1
|
Raghuwanshi S, Gartel AL. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1: Current challenges and future perspectives in cancer treatments. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189015. [PMID: 37913940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) protein M1 (FOXM1) is a critical proliferation-associated transcription factor (TF) that is aberrantly overexpressed in the majority of human cancers and has also been implicated in poor prognosis. A comprehensive understanding of various aspects of this molecule has revealed its role in, cell proliferation, cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The FOXM1 as a TF directly or indirectly regulates the expression of several target genes whose dysregulation is associated with almost all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, FOXM1 expression is associated with chemoresistance to different anti-cancer drugs. Several studies have confirmed that suppression of FOXM1 enhanced the drug sensitivity of various types of cancer cells. Current data suggest that small molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 in combination with anticancer drugs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for chemo-resistant cancers. In this review, we discuss the clinical utility of FOXM1, further, we summarize and discuss small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 and categorize them according to their mechanisms of targeting FOXM1. Despite great progress, small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 face many challenges, and we present here all small-molecule FOXM1 inhibitors in different stages of development. We discuss the current challenges and provide insights on the future application of FOXM1 inhibition to the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Raghuwanshi
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kuttikrishnan S, Masoodi T, Ahmad F, Sher G, Prabhu KS, Mateo JM, Buddenkotte J, El-Elimat T, Oberlies NH, Pearce CJ, Bhat AA, Alali FQ, Steinhoff M, Uddin S. In vitro evaluation of Neosetophomone B inducing apoptosis in cutaneous T cell lymphoma by targeting the FOXM1 signaling pathway. J Dermatol Sci 2023; 112:83-91. [PMID: 37865581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a T cell-derived non-Hodgkin lymphoma primarily affecting the skin, with treatment posing a significant challenge and low survival rates. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer potential of Neosetophomone B (NSP-B), a fungal-derived secondary metabolite, on CTCL cell lines H9 and HH. METHODS Cell viability was measured using Cell counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays. Apoptosis was measured by annexin V/PI dual staining. Immunoblotting was performed to examine the expression of proteins. Applied Biosystems' high-resolution Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 was used to examine gene expression. RESULTS NSP-B induced apoptosis in CTCL cells by activating mitochondrial signaling pathways and caspