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Fontes MG, Silva C, Roldán WH, Monteiro G. Exploring the potential of asparagine restriction in solid cancer treatment: recent discoveries, therapeutic implications, and challenges. Med Oncol 2024; 41:176. [PMID: 38879707 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02424-3] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Asparagine is a non-essential amino acid crucial for protein biosynthesis and function, and therefore cell maintenance and growth. Furthermore, this amino acid has an important role in regulating several metabolic pathways, such as tricarboxylic acid cycle and the urea cycle. When compared to normal cells, tumor cells typically present a higher demand for asparagine, making it a compelling target for therapy. In this review article, we investigate different facets of asparagine bioavailability intricate role in malignant tumors raised from solid organs. We take a comprehensive look at asparagine synthetase expression and regulation in cancer, including the impact on tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, we explore asparagine depletion through L-asparaginase as a potential therapeutic method for aggressive solid tumors, approaching different formulations of the enzyme and combinatory therapies. In summary, here we delve into studies about endogenous and exogenous asparagine availability in solid cancers, analyzing therapeutic implications and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gabriel Fontes
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Silva
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Henry Roldán
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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2
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Ruiz-Lara G, Costa-Silva TA, Muso-Cachumba JJ, Cevallos Espinel J, Fontes MG, Garcia-Maya M, Rahman KM, Rangel-Yagui CDO, Monteiro G. Nonclinical Evaluation of Single-Mutant E. coli Asparaginases Obtained by Double-Mutant Deconvolution: Improving Toxicological, Immune and Inflammatory Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6008. [PMID: 38892196 PMCID: PMC11172649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116008] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is currently treated with bacterial L-asparaginase; however, its side effects raise the need for the development of improved and efficient novel enzymes. Previously, we obtained low anti-asparaginase antibody production and high serum enzyme half-life in mice treated with the P40S/S206C mutant; however, its specific activity was significantly reduced. Thus, our aim was to test single mutants, S206C and P40S, through in vitro and in vivo assays. Our results showed that the drop in specific activity was caused by P40S substitution. In addition, our single mutants were highly stable in biological environment simulation, unlike the double-mutant P40S/S206C. The in vitro cell viability assay demonstrated that mutant enzymes have a higher cytotoxic effect than WT on T-cell-derived ALL and on some solid cancer cell lines. The in vivo assays were performed in mice to identify toxicological effects, to evoke immunological responses and to study the enzymes' pharmacokinetics. From these tests, none of the enzymes was toxic; however, S206C elicited lower physiological changes and immune/allergenic responses. In relation to the pharmacokinetic profile, S206C exhibited twofold higher activity than WT and P40S two hours after injection. In conclusion, we present bioengineered E. coli asparaginases with high specific enzyme activity and fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Ruiz-Lara
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (G.R.-L.); (J.J.M.-C.); (M.G.F.); (C.d.O.R.-Y.)
| | - Tales A. Costa-Silva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09210-580, SP, Brazil;
| | - Jorge Javier Muso-Cachumba
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (G.R.-L.); (J.J.M.-C.); (M.G.F.); (C.d.O.R.-Y.)
| | | | - Marina Gabriel Fontes
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (G.R.-L.); (J.J.M.-C.); (M.G.F.); (C.d.O.R.-Y.)
| | - Mitla Garcia-Maya
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK;
| | | | - Carlota de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (G.R.-L.); (J.J.M.-C.); (M.G.F.); (C.d.O.R.-Y.)
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (G.R.-L.); (J.J.M.-C.); (M.G.F.); (C.d.O.R.-Y.)
