1
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De Ioris MA, Fabozzi F, Del Bufalo F, Del Baldo G, Villani MF, Cefalo MG, Garganese MC, Stracuzzi A, Tangari F, Greco AM, Giovannoni I, Carta R, D'Andrea ML, Mastronuzzi A, Locatelli F. Venetoclax plus cyclophosphamide and topotecan in heavily pre-treated relapsed metastatic neuroblastoma: a single center case series. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19295. [PMID: 37935707 PMCID: PMC10630499 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44993-9] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of relapsed/refractory (R/R) neuroblastoma (NB) is dismal, calling for new therapeutic strategies. Venetoclax (VEN) is a highly selective, potent, orally bioavailable, BCL-2 inhibitor small-molecule that showed a synergistic effect with cyclophosphamide and topotecan (Cy-Topo) in murine NB models. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of VEN plus Cy-Topo in children with R/R NB. Four patients, who had previously failed > 3 lines of treatment, were treated with VEN plus Cy-Topo based on a 28-day schedule in an outpatient setting. BCL-2 expression in immunochemistry on tumor samples at relapse and the BCL2 gene status was evaluated in all patients. The main toxicity was hematological, with grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurring in all courses and leading to transient VEN discontinuation. Grade 3 oral mucositis was observed in 1/8 courses. No other grade 2-4 toxicities were observed. BCL-2 was expressed in all tumors, while no molecular abnormalities in the BCL-2 genes were detected. A stable disease was observed in all patients, without any progression during the study period. VEN plus Cy-Topo is well tolerated, with encouraging results that may be improved by testing the schedule in less advanced patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta De Ioris
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fabozzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Del Bufalo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Giuseppina Cefalo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Federica Tangari
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Arturo Maria Greco
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Carta
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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2
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Neely V, Manchikalapudi A, Nguyen K, Dalton K, Hu B, Koblinski JE, Faber AC, Deb S, Harada H. Targeting Oncogenic Mutant p53 and BCL-2 for Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13082. [PMID: 37685889 PMCID: PMC10487506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Through a unique genomics and drug screening platform with ~800 solid tumor cell lines, we have found a subset of SCLC cell lines are hypersensitive to venetoclax, an FDA-approved inhibitor of BCL-2. SCLC-A (ASCL1 positive) and SCLC-P (POU2F3 positive), which make up almost 80% of SCLC, frequently express high levels of BCL-2. We found that a subset of SCLC-A and SCLC-P showed high BCL-2 expression but were venetoclax-resistant. In addition, most of these SCLC cell lines have TP53 missense mutations, which make a single amino acid change. These mutants not only lose wild-type (WT) p53 tumor suppressor functions, but also acquire novel cancer-promoting activities (oncogenic, gain-of-function). A recent study with oncogenic mutant (Onc)-p53 knock-in mouse models of SCLC suggests gain-of-function activity can attenuate chemotherapeutic efficacy. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that Onc-p53 confers venetoclax resistance and that simultaneous inhibition of BCL-2 and Onc-p53 induces synergistic anticancer activity in a subset of SCLC-A and SCLC-P. We show here that (1) down-regulation of Onc-p53 increases the expression of a BH3-only pro-apoptotic BIM and sensitizes to venetoclax in SCLC-P cells; (2) targeting Onc-p53 by the HSP90 inhibitor, ganetespib, increases BIM expression and sensitizes to venetoclax in SCLC-P and SCLC-A cells. Although there are currently many combination studies for venetoclax proposed, the concept of simultaneous targeting of BCL-2 and Onc-p53 by the combination of venetoclax and HSP90 inhibitors would be a promising approach for SCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Neely
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (A.M.); (K.N.); (K.D.); (A.C.F.)
| | - Alekhya Manchikalapudi
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (A.M.); (K.N.); (K.D.); (A.C.F.)
| | - Khanh Nguyen
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (A.M.); (K.N.); (K.D.); (A.C.F.)
| | - Krista Dalton
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (A.M.); (K.N.); (K.D.); (A.C.F.)
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (B.H.); (J.E.K.)
| | - Jennifer E. Koblinski
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (B.H.); (J.E.K.)
| | - Anthony C. Faber
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (A.M.); (K.N.); (K.D.); (A.C.F.)
| | - Sumitra Deb
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (V.N.); (A.M.); (K.N.); (K.D.); (A.C.F.)
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3
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Seneviratne JA, Carter DR, Mittra R, Gifford A, Kim PY, Luo J, Mayoh C, Salib A, Rahmanto AS, Murray J, Cheng NC, Nagy Z, Wang Q, Kleynhans A, Tan O, Sutton SK, Xue C, Chung SA, Zhang Y, Sun C, Zhang L, Haber M, Norris MD, Fletcher JI, Liu T, Dilda PJ, Hogg PJ, Cheung BB, Marshall GM. Inhibition of mitochondrial translocase SLC25A5 and histone deacetylation is an effective combination therapy in neuroblastoma. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:1399-1413. [PMID: 36346110 PMCID: PMC10953412 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The mitochondrion is a gatekeeper of apoptotic processes, and mediates drug resistance to several chemotherapy agents used to treat cancer. Neuroblastoma is a common solid cancer in young children with poor clinical outcomes following conventional chemotherapy. We sought druggable mitochondrial protein targets in neuroblastoma cells. Among mitochondria-associated gene targets, we found that high expression of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (SLC25A5/ANT2), was a strong predictor of poor neuroblastoma patient prognosis and contributed to a more malignant phenotype in pre-clinical models. Inhibiting this transporter with PENAO reduced cell viability in a panel of neuroblastoma cell lines in a TP53-status-dependant manner. We identified the histone deacetylase inhibitor, suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), as the most effective drug in clinical use against mutant TP53 neuroblastoma cells. SAHA and PENAO synergistically reduced cell viability, and induced apoptosis, in neuroblastoma cells independent of TP53-status. The SAHA and PENAO drug combination significantly delayed tumour progression in pre-clinical neuroblastoma mouse models, suggesting that these clinically advanced inhibitors may be effective in treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janith A. Seneviratne
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Daniel R. Carter
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rituparna Mittra
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Andrew Gifford
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Patrick Y. Kim
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jie‐Si Luo
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Chelsea Mayoh
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alice Salib
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Aldwin S. Rahmanto
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jayne Murray
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ngan C. Cheng
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Qian Wang
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ane Kleynhans
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Owen Tan
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Selina K. Sutton
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Chengyuan Xue
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sylvia A. Chung
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yizhuo Zhang
- Department of PaediatricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Paediatric OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Chengtao Sun
- Department of PaediatricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Paediatric OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of PaediatricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Paediatric OncologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Murray D. Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- University of New South WalesCentre for Childhood Cancer ResearchRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jamie I. Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tao Liu
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Pierre J. Dilda
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Philip J. Hogg
- Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), Centenary Cancer Research Centre, Charles Perkins CentreUniversity of SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Belamy B. Cheung
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Glenn M. Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South WalesAustralia
- School of Women's & Children's HealthUNSW SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Kids Cancer CentreSydney Children's HospitalRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
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4
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Eleveld TF, Vernooij L, Schild L, Koopmans B, Alles LK, Ebus ME, Dandis R, van Tinteren H, Caron HN, Koster J, van Noesel MM, Tytgat GAM, Eising S, Versteeg R, Dolman MEM, Molenaar JJ. MEK inhibition causes BIM stabilization and increased sensitivity to BCL-2 family member inhibitors in RAS-MAPK-mutated neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1130034. [PMID: 36895472 PMCID: PMC9990464 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1130034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mutations affecting the RAS-MAPK pathway occur frequently in relapsed neuroblastoma tumors and are associated with response to MEK inhibition in vitro. However, these inhibitors alone do not lead to tumor regression in vivo, indicating the need for combination therapy. Methods and results Via high-throughput combination screening, we identified that the MEK inhibitor trametinib can be combined with BCL-2 family member inhibitors, to efficiently inhibit growth of neuroblastoma cell lines with RAS-MAPK mutations. Suppressing the RAS-MAPK pathway with trametinib led to an increase in pro-apoptotic BIM, resulting in more BIM binding to anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. By favoring the formation of these complexes, trametinib treatment enhances sensitivity to compounds targeting anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members. In vitro validation studies confirmed that this sensitizing effect is dependent on an active RAS-MAPK pathway. In vivo combination of trametinib with BCL-2 inhibitors led to tumor inhibition in NRAS-mutant and NF1-deleted xenografts. Conclusion Together, these results show that combining MEK inhibition with BCL-2 family member inhibition could potentially improve therapeutic outcomes for RAS-MAPK-mutated neuroblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Eleveld
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lindy Vernooij
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Linda Schild
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bianca Koopmans
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lindy K Alles
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marli E Ebus
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rana Dandis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Max M van Noesel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Selma Eising
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Rogier Versteeg
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M Emmy M Dolman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.,School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Pharmaceutical sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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5
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Peterziel H, Jamaladdin N, ElHarouni D, Gerloff XF, Herter S, Fiesel P, Berker Y, Blattner-Johnson M, Schramm K, Jones BC, Reuss D, Turunen L, Friedenauer A, Holland-Letz T, Sill M, Weiser L, Previti C, Balasubramanian G, Gerber NU, Gojo J, Hutter C, Øra I, Lohi O, Kattamis A, de Wilde B, Westermann F, Tippelt S, Graf N, Nathrath M, Sparber-Sauer M, Sehested A, Kramm CM, Dirksen U, Kallioniemi O, Pfister SM, van Tilburg CM, Jones DTW, Saarela J, Pietiäinen V, Jäger N, Schlesner M, Kopp-Schneider A, Oppermann S, Milde T, Witt O, Oehme I. Drug sensitivity profiling of 3D tumor tissue cultures in the pediatric precision oncology program INFORM. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:94. [PMID: 36575299 PMCID: PMC9794727 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00335-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The international precision oncology program INFORM enrolls relapsed/refractory pediatric cancer patients for comprehensive molecular analysis. We report a two-year pilot study implementing ex vivo drug sensitivity profiling (DSP) using a library of 75-78 clinically relevant drugs. We included 132 viable tumor samples from 35 pediatric oncology centers in seven countries. DSP was conducted on multicellular fresh tumor tissue spheroid cultures in 384-well plates with an overall mean processing time of three weeks. In 89 cases (67%), sufficient viable tissue was received; 69 (78%) passed internal quality controls. The DSP results matched the identified molecular targets, including BRAF, ALK, MET, and TP53 status. Drug vulnerabilities were identified in 80% of cases lacking actionable (very) high-evidence molecular events, adding value to the molecular data. Striking parallels between clinical courses and the DSP results were observed in selected patients. Overall, DSP in clinical real-time is feasible in international multicenter precision oncology programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Peterziel
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nora Jamaladdin
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dina ElHarouni
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xenia F. Gerloff
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Herter
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petra Fiesel
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yannick Berker
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Blattner-Johnson
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schramm
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara C. Jones
