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Bartoszewska E, Molik K, Woźniak M, Choromańska A. Telomerase Inhibition in the Treatment of Leukemia: A Comprehensive Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:427. [PMID: 38671875 PMCID: PMC11047729 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040427] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemia, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation blockage of myeloid or lymphoid precursor cells, presents significant therapeutic challenges despite current treatment modalities like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Pursuing novel therapeutic strategies that selectively target leukemic cells is critical for improving patient outcomes. Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing effective chemotherapy and preventive measures against leukemia, providing a rich source of biologically active compounds. Telomerase, a key enzyme involved in chromosome stabilization and mainly active in cancer cells, presents an attractive target for intervention. In this review article, we focus on the anti-leukemic potential of natural substances, emphasizing vitamins (such as A, D, and E) and polyphenols (including curcumin and indole-3-carbinol), which, in combination with telomerase inhibition, demonstrate reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional chemotherapies. We discuss the role of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), particularly its mRNA expression, as a potential therapeutic target, highlighting the promise of natural compounds in leukemia treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Bartoszewska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Klaudia Molik
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 5, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.B.); (K.M.)
| | - Marta Woźniak
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Division of General and Experimental Pathology, Wroclaw Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 1, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Choromańska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Bruserud Ø, Tsykunova G, Hernandez-Valladares M, Reikvam H, Tvedt THA. Therapeutic Use of Valproic Acid and All-Trans Retinoic Acid in Acute Myeloid Leukemia-Literature Review and Discussion of Possible Use in Relapse after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050423. [PMID: 34063204 PMCID: PMC8147490 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the most intensive treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chemo-resistant leukemia relapse is still one of the most common causes of death for these patients, as is transplant-related mortality, i.e., graft versus host disease, infections, and organ damage. These relapse patients are not always candidates for additional intensive therapy or re-transplantation, and many of them have decreased quality of life and shortened expected survival. The efficiency of azacitidine for treatment of posttransplant AML relapse has been documented in several clinical trials. Valproic acid is an antiepileptic fatty acid that exerts antileukemic activity through histone deacetylase inhibition. The combination of valproic acid and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is well tolerated even by unfit or elderly AML patients, and low-toxicity chemotherapy (e.g., azacitidine) can be added to this combination. The triple combination of azacitidine, valproic acid, and ATRA may therefore represent a low-intensity and low-toxicity alternative for these patients. In the present review, we review and discuss the general experience with valproic acid/ATRA in AML therapy and we discuss its possible use in low-intensity/toxicity treatment of post-allotransplant AML relapse. Our discussion is further illustrated by four case reports where combined treatments with sequential azacitidine/hydroxyurea, valproic acid, and ATRA were used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Bruserud
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, N-5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway; (G.T.); (T.H.A.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Galina Tsykunova
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway; (G.T.); (T.H.A.T.)
| | - Maria Hernandez-Valladares
- The Proteomics Facility of the University of Bergen (PROBE), University of Bergen, N-5021 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Hakon Reikvam
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, N-5021 Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway; (G.T.); (T.H.A.T.)
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San José-Enériz E, Gimenez-Camino N, Agirre X, Prosper F. HDAC Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111794. [PMID: 31739588 PMCID: PMC6896008 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by uncontrolled proliferation, differentiation arrest, and accumulation of immature myeloid progenitors. Although clinical advances in AML have been made, especially in young patients, long-term disease-free survival remains poor, making this disease an unmet therapeutic challenge. Epigenetic alterations and mutations in epigenetic regulators contribute to the pathogenesis of AML, supporting the rationale for the use of epigenetic drugs in patients with AML. While hypomethylating agents have already been approved in AML, the use of other epigenetic inhibitors, such as histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors (HDACi), is under clinical development. HDACi such as Panobinostat, Vorinostat, and Tricostatin A have been shown to promote cell death, autophagy, apoptosis, or growth arrest in preclinical AML models, yet these inhibitors do not seem to be effective as monotherapies, but rather in combination with other drugs. In this review, we discuss the rationale for the use of different HDACi in patients with AML, the results of preclinical studies, and the results obtained in clinical trials. Although so far the results with HDACi in clinical trials in AML have been modest, there are some encouraging data from treatment with the HDACi Pracinostat in combination with DNA demethylating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edurne San José-Enériz
- Área de Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (E.S.J.-E.); (N.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Naroa Gimenez-Camino
- Área de Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (E.S.J.-E.); (N.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Área de Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (E.S.J.-E.); (N.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (X.A.); (F.P.); Tel.: +34-948-194700 (ext. 1002) (X.A.); +34-948-255400 (ext. 5807) (F.P.)