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3
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Brigitha LJ, Mondelaers V, Liu Y, Albertsen BK, Zalewska-Szewczyk B, Rizzari C, Kotecha RS, Pieters R, Huitema ADR, van der Sluis IM. Pharmacokinetics of PEGasparaginase in Infants with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Pharm Res 2024; 41:711-720. [PMID: 38538970 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03693-3] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PEGasparaginase is known to be a critical drug for treating pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), however, there is insufficient evidence to determine the optimal dose for infants who are less than one year of age at diagnosis. This international study was conducted to identify the pharmacokinetics of PEGasparaginase in infants with newly diagnosed ALL and gather insight into the clearance and dosing of this population. METHODS Infants with ALL who received treatment with PEGasparaginase were included in our population pharmacokinetic assessment employing non-linear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM). RESULTS 68 infants with ALL, with a total of 388 asparaginase activity samples, were included. PEGasparaginase doses ranging from 400 to 3,663 IU/m2 were administered either intravenously or intramuscularly. A one-compartment model with time-dependent clearance, modeled using a transit model, provided the best fit to the data. Body weight was significantly correlated with clearance and volume of distribution. The final model estimated a half-life of 11.7 days just after administration, which decreased to 1.8 days 14 days after administration. Clearance was 19.5% lower during the post-induction treatment phase compared to induction. CONCLUSION The pharmacokinetics of PEGasparaginase in infants diagnosed under one year of age with ALL is comparable to that of older children (1-18 years). We recommend a PEGasparaginase dosing at 1,500 IU/m2 for infants without dose adaptations according to age, and implementing therapeutic drug monitoring as standard practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiah J Brigitha
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Veerle Mondelaers
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - Birgitte K Albertsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 99, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Beata Zalewska-Szewczyk
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Lodz, Oncology & Hematology, 91-738, Lodz, Poland
| | - Carmelo Rizzari
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, Milano, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, Monza, Italy
| | - Rishi S Kotecha
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, Australia
- Leukaemia Translational Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alwin D R Huitema
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inge M van der Sluis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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4
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Costa IM, Effer B, Costa-Silva TA, Chen C, Ciccone MF, Pessoa A, Dos Santos CO, Monteiro G. Cathepsin B Is Not an Intrinsic Factor Related to Asparaginase Resistance of the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia REH Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11215. [PMID: 37446393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
L-Asparaginase (ASNase) is a biopharmaceutical used as an essential drug in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Yet, some cases of ALL are naturally resistant to ASNase treatment, which results in poor prognosis. The REH ALL cell line, used as a model for studying the most common subtype of ALL, is considered resistant to treatment with ASNase. Cathepsin B (CTSB) is one of the proteases involved in the regulation of in vivo ASNase serum half-life and it has also been associated with the progression and resistance to treatment of several solid tumors. Previous works have shown that, in vitro, ASNase is degraded when incubated with REH cell lysate, which is prevented by a specific CTSB inhibitor, suggesting a function of this protease in the ASNase resistance of REH cells. In this work, we utilized a combination of CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting and enzymatic measurements to investigate the relevance of CTSB on ASNase treatment resistance in the ALL model cell line. We found that deletion of CTSB in REH ALL cells did not confer ASNase treatment sensitivity, thus suggesting that intrinsic expression of CTSB is not a mechanism that drives the resistant nature of these ALL cells to enzymes used as the first-line treatment against leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Munhoz Costa
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724, USA
| | - Brian Effer
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724, USA
- Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine (CEMT) and Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Tales Alexandre Costa-Silva
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Chen Chen
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724, USA
| | - Michael F Ciccone
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724, USA
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
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Monajati M, Tamaddon AM, Abolmaali SS, Yousefi G, Javanmardi S, Borandeh S, Heidari R, Azarpira N, Dinarvand R. L-asparaginase immobilization in supramolecular nanogels of PEG-grafted poly HPMA and bis(α-cyclodextrin) to enhance pharmacokinetics and lower enzyme antigenicity. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 225:113234. [PMID: 36934612 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113234] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