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Reuss
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Department Neuropathology at Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Present Address: Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Turunen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aileen Friedenauer
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Holland-Letz
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Sill
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Weiser
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Core Facility Omics IT and Data Management (ODCF), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Previti
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Core Facility Omics IT and Data Management (ODCF), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gnanaprakash Balasubramanian
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicolas U. Gerber
- grid.412341.10000 0001 0726 4330Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, CH-8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Gojo
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center and Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Hutter
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492St. Anna Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria ,grid.416346.2St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingrid Øra
- grid.411843.b0000 0004 0623 9987Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Oncology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund & Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olli Lohi
- grid.502801.e0000 0001 2314 6254Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland, and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Antonis Kattamis
- grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bram de Wilde
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Westermann
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Tippelt
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Pediatrics III Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Cardiology, Pulmonology, West German Cancer Center; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Graf
- grid.411937.9Department of Pediatric Oncology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Nathrath
- grid.419824.20000 0004 0625 3279Department of Pediatric Oncology, Klinikum Kassel, Kassel, Germany ,grid.6936.a0000000123222966Department of Pediatrics and Children’s Cancer Research Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Sparber-Sauer
- grid.459687.10000 0004 0493 3975Klinikum der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart gKAöR, Olgahospital, Stuttgart Cancer Center, Zentrum für Kinder-, Jugend- und Frauenmedizin, Pädiatrie 5 (Pädiatrische Onkologie, Hämatologie, Immunologie), Stuttgart, Germany ,University of Medicine Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Astrid Sehested
- grid.475435.4Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Christof M. Kramm
- grid.411984.10000 0001 0482 5331Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uta Dirksen
- grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Pediatrics III Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Cardiology, Pulmonology, West German Cancer Center; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
| | - Stefan M. Pfister
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cornelis M. van Tilburg
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David T. W. Jones
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Glioma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jani Saarela
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vilja Pietiäinen
- grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
| | - Natalie Jäger
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schlesner
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Bioinformatics and Omics Data Analytics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7307.30000 0001 2108 9006Biomedical Informatics, Data Mining and Data Analytics, Faculty of Applied Computer Science and Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Annette Kopp-Schneider
- grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sina Oppermann
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olaf Witt
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Pulmonology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Oehme
- grid.510964.fHopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.461742.20000 0000 8855 0365National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Fitzgerald MC, O’Halloran PJ, Connolly NMC, Murphy BM. Targeting the apoptosis pathway to treat tumours of the paediatric nervous system. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:460. [PMID: 35568716 PMCID: PMC9107479 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04900-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
New, more effective therapeutics are required for the treatment of paediatric cancers. Current treatment protocols of cytotoxic treatments including chemotherapy trigger cancer-cell death by engaging the apoptosis pathway, and chemotherapy efficacy is frequently impeded by apoptosis dysregulation. Apoptosis dysregulation, through genetic or epigenetic mechanisms, is a feature of many cancer types, and contributes to reduced treatment response, disease progression and ultimately treatment resistance. Novel approaches are required to overcome dysregulated apoptosis signalling, increase the efficacy of cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. Here, we provide an insight into current knowledge of how the apoptosis pathway is dysregulated in paediatric nervous system tumours, with a focus on TRAIL receptors, the BCL-2 proteins and the IAP family, and highlight preclinical evidence demonstrating that pharmacological manipulation of the apoptosis pathway can restore apoptosis signalling and sensitise cancer cells to treatment. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical implications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Fitzgerald
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland ,grid.417322.10000 0004 0516 3853National Children’s Research Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512 Ireland
| | - Philip J. O’Halloran
- grid.417322.10000 0004 0516 3853National Children’s Research Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512 Ireland ,grid.415490.d0000 0001 2177 007XDepartment of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Niamh M. C. Connolly
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland ,grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland
| | - Brona M. Murphy
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland ,grid.417322.10000 0004 0516 3853National Children’s Research Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, D12 N512 Ireland ,grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 31A York Street, Dublin, D02 YN77 Ireland
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7
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Valdez BC, Murray D, Yuan B, Nieto Y, Popat U, Andersson BS. ABT199/venetoclax potentiates the cytotoxicity of alkylating agents and fludarabine in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Oncotarget 2022; 13:319-330. [PMID: 35154579 PMCID: PMC8830224 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The antineoplastic activity of pre-transplant regimens in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a critical factor for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. There is an urgent need to identify novel approaches without jeopardizing patient safety. We hypothesized that combination of drugs with different mechanisms of action would provide better cytotoxicity. We, therefore, determined the synergistic cytotoxicity of various combinations of the alkylating agents busulfan (Bu) and 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4HC), the nucleoside analog fludarabine (Flu) and the BCL2 inhibitor ABT199/venetoclax in AML cells. [Bu+4HC] and [Bu+Flu] inhibited cell proliferation and activated apoptosis; addition of ABT199 to either combinations significantly increased these effects with combination indexes < 1. Apoptosis is suggested by cleavages of PARP1 and CASPASE 3, DNA fragmentation, increased reactive oxygen species, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased pro-apoptotic proteins in the cytoplasm. A similar enhancement of apoptosis was observed in patient-derived cell samples. ABT199/venetocalx upregulated anti-apoptotic MCL1 as a compensatory mechanism but addition of [Bu+4HC] or [Bu+Flu] negated this effect by CASPASE 3-mediated cleavage of MEK1/2 and its substrate MCL1. CASPASE 3 caused cleavage of pro-survival β-CATENIN, which likely contributed to the activation of stress signaling pathways involving SAPK/JNK and AMPK. The observed synergistic cytotoxicity was associated with an inhibition of pro-survival pathways involving STAT1, STAT5 and PI3K. These findings will be useful in designing clinical trials using these drug combinations as pre-transplant conditioning regimens for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benigno C Valdez
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David Murray
- Division/Department of Experimental Oncology, University of Alberta/Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton T6G 1Z2, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bin Yuan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yago Nieto
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Uday Popat
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Borje S Andersson
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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8
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Townsend PA, Kozhevnikova MV, Cexus ONF, Zamyatnin AA, Soond SM. BH3-mimetics: recent developments in cancer therapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:355. [PMID: 34753495 PMCID: PMC8576916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The hopeful outcomes from 30 years of research in BH3-mimetics have indeed served a number of solid paradigms for targeting intermediates from the apoptosis pathway in a variety of diseased states. Not only have such rational approaches in drug design yielded several key therapeutics, such outputs have also offered insights into the integrated mechanistic aspects of basic and clinical research at the genetics level for the future. In no other area of medical research have the effects of such work been felt, than in cancer research, through targeting the BAX-Bcl-2 protein-protein interactions. With these promising outputs in mind, several mimetics, and their potential therapeutic applications, have also been developed for several other pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and tissue fibrosis, thus highlighting the universal importance of the intrinsic arm of the apoptosis pathway and its input to general tissue homeostasis. Considering such recent developments, and in a field that has generated so much scientific interest, we take stock of how the broadening area of BH3-mimetics has developed and diversified, with a focus on their uses in single and combined cancer treatment regimens and recently explored therapeutic delivery methods that may aid the development of future therapeutics of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Townsend
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. .,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation. .,University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maria V Kozhevnikova
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russian Federation
| | - Surinder M Soond
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. .,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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9
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Fairlie WD, Lee EF. Targeting the BCL-2-regulated apoptotic pathway for the treatment of solid cancers. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2397-2410. [PMID: 34581776 PMCID: PMC8589438 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deregulation of apoptosis is a key contributor to tumourigenesis as it can lead to the unwanted survival of rogue cells. Drugs known as the BH3-mimetics targeting the pro-survival members of the BCL-2 protein family to induce apoptosis in cancer cells have achieved clinical success for the treatment of haematological malignancies. However, despite our increasing knowledge of the pro-survival factors mediating the unwanted survival of solid tumour cells, and our growing BH3-mimetics armamentarium, the application of BH3-mimetic therapy in solid cancers has not reached its full potential. This is mainly attributed to the need to identify clinically safe, yet effective, combination strategies to target the multiple pro-survival proteins that typically mediate the survival of solid tumours. In this review, we discuss current and exciting new developments in the field that has the potential to unleash the full power of BH3-mimetic therapy to treat currently recalcitrant solid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Douglas Fairlie
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Erinna F. Lee
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Cell Death and Survival Laboratory, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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10
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Neuroblastoma Cells Depend on CSB for Faithful Execution of Cytokinesis and Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810070. [PMID: 34576232 PMCID: PMC8465547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma, the most common extra-cranial solid tumor of early childhood, is one of the major therapeutic challenges in child oncology: it is highly heterogenic at a genetic, biological, and clinical level. The high-risk cases have one of the least favorable outcomes amongst pediatric tumors, and the mortality rate is still high, regardless of the use of intensive multimodality therapies. Here, we observed that neuroblastoma cells display an increased expression of Cockayne Syndrome group B (CSB), a pleiotropic protein involved in multiple functions such as DNA repair, transcription, mitochondrial homeostasis, and cell division, and were recently found to confer cell robustness when they are up-regulated. In this study, we demonstrated that RNAi-mediated suppression of CSB drastically impairs tumorigenicity of neuroblastoma cells by hampering their proliferative, clonogenic, and invasive capabilities. In particular, we observed that CSB ablation induces cytokinesis failure, leading to caspases 9 and 3 activation and, subsequently, to massive apoptotic cell death. Worthy of note, a new frontier in cancer treatment, already proved to be successful, is cytokinesis-failure-induced cell death. In this context, CSB ablation seems to be a new and promising anticancer strategy for neuroblastoma therapy.