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Área de Hemato-Oncología, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IDISNA), Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (E.S.J.-E.); (N.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Hematología, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (X.A.); (F.P.); Tel.: +34-948-194700 (ext. 1002) (X.A.); +34-948-255400 (ext. 5807) (F.P.)
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Nie D, Huang K, Yin S, Li Y, Xie S, Ma L, Wang X, Wu Y, Xiao J, Wang J, Yang W, Liu H. KPT-330 inhibition of chromosome region maintenance 1 is cytotoxic and sensitizes chronic myeloid leukemia to Imatinib. Cell Death Discov 2018; 4:48. [PMID: 29707241 PMCID: PMC5913223 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Imatinib, IM) fail to induce long-term response in some chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), novel therapies targeting leukemia-dysregulated pathways are necessary. Nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking of proteins play a key role in the development of leukemia and drug resistance. KPT-330 (Selinexor), an inhibitor of chromosome region maintenance 1 (CRM1, nuclear receptor exportin 1, XPO1), demonstrated activities against a few hematological malignancies. We examined the anti-leukemic efficacy of KPT-330 in IM-resistant CML. Cell viability was examined by MTS assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed by flow cytometry. CRM1 mRNA was detected by PCR. Expression of CRM1 protein and its cargo proteins were determined by western blot or immunofluorescent staining. Furthermore, we engrafted nude mice subcutaneously with IM-resistant CML K562G. Mice were treated with IM, KPT-330 alone or in combination. Expression of CRM1 in CML were markedly higher than control. KPT-330 inhibited proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of K562 and K562G. IC50 of IM on K562G was reduced by KPT-330. Mechanistically, KPT-330 inhibited CRM1 and increased the nuclear/cytoplasm ratio of BCR-ABL and P27. p-AKT was downregulated while p-STAT1 and caspase-3 were upregulated. Furthermore, KPT-330 showed anti-leukemic effect in primary IM-resistant CML with T315I mutation in CRM1-dependent manner. In K562G xenograft mice model, KPT-330 inhibited tumor growth and sensitized K562G to IM in vivo. To conclude, KPT-330 showed anti-leukemic activity and sensitized CML to IM in CRM1-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. KPT-330 represents an alternative therapy for IM-refractory CML, warranting further investigation of CRM1 as therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danian Nie
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Kezhi Huang
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China.,2Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Songmei Yin
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China.,3Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2130 West Holcombe Boulevard, Suite 910, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Shuangfeng Xie
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Ma
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuju Wang
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Yudan Wu
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Xiao
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieyu Wang
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyun Liu
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation and Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 510120 Guangzhou, China
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Valproic Acid Induces Endocytosis-Mediated Doxorubicin Internalization and Shows Synergistic Cytotoxic Effects in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18051048. [PMID: 28498322 PMCID: PMC5454960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18051048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), a well-known histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, is used as an anti-cancer drug for various cancers, but the synergistic anti-cancer effect of VPA and doxorubicin (DOX) combination treatment and its potential underlying mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain to be elucidated. Here, we evaluate the mono- and combination-therapy effects of VPA and DOX in HCC and identify a specific and efficient, synergistic anti-proliferative effect of the VPA and DOX combination in HCC cells, especially HepG2 cells; this effect was not apparent in MIHA cells, a normal hepatocyte cell line. The calculation of the coefficient of drug interaction confirmed the significant synergistic effect of the combination treatment. Concurrently, the synergistic apoptotic cell death caused by the VPA and DOX combination treatment was confirmed by Hoechst nuclear staining and Western blot analysis of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation. Co-treatment with VPA and DOX enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and autophagy, which were clearly attenuated by ROS and autophagy inhibitors, respectively. Furthermore, as an indication of the mechanism underlying the synergistic effect, we observed that DOX internalization, which was induced in the VPA and DOX combination-treated group, occurred via by the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway. Taken together, our study uncovered the potential effect of the VPA and DOX combination treatment with regard to cell death, including induction of cellular ROS, autophagy, and the caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathway. Therefore, these results present novel implications in drug delivery research for the treatment of HCC.