L-asparaginase (ASNase) enzyme has limited therapeutic use due to its poor pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity. To overcome these obstacles, we immobilized ASNase in biocompatible poly hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (P(HPMA))-based nanogels simply formed through the host-guest inclusion complex of ASNase-conjugated random copolymer of HPMA and polyethylene glycol (PEG) acrylate (P(HPMA-MPEGA)) and α-cyclodextrin dimer (bisCD) using cystamine as a linker. The effects of bisCD and polymer concentrations on particle size, gelation time, and recovery of enzyme activity were investigated. The ASNase-conjugated bisCD nanogels were discrete, homogeneous, and spherical with a mean projected diameter of 148 ± 41 nm. ASNase immobilized in the bisCD nanogels caused cytotoxicity on HL-60 cell line with IC50 of 3 IU/ml. In-vivo rat study revealed that the immobilized ASNase reduced the enzyme antigenicity and resulted in 8.1 folds longer circulation half-life than the native enzyme. Conclusively, immobilization of ASNase in P(HPMA-MPEGA) and bisCD supramolecular nanogels could enhance the therapeutic value of ASNase in cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Monajati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Tamaddon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Samira Sadat Abolmaali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Yousefi
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Sanaz Javanmardi
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Sedigheh Borandeh
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Rassoul Dinarvand
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1417614315, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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6
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Lima GM, Atrazhev A, Sarkar S, Sojitra M, Reddy R, Torres-Obreque K, de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui C, Macauley MS, Monteiro G, Derda R. DNA-Encoded Multivalent Display of Chemically Modified Protein Tetramers on Phage: Synthesis and in Vivo Applications. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:3024-3035. [PMID: 34928124 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Phage display links the phenotype of displayed polypeptides with the DNA sequence in the phage genome and offers a universal method for the discovery of proteins with novel properties. However, the display of large multisubunit proteins on phages remains a challenge. A majority of protein display systems are based on monovalent phagemid constructs, but methods for the robust display of multiple copies of large proteins are scarce. Here, we describe a DNA-encoded display of a ∼ 200 kDa tetrameric l-asparaginase protein on M13 and fd phages produced by ligation of SpyCatcher-Asparaginase fusion (ScA) and PEGylated-ScA (PEG-ScA) to barcoded phage clones displaying SpyTag peptide. Starting from the SpyTag display on p3 or p8 coat proteins yielded constructs with five copies of ScA displayed on p3 (ScA-p3), ∼100 copies of ScA on p8 protein (ScA-p8) and ∼300 copies of PEG-ScA on p8 protein (PEG-ScA-p8). Display constructs of different valencies and chemical modifications on protein (e.g., PEGylation) can be injected into mice and analyzed by deep sequencing of the DNA barcodes associated with phage clones. In these multiplexed studies, we observed a density and protein-dependent clearance rate in vivo. Our observations link the absence of PEGylation and increase in density of the displayed protein with the increased rate of the endocytosis by cells in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrate that a multivalent display of l-asparaginase on phages could be used to study the circulation life of this protein in vivo, and such an approach opens the possibility to use DNA sequencing to investigate multiplexed libraries of other multisubunit proteins in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme M Lima
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil.,Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Alexey Atrazhev
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Susmita Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Mirat Sojitra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Revathi Reddy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Karin Torres-Obreque
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil
| | - Carlota de Oliveira Rangel-Yagui
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil
| | - Matthew S Macauley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508 000, Brazil
| | - Ratmir Derda
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
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7
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Chiu M, Taurino G, Dander E, Bardelli D, Fallati A, Andreoli R, Bianchi MG, Carubbi C, Pozzi G, Galuppo L, Mirandola P, Rizzari C, Tardito S, Biondi A, D’Amico G, Bussolati O. ALL blasts drive primary mesenchymal stromal cells to increase asparagine availability during asparaginase treatment. Blood Adv 2021; 5:5164-5178. [PMID: 34614505 PMCID: PMC9153005 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020004041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying the resistance of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) blasts to l-asparaginase are still incompletely known. Here we demonstrate that human primary bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) successfully adapt to l-asparaginase and markedly protect leukemic blasts from the enzyme-dependent cytotoxicity through an amino acid trade-off. ALL blasts synthesize and secrete glutamine, thus increasing extracellular glutamine availability for stromal cells. In turn, MSCs use glutamine, either synthesized through glutamine synthetase (GS) or imported, to produce asparagine, which is then extruded to sustain asparagine-auxotroph leukemic cells. GS inhibition prevents mesenchymal cells adaptation to l-asparaginase, lowers glutamine secretion by ALL blasts, and markedly hinders the protection exerted by MSCs on leukemic cells. The pro-survival amino acid exchange is hindered by the inhibition or silencing of the asparagine efflux transporter SNAT5, which is induced in mesenchymal cells by ALL blasts. Consistently, primary MSCs from ALL patients express higher levels of SNAT5 (P < .05), secrete more asparagine (P < .05), and protect leukemic blasts (P < .05) better than MSCs isolated from healthy donors. In conclusion, ALL blasts arrange a pro-leukemic amino acid trade-off with bone marrow mesenchymal cells, which depends on GS and SNAT5 and promotes leukemic cell survival during l-asparaginase treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Chiu
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Taurino
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Erica Dander
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Pediatric Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Donatella Bardelli
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Pediatric Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fallati
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Pediatric Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberta Andreoli
- Laboratory of Industrial Toxicology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano G. Bianchi
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cecilia Carubbi
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Pozzi
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Galuppo
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Prisco Mirandola
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rizzari
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Saverio Tardito
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom; and
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit, University of Milano-Bicocca, MBBM Foundation, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Giovanna D’Amico
- Centro Ricerca Tettamanti, Pediatric Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Ovidio Bussolati
- Laboratory of General Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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8
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Jiang J, Batra S, Zhang J. Asparagine: A Metabolite to Be Targeted in Cancers. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11060402. [PMID: 34205460 PMCID: PMC8234323 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11060402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acids play central roles in cancer progression beyond their function as building blocks for protein synthesis. Thus, targeting amino acid acquisition and utilization has been proved to be therapeutically beneficial in various pre-clinical models. In this regard, depletion of circulating asparagine, a nonessential amino acid, by L-asparaginase has been used in treating pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for decades. Of interest, unlike most solid tumor cells, ALL cells lack the ability to synthesize their own asparagine de novo effectively. However, only until recently, growing evidence suggests that solid tumor cells strive to acquire adequate amounts of asparagine to support tumor progression. This process is subjected to the regulation at various levels, including oncogenic signal, tumor-niche interaction, intratumor heterogeneity and dietary accessibility. We will review the literature on L-asparaginase-based therapy as well as recent understanding of asparagine metabolism in solid tumor progression, with the hope of shedding light into a broader cancer therapeutic strategy by perturbing its acquisition and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Sandeep Batra
- Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health; Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ji Zhang
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University; Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (J.Z.)
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9
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Kloos RQ, Mathôt R, Pieters R, van der Sluis IM. Individualized dosing guidelines for PEGasparaginase and factors influencing the clearance: a population pharmacokinetic model. Haematologica 2021; 106:1254-1261. [PMID: 32327497 PMCID: PMC8094082 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.242289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable inter- and intra-patient variability exist in serum activity levels of PEGasparaginase, essential for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model was developed, identifying patient characteristics explaining these variabilities. Patients (n=92) were treated according to the DCOG ALL-11 protocol, using therapeutic drug monitoring to individualize the PEGasparaginase doses. Non-linear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM) was used to analyze the popPK evaluating several covariates. The final model was validated using an independent database (n=28). Guidelines for starting doses and dose