, shortening of telomere lengths, induction of telomere dysfunction and constitution of telomerase-responsive drug release systems. In this review, we summarize a wide variety of telomere dynamics-targeted agents in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and reveal their promising therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. As shown, telomere dynamics-active agents are effective as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics. Notably, these agents may display efficacy against cancer stem cells, reducing cancer stem levels. Furthermore, these agents can be integrated with the capability of tumor-specific drug delivery by the constitution of related nanoparticles, antibody drug conjugates and HSA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-yu Tao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-yan Zhao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-jin Sheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-su Zhen
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Ali JH, Walter M. Combining old and new concepts in targeting telomerase for cancer therapy: transient, immediate, complete and combinatory attack (TICCA). Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:197. [PMID: 37679807 PMCID: PMC10483736 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase can overcome replicative senescence by elongation of telomeres but is also a specific element in most cancer cells. It is expressed more vastly than any other tumor marker. Telomerase as a tumor target inducing replicative immortality can be overcome by only one other mechanism: alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). This limits the probability to develop resistance to treatments. Moreover, telomerase inhibition offers some degree of specificity with a low risk of toxicity in normal cells. Nevertheless, only one telomerase antagonist reached late preclinical studies. The underlying causes, the pitfalls of telomerase-based therapies, and future chances based on recent technical advancements are summarized in this review. Based on new findings and approaches, we propose a concept how long-term survival in telomerase-based cancer therapies can be significantly improved: the TICCA (Transient Immediate Complete and Combinatory Attack) strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaber Haj Ali
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057, Rostock, Germany.
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3
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Wang J, Dai M, Xing X, Wang X, Qin X, Huang T, Fang Z, Fan Y, Xu D. Genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic signatures for telomerase complex components: a pan-cancer analysis. Mol Oncol 2022; 17:150-172. [PMID: 36239411 PMCID: PMC9812836 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activation is required for malignant transformation. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have enabled the generation of complex datasets, thus providing alternative approaches to exploring telomerase biology more comprehensively, which has proven to be challenging due to the need for laborious assays required to test for telomerase activity. To solve these issues, several groups have analyzed TCGA pan-cancer tumor datasets by investigating telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic subunit for telomerase activity, or its surrogates. However, telomerase is a multiunit complex containing not only TERT, but also numerus cofactors required for telomerase function. Here we determined genomic and molecular alterations of 10 well-characterized telomerase components in the TCGA and CCLE datasets. We calculated a telomerase score (TS) based on their expression profiles and clustered tumors into low, high, and intermediate subtypes. To validate the in silico analysis result, we used immunoblotting and telomerase assays. High TS subtypes were significantly associated with stemness, proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, hyperactivation of oncogenic signaling pathways, shorter patient survival, and infiltration of dysfunctional T-cells or poor response to immunotherapy. Copy number alterations in 10 telomerase components were widespread and associated with the level of their expression. Surprisingly, primary tumors and cancer cell lines frequently displayed a homozygous deletion of the TCAB1 gene, encoding a telomerase protein essential for telomerase trafficking, assembling, and function, as previously reported. However, tumors or cells carrying a TCAB1 deletion still exhibited telomerase activity comparable to or even higher than their wildtype counterparts. Collectively, applying telomerase component-based TS in complex datasets provided a robust tool for telomerase analyses. Our findings also reveal a tight connection between telomerase and other oncogenic signaling pathways; TCAB1 may acts as a dispensable telomerase component. Moreover, TS may serve as a useful biomarker to predict patient outcomes and response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Urologic Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Mingkai Dai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital SolnaStockholmSweden
| | - Xiangling Xing
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital SolnaStockholmSweden
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Urology SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Wannan Medical collegeWuhuChina
| | - Xin Qin
- Department of UrologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Urologic Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina,Department of Urology SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Wannan Medical collegeWuhuChina
| | - Zhiqing Fang
- Department of UrologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yidong Fan
- Department of UrologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Dawei Xu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital SolnaStockholmSweden
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4