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Bertaina A, Vinti L, Strocchio L, Gaspari S, Caruso R, Algeri M, Coletti V, Gurnari C, Romano M, Cefalo MG, Girardi K, Trevisan V, Bertaina V, Merli P, Locatelli F. The combination of bortezomib with chemotherapy to treat relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia of childhood. Br J Haematol 2017; 176:629-636. [PMID: 28116786 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Achieving complete remission (CR) in childhood relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a difficult task. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, has in vitro activity against ALL blasts. A phase I-II trial, reported by the Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukaemia and Lymphoma (TACL) consortium, demonstrated that bortezomib with chemotherapy has acceptable toxicity and remarkable activity in patients with relapsed ALL failing 2-3 previous regimens. We evaluated bortezomib in combination with chemotherapy in 30 and 7 children with B-cell precursor (BCP) and T-cell ALL, respectively. Bortezomib (1·3 mg/m2 /dose) was administered intravenously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11. Chemotherapy agents were the same as those used in the TACL trial, consisting of dexamethasone, doxorubicin, vincristine and pegylated asparaginase. Three patients (8·1%) died due to infections. Twenty-seven patients (72·9%) achieved CR or CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp). Fourteen had minimal residual disease (MRD) lower than 0·1%. Twenty-two of 30 BCP-ALL patients (73·3%) and 5/7 patients (71%) with T-cell ALL achieved CR/CRp. The 2-year overall survival (OS) is 31·3%; CR/CRp patients with an MRD response had a remarkable 2-year OS of 68·4%. These data confirm that the combination of bortezomib with chemotherapy is a suitable/effective option for childhood relapsed/refractory ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bertaina
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciana Vinti
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Strocchio
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Gaspari
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Caruso
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Algeri
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Coletti
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelo Gurnari
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Romano
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Cefalo
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Girardi
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Trevisan
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Bertaina
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Merli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is deadly hematologic malignancy. Despite a well-characterized genetic and molecular landscape, targeted therapies for AML have failed to significantly improve clinical outcomes. Over the past decade, proteasome inhibition has been demonstrated to be an effective therapeutic strategy in several hematologic malignancies. Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib and carfilzomib, have become mainstays of treatment for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. In light of this success, there has been a surge of literature exploring both the role of the proteasome and the effects of proteasome inhibition in AML. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that proteasome inhibition disrupts proliferative cell signaling pathways, exhibits cytotoxic synergism with other chemotherapeutics and induces autophagy of cancer-related proteins. Meanwhile, clinical trials incorporating bortezomib into combination chemotherapy regimens have reported a range of responses in AML patients, with complete remission rates >80% in some cases. Taken together, this preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that inhibition of the proteasome may be efficacious in this disease. In an effort to focus further investigation into this area, these recent studies and their findings are reviewed here.
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Moradi Binabaj M, Hosseini SA, Khoshbin Khoshnazar A, Asadi J. The Simultaneous Effect of Valproic Acid and Gamma Radiation on Telomerase Activity and Bax and Bcl-2 Protein Levels in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2015. [DOI: 10.17795/jjnpp-22818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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9
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Haery L, Thompson RC, Gilmore TD. Histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases in B- and T-cell development, physiology and malignancy. Genes Cancer 2015; 6:184-213. [PMID: 26124919 PMCID: PMC4482241 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of B and T cells from hematopoietic precursors and the regulation of the functions of these immune cells are complex processes that involve highly regulated signaling pathways and transcriptional control. The signaling pathways and gene expression patterns that give rise to these developmental processes are coordinated, in part, by two opposing classes of broad-based enzymatic regulators: histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). HATs and HDACs can modulate gene transcription by altering histone acetylation to modify chromatin structure, and by regulating the activity of non-histone substrates, including an array of immune-cell transcription factors. In addition to their role in normal B and T cells, dysregulation of HAT and HDAC activity is associated with a variety of B- and T-cell malignancies. In this review, we describe the roles of HATs and HDACs in normal B- and T-cell physiology, describe mutations and dysregulation of HATs and HDACs that are implicated lymphoma and leukemia, and discuss HAT and HDAC inhibitors that have been explored as treatment options for leukemias and lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Haery
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Al-Hussaini M, DiPersio JF. Small molecule inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia: from the bench to the clinic. Expert Rev Hematol 2014; 7:439-64. [PMID: 25025370 PMCID: PMC4283573 DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2014.932687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many patients with acute myeloid leukemia will eventually develop refractory or relapsed disease. In the absence of standard therapy for this population, there is currently an urgent unmet need for novel therapeutic agents. Targeted therapy with small molecule inhibitors represents a new therapeutic intervention that has been successful for the treatment of multiple tumors (e.g., gastrointestinal stromal tumors, chronic myelogenous leukemia). Hence, there has been great interest in generating selective small molecule inhibitors targeting critical pathways of proliferation and survival in acute myeloid leukemia. This review highlights a selective group of intriguing therapeutic agents and their presumed targets in both preclinical models and in early human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneera Al-Hussaini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Missouri