adjustments were developed. A one-compartment model with time-dependent clearance adequately described the popPK. Normalization of clearance and volume of distribution by body surface are (BSA) reduced inter-individual variability. Clearance was 0.084 L/day/m2 for 12.7 days, increasing with 0.082 L/day/m2/day thereafter. Clearance was 38% higher during an infection, and 11-19% higher during induction treatment than intensification and maintenance (p<0.001). Targeting an asparaginase activity level of 100 IU/L, a loading dose of 800 IU/m2 (induction) and 600 IU/m2 (intensification) is advised. In conclusion, variability of PEGasparaginase activity levels can be explained by BSA, treatment phase and the occurrence of an infection. With this popPK model, PEGasparaginase treatment can be individualized further, taking into account these covariates and the dosing guidelines provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Q.H. Kloos
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Sophia Children’s Hospital – Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
| | - Ron Mathôt
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inge M. van der Sluis
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Sophia Children’s Hospital – Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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10
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Díaz-Barriga C, Villanueva-Flores F, Quester K, Zárate-Romero A, Cadena-Nava RD, Huerta-Saquero A. Asparaginase-Phage P22 Nanoreactors: Toward a Biobetter Development for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050604. [PMID: 33922106 PMCID: PMC8170886 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050604] [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: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asparaginase (ASNase) is a biopharmaceutical for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment. However, it shows undesirable side effects such as short lifetimes, susceptibility to proteases, and immunogenicity. Here, ASNase encapsidation was genetically directed in bacteriophage P22-based virus-like particles (VLPs) (ASNase-P22 nanoreactors) as a strategy to overcome these challenges. ASNase-P22 was composed of 58.4 ± 7.9% of coat protein and 41.6 ± 8.1% of tetrameric ASNase. Km and Kcat values of ASNase-P22 were 15- and 2-fold higher than those obtained for the free enzyme, respectively. Resulting Kcat/Km value was 2.19 × 105 M−1 s−1. ASNase-P22 showed an aggregation of 60% of the volume sample when incubated at 37 °C for 12 days. In comparison, commercial asparaginase was completely aggregated under the same conditions. ASNase-P22 was stable for up to 24 h at 37 °C, independent of the presence of human blood serum (HBS) or whether ASNase-P22 nanoreactors were uncoated or PEGylated. Finally, we found that ASNase-P22 caused cytotoxicity in the leukemic cell line MOLT-4 in a concentration dependent manner. To our knowledge, this is the first work where ASNase is encapsulated inside of VLPs, as a promising alternative to fight ALL.
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11
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Lukasheva EV, Makletsova MG, Lukashev AN, Babayeva G, Arinbasarova AY, Medentsev AG. Fungal Enzyme l-Lysine α-Oxidase Affects the Amino Acid Metabolism in the Brain and Decreases the Polyamine Level. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E398. [PMID: 33212812 PMCID: PMC7698073 DOI: 10.3390/ph13110398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal glycoprotein l-lysine α-oxidase (LO) catalyzes the oxidative deamination of l-lysine (l-lys). LO may be internalized in the intestine and shows antitumor, antibacterial, and antiviral effects in vivo. The main mechanisms of its effects have been shown to be depletion of the essential amino acid l-lys and action of reactive oxidative species produced by the reaction. Here, we report that LO penetrates into the brain and is retained there for up to 48 h after intravenous injection, which might be explained by specific pharmacokinetics. LO actively intervenes in amino acid metabolism in the brain. The most significant impact of LO was towards amino acids, which are directly exposed to its action (l-lys, l-orn, l-arg). In addition, the enzyme significantly affected the redistribution of amino acids directly associated with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle (l-asp and l-glu). We discovered that the depletion of l-orn, the precursor of polyamines (PA), led to a significant and long-term decrease in the concentration of polyamines, which are responsible for regulation of many processes including cell proliferation. Thus, LO may be used to reduce levels of l-lys and PA in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Lukasheva
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117198, Russia;
| | - Marina G. Makletsova
- Department of Biology and General Pathology, Don State Technical University, Gagarin Square 1, Rostov-on-Don 344011, Russia;
| | - Alexander N. Lukashev
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 20 M. Pirogovskaya str., Moscow 119435, Russia;
| | - Gulalek Babayeva
- Department of Biochemistry, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya St., Moscow 117198, Russia;
| | - Anna Yu. Arinbasarova
- G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS, 5 Pr. Nauki, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; (A.Y.A.); (A.G.M.)
| | - Alexander G. Medentsev
- G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, PSCBR RAS, 5 Pr. Nauki, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; (A.Y.A.); (A.G.M.)
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12
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Rodrigues MAD, Pimenta MV, Costa IM, Zenatti PP, Migita NA, Yunes JA, Rangel-Yagui CO, de Sá MM, Pessoa A, Costa-Silva TA, Toyama MH, Breyer CA, de Oliveira MA, Santiago VF, Palmisano G, Barbosa CMV, Hebeda CB, Farsky SHP, Monteiro G. Influence of lysosomal protease sensitivity in the immunogenicity of the antitumor biopharmaceutical asparaginase. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 182:114230. [PMID: 32979352 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
L-asparaginase (ASNase) from Escherichia coli (EcAII) is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). EcAII activity in vivo has been described to be influenced by the human lysosomal proteases asparaginyl endopeptidase (AEP) and cathepsin B (CTSB); these hydrolases cleave and could expose epitopes associated with the immune response against EcAII. In this work, we show that ASNase resistance to CTSB and/or AEP influences the formation of anti-ASNase antibodies, one of the main causes of hypersensitivity reactions in patients. Error-prone polymerase chain reaction was used to produce variants of EcAII more resistant to proteolytic cleavage by AEP and CTSB. The variants with enzymatic activity and cytotoxicity levels equivalent to or better than EcAII WT were submitted to in vivo assays. Only one of the mutants presented increased serum half-life, so resistance to these proteases is not the only feature involved in EcAII stability in vivo. Our results showed alteration of the phenotypic profile of B cells isolated after animal treatment with different protease-resistant proteoforms. Furthermore, mice that were exposed to the protease-resistant proteoforms presented lower anti-asparaginase antibodies production in vivo. Our data suggest that modulating resistance to lysosomal proteases can result in less immunogenic protein drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane A D Rodrigues
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela V Pimenta
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iris M Costa
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Natacha A Migita
- Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José A Yunes
- Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlota O Rangel-Yagui
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matheus M de Sá
- Heart Institute (InCor), Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tales A Costa-Silva
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos H Toyama
- Biosciences Institute, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Breyer
- Biosciences Institute, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos A de Oliveira
- Biosciences Institute, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Coastal Campus, São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Veronica F Santiago
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christiano M V Barbosa
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina B Hebeda
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra H P Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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13
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Fang Z, Wang X, Sun Y, Fan R, Liu Z, Guo R, Xie D. Sgc8 aptamer targeted glutathione-responsive nanoassemblies containing Ara-C prodrug for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:23000-23012. [PMID: 31769777 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07391d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cytarabine (Ara-C) is an essential medicine used in the clinical treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, Ara-C suffers from high hydrophilicity, rapid plasma degradation and significant side effects. Thus, herein, to eliminate the limitations of Ara-C in the treatment of leukemia, Sgc8 aptamer targeting and glutathione (GSH)-responsive polymeric micelles (PCL-ss-Ara@Sgc8-BSA) were prepared. The prodrug was synthesized via covalent bond formation between acryloyl chloride-terminal PCL-ss-PCL and Ara-C, and surface decoration with Sgc8-bovine serum albumin (Sgc8-BSA). The obtained PCL-ss-Ara@Sgc8-BSA exhibited good GSH-responsive drug release behavior, obvious targetability and sufficient antitumor effect to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells (CCRF-CEM). A hemolysis test was further carried out to demonstrate that these polymeric micelles are safe to be administrated intravenously. Compared with free Ara-C, PCL-ss-Ara@Sgc8-BSA significantly enhanced tumor growth inhibition in mice bearing CCRF-CEM xenograft tumors, while causing little side effects, and improved the survival rate of CCRF-CEM tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Therefore, this new self-assembling small molecular prodrug equipped with Sgc8 targeting function is a potential treatment for the targeted therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Fang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Xiaozhen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Yanling Sun
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Ruifang Fan
- Department of Prevention & Healthcare, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510010, China
| | - Zhong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Rui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Deming Xie
- Key Laboratory of Biomaterials of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Drug Carrier Development, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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14
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Lanvers-Kaminsky C, Niemann A, Eveslage M, Beck J, Köhnke T, Martin S, de Wit M, Spriewald B, Hauspurg H, Hoelzer D, Boos J, Gökbuget N. Asparaginase activities during intensified treatment with pegylated E. coli asparaginase in adults with newly-diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2019; 61:138-145. [DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2019.1658099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lanvers-Kaminsky
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Andreas Niemann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maria Eveslage
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Joachim Beck
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Köhnke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Großhadern, München, Germany
| | - Sonja Martin
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Robert Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Maike de Wit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Vivantes Klinikum Neukölln, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Spriewald
- Department of Medicine 5, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Dieter Hoelzer
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Frankfurt A.M, Germany
| | - Joachim Boos
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nicola Gökbuget
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Frankfurt A.M, Germany
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15
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Michelozzi IM, Granata V, De Ponti G, Alberti G, Tomasoni C, Antolini L, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Gentner B, Dazzi F, Biondi A, Coliva T, Rizzari C, Pievani A, Serafini M. Acute myeloid leukaemia niche regulates response to L-asparaginase. Br J Haematol 2019; 186:420-430. [PMID: 31044436 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Eradicating the malignant stem cell is the ultimate challenge in the treatment of leukaemia. Leukaemic stem cells (LSC) hijack the normal haemopoietic niche, where they are mainly protected from cytotoxic drugs. The anti-leukaemic effect of L-asparaginase (ASNase) has been extensively investigated in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, but only partially in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We explored the susceptibility of AML-LSC to ASNase as well as the role of the two major cell types that constitute the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, i.e., mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and monocytes/macrophages. Whilst ASNase was effective on both CD34+ CD38+ and CD34+ CD38- LSC fractions, MSC and monocytes/macrophages partially counteracted the effect of the drug. Indeed, the production of cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine protease, by BM monocytic cells and by AML cells classified as French-American-British M5 is related to the inactivation of ASNase. Our work demonstrates that, while MSC and monocytes/macrophages may provide a protective niche for AML cells, ASNase has a cytotoxic effect on AML blasts and, importantly, LSC subpopulations. Thus, these features should be considered in the design of future clinical studies aimed at testing ASNase efficacy in AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria M Michelozzi
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Granata
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giada De Ponti
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Gaia Alberti
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Chiara Tomasoni
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Antolini
- Centro di Biostatistica per L'epidemiologia Clinica, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Bernhard Gentner
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Dazzi
- Department of Haemato-Oncology, Rayne Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Biondi
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit, Fondazione MBBM/San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Tiziana Coliva
- Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit, Fondazione MBBM/San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Carmelo Rizzari
- Department of Paediatrics, Paediatric Haematology-Oncology Unit, Fondazione MBBM/San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Alice Pievani
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- M. Tettamanti Research Centre, Department of Paediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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16
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Rathod S, Ramsey M, Relling MV, Finkelman FD, Fernandez CA. Hypersensitivity reactions to asparaginase in mice are mediated by anti-asparaginase IgE and IgG and the immunoglobulin receptors FcεRI and FcγRIII. Haematologica 2018; 104:319-329. [PMID: 30237274 PMCID: PMC6355496 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.199448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Asparaginase is an important drug for the treatment of leukemias. However, anti-asparaginase antibodies often develop, which can decrease asparaginase drug levels and increase the risk of relapse. The aim of this study is to identify the immunoglobulin isotypes and receptors responsible for asparaginase hypersensitivities. Mice immunized with asparaginase developed anti-asparaginase IgG1 and IgE antibodies, and challenging the sensitized mice with asparaginase induced severe hypersensitivity reactions. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that macrophages/monocytes, neutrophils, and basophils bind asparaginase ex vivo through FcγRIII. In contrast, asparaginase binding to basophils was dependent on FcγRIII and IgE. Consistent with the asparaginase binding data, basophil activation by asparaginase occurred via both IgG/FcγRIII and IgE/FcεRI. Depleting >95% of B cells suppressed IgG but not IgE-dependent hypersensitivity, while depleting CD4+ T cells provided complete protection. Combined treatment with either anti-IgE mAb plus a platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist or anti-FcγRIII mAb plus a H1 receptor antagonist suppressed asparaginase hypersensitivity. The observations indicate that asparaginase hypersensitivity is mediated by antigen-specific IgG and/or IgE through the immunoglobulin receptors FcγRIII and FcεRI, respectively. Provided that these results apply to humans, they emphasize the importance of monitoring both IgE- and IgG-mediated asparaginase hypersensitivities in patients receiving this agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Rathod