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11
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Programmed cell death, redox imbalance, and cancer therapeutics. Apoptosis 2021; 26:385-414. [PMID: 34236569 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-021-01682-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells are disordered by nature and thus featured by higher internal redox level than healthy cells. Redox imbalance could trigger programmed cell death if exceeded a certain threshold, rendering therapeutic strategies relying on redox control a possible cancer management solution. Yet, various programmed cell death events have been consecutively discovered, complicating our understandings on their associations with redox imbalance and clinical implications especially therapeutic design. Thus, it is imperative to understand differences and similarities among programmed cell death events regarding their associations with redox imbalance for improved control over these events in malignant cells as well as appropriate design on therapeutic approaches relying on redox control. This review addresses these issues and concludes by bringing affront cold atmospheric plasma as an emerging redox controller with translational potential in clinics.
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12
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Dalton KM, Krytska K, Lochmann TL, Sano R, Casey C, D'Aulerio A, Khan QA, Crowther GS, Coon C, Cai J, Jacob S, Kurupi R, Hu B, Dozmorov M, Greninger P, Souers AJ, Benes CH, Mossé YP, Faber AC. Venetoclax-based Rational Combinations are Effective in Models of MYCN-amplified Neuroblastoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1400-1411. [PMID: 34088831 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Venetoclax is a small molecule inhibitor of the prosurvival protein BCL-2 that has gained market approval in BCL-2-dependent hematologic cancers including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Neuroblastoma is a heterogenous pediatric cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50% for high-risk patients, which includes nearly all cases with amplified MYCN We previously demonstrated that venetoclax is active in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma but has limited single-agent activity in most models, presumably the result of other pro-survival BCL-2 family protein expression or insufficient prodeath protein mobilization. As the relative tolerability of venetoclax makes it amenable to combining with other therapies, we evaluated the sensitivity of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma models to rational combinations of venetoclax with agents that have both mechanistic complementarity and active clinical programs. First, the MDM2 inhibitor NVP-CGM097 increases the prodeath BH3-only protein NOXA to sensitize p53-wild-type, MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas to venetoclax. Second, the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845 sensitizes MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma through neutralization of MCL-1, inducing synergistic cell killing when combined with venetoclax. Finally, the standard-of-care drug cocktail cyclophosphamide and topotecan reduces the apoptotic threshold of neuroblastoma, thus setting the stage for robust combination efficacy with venetoclax. In all cases, these rational combinations translated to in vivo tumor regressions in MYCN-amplified patient-derived xenograft models. Venetoclax is currently being evaluated in pediatric patients in the clinic, including neuroblastoma (NCT03236857). Although establishment of safety is still ongoing, the data disclosed herein indicate rational and clinically actionable combination strategies that could potentiate the activity of venetoclax in patients with amplified MYCN with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Dalton
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Kateryna Krytska
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy L Lochmann
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Renata Sano
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Pharmacyclics, an Abbvie company, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Colleen Casey
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alessia D'Aulerio
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Qasim A Khan
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Giovanna Stein Crowther
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Colin Coon
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jinyang Cai
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Sheeba Jacob
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Richard Kurupi
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mikhail Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Patricia Greninger
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | | | - Cyril H Benes
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Yael P Mossé
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anthony C Faber
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, VCU School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
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13
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Sharma S, Varsha KK, Ray U, Siddiqua H, Jose AE, Muninarasimaiah S, Raghavan SC, Choudhary B. Acute toxicity analysis of an inhibitor of BCL2, Disarib, in rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9982. [PMID: 33976278 PMCID: PMC8113538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89387-x] [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: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a highly regulated process, which eliminates unwanted and damaged cells. Inhibition of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer cells. BCL2 family proteins are known to play a vital role in the regulation of apoptosis. Overexpression of BCL2, an antiapoptotic protein, provides the advantage of prolonged survival to cancer cells. Over the years, several BCL2 inhibitors have been investigated extensively for their anticancer potential. However, most of them were abolished before clinical use due to their side effects. Previously, we had identified and characterized a novel BCL2 inhibitor, Disarib, with the potential to eliminate tumor cells in a BCL2 specific manner leading to reduction in tumor burden in multiple mouse models. Notably, a head-to-head comparison of Disarib to ABT199, the only FDA approved BCL2 inhibitor revealed that Disarib is as potent as ABT199. Recent studies using mice revealed that Disarib did not invoke significant side effects in mice. In the present study, we have investigated the acute toxicity of Disarib in Wistar rats. The bioavailability studies following exposure of Disarib in Wistar rats revealed its maximum availability in serum at 24 h following oral administration. Acute toxicity analysis revealed that even a dose as high as 2000 mg/kg of Disarib did not cause significant toxicity in rats. There was no significant variation in blood parameters or kidney and liver functions following administration of Disarib. Histological analysis of different tissues from Disarib treated groups revealed standard architecture with no observable cellular damage. Importantly, exposure to Diasrib did not result in genotoxicity as determined by micronucleus assay. Further, solubility assays revealed that besides DMSO, Disarib is also soluble in alcohol. While the high acidic condition can increase the solubility of Disarib, even a lower percentage of alcohol with acidic conditions can improve its solubility. Thus, the toxicological profile in the current study revealed no significant side effects when Disarib was administered orally to rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivangi Sharma
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Electronics City, Bangalore, 560100, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | | | - Ujjayinee Ray
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Humaira Siddiqua
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | | | | | - Sathees C Raghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
| | - Bibha Choudhary
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Electronics City, Bangalore, 560100, India.
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14
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Vernooij L, Bate-Eya LT, Alles LK, Lee JY, Koopmans B, Jonus HC, Schubert NA, Schild L, Lelieveld D, Egan DA, Kerstjens M, Stam RW, Koster J, Goldsmith KC, Molenaar JJ, Dolman MEM. High-Throughput Screening Identifies Idasanutlin as a Resensitizing Drug for Venetoclax-Resistant Neuroblastoma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1161-1172. [PMID: 33850004 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma tumors frequently overexpress the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (BCL-2). We previously showed that treating BCL-2-dependent neuroblastoma cells with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax results in apoptosis, but unfortunately partial therapy resistance is observed. The current study describes the identification of drugs capable of resensitizing venetoclax-resistant neuroblastoma cells to venetoclax. To examine these effects, venetoclax resistance was induced in BCL-2-dependent neuroblastoma cell lines KCNR and SJNB12 by continuous exposure to high venetoclax concentrations. Non-resistant and venetoclax-resistant neuroblastoma cell lines were exposed to a 209-compound library in the absence and presence of venetoclax to identify compounds that were more effective in the venetoclax-resistant cell lines under venetoclax pressure. Top hits were further validated in combination with venetoclax using BCL-2-dependent neuroblastoma model systems. Overall, high-throughput drug screening identified the MDM2 inhibitor idasanutlin as a promising resensitizing agent for venetoclax-resistant neuroblastoma cell lines. Idasanutlin treatment induced BAX-mediated apoptosis in venetoclax-resistant neuroblastoma cells in the presence of venetoclax, whereas it caused p21-mediated growth arrest in control cells. In vivo combination treatment showed tumor regression and superior efficacy over single-agent therapies in a BCL-2-dependent neuroblastoma cell line xenograft and a patient-derived xenograft. However, xenografts less dependent on BCL-2 were not sensitive to venetoclax-idasanutlin combination therapy. This study demonstrates that idasanutlin can overcome resistance to the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in preclinical neuroblastoma model systems, which supports clinical development of a treatment strategy combining the two therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindy Vernooij
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Laurel T Bate-Eya
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lindy K Alles
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jasmine Y Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bianca Koopmans
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hunter C Jonus
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nil A Schubert
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Schild
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Daphne Lelieveld
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - David A Egan
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Kerstjens
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald W Stam
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kelly C Goldsmith
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M Emmy M Dolman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands. .,Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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15
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Catastrophic ATP loss underlies a metabolic combination therapy tailored for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2009620118. [PMID: 33762304 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2009620118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma is a lethal subset of pediatric cancer. MYCN drives numerous effects in the cell, including metabolic changes that are critical for oncogenesis. The understanding that both compensatory pathways and intrinsic redundancy in cell systems exists implies that the use of combination therapies for effective and durable responses is necessary. Additionally, the most effective targeted therapies exploit an "Achilles' heel" and are tailored to the genetics of the cancer under study. We performed an unbiased screen on select metabolic targeted therapy combinations and correlated sensitivity with over 20 subsets of cancer. We found that MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma is hypersensitive to the combination of an inhibitor of the lactate transporter MCT1, AZD3965, and complex I of the mitochondrion, phenformin. Our data demonstrate that MCT4 is highly correlated with resistance to the combination in the screen and lowly expressed in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Low MCT4 combines with high expression of the MCT2 and MCT1 chaperone CD147 in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, altogether conferring sensitivity to the AZD3965 and phenformin combination. The result is simultaneous disruption of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in dramatic disruption of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and cell death. In mouse models of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, the combination was tolerable at concentrations where it shrank tumors and did not increase white-blood-cell toxicity compared to single drugs. Therefore, we demonstrate that a metabolic combination screen can identify vulnerabilities in subsets of cancer and put forth a metabolic combination therapy tailored for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma that demonstrates efficacy and tolerability in vivo.
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16
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Zafar A, Wang W, Liu G, Wang X, Xian W, McKeon F, Foster J, Zhou J, Zhang R. Molecular targeting therapies for neuroblastoma: Progress and challenges. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:961-1021. [PMID: 33155698 PMCID: PMC7906923 DOI: 10.1002/med.21750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel therapies for childhood cancers. Neuroblastoma is the most common pediatric solid tumor, and accounts for ~15% of childhood cancer‐related mortality. Neuroblastomas exhibit genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the efficacy of existing treatment modalities. Gaining detailed knowledge of the molecular signatures and genetic variations involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma is necessary to develop safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease. Recent studies with advanced high‐throughput “omics” techniques have revealed numerous genetic/genomic alterations and dysfunctional pathways that drive the onset, growth, progression, and resistance of neuroblastoma to therapy. A variety of molecular signatures are being evaluated to better understand the disease, with many of them being used as targets to develop new treatments for neuroblastoma patients. In this review, we have summarized the contemporary understanding of the molecular pathways and genetic aberrations, such as those in MYCN, BIRC5, PHOX2B, and LIN28B, involved in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma, and provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular targeted therapies under preclinical and clinical investigations, particularly those targeting ALK signaling, MDM2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS‐MAPK pathways, as well as epigenetic regulators. We also give insights on the use of combination therapies involving novel agents that target various pathways. Further, we discuss the future directions that would help identify novel targets and therapeutics and improve the currently available therapies, enhancing the treatment outcomes and survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wa Xian
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank McKeon
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Stem Cell Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Foster
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Section of Hematology-Oncology Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Chemical Biology Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Drug Discovery Institute, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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17
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Lodhi N, Tun M, Nagpal P, Inamdar AA, Ayoub NM, Siyam N, Oton-Gonzalez L, Gerona A, Morris D, Sandhu R, Suh KS. Biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the era of precision medicine. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4045-4073. [PMID: 33216822 PMCID: PMC7646825 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the great efforts for better treatment options for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, NHL) to treat and prevent relapse, it continues to be a challenge. Here, we present an overview of DLBCL and address the diagnostic assays and molecular techniques used in its diagnosis, role of biomarkers in detection, treatment of early and advanced stage DLBCL, and novel drug regimens. We discuss the significant biomarkers that have emerged as essential tools for stratifying patients according to risk factors and for providing insights into the use of more targeted and individualized therapeutics. We discuss techniques such as gene expression studies, including next-generation sequencing, which have enabled a more understanding of the complex pathogenesis of DLBCL and have helped determine molecular targets for novel therapeutic agents. We examine current treatment approaches, outline the findings of completed clinical trials, and provide updates for ongoing clinical trials. We highlight clinical trials relevant to the significant fraction of DLBCL patients who present with complex cases marked by high relapse rates. Supported by an increased understanding of targetable pathways in DLBCL, clinical trials involving specialized combination therapies are bringing us within reach the promise of an effective cure to DLBCL using precision medicine. Optimization of therapy remains a crucial objective, with the end goal being a balance between high survival rates through targeted and personalized treatment while reducing adverse effects in DLBCL patients of all subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Lodhi
- Department of Immunotherapeutic and Biotechnology, Texas Tech Health Science Center, Abilene, TX, USA
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Moe Tun
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Poonam Nagpal
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
- College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ, USA
| | - Arati A. Inamdar
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Noor Siyam
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | | | - Angela Gerona
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Dainelle Morris
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Rana Sandhu
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Kwangsun Stephen Suh
- Formerly: The Genomics and Biomarkers Program, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center, David Jurist Research Building, Hackensack, NJ, USA
- DiagnoCine, Hackensack, NJ, USA
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18
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IBL-202 is synergistic with venetoclax in CLL under in vitro conditions that mimic the tumor microenvironment. Blood Adv 2020; 4:5093-5106. [PMID: 33085757 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019001369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The B-cell receptor signaling pathway and dysregulation of the Bcl-2 family of proteins play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite significant advances in the treatment of the disease, relapse and drug resistance are not uncommon. In the current study, we investigated the dual PI3/PIM kinase inhibitor IBL-202 in combination with venetoclax as a treatment option for CLL using both primary CLL cells and TP53-deficient OSU-CLL cells generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. IBL-202 and venetoclax were highly synergistic against primary CLL cells cocultured with CD40L fibroblasts (combination index [CI], 0.4, at a fractional effect of 0.9) and TP53-knockout (KO) OSU-CLL cells (CI, 0.5, at a fractional effect of 0.9). Synergy between the drugs was consistent, with a significant (P < .05) reduction in the 50% inhibitory concentration for both drugs. IBL-202 and venetoclax in combination induced cell-cycle arrest and slowed the proliferation of both wild-type and TP53-KO cell lines. The drug combination inhibited AKT phosphorylation, reduced expression of Bcl-xL and NF-κB, and increased the Noxa/Mcl-1 ratio. Downregulation of CXCR4 was consistent with inhibition of the SDF-1α-induced migratory capacity of CLL cells. Synergy between IBL-202 and venetoclax against primary CLL cells cultured under conditions that mimic the tumor microenvironment suggests this drug combination may be effective against CLL cells within the lymph nodes and bone marrow. Furthermore, the efficacy of the combination against the TP53-KO OSU-CLL cell line suggests the combination may be a highly effective treatment strategy for high-risk CLL.
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19
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Moreno L, Barone G, DuBois SG, Molenaar J, Fischer M, Schulte J, Eggert A, Schleiermacher G, Speleman F, Chesler L, Geoerger B, Hogarty MD, Irwin MS, Bird N, Blanchard GB, Buckland S, Caron H, Davis S, De Wilde B, Deubzer HE, Dolman E, Eilers M, George RE, George S, Jaroslav Š, Maris JM, Marshall L, Merchant M, Mortimer P, Owens C, Philpott A, Poon E, Shay JW, Tonelli R, Valteau-Couanet D, Vassal G, Park JR, Pearson ADJ. Accelerating drug development for neuroblastoma: Summary of the Second Neuroblastoma Drug Development Strategy forum from Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer and International Society of Paediatric Oncology Europe Neuroblastoma. Eur J Cancer 2020; 136:52-68. [PMID: 32653773 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Only one class of targeted agents (anti-GD2 antibodies) has been incorporated into front-line therapy for neuroblastoma since the 1980s. The Neuroblastoma New Drug Development Strategy (NDDS) initiative commenced in 2012 to accelerate the development of new drugs for neuroblastoma. Advances have occurred, with eight of nine high-priority targets being evaluated in paediatric trials including anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors being investigated in front-line, but significant challenges remain. This article reports the conclusions of the second NDDS forum, which expanded across the Atlantic to further develop the initiative. Pre-clinical and clinical data for 40 genetic targets and mechanisms of action were prioritised and drugs were identified for early-phase trials. Strategies to develop drugs targeting TERT, telomere maintenance, ATRX, alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), BRIP1 and RRM2 as well as direct targeting of MYCN are high priority and should be championed for drug discovery. Promising pre-clinical data suggest that targeting of ALT by ATM or PARP inhibition may be potential strategies. Drugs targeting CDK2/9, CDK7, ATR and telomere maintenance should enter paediatric clinical development rapidly. Optimising the response to anti-GD2 by combinations with chemotherapy, targeted agents and other immunological targets are crucial. Delivering this strategy in the face of small patient cohorts, genomically defined subpopulations and a large number of permutations of combination trials, demands even greater international collaboration. In conclusion, the NDDS provides an internationally agreed, biologically driven selection of prioritised genetic targets and drugs. Improvements in the strategy for conducting trials in neuroblastoma will accelerate bringing these new drugs more rapidly to front-line therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Moreno
- Paediatric Haematology & Oncology Division, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Giuseppe Barone
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Steven G DuBois
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jan Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Experimental Pediatric Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology & Hematology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology & Hematology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Berlin), Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Gudrun Schleiermacher
- SIREDO, Department of Paediatric, Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology and INSERM U830, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Frank Speleman
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Louis Chesler
- Paediatric Drug Development, Children & Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK; Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, University Paris-Saclay & Inserm U1015, Villejuif, France
| | - Michael D Hogarty
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meredith S Irwin
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical Biophysics and Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, The Hospital for Sick Kids, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nick Bird
- Solving Kids' Cancer, UK and National Cancer Research Institute Children's Cancer & Leukaemia Clinical Studies Group, UK
| | - Guy B Blanchard
- Neuroblastoma UK & Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Bram De Wilde
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Hedwig E Deubzer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emmy Dolman
- Department of Translational Research, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Rani E George
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sally George
- Paediatric Drug Development, Children & Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK; Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Štěrba Jaroslav
- Pediatric Oncology Department, University Hospital Brno, School of Medicine Masaryk University Brno, Regional Centre for Applied Molecular Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, ICRC Brno, St Anna University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lynley Marshall
- Paediatric Drug Development, Children & Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK; Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Melinda Merchant
- Astrazeneca, Early Clinical Projects, Oncology Translation Medicines Unit, Innovative Medicines Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter Mortimer
- Astrazeneca, Early Clinical Projects, Oncology Translation Medicines Unit, Innovative Medicines Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cormac Owens
- Department of Paediatric Haemaology/Oncology, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Evon Poon
- Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dominique Valteau-Couanet
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, University Paris-Saclay & Inserm U1015, Villejuif, France
| | - Gilles Vassal
- Department of Clinical Research, Gustave Roussy, Paris-Sud University, Paris, France
| | - Julie R Park
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Hospital, USA
| | - Andrew D J Pearson
- Paediatric Drug Development, Children & Young People's Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, UK; Division of Clinical Studies and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
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Mukherjee N, Amato CM, Skees J, Todd KJ, Lambert KA, Robinson WA, Van Gulick R, Weight RM, Dart CR, Tobin RP, McCarter MD, Fujita M, Norris DA, Shellman YG. Simultaneously Inhibiting BCL2 and MCL1 Is a Therapeutic Option for Patients with Advanced Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2182. [PMID: 32764384 PMCID: PMC7464298 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop treatments for patients with melanoma who are refractory to or ineligible for immune checkpoint blockade, including patients who lack BRAF-V600E/K mutations. This is often the case in patients diagnosed with rare melanoma subtypes such as mucosal and acral melanoma. Here, we analyzed data from the cutaneous melanoma The Cancer Genome Atlas Network (TCGA) transcriptomic and proteomic databases for differential expression of apoptosis molecules between melanomas with or without BRAF hotspot mutations. Our data indicated higher B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) expression in melanoma without BRAF hotspot mutations, suggesting that BH3 mimetics, such as ABT-199 (venetoclax, a small molecule against BCL2), may be a potential therapeutic option for these patients. We explored the efficacy of combining two BH3 mimetics, ABT-199 and a myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (MCL1) inhibitor (S63845 or S64315/MIK665) in cutaneous, mucosal and acral melanomas, in vitro and in vivo. Our data indicate this combination induced cell death in a broad range of melanoma cell lines, including melanoma initiating cell populations, and was more potent in melanoma cells without BRAF-V600E/K mutations. Our knockdown/knockout experiments suggest that several pro-apoptotic BCL2 family members, BCL2-like 11 (apoptosis facilitator) (BIM), phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (NOXA) or BID, play a role in the combination-induced effects. Overall, our study supports the rationale for combining an MCL1 inhibitor with a BCL2 inhibitor as a therapeutic option in patients with advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabanita Mukherjee
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.); (K.J.T.); (K.A.L.); (M.F.); (D.A.N.)
| | - Carol M. Amato
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.M.A.); (W.A.R.); (R.V.G.); (R.M.W.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Jenette Skees
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.); (K.J.T.); (K.A.L.); (M.F.); (D.A.N.)
| | - Kaleb J. Todd
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.); (K.J.T.); (K.A.L.); (M.F.); (D.A.N.)
| | - Karoline A. Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.); (K.J.T.); (K.A.L.); (M.F.); (D.A.N.)
| | - William A. Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.M.A.); (W.A.R.); (R.V.G.); (R.M.W.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Robert Van Gulick
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.M.A.); (W.A.R.); (R.V.G.); (R.M.W.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Ryan M. Weight
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.M.A.); (W.A.R.); (R.V.G.); (R.M.W.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Chiara R. Dart
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8117, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.M.A.); (W.A.R.); (R.V.G.); (R.M.W.); (C.R.D.)
| | - Richard P. Tobin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (R.P.T.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Martin D. McCarter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (R.P.T.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.); (K.J.T.); (K.A.L.); (M.F.); (D.A.N.)
- Dermatology Section, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO 80220, USA
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David A. Norris
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.); (K.J.T.); (K.A.L.); (M.F.); (D.A.N.)
- Dermatology Section, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO 80220, USA
| | - Yiqun G. Shellman
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8127, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (N.M.); (J.S.); (K.J.T.); (K.A.L.); (M.F.); (D.A.N.)
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Targeting BCL-2 proteins in pediatric cancer: Dual inhibition of BCL-XL and MCL-1 leads to rapid induction of intrinsic apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2020; 482:19-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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22
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Synergistic effects of Bcl-2 inhibitors with AZD9291 on overcoming the acquired resistance of AZD9291 in H1975 cells. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:3125-3136. [PMID: 32577785 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02816-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with epithermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations can be treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), however, development of acquired resistance could significantly limit curative effects of EGFR-TKIs. Different mechanisms of acquired resistance to first-generation and second-generation EGFR TKIs have been widely reported, but there were few reports on the resistant mechanism of third-generation EGFR-TKI such as osimertinib (AZD9291). In the present study, significant upregulation of Bcl-2 was found in AZD9291-resistant H1975 cells (H1975AR) compared with H1975, which may constitute an important resistant mechanism of acquired resistance to AZD9291. More importantly, our study showed that synergism between AZD9291 and Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT263 (0.25 μM) or ABT199 (1 μM) could effectively overcome the acquired resistance of AZD9291 in H1975AR in vitro. Flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that AZD9291 + ABT263/ABT199 caused a significantly different cell cycle distribution and produced significantly more apoptosis compared with either AZD9291 or ABT263/ABT199 treatment alone. Further multiscreen/Western blot analyses revealed that NF-κB was significantly downregulated in AZD9291 + ABT263/ABT199 treatment groups compared with AZD9291 or ABT263/ABT199 treatment alone, with a more significant reduction of NF-κB in AZD9291 + ABT199 compared with AZD9291 + ABT263. It is also noticeable that AZD9291 + ABT263 specifically caused a significantly reduced expression of p21 compared with AZD9291 or ABT263 treatment alone while AZD9291 + ABT199 specifically caused significantly reduced expressions of SQSTM1 and survivin, but increased expression of autophagosome marker LC3-II compared with AZD9291 or ABT199 treatment alone. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of AZD9291 + ABT199 could be partially reversed by autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. These results suggest that ABT263 and ABT199 may work through different signaling pathways to achieve synergistic cytotoxicity with AZD9291 in H1975AR. These findings suggest that Bcl-2 inhibitor may provide an effective option in combination therapy with EGFR-TKIs to treat NSCLC with EGFR-TKI acquired resistance.
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23
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Bierbrauer A, Jacob M, Vogler M, Fulda S. A direct comparison of selective BH3-mimetics reveals BCL-X L, BCL-2 and MCL-1 as promising therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1544-1551. [PMID: 32203216 PMCID: PMC7217842 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in the treatment of neuroblastoma, patients with high-risk disease still have dismal survival prognosis. Neuroblastoma cells display elevated expression of the antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins, suggesting that BH3-mimetics may be a promising treatment option. Here, we investigated the role of BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1 in neuroblastoma. Methods A panel of neuroblastoma cell lines and primary patient-derived cells were exposed to BH3-mimetics targeting BCL-2 (ABT-199), BCL-XL (A1331852) or MCL-1 (S63845). In addition, protein expression and interaction patterns were analysed using Western blotting and immunoprecipitation. Results All tested BH3-mimetics were able to induce apoptosis in neuroblastoma cell lines, indicating that not only BCL-2 but also BCL-XL and MCL-1 may be promising therapeutic targets. Primary patient-derived cells displayed highest sensitivity to A1331852, highlighting the important role of BCL-XL in neuroblastoma. Further analysis into the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis revealed that A1331852 and S63845 displaced proapoptotic proteins like BIM and BAK from their antiapoptotic targets, subsequently leading to the activation of BAX and BAK and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Conclusions By using selective BH3-mimetics, this study demonstrates that BCL-2, BCL-XL, and MCL-1 are all relevant therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma. A1331852 and S63845 induce rapid apoptosis that is initiated following a displacement of BAK from BCL-XL or MCL-1, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Bierbrauer
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maureen Jacob
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany. .,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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24
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Maes A, Maes K, Vlummens P, De Raeve H, Devin J, Szablewski V, De Veirman K, Menu E, Moreaux J, Vanderkerken K, De Bruyne E. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase is a novel target for diffuse large B cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Blood Cancer J 2019; 9:87. [PMID: 31740676 PMCID: PMC6861269 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-019-0249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are among the most aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) plays a role in cancer cell cycle progression and is associated with poor prognosis in several cancer cell types. In this study, the role of MELK in DLBCL and MCL and the therapeutic potential of MELK targeting is evaluated. MELK is highly expressed in DLBCL and MCL patient samples, correlating with a worse clinical outcome in DLBCL. Targeting MELK, using the small molecule OTSSP167, impaired cell growth and survival and induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in the lymphoma cells. Western blot analysis revealed that MELK targeting decreased the phosphorylation of FOXM1 and the protein levels of EZH2 and several mitotic regulators, such as Cdc25B, cyclin B1, Plk-1, and Aurora kinases. In addition, OTSSP167 also sensitized the lymphoma cells to the clinically relevant Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax by strongly reducing Mcl1 levels. Finally, OTSSP167 treatment of A20-inoculated mice resulted in a significant prolonged survival. In conclusion, targeting MELK with OTSSP167 induced strong anti-lymphoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that MELK could be a potential new target in these aggressive B cell malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Cycle/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/metabolism
- Mice
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Naphthyridines/pharmacology
- Naphthyridines/therapeutic use
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hendrik De Raeve
- Department of Pathology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Devin
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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25
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Wang Q, Hao S. A-1210477, a selective MCL-1 inhibitor, overcomes ABT-737 resistance in AML. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:5481-5489. [PMID: 31612056 PMCID: PMC6781566 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common hematological malignancies. It is difficult to treat since it easily develops resistance to therapeutic drugs. Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1), BCL-2 and BCL-XL, which belong to the anti-apoptotic group of proteins in the BCL-2 family, are overexpressed in AML. The effects of inhibitors that target anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL-2 family in AML were evaluated in the present study. MCL-1 protein levels of HL60, MOLM13, OCI-AML3 and MV4-11 cell lines were investigated. Furthermore, following treatment with MCL-1-selective antagonist A-1210477 and/or BCL-2/BCL-XL antagonist ABT-737, cell viability was detected. The chimera rate of human CD45(+) cells of bone marrow from mouse models was analyzed via flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry using murine tissues (lung, spleen and liver). The data revealed that the HL-60 cell line, which exhibited a low MCL-1 protein level, and MOLM-13 and MV4-11 cell lines, whose MCL level was intermediate, were sensitive to ABT-737, whereas OCI-AML3 cells, which exhibited a high MCL-1 level, were insensitive to ABT-737. However, multiple AML mouse models and AML cell lines were sensitive to the MCL-1-selective antagonist A-1210477. The results of the present study indicated that the MCL-1-selective antagonist could overcome the resistance to the BCL-2/BCL-XL antagonist (ABT-737) in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Department of Hematology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Siguo Hao
- Department of Hematology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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26
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Nguyen TH, Koneru B, Wei SJ, Chen WH, Makena MR, Urias E, Kang MH, Reynolds CP. Fenretinide via NOXA Induction, Enhanced Activity of the BCL-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax in High BCL-2–Expressing Neuroblastoma Preclinical Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:2270-2282. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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27
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Jones DTW, Banito A, Grünewald TGP, Haber M, Jäger N, Kool M, Milde T, Molenaar JJ, Nabbi A, Pugh TJ, Schleiermacher G, Smith MA, Westermann F, Pfister SM. Molecular characteristics and therapeutic vulnerabilities across paediatric solid tumours. Nat Rev Cancer 2019; 19:420-438. [PMID: 31300807 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The spectrum of tumours arising in childhood is fundamentally different from that seen in adults, and they are known to be divergent from adult malignancies in terms of cellular origins, epidemiology, genetic complexity, driver mutations and underlying mutational processes. Despite the immense knowledge generated through sequencing efforts and functional characterization of identified (epi-)genetic alterations over the past decade, the clinical implications of this knowledge have so far been limited. Novel preclinical platforms such as the European Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer-Paediatric Preclinical Proof-of-Concept Platform and the US-based Pediatric Preclinical Testing Consortium are being developed to try to change this by aiming to recapitulate the extensive heterogeneity of paediatric tumours and thereby, hopefully, improve the ability to predict clinical benefit. Numerous studies have also been established worldwide to provide patients with access to real-time molecular profiling and the possibility of more precise mechanism-of-action-based treatments. In addition to tumour-intrinsic findings and mechanisms, ongoing studies are investigating features such as the immune microenvironment of paediatric tumours in comparison with adult cancers - currently of very timely clinical relevance. However, there is an ongoing need for rigorous preclinical biomarker and target validation to feed into the next generation of molecularly stratified clinical trials. This Review aims to provide a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of the molecular landscape of paediatric solid tumours, including their underlying genomic alterations and interactions with the microenvironment, complemented with our current understanding of potential therapeutic vulnerabilities and how these can be preclinically tested using more accurate predictive methods. Finally, we provide an outlook on the challenges and opportunities associated with translating this overwhelming scientific progress into real clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T W Jones
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Pediatric Glioma Research Group, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ana Banito
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Pediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Research Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's & Children's Health, UNSW Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie Jäger
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcel Kool
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Pediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Cancer, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arash Nabbi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor J Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gudrun Schleiermacher
- SIREDO Oncology Center (Care, Innovation and Research for Children and AYA with Cancer), Institut Curie, Paris, France
- INSERM U830, Laboratoire de Génétique et Biologie des Cancers, Research Center, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Malcolm A Smith
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- KiTZ Clinical Trial Unit (ZIPO), Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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28
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Nii T, Prabhu VV, Ruvolo V, Madhukar N, Zhao R, Mu H, Heese L, Nishida Y, Kojima K, Garnett MJ, McDermott U, Benes CH, Charter N, Deacon S, Elemento O, Allen JE, Oster W, Stogniew M, Ishizawa J, Andreeff M. Imipridone ONC212 activates orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR132 and integrated stress response in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2019; 33:2805-2816. [PMID: 31127149 PMCID: PMC6874902 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0491-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Imipridones constitute a novel class of antitumor agents. Here, we report that a second-generation imipridone, ONC212, possesses highly increased antitumor activity compared to the first-generation compound ONC201. In vitro studies using human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines, primary AML, and normal bone marrow (BM) samples demonstrate that ONC212 exerts prominent apoptogenic effects in AML, but not in normal BM cells, suggesting potential clinical utility. Imipridones putatively engage G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and/or trigger an integrated stress response in hematopoietic tumor cells. Comprehensive GPCR screening identified ONC212 as activator of an orphan GPCR GPR132 and Gαq signaling, which functions as a tumor suppressor. Heterozygous knock-out of GPR132 decreased the antileukemic effects of ONC212. ONC212 induced apoptogenic effects through the induction of an integrated stress response, and reduced MCL-1 expression, a known resistance factor for BCL-2 inhibition by ABT-199. Oral administration of ONC212 inhibited AML growth in vivo and improved overall survival in xenografted mice. Moreover, ONC212 abrogated the engraftment capacity of patient-derived AML cells in an NSG PDX model, suggesting potential eradication of AML initiating cells, and was highly synergistic in combination with ABT-199. Collectively, our results suggest ONC212 as a novel therapeutic agent for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takenobu Nii
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Vivian Ruvolo
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Neel Madhukar
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ran Zhao
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hong Mu
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lauren Heese
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuki Nishida
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kensuke Kojima
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Mathew J Garnett
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ultan McDermott
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Olivier Elemento
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jo Ishizawa
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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29
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Klenke S, Akdeli N, Stelmach P, Heukamp L, Schulte JH, Bachmann HS. The small molecule Bcl-2/Mcl-1 inhibitor TW-37 shows single-agent cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma cell lines. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:243. [PMID: 30885150 PMCID: PMC6423774 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5439-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-risk neuroblastoma with N-Myc amplification remains a therapeutic challenge in paediatric oncology. Antagonism of pro-death Bcl-2 homology (BH) proteins to pro-survival BH members such as Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 has become a treatment approach, but previous studies suggest that a combined inhibition of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 is necessary. TW-37 inhibits Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 with almost the same affinity. However, single-agent cytotoxicity of TW-37 in neuroblastoma cell lines has not been investigated. Methods Cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation and changes in growth properties were determined in SKNAS, IMR-5, SY5Y and Kelly cells after treatment with TW-37. After transfection with Mcl-1 or Bcl-2 siRNA, apoptosis and proliferation were investigated in Kelly cells. Mice with Kelly cell line xenografts were treated with TW-37 and tumor growth, survival and apoptosis were determined. Results Cell lines with N-Myc amplification were more sensitive to TW-37 treatment, IC50 values for IMR-5 and Kelly cells being 0.28 μM and 0.22 μM, compared to SY5Y cells and SKNAS cells (IC50 0.96 μM and 0.83 μM). Treatment with TW-37 resulted in increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation rates, especially in IMR5 and Kelly cells. Bcl-2 as well as Mcl-1 knockdown induced apoptosis in Kelly cells. TW-37 led to a decrease in tumor growth and a favorable survival (p = 0.0379) in a Kelly neuroblastoma xenografts mouse model. Conclusion TW-37 has strong single-agent cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, combined inhibition of Bcl-2/Mcl-1 by TW-37 in N-Myc amplified neuroblastoma may represent an interesting therapeutic strategy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5439-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Klenke
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Neval Akdeli
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Patrick Stelmach
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lukas Heukamp
- NEO New Oncology AG, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Hematopathology Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. .,Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str 10, 58453, Witten, Germany.
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30
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Merino D, Kelly GL, Lessene G, Wei AH, Roberts AW, Strasser A. BH3-Mimetic Drugs: Blazing the Trail for New Cancer Medicines. Cancer Cell 2018; 34:879-891. [PMID: 30537511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Defects in apoptotic cell death can promote cancer and impair responses of malignant cells to anti-cancer therapy. Pro-survival BCL-2 proteins prevent apoptosis by keeping the cell death effectors, BAX and BAK, in check. The BH3-only proteins initiate apoptosis by neutralizing the pro-survival BCL-2 proteins. Structural analysis and medicinal chemistry led to the development of small-molecule drugs that mimic the function of the BH3-only proteins to kill cancer cells. The BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax has been approved for treatment of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and this drug and inhibitors of pro-survival MCL-1 and BCL-XL are being tested in diverse malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Biomimetic Materials/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- bcl-X Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- bcl-X Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Merino
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Hospital and Monash University Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Andrew W Roberts
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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31
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Yan Y, Liu S, Li M, Zhao Y, Shao X, Hang M, Bu X. Recombinant Newcastle disease virus expressing human IFN-λ1 (rL-hIFN-λ1)-induced apoptosis of A549 cells is connected to endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Thorac Cancer 2018; 9:1437-1452. [PMID: 30246439 PMCID: PMC6209783 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IFN-λs are a kind of cytokine with anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and anti-proliferative activity. Recent studies have shown that the recombinant Newcastle disease virus expresses human IFN-λ1 (rL-hIFN-λ1), which plays a role in gastric cancer cell apoptosis. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) induces autophagy and apoptosis in tumor cells. In this study, we explored the relationship between ERS and rL-hIFN-λ1-induced apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and its underlying mechanism. METHODS First, we investigated the effect of rL-hIFN-λ1 on cellular proliferation, migration, and proteins associated with ERS, autophagy, and apoptosis of A549. Second, after administration of the ERS inhibitor, the associated proteins induced by rL-hIFN-λ1 were detected. Finally, a subcutaneous mouse model was used to examine the effect of rL-hIFN-λ1 on tumor growth and the ERS and apoptosis associated proteins in tumor tissues. RESULTS The results showed that the proliferation and migration of A549 cells, and tumor tissue growth were significantly inhibited and the ERS, autophagy, and apoptosis associated proteins were upregulated in the experimental group. Additionally, both 4-PBA and knockdown of PERK or CHOP reduced the levels of rL-hIFN-λ1-induced autophagy and apoptosis-associated proteins. BCL-2 knockdown caused autophagy and apoptosis associated protein upregulation. CONCLUSIONS In summary, rL-hIFN-λ1 inhibited cell proliferation and activated ERS, autophagy, and apoptosis in A549 cells and tissues, and when ERS pathways were blocked, the inhibiting effect was even more pronounced. Therefore, the recombinant Newcastle disease virus rL-hIFN-λ1-induced apoptosis of A549 cells is connected to ER stress and could be a promising therapeutic agent for lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Clinical Medicine College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.,Clinical Medicine College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Mi Li
- Clinical Medicine College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yinghai Zhao
- Clinical Medicine College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Clinical Medicine College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Min Hang
- Clinical Medicine College, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuefeng Bu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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32
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Lee YC, Wang LJ, Huang CH, Shi YJ, Chang LS. ABT-263-induced MCL1 upregulation depends on autophagy-mediated 4EBP1 downregulation in human leukemia cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 432:191-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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33
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Fletcher JI, Ziegler DS, Trahair TN, Marshall GM, Haber M, Norris MD. Too many targets, not enough patients: rethinking neuroblastoma clinical trials. Nat Rev Cancer 2018; 18:389-400. [PMID: 29632319 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-018-0003-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a rare solid tumour of infancy and early childhood with a disproportionate contribution to paediatric cancer mortality and morbidity. Combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy remains the standard approach to treat high-risk disease, with few recurrent, actionable genetic aberrations identified at diagnosis. However, recent studies indicate that actionable aberrations are far more common in relapsed neuroblastoma, possibly as a result of clonal expansion. In addition, although the major validated disease driver, MYCN, is not currently directly targetable, multiple promising approaches to target MYCN indirectly are in development. We propose that clinical trial design needs to be rethought in order to meet the challenge of providing rigorous, evidence-based assessment of these new approaches within a fairly small patient population and that experimental therapies need to be assessed at diagnosis in very-high-risk patients rather than in relapsed and refractory patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray D Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
- University of New South Wales Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
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34
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Place AE, Goldsmith K, Bourquin JP, Loh ML, Gore L, Morgenstern DA, Sanzgiri Y, Hoffman D, Zhou Y, Ross JA, Prine B, Shebley M, McNamee M, Farazi T, Kim SY, Verdugo M, Lash-Fleming L, Zwaan CM, Vormoor J. Accelerating drug development in pediatric cancer: a novel Phase I study design of venetoclax in relapsed/refractory malignancies. Future Oncol 2018; 14:2115-2129. [PMID: 29595064 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2018-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a highly selective, potent BCL-2 inhibitor that is approved for some patients previously treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and has shown promising activity in adult studies across several hematologic malignancies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated venetoclax activity in pediatric patient-derived xenograft models and cell lines; however, clinical studies in pediatric patients have yet to be conducted. The prognosis is poor for children with most relapsed/refractory malignancies, and limited treatment options result in unmet clinical need. Herein, we describe the rationale and design of the first study of venetoclax in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory malignancies: a Phase I trial investigating the safety and pharmacokinetics of venetoclax monotherapy followed by the addition of chemotherapy (Trial registration: EudraCT 2017-000439-14; NCT03236857).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Place
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Bourquin
- Cancer Research Center, University Children's Hospital & Children's Research Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mignon L Loh
- Department of Pediatrics, Benioff Children's Hospital & the Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lia Gore
- School of Medicine & Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Daniel A Morgenstern
- Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children & University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - C Michel Zwaan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, & Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josef Vormoor
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University & Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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35
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Rahmani M, Nkwocha J, Hawkins E, Pei X, Parker RE, Kmieciak M, Leverson JD, Sampath D, Ferreira-Gonzalez A, Grant S. Cotargeting BCL-2 and PI3K Induces BAX-Dependent Mitochondrial Apoptosis in AML Cells. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3075-3086. [PMID: 29559471 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors targeting BCL-2 apoptotic proteins have significant potential for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, complete responses are observed in only 20% of patients, suggesting that targeting BCL-2 alone is insufficient to yield durable responses. Here, we assessed the efficacy of coadministration of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor GDC-0980 or the p110β-sparing PI3K inhibitor taselisib with the selective BCL-2 antagonist venetoclax in AML cells. Tetracycline-inducible downregulation of BCL-2 significantly sensitized MV4-11 and MOLM-13 AML cells to PI3K inhibition. Venetoclax/GDC-0980 coadministration induced rapid and pronounced BAX mitochondrial translocation, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis in various AML cell lines in association with AKT/mTOR inactivation and MCL-1 downregulation; ectopic expression of MCL-1 significantly protected cells from this regimen. Combined treatment was also effective against primary AML blasts from 17 patients, including those bearing various genetic abnormalities. Venetoclax/GDC-0980 markedly induced apoptosis in primitive CD34+/38-/123+ AML cell populations but not in normal hematopoietic progenitor CD34+ cells. The regimen was also active against AML cells displaying intrinsic or acquired venetoclax resistance or tumor microenvironment-associated resistance. Either combinatorial treatment markedly reduced AML growth and prolonged survival in a systemic AML xenograft mouse model and diminished AML growth in two patient-derived xenograft models. Venetoclax/GDC-0980 activity was partially diminished in BAK-/- cells and failed to induce apoptosis in BAX-/- and BAX-/-BAK-/- cells, whereas BIM-/- cells were fully sensitive. Similar results were observed with venetoclax alone in in vitro and in vivo systemic xenograft models. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that venetoclax/GDC-0980 exhibits potent anti-AML activity primarily through BAX and, to a lesser extent, BAK. These findings argue that dual BCL-2 and PI3K inhibition warrants further evaluation in AML.Significance: Combined treatment with clinically relevant PI3K and BCL-2 inhibitors may prove effective in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Res; 78(11); 3075-86. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Rahmani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia. .,College of Medicine, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Jewel Nkwocha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia
| | - Elisa Hawkins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia
| | - Xinyan Pei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia
| | - Rebecca E Parker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia
| | - Maciej Kmieciak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia
| | | | | | - Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Steven Grant
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia. .,Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia.,Department of Pharmacology, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia.,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, the Virginia Institute for Molecular Medicine and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia
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36
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Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid childhood tumor outside the brain and causes 15% of childhood cancer-related mortality. The main drivers of NB formation are neural crest cell-derived sympathoadrenal cells that undergo abnormal genetic arrangements. Moreover, NB is a complex disease that has high heterogeneity and is therefore difficult to target for successful therapy. Thus, a better understanding of NB development helps to improve treatment and increase the survival rate. One of the major causes of sporadic NB is known to be MYCN amplification and mutations in ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) are responsible for familial NB. Many other genetic abnormalities can be found; however, they are not considered as driver mutations, rather they support tumor aggressiveness. Tumor cell elimination via cell death is widely accepted as a successful technique. Therefore, in this review, we provide a thorough overview of how different modes of cell death and treatment strategies, such as immunotherapy or spontaneous regression, are or can be applied for NB elimination. In addition, several currently used and innovative approaches and their suitability for clinical testing and usage will be discussed. Moreover, significant attention will be given to combined therapies that show more effective results with fewer side effects than drugs targeting only one specific protein or pathway.
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37
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Booth L, Roberts JL, Avogadri-Connors F, Cutler RE, Lalani AS, Poklepovic A, Dent P. The irreversible ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor neratinib interacts with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax to kill mammary cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:239-247. [PMID: 29333953 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1423927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The irreversible ERBB1/2/4 inhibitor, neratinib, down-regulates the expression of ERBB1/2/4 as well as the levels of MCL-1 and BCL-XL. Venetoclax (ABT199) is a BCL-2 inhibitor. At physiologic concentrations neratinib interacted in a synergistic fashion with venetoclax to kill HER2 + and TNBC mammary carcinoma cells. This was associated with the drug-combination: reducing the expression and phosphorylation of ERBB1/2/3; in an eIF2α-dependent fashion reducing the expression of MCL-1 and BCL-XL and increasing the expression of Beclin1 and ATG5; and increasing the activity of the ATM-AMPKα-ULK1 S317 pathway which was causal in the formation of toxic autophagosomes. Although knock down of BAX or BAK reduced drug combination lethality, knock down of BAX and BAK did not prevent the drug combination from increasing autophagosome and autolysosome formation. Knock down of ATM, AMPKα, Beclin1 or over-expression of activated mTOR prevented the induction of autophagy and in parallel suppressed tumor cell killing. Knock down of ATM, AMPKα, Beclin1 or cathepsin B prevented the drug-induced activation of BAX and BAK whereas knock down of BID was only partially inhibitory. A 3-day transient exposure of established estrogen-independent HER2 + BT474 mammary tumors to neratinib or venetoclax did not significantly alter tumor growth whereas exposure to [neratinib + venetoclax] caused a significant 7-day suppression of growth by day 19. The drug combination neither altered animal body mass nor behavior. We conclude that venetoclax enhances neratinib lethality by facilitating toxic BH3 domain protein activation via autophagy which enhances the efficacy of neratinib to promote greater levels of cell killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Booth
- a Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Richmond , VA
| | - Jane L Roberts
- a Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Richmond , VA
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Poklepovic
- b Departments of Medicine , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , VA
| | - Paul Dent
- a Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Richmond , VA
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38
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Leverson JD, Sampath D, Souers AJ, Rosenberg SH, Fairbrother WJ, Amiot M, Konopleva M, Letai A. Found in Translation: How Preclinical Research Is Guiding the Clinical Development of the BCL2-Selective Inhibitor Venetoclax. Cancer Discov 2017; 7:1376-1393. [PMID: 29146569 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-0797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of apoptosis as a form of programmed cell death, targeting the apoptosis pathway to induce cancer cell death has been a high-priority goal for cancer therapy. After decades of effort, drug-discovery scientists have succeeded in generating small-molecule inhibitors of antiapoptotic BCL2 family proteins. Innovative medicinal chemistry and structure-based drug design, coupled with a strong fundamental understanding of BCL2 biology, were essential to the development of BH3 mimetics such as the BCL2-selective inhibitor venetoclax. We review a number of preclinical studies that have deepened our understanding of BCL2 biology and facilitated the clinical development of venetoclax.Significance: Basic research into the pathways governing programmed cell death have paved the way for the discovery of apoptosis-inducing agents such as venetoclax, a BCL2-selective inhibitor that was recently approved by the FDA and the European Medicines Agency. Preclinical studies aimed at identifying BCL2-dependent tumor types have translated well into the clinic thus far and will likely continue to inform the clinical development of venetoclax and other BCL2 family inhibitors. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1376-93. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Martine Amiot
- CRCINA, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Nantes, Université d'Angers, Nantes, France
| | - Marina Konopleva
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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39
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Lochmann TL, Floros KV, Naseri M, Powell KM, Cook W, March RJ, Stein GT, Greninger P, Maves YK, Saunders LR, Dylla SJ, Costa C, Boikos SA, Leverson JD, Souers AJ, Krystal GW, Harada H, Benes CH, Faber AC. Venetoclax Is Effective in Small-Cell Lung Cancers with High BCL-2 Expression. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 24:360-369. [PMID: 29118061 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an often-fatal neuroendocrine carcinoma usually presenting as extensive disease, carrying a 3% 5-year survival. Despite notable advances in SCLC genomics, new therapies remain elusive, largely due to a lack of druggable targets.Experimental Design: We used a high-throughput drug screen to identify a venetoclax-sensitive SCLC subpopulation and validated the findings with multiple patient-derived xenografts of SCLC.Results: Our drug screen consisting of a very large collection of cell lines demonstrated that venetoclax, an FDA-approved BCL-2 inhibitor, was found to be active in a substantial fraction of SCLC cell lines. Venetoclax induced BIM-dependent apoptosis in vitro and blocked tumor growth and induced tumor regressions in mice bearing high BCL-2-expressing SCLC tumors in vivo BCL-2 expression was a predictive biomarker for sensitivity in SCLC cell lines and was highly expressed in a subset of SCLC cell lines and tumors, suggesting that a substantial fraction of patients with SCLC could benefit from venetoclax. Mechanistically, we uncover a novel role for gene methylation that helped discriminate high BCL-2-expressing SCLCs.Conclusions: Altogether, our findings identify venetoclax as a promising new therapy for high BCL-2-expressing SCLCs. Clin Cancer Res; 24(2); 360-9. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Lochmann
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Konstantinos V Floros
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mitra Naseri
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Krista M Powell
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Wade Cook
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ryan J March
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Giovanna T Stein
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Patricia Greninger
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Scott J Dylla
- AbbVie Stemcentrx LLC, South San Francisco, California
| | - Carlotta Costa
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | - Sosipatros A Boikos
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, & Palliative Care, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | | | - Geoffrey W Krystal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Hisashi Harada
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia.
| | - Cyril H Benes
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.
| | - Anthony C Faber
- VCU Philips Institute, School of Dentistry and Massey Cancer Center; Richmond, Virginia.
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40
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Abstract
The approval of venetoclax, a 'BH3-mimetic' antagonist of the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic protein, for chronic lymphocytic leukemia represents a major milestone in translational apoptosis research. Venetoclax has already received 'breakthrough' designation for acute myeloid leukemia, and is being studied in many other tumor types. However, resistance to BCL-2 inhibitor monotherapy may rapidly ensue. Several studies have shown that the other two major anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, BCL-XL and MCL-1, are the main determinants of resistance to venetoclax. This opens up possibilities for rationally combining venetoclax with other targeted agents to circumvent resistance. Here, we summarize the most promising combinations, and highlight those already in clinical trials. There is also increasing recognition that different tumors display different degrees of addiction to individual BCL-2 family proteins, and of the need to refine current 'BH3 profiling' techniques. Finally, the successful clinical development of potent and selective antagonists of BCL-XL and MCL-1 is eagerly awaited.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Biomimetics
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Drug Discovery
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/metabolism
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- Peptide Fragments/therapeutic use
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/therapeutic use
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/chemistry
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- bcl-X Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- bcl-X Protein/genetics
- bcl-X Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithviraj Bose
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Varsha Gandhi
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
- b Department of Experimental Therapeutics , University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Marina Konopleva
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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41
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Van Goethem A, Yigit N, Moreno-Smith M, Vasudevan SA, Barbieri E, Speleman F, Shohet J, Vandesompele J, Van Maerken T. Dual targeting of MDM2 and BCL2 as a therapeutic strategy in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:57047-57057. [PMID: 28915653 PMCID: PMC5593624 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18982] [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: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild-type p53 tumor suppressor activity in neuroblastoma tumors is hampered by increased MDM2 activity, making selective MDM2 antagonists an attractive therapeutic strategy for this childhood malignancy. Since monotherapy in cancer is generally not providing long-lasting clinical responses, we here aimed to identify small molecule drugs that synergize with idasanutlin (RG7388). To this purpose we evaluated 15 targeted drugs in combination with idasanutlin in three p53 wild type neuroblastoma cell lines and identified the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199) as a promising interaction partner. The venetoclax/idasanutlin combination was consistently found to be highly synergistic in a diverse panel of neuroblastoma cell lines, including cells with high MCL1 expression levels. A more pronounced induction of apoptosis was found to underlie the synergistic interaction, as evidenced by caspase-3/7 and cleaved PARP measurements. Mice carrying orthotopic xenografts of neuroblastoma cells treated with both idasanutlin and venetoclax had drastically lower tumor weights than mice treated with either treatment alone. In conclusion, these data strongly support the further evaluation of dual BCL2/MDM2 targeting as a therapeutic strategy in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Van Goethem
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nurten Yigit
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Myrthala Moreno-Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sanjeev A Vasudevan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Eveline Barbieri
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Frank Speleman
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jason Shohet
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Bioinformatics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Van Maerken
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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42
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Schenk RL, Strasser A, Dewson G. BCL-2: Long and winding path from discovery to therapeutic target. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 482:459-469. [PMID: 28212732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In 1988, the BCL-2 protein was found to promote cancer by limiting cell death rather than enhancing proliferation. This discovery set the wheels in motion for an almost 30 year journey involving many international research teams that has recently culminated in the approval for a drug, ABT-199/venetoclax/Venclexta that targets this protein in the treatment of cancer. This review will describe the long and winding path from the discovery of this protein and understanding the fundamental process of apoptosis that BCL-2 and its numerous homologues control, through to its exploitation as a drug target that is set to have significant benefit for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn L Schenk
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Grant Dewson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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A novel inhibitor of BCL2, Disarib abrogates tumor growth while sparing platelets, by activating intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 122:10-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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