| | - John F. DiPersio
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Missouri
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis Missouri
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Mu Q, Ma Q, Lu S, Zhang T, Yu M, Huang X, Chen J, Jin J. 10058-F4, a c-Myc inhibitor, markedly increases valproic acid-induced cell death in Jurkat and CCRF-CEM T-lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:1355-1359. [PMID: 25120723 PMCID: PMC4114592 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has a poor prognosis. Although it has been found that activation of Notch1 signaling occurs in >50% T-ALL patients, γ-secretase inhibitors that target Notch1 signaling are of limited efficacy. However, c-Myc is an important direct target of Notch1 and, thus, c-Myc is another potential therapeutic target for T-ALL. Valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has been reported to treat various hematological malignancies. In the present study, we showed that c-Myc expression, at a transcriptional level, was dose-dependently downregulated in VPA-induced growth inhibition in T-ALL cell lines, Jurkat and CCRF-CEM cells. 10058-F4, a small molecule c-Myc inhibitor, could increase the downregulation of c-Myc and markedly increase the growth inhibition and cell death induced by VPA in Jurkat and CCRF-CEM cells, which was accompanied by obvious cleavage of capase-3. Z-VAD-FMK, a caspase inhibitor, partially prevented the anti-leukemic effect. The results of the present study suggest that c-Myc inhibitors increase cell death induced by VPA in a caspase-dependent and -independent manner, and their combination could be a potent therapeutic strategy for adult T-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qitian Mu
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Laboratory of Stem Cell Transplantation, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Qiuling Ma
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Shasha Lu
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Mengxia Yu
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Malignancies of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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Abaza MSI, Bahman AM, Al-Attiyah RJ. Valproic acid, an anti-epileptic drug and a histone deacetylase inhibitor, in combination with proteasome inhibitors exerts antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic and chemosensitizing effects in human colorectal cancer cells: underlying molecular mechanisms. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:513-32. [PMID: 24899129 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the therapeutic efficacy of valproic acid (VPA) has been observed in patients with solid tumors, the very high concentration required to induce antitumor activity limits its clinical utility. The present study focused on the development of combined molecular targeted therapies using VPA and proteasome inhibitors (PIs: MG132, PI-1 and PR-39) to determine whether this combination of treatments has synergistic anticancer and chemosensitizing effects against colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the potential molecular mechanisms of action of the VPA/PI combinations were evaluated. The effects of VPA in combination with PIs on the growth of colorectal cancer cells were assessed with regard to proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the expression of genes that control the cell cycle, apoptosis and pro-survival/stress-related pathways. Treatment with combinations of VPA and PIs resulted in an additive/synergistic decrease in colorectal cancer cell proliferation compared to treatment with VPA or PIs alone. The combination treatment was associated with a synergistic increase in apoptosis and in the number of cells arrested in the S phase of the cell cycle. These events were associated with increased ROS generation, pro-apoptotic gene expression and stress-related gene expression. These events were also associated with the decreased expression of anti-apoptotic genes and pro-survival genes. The combination of VPA with MG132 or PI-1 enhanced the chemosensitivity of the SW1116 (29-185‑fold) and SW837 (50-620-fold) colorectal cancer cells. By contrast, the combination of VPA/PR-39 induced a pronounced increase in the chemosensitivity of the SW837 (16-54-fold) colorectal cancer cells. These data provide a rational basis for the clinical use of this combination therapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Salah I Abaza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| | - Abdul-Majeed Bahman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| | - Raja'a J Al-Attiyah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait
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13
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Niewerth D, Dingjan I, Cloos J, Jansen G, Kaspers G. Proteasome inhibitors in acute leukemia. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2014; 13:327-37. [DOI: 10.1586/era.13.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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14
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Fredly H, Gjertsen BT, Bruserud Ø. Histone deacetylase inhibition in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: the effects of valproic acid on leukemic cells, and the clinical and experimental evidence for combining valproic acid with other antileukemic agents. Clin Epigenetics 2013; 5:12. [PMID: 23898968 PMCID: PMC3733883 DOI: 10.1186/1868-7083-5-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Several new therapeutic strategies are now considered for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy, including modulation of protein lysine acetylation through inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs). These enzymes alter the acetylation of several proteins, including histones and transcription factors, as well as several other proteins directly involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Valproic acid (VPA) is a HDAC inhibitor that has been investigated in several clinical AML studies, usually in combination with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for treatment of patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy, for example older patients, and many of these patients have relapsed or primary resistant leukemia. The toxicity of VPA in these patients is low and complete hematological remission lasting for several months has been reported for a few patients (<5% of included patients), but increased peripheral blood platelet counts are seen for 30 to 40% of patients and may last for up to 1 to 2 years. We review the biological effects of VPA on human AML cells, the results from clinical studies of VPA in the treatment of AML and the evidence for combining VPA with new targeted therapy. However, it should be emphasized that VPA has not been investigated in randomized clinical studies. Despite this lack of randomized studies, we conclude that disease-stabilizing treatment including VPA should be considered especially in unfit patients, because the possibility of improving normal blood values has been documented in several studies and the risk of clinically relevant toxicity is minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Fredly