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Manda Ramsey
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mary V Relling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Fred D Finkelman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and the Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Christian A Fernandez
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA
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17
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Zenatti PP, Migita NA, Cury NM, Mendes-Silva RA, Gozzo FC, de Campos-Lima PO, Yunes JA, Brandalise SR. Low Bioavailability and High Immunogenicity of a New Brand of E. colil-Asparaginase with Active Host Contaminating Proteins. EBioMedicine 2018; 30:158-166. [PMID: 29550241 PMCID: PMC5952248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The drug l-asparaginase is a cornerstone in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The native E. colil-asparaginase used in Brazil until recently has been manufactured by Medac/Kyowa. Then a decision was taken by the Ministry of Health in 2017 to supply the National Health System with a cheaper alternative l-asparaginase manufactured by Beijing SL Pharmaceutical, called Leuginase®. As opposed to Medac, the asparaginase that has been in use in Brazil under the trade name of Aginasa®, it was not possible to find a single entry with the terms Leuginase in the Pubmed repository. The apparent lack of clinical studies and the scarcity of safety information provided to the hospitals by the drug distributor created a debate among Brazilian pediatric oncologists about issues of safety and efficacy that culminated eventually in a court decision to halt the distribution of the new drug all over the country. Boldrini Children's Center, a non-profit pediatric oncohematology hospital, has conducted its own evaluation of Leuginase®. Mass spectrometry analyses found at least 12 different contaminating host-cell proteins (HCP) in Leuginase®. The presence of two HCP (beta-lactamase and malate dehydrogenase) was confirmed by orthogonal methodologies. The relative number of HCP peptides ranged from 19 to 37% of the total peptides identified by mass spectrometry. In vivo studies in mice injected with Leuginase® revealed a 3 times lower plasma bioavailability and the development of higher antibody titres against l-asparaginase in comparison to Aginasa®-injected animals. The decision to buy a new drug based on its price alone is not safe. Developing countries are especially vulnerable to cheaper alternatives that lack solid quality assurance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fabio Cesar Gozzo
- Chemistry Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - José Andrés Yunes
- Centro Infantil Boldrini, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Medical Genetics Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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18
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Maggi M, Mittelman SD, Parmentier JH, Colombo G, Meli M, Whitmire JM, Merrell DS, Whitelegge J, Scotti C. A protease-resistant Escherichia coli asparaginase with outstanding stability and enhanced anti-leukaemic activity in vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14479. [PMID: 29101342 PMCID: PMC5670125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Asparaginases (ASNases) have been used as first line drugs for paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) treatment for more than 40 years. Both the Escherichia coli (EcAII) and Erwinia chrysanthemi (ErAII) type II ASNases currently used in the clinics are characterized by high in vivo instability, short half-life and the requirement of several administrations to obtain a pharmacologically active concentration. Moreover, they are sensitive to proteases (cathepsin B and asparagine endopeptidase) that are over-expressed by resistant leukaemia lymphoblasts, thereby impairing drug activity and pharmacokinetics. Herein, we present the biochemical, structural and in vitro antiproliferative characterization of a new EcAII variant, N24S. The mutant shows completely preserved asparaginase and glutaminase activities, long-term storage stability, improved thermal parameters, and outstanding resistance to proteases derived from leukaemia cells. Structural analysis demonstrates a modification in the hydrogen bond network related to residue 24, while Normal Mode-based geometric Simulation and Molecular Dynamics predict a general rigidification of the monomer as compared to wild-type. These improved features render N24S a potential alternative treatment to reduce the number of drug administrations in vivo and to successfully address one of the major current challenges of ALL treatment: spontaneous, protease-dependent and immunological inactivation of ASNase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Maggi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Steven D Mittelman
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean Hugues Parmentier
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Giorgio Colombo
- Biomolecular Simulations & Computational Chemistry Group, Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Meli
- Biomolecular Simulations & Computational Chemistry Group, Istituto di Chimica del Riconoscimento Molecolare, CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Jeannette Marie Whitmire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - D Scott Merrell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julian Whitelegge
- Julian Whitelegge, The Pasarow Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, The NPI-Semel Institute & Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, USA
| | - Claudia Scotti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Lanvers-Kaminsky C. Asparaginase pharmacology: challenges still to be faced. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 79:439-450. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3236-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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