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Xu J, Wu H, Sun J, Gong Z, Lu X, Yang E, Chen Z, Huang S, Nong X, Zhang D. The anti-tumor effect of proteasome inhibitor MG132 for human adenoid cystic carcinoma: correlate with the emerging role of Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Head Face Med 2022; 18:15. [PMID: 35524269 PMCID: PMC9074179 DOI: 10.1186/s13005-022-00318-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common malignant salivary gland tumors. Moreover, the unique biological characteristics and complex structures of ACC contribute to its poor survival rates. Recently, proteasome inhibitors have been shown to elicit satisfactory therapeutic effects in the treatment of certain solid tumors, but few studies have been implemented to investigate the effects of proteasome inhibitor therapy for ACC. METHODS In this present study, cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to examine the effects of proteasome inhibitor (MG132) on cell viability and apoptosis. We applied western blot and immunofluorescence staining to explore the expression of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and P62, additionally Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) was utilized to evaluate the role of Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway in MG132-induced cell apoptosis. RESULTS Our data indicated that MG132 significantly suppressed the growth of ACC-83 cells(MG132 10µM P = 0.0046; 40µM P = 0.0033; 70µM P = 0.0007 versus control) and induced apoptosis (MG132 10µM P = 0.0458; 40µM P = 0.0018; 70µM P = 0.0087 versus control). The application of MG132 induced the up-regulation of Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of Nrf2 attenuated the therapeutic effects of MG132 for ACC (both ML385 + MG132 10µM P = 0.0013; 40µM P = 0.0057; 70µM P = 0.0003 versus MG132). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that proteasome inhibitors MG132 could inhibit the cell viability and induce the apoptosis of ACC through Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazhi Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, 530000, Nanning, China
| | - Haiwei Wu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Jiatong Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoya Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Enli Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Zhanwei Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China
| | - Shengyun Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China.
| | - Xiaolin Nong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, 530000, Nanning, China.
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 250021, Jinan, China.
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Wang L, Yin H, Huang S, Huang S, Huang C, Zhang Z, Liu H. Bortezomib induces cellular senescence in A549 lung cancer cells by stimulating telomere shortening. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221124094. [DOI: 10.1177/09603271221124094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Bortezomib (BTZ) is a first-generation proteasome inhibitor with anti-tumor properties for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Increasing evidence has shown that BTZ exhibits toxic effects on diverse tumor cells, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. However, the mechanism has not been fully evaluated. Here, we examined the regulatory effect of BTZ on cellular senescence, a potent tumor suppressive mechanism, in NSCLC cell lines. SA-β-gal staining assay showed that BTZ caused a significant increase in β-Gal positive A549 cells. BTZ also induced cell cycle arrest on G0/G1 phase in A549 cells. Furthermore, telomerase activity was markedly reduced in A549 cells treated with BTZ. BTZ reduced the expression levels of hTERT, and the key proteins binding to telomeric DNA, including POT1 and TIN2. It also induced the expressions of the cell cycle-associated tumor suppressors p53 and p21 in A549 cells. Moreover, hTERT overexpression abolished the effects of BTZ on A549 cells. These results show that BTZ induced cellular senescence by stimulating telomere shortening. Our results provide experimental data for the potential clinical application of BTZ in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
| | - Hang Yin
- Department of Cancer Day Clinic, Hainan Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Shiren Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
| | - Sini Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Hainan Cancer Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hainan Cancer Hospital, Haikou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Cancer Day Clinic, Hainan Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
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6
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Thyroid Carcinoma: Phenotypic Features, Underlying Biology and Potential Relevance for Targeting Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041950. [PMID: 33669363 PMCID: PMC7920269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma consists a group of phenotypically heterogeneous cancers. Recent advances in biological technologies have been advancing the delineation of genetic, epigenetic, and non-genetic factors that contribute to the heterogeneities of these cancers. In this review article, we discuss new findings that are greatly improving the understanding of thyroid cancer biology and facilitating the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. We review the phenotypic features of different subtypes of thyroid cancers and their underlying biology. We discuss recent discoveries in thyroid cancer heterogeneities and the critical mechanisms contributing to the heterogeneity with emphases on genetic and epigenetic factors, cancer stemness traits, and tumor microenvironments. We also discuss the potential relevance of the intratumor heterogeneity in understanding therapeutic resistance and how new findings in tumor biology can facilitate designing novel targeting therapies for thyroid cancer.
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Yuan X, Liu T, Xu D. Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in thyroid carcinomas: implications in precision oncology-a narrative review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1244. [PMID: 33178776 PMCID: PMC7607115 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as a catalytic component. In normal human follicular thyroid cells or thyrocytes, telomerase is silent due to the TERT gene being tightly repressed. However, during the formation of thyroid carcinoma (TC), telomerase becomes activated via TERT induction. The TERT promoter’s gain-of-function mutation has recently been identified in TCs and many other malignancies. The mutation creates a de novo ETS-binding motif through which TERT transcription is de-repressed and telomerase is activated; through this, the mutant TERT promoter promotes the development of TC, contributes to disease aggressiveness and treatment resistance, and thereby leads to poor patient outcomes. From a clinical point of view, the strong association between the TERT promoter mutation and disease malignancy and aggressiveness holds great promise for its value in TC diagnostics, risk stratification, prognostication, treatment decision, and follow-up design. In the present review article, we summarize the recent findings of studies of TERT promoter mutations in TC and underscore the implications of TERT hyperactivity driven by genetic events in the pathogenesis and management of TC. Finally, the targeting of TERT promoter mutations and the disruption of telomere maintenance are considered as potential therapeutic strategies against TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Yuan
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tiantian Liu
- School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Bioclinicum and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Solna, Sweden.,Karolinska Institute-Shandong University Collaborative Laboratory for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan, China
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8
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Sun Q, Liu J, Cheng G, Dai M, Liu J, Qi Z, Zhao J, Li W, Kong F, Liu G, Björkholm M, Xu D. The telomerase gene polymorphisms, but not telomere length, increase susceptibility to primary glomerulonephritis/end stage renal diseases in females. J Transl Med 2020; 18:184. [PMID: 32366311 PMCID: PMC7199377 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary glomerulonephritis (GN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and frequently progresses into end stage renal diseases (ESRDs). Shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been implicated in the CKD susceptibility and diminished kidney function, however, it is unclear whether the variants in telomerase genes contribute to risk to GN/CKD/ESRD. Here we address this issue by determining their association with the genetic variants of rs12696304 at the telomerase RNA component (TERC) and rs2736100 at the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) loci. Methods The study includes 769 patients (243 primary GN-derived CKD and 526 ESRD cases) and sex-/age-matched healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of both controls and patients. Genotyping of rs12696304 and rs2736100 variants was carried out using PCR-based assays. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results A significantly higher frequency of TERC rs12696304 G allele was observed in patients and associated with increased disease risk (C vs G: OR = 1.334, 95% CI 1.112–1.586, P = 0.001; CC + GC vs GG: OR = 1.334, 95% CI 1.122–1.586, P = 0.001). Further analyses showed that such significant differences were only present between female controls and patients (C vs G: OR = 1.483, 95% CI 1.140–1.929, P = 0.003; CC + GC vs CC: OR = 1.692, 95% CI 1.202–2.383, P = 0.003), but not males. There were no differences in rs2736100 variants between controls and patients, but female ESRD patients carried significantly higher C allele frequencies than did female controls (A vs C: OR = 1.306, 95% CI 1.005–1.698, P = 0.046; AA vs CC: OR = 1.781, 95% CI 1.033–3.070, P = 0.037). There was no difference in LTL between controls and patients. Conclusions Our results reveal that the TERC rs12696304 and TERT rs2736100 polymorphisms, but not LTL per se, contribute to GN/CDK/ESRD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sun
- Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China
| | - Junli Liu
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Cheng
- Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingkai Dai
- Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqiang Qi
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjie Zhao
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250013, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Kong
- Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gang Liu
- Nephrology Research Institute of Shandong University, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, 250035, People's Republic of China.
| | - Magnus Björkholm
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine and Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine and Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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9
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Yuan X, Xu D. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) in Action: Cross-Talking with Epigenetics. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133338. [PMID: 31284662 PMCID: PMC6651578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) as the catalytic component, is silent due to the tight repression of the TERT gene in most normal human somatic cells, whereas activated only in small subsets of cells, including stem cells, activated lymphocytes, and other highly proliferative cells. In contrast, telomerase activation via TERT induction is widespread in human malignant cells, which is a prerequisite for malignant transformation. It is well established that TERT/telomerase extends telomere length, thereby conferring sustained proliferation capacity to both normal and cancerous cells. The recent evidence has also accumulated that TERT/telomerase may participate in the physiological process and oncogenesis independently of its telomere-lengthening function. For instance, TERT is shown to interact with chromatin remodeling factors and to regulate DNA methylation, through which multiple cellular functions are attained. In the present review article, we summarize the non-canonical functions of TERT with a special emphasis on its cross-talk with epigenetics: How TERT contributes to epigenetic alterations in physiological processes and cancer, and how the aberrant epigenetics in turn facilitate TERT expression and function, eventually promoting cancer either initiation or progression or both. Finally, we briefly discuss clinical implications of the TERT-related methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Yuan
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 64 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Bioclinicum, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 64 Solna, Sweden.
- Shandong University-Karolinska Institute Collaborative Laboratory for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan 250033, China.
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10
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McCubrey JA, Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Candido S, Libra M, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Lombardi P, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Steelman LS. Effects of berberine, curcumin, resveratrol alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs and signal transduction inhibitors on cancer cells-Power of nutraceuticals. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 67:190-211. [PMID: 28988970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past fifty years, society has become aware of the importance of a healthy diet in terms of human fitness and longevity. More recently, the concept of the beneficial effects of certain components of our diet and other compounds, that are consumed often by different cultures in various parts of the world, has become apparent. These "healthy" components of our diet are often referred to as nutraceuticals and they can prevent/suppress: aging, bacterial, fungal and viral infections, diabetes, inflammation, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases and have other health-enhancing effects. Moreover, they are now often being investigated because of their anti-cancer properties/potentials. Understanding the effects of various natural products on cancer cells may enhance their usage as anti-proliferative agents which may be beneficial for many health problems. In this manuscript, we discuss and demonstrate how certain nutraceuticals may enhance other anti-cancer drugs to suppress proliferation of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- 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
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA; Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese 20026, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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11
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Yuan X, Meng Y, Li P, Ge N, Kong F, Yang L, Björkholm M, Zhao S, Xu D. The association between the TERT rs2736100 AC genotype and reduced risk of upper tract urothelial carcinomas in a Han Chinese population. Oncotarget 2017; 7:31972-9. [PMID: 26934125 PMCID: PMC5077989 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) are originated from urothelium, and consist of renal pelvic carcinomas (RPCs) and ureter carcinomas (UCs). Most UTUCs have already become invasive when diagnosed and there is thus a need to identify high-risk populations for preventive intervention. Recent evidence has accumulated supporting common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to be associated with increased risk of various malignancies. However, little is known about susceptibility loci in relation to UTUC development. We genotyped telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) rs2736100 variants, the SNP associated with a risk of multiple-types of cancer, in patients with UTUC (n = 212) and evaluated the relationship between the rs2736100 and UTUC risk by comparing to 289 healthy controls. Neither AA nor CC genotypes differed significantly between cases and controls, while the AC-carriers were associated with a reduced risk of UTUC compared to the homozygous AA (OR = 0.583; 95% CI: 0.388 − 0.875; P = 0.012) or AA + CC genotypes (0.613; 95% CI: 0.428 − 0.879; P = 0.010). Further analyses showed that the AC variant conferred a lower risk for early stage UTUCs or those with a wt TERT promoter. When UTUCs were sub-grouped into UCs and RPCs, the AC genotype still predicts a significantly lower risk for UC (P = 0.045, OR = 0.597, 95% CI: 0.370 − 0.963), while at a border line significance for RPC (P = 0.055, OR = 0.597, 95% CI: 0.324 − 0.976). Collectively, the rs2736100 AC variant predicts a reduced risk to develop UTUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Haematology and Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet-Shandong University Collaborative Laboratories for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Department of Urology and Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Li
- Nursing School, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Ge
- Department of Urology and Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Kong
- Department of Urology and Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, China.,Karolinska Institutet-Shandong University Collaborative Laboratories for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Urology and Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, China.,Karolinska Institutet-Shandong University Collaborative Laboratories for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan, China
| | - Magnus Björkholm
- Department of Medicine, Division of Haematology and Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet-Shandong University Collaborative Laboratories for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan, China
| | - Shengtian Zhao
- Department of Urology and Central Research Laboratory, Shandong University Second Hospital, Jinan, China.,Karolinska Institutet-Shandong University Collaborative Laboratories for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan, China
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Haematology and Centre for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Karolinska Institutet-Shandong University Collaborative Laboratories for Cancer and Stem Cell Research, Jinan, China
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12
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Zhang X, Li B, Yu J, Dahlström J, Tran AN, Björkholm M, Xu D. MYC-dependent downregulation of telomerase by FLT3 inhibitors is required for their therapeutic efficacy on acute myeloid leukemia. Ann Hematol 2017; 97:63-72. [PMID: 29080039 PMCID: PMC5748426 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-017-3158-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The somatic mutation of FLT3 occurs in 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with the majority of mutations exhibiting internal tandem duplication (ITD). On the other hand, the induction of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and the activation of telomerase is a key step in AML development. Here, we sought to determine whether FLT3ITD regulates hTERT expression in AML cells and whether hTERT expression affects FLT3 inhibitors' therapeutic efficacy on AML. FLT3ITD-harboring AML cell lines and primary cells treated with the FLT3 inhibitor PKC412 displayed a rapid decline in the levels of hTERT mRNA and telomerase activity. Moreover, PKC412 inhibited hTERT gene transcription in a c-MYC-dependent manner. The ectopic expression of hTERT significantly attenuated the apoptotic effect of PKC412 on AML cells. Mechanistically, hTERT enhanced the activity of FLT3 downstream effectors or alternative RTK signaling, thereby enhancing AKT phosphorylation, in AML cells treated with PKC412. Collectively, PKC412 downregulates hTERT expression and telomerase activity in a MYC-dependent manner and this effect is required for its optimal anti-AML efficacy, while hTERT over-expression confers AML cells resistance to a targeted therapeutic agent PKC412. These findings suggest that the functional interplay between FLT3ITD and hTERT contributes to the AML pathogenesis and interferes with the efficacy of FLT3ITD-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Zhang
- Center for Hematology, Department of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bingnan Li
- Center for Hematology, Department of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jingya Yu
- Center for Hematology, Department of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Dahlström
- Center for Hematology, Department of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anh Nhi Tran
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Björkholm
- Center for Hematology, Department of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dawei Xu
- Center for Hematology, Department of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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13
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Li S, Jiang Y, Li A, Liu X, Xing X, Guo Y, Xu Y, Hao Y, Zheng C. Telomere length is positively associated with the expression of IL‑6 and MIP‑1α in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of multiple myeloma. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:2497-2504. [PMID: 28677723 PMCID: PMC5547952 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Potential roles of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM) are largely unknown. In the current study, the authors analyzed telomere length and the expressions of interleukin (IL)-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α in MSCs derived from the bone marrow (BM) of MM patients and controls. The current results demonstrated that there was no significant difference in cell surface expression of CD73 and CD90, and the capacity to differentiate into bone tissue were identified between the BM MSCs derived from MM patients and controls. Interestingly, telomere length (TL) and mRNA expressions of IL-6 and MIP-1α were significantly longer or higher in BM MSCs of MM than those of controls. Moreover, TL is positively associated with the expressions of IL-6 and MIP-1α at the mRNA level in BM MSCs of MM. Additionally, IL-6 and MIP-1α expression were significantly upregulated when MSCs from MM patients were cultured in the myeloma associated condition medium. The present study indicated that myeloma-associated elongation of TL of BM MSCs may be a key element contributing to the increased IL-6 and MIP-1α expression, by which MSCs in the tumor microenvironment may facilitate MM and/or MM bone disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Ai Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Xiangling Xing
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Guo
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Yaqi Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Yunliang Hao
- Department of Hematology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272100, P.R. China
| | - Chengyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Institute of Biotherapy for Hematological Malignancies, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
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Abstract
It is well known that a decreased expression or inhibited activity of telomerase in cancer cells is accompanied by an increased sensitivity to some drugs (e.g., doxorubicin, cisplatin, or 5-fluorouracil). However, the mechanism of the resistance resulting from telomerase alteration remains elusive. There are theories claiming that it might be associated with telomere shortening, genome instability, hTERT translocation, mitochondria functioning modulation, or even alterations in ABC family gene expression. However, association of those mechanisms, i.e., drug resistance and telomerase alterations, is not fully understood yet. We review the current theories on the aspect of the role of telomerase in cancer cells resistance to therapy. We believe that revealing/unravelling this correlation might significantly contribute to an increased efficiency of cancer cells elimination, especially the most difficult ones, i.e., drug resistant.
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15
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Cheng G, Yuan X, Wang F, Sun Q, Xin Q, Li K, Sun C, Lin Z, Luan Y, Xu Y, Li P, Kong F, Xu D. Association Between the Telomerase rs2736098_TT Genotype and a Lower Risk of Chronic Hepatitis B and Cirrhosis in Chinese Males. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2017; 8:e79. [PMID: 28300824 PMCID: PMC5387758 DOI: 10.1038/ctg.2017.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is caused by infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and liver cirrhosis (LC) is its most common complication. The accumulated evidence indicates a genetic context of HBV infection phenotypes. Here we determine a potential association of CHB/LC with the genetic variant of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), a key player in aging including immune-senescence. METHODS The study included 227 Chinese CHB patients and 315 sex/age-matched healthy controls. TERT rs2736098 and rs2736100 genotyping was performed using pre-designed TaqMan SNP genotyping assay kits. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was determined using quantitative PCR. RESULTS The rs2736098_CT/CC genotypes were significantly associated with risk of CHB compared to the TT one (OR 2.265, 95% CI 1.202-4.269, P=0.015). A similar association was also found in CHB patients with cirrhosis (CT/CC vs TT: OR 2.398, 95% CI 1.168-4.922, P=0.02). Further analyses showed that the rs2736098_TT genotype difference occurred between male controls and patients (P=0.008) and male CT/CC-carriers exhibited highly increased risk of CHB compared to male controls (CT+CC vs TT, OR 3.182, 95% CI 1.350-7.500, P=0.01). There was no difference in the rs2736100 variants between controls and CHB patients. LTL was not different between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS The TERT rs2736098_TT genotype is associated with a lower CHB and LC risk in Chinese males, which may have implications in CHB pathogenesis and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Cheng
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiaotian Yuan
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Qing Sun
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Qian Xin
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Kailin Li
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chao Sun
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Zhaomin Lin
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Yun Luan
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Yiteng Xu
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Nursing, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Feng Kong
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Dawei Xu
- Central Research Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Wu YX, Yang JH, Saitsu H. Bortezomib-resistance is associated with increased levels of proteasome subunits and apoptosis-avoidance. Oncotarget 2016; 7:77622-77634. [PMID: 27769058 PMCID: PMC5363609 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bortezomib (BTZ), a proteasome inhibitor, is the first proteasome inhibitor to be used in clinical practice. Here we investigated the mechanisms underlying acquired bortezomib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Using stepwise selection, we established two acquired bortezomib-resistant HCC cell lines, a bortezomib-resistant HepG2 cell line (HepG2/BTZ) and bortezomib-resistant HuH7 cell line (HuH7/BTZ). The 50% inhibitory concentration values of HepG2/BTZ and HuH7/BTZ were respectively 15- and 39-fold higher than those of parental cell lines. Sequence analysis of the bortezomib-binding pocket in the β5-subunit showed no mutation. However, bortezomib-resistant HCC cells had increased expression of β1 and β5 proteasome subunits. These alterations of proteasome expression were accompanied by a weak degree of proteasome inhibition in bortezomib-resistant cells than that in wild-type cells after bortezomib exposure. Furthermore, bortezomib-resistant HCC cells acquired resistance to apoptosis. Bortezomib up-regulated pro-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 protein family, Bax and Noxa in wild-type HCC cells. However, in bortezomib-resistant HCC cells, resistance to apoptosis was accompanied by loss of the ability to stabilize and accumulate these proteins. Thus, increased expression and increased activity of proteasomes constitute an adaptive and auto regulatory feedback mechanism to allow cells to survive exposure bortezomib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xin Wu
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Jia-Hua Yang
- 2 Department of General Surgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hirotomo Saitsu
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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17
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Induction of MAPK- and ROS-dependent autophagy and apoptosis in gastric carcinoma by combination of romidepsin and bortezomib. Oncotarget 2016; 7:4454-67. [PMID: 26683357 PMCID: PMC4826218 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteasome inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can synergistically induce apoptotic cell death in certain cancer cell types but their combinatorial effect on the induction of autophagy remains unknown. Here, we investigated the combinatorial effects of a proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, and an HDAC inhibitor, romidepsin, on the induction of apoptotic and autophagic cell death in gastric carcinoma (GC) cells. Isobologram analysis showed that low nanomolar concentrations of bortezomib/romidepsin could synergistically induce killing of GC cells. The synergistic killing was due to the summative effect of caspase-dependent intrinsic apoptosis and caspase-independent autophagy. The autophagic cell death was dependent on the activation of MAPK family members (ERK1/2 and JNK), and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), but was independent of Epstein-Barr virus infection. In vivo, bortezomib/romidepsin also significantly induced apoptosis and autophagy in GC xenografts in nude mice. This is the first report demonstrating the potent effect of combination of HDAC and proteasome inhibitors on the induction of MAPK- and ROS-dependent autophagy in addition to caspase-dependent apoptosis in a cancer type.
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18
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TERT rs2736100 genotypes are associated with differential risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms in Swedish and Chinese male patient populations. Ann Hematol 2016; 95:1825-32. [PMID: 27561898 PMCID: PMC5040742 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-016-2787-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene rs2736100_C allele has recently been shown to be associated with an increased risk for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) among Caucasians. However, it is unknown if this association is present in other ethnical populations and whether rs2736100 allele frequencies mirror the incidence of MPNs in a population. Here we genotyped TERT rs2736100 variants in 126 Swedish and 101 Chinese MPN patients and their age-, sex-, and ethnically-matched healthy controls. Healthy Chinese adults had a higher frequency of the A allele and lower frequencies of the C allele compared to Swedish counterparts (57.4 vs 47.0 % for A, 42.6 vs 53.0 % for C, P = 0.006). Both Swedish and Chinese patients harbored significantly higher C allele frequency than their controls (62.7 vs 53.0 % and 57.4 vs 42.6 % for Swedish and Chinese, respectively, P = 0.004). Swedes and Chinese bearing the CC genotype had a significantly increased risk of MPN compared to AA carriers (OR = 2.47; 95 % CI: 1.33-4.57, P = 0.003, for Swedes, and OR = 3.45; 95 % CI: 1.52-7.85, P = 0.005, for Chinese). Further analyses showed that rs2736100_CC was associated with robustly enhanced risk in males only (CC vs AA, OR = 5.11; 95 % CI: 2.19-11.92, P < 0.0001). The CC-carrying MPN patients exhibited significantly higher TERT expression than patients with the AC genotype. Collectively, the rs2736100_C is a risk allele for MPNs in Swedish and Chinese males, and the lower incidence of MPNs in the Chinese population is correlated with a lower rs2736100_C risk allele frequency.
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19
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Jäger K, Walter M. Therapeutic Targeting of Telomerase. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7070039. [PMID: 27455328 PMCID: PMC4962009 DOI: 10.3390/genes7070039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere length and cell function can be preserved by the human reverse transcriptase telomerase (hTERT), which synthesizes the new telomeric DNA from a RNA template, but is normally restricted to cells needing a high proliferative capacity, such as stem cells. Consequently, telomerase-based therapies to elongate short telomeres are developed, some of which have successfully reached the stage I in clinical trials. Telomerase is also permissive for tumorigenesis and 90% of all malignant tumors use telomerase to obtain immortality. Thus, reversal of telomerase upregulation in tumor cells is a potential strategy to treat cancer. Natural and small-molecule telomerase inhibitors, immunotherapeutic approaches, oligonucleotide inhibitors, and telomerase-directed gene therapy are useful treatment strategies. Telomerase is more widely expressed than any other tumor marker. The low expression in normal tissues, together with the longer telomeres in normal stem cells versus cancer cells, provides some degree of specificity with low risk of toxicity. However, long term telomerase inhibition may elicit negative effects in highly-proliferative cells which need telomerase for survival, and it may interfere with telomere-independent physiological functions. Moreover, only a few hTERT molecules are required to overcome senescence in cancer cells, and telomerase inhibition requires proliferating cells over a sufficient number of population doublings to induce tumor suppressive senescence. These limitations may explain the moderate success rates in many clinical studies. Despite extensive studies, only one vaccine and one telomerase antagonist are routinely used in clinical work. For complete eradication of all subpopulations of cancer cells a simultaneous targeting of several mechanisms will likely be needed. Possible technical improvements have been proposed including the development of more specific inhibitors, methods to increase the efficacy of vaccination methods, and personalized approaches. Telomerase activation and cell rejuvenation is successfully used in regenerative medicine for tissue engineering and reconstructive surgery. However, there are also a number of pitfalls in the treatment with telomerase activating procedures for the whole organism and for longer periods of time. Extended cell lifespan may accumulate rare genetic and epigenetic aberrations that can contribute to malignant transformation. Therefore, novel vector systems have been developed for a 'mild' integration of telomerase into the host genome and loss of the vector in rapidly-proliferating cells. It is currently unclear if this technique can also be used in human beings to treat chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Jäger
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin 13353, Germany.
| | - Michael Walter
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, Berlin 13353, Germany.
- Labor Berlin-Charité Vivantes Services GmbH, Sylter Str. 2, Berlin 13353, Germany.
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Cancer-Specific Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) Promoter Mutations: Biological and Clinical Implications. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7070038. [PMID: 27438857 PMCID: PMC4962008 DOI: 10.3390/genes7070038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulated evidence has pointed to a key role of telomerase in carcinogenesis. As a RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, telomerase synthesizes telomeric DNA at the end of linear chromosomes, and attenuates or prevents telomere erosion associated with cell divisions. By lengthening telomeres, telomerase extends cellular life-span or even induces immortalization. Consistent with its functional activity, telomerase is silent in most human normal somatic cells while active only in germ-line, stem and other highly proliferative cells. In contrast, telomerase activation widely occurs in human cancer and the enzymatic activity is detectable in up to 90% of malignancies. Recently, hotspot point mutations in the regulatory region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, encoding the core catalytic component of telomerase, was identified as a novel mechanism to activate telomerase in cancer. This review discusses the cancer-specific TERT promoter mutations and potential biological and clinical significances.
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21
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Chen Y, Zhang Y. Functional and mechanistic analysis of telomerase: An antitumor drug target. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 163:24-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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