- Section for Hematology, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Tore Gjertsen
- Section for Hematology, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein Bruserud
- Section for Hematology, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
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15
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Li X, Zhu Y, He H, Lou L, Ye W, Chen Y, Wang J. Synergistically killing activity of aspirin and histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) on hepatocellular cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 436:259-64. [PMID: 23726914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.05.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Aspirin and valproic acid (VPA) have been extensively studied for inducing various malignancies growth inhibition respectively, despite their severe side effects. Here, we developed a novel combination by aspirin and VPA on hepatocellular cancer cells (HCCs). The viability of HCC lines were analyzed by MTT assay, apoptotic analysis of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cell was performed. Real time-PCR and Western blotting were performed to determine the expression of apoptosis related genes and proteins such as Survivin, Bcl-2/Bax, Cyclin D1 and p15. Moreover, orthotopic xenograft tumors were challenged in nude mice to establish murine model, and then therapeutic effect was analyzed after drug combination therapy. The viability of HCC lines' significantly decreased after drug combination treatment, and cancer cell apoptosis in combination group increasingly induced compared with single drug use. Therapeutic effect was significantly enhanced by combination therapy in tumor volume and tumor weight decrease. From the data shown here, aspirin and VPA combination have a synergistic killing effect on hepatocellular cancers cells proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Yiwu Central Hospita, 519 Nan men Street, Yiwu, Jinhua, Zhejing 322000, China
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16
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CAO HUI, CHENG YIZHI, YOU LIANGSHUN, QIAN JIEJING, QIAN WENBIN. Homoharringtonine and SAHA synergistically enhance apoptosis in human acute myeloid leukemia cells through upregulation of TRAIL and death receptors. Mol Med Rep 2013; 7:1838-44. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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17
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Du XL, Chen Q. Recent advancements of bortezomib in acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment. Acta Haematol 2013; 129:207-14. [PMID: 23295437 DOI: 10.1159/000345260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although survival rates for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), especially in children, have shown dramatic improvement over time, poor outcomes are still observed in patients who have refractory or relapsed disease after conventional chemotherapy. New therapeutic options are urgently needed. Bortezomib (Velcade, formerly PS-341) is the first proteasome inhibitor approved by the US FDA for the treatment of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Although the mechanisms of bortezomib anticancer activity are still not completely understood, it is a new treatment option for patients with refractory or relapsed ALL, particularly when used in combination with conventional chemotherapy or targeted agents. This review summarizes recent advancements in the understanding of the bortezomib molecular mechanism of action in ALL. Understanding of the molecular approaches might help customize cancer chemotherapy for each individual patient, directing the field towards rational therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Du
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, China
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18
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Forthun RB, SenGupta T, Skjeldam HK, Lindvall JM, McCormack E, Gjertsen BT, Nilsen H. Cross-species functional genomic analysis identifies resistance genes of the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48992. [PMID: 23155442 PMCID: PMC3498369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of successful epigenetic reprogramming in cancer are not well characterized as they involve coordinated removal of repressive marks and deposition of activating marks by a large number of histone and DNA modification enzymes. Here, we have used a cross-species functional genomic approach to identify conserved genetic interactions to improve therapeutic effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) valproic acid, which increases survival in more than 20% of patients with advanced acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using a bidirectional synthetic lethality screen revealing genes that increased or decreased VPA sensitivity in C. elegans, we identified novel conserved sensitizers and synthetic lethal interactors of VPA. One sensitizer identified as a conserved determinant of therapeutic success of HDACi was UTX (KDM6A), which demonstrates a functional relationship between protein acetylation and lysine-specific methylation. The synthetic lethal screen identified resistance programs that compensated for the HDACi-induced global hyper-acetylation, and confirmed MAPKAPK2, HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1 and ACTB as conserved hubs in a resistance program for HDACi that are drugable in human AML cell lines. Hence, these resistance hubs represent promising novel targets for refinement of combinatorial epigenetic anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Emmet McCormack
- Institute of Medicine, Hematology Section, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Hematology Section, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Tore Gjertsen
- Institute of Medicine, Hematology Section, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Hematology Section, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (BTG); (HN)
| | - Hilde Nilsen
- The Biotechnology Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail: (BTG); (HN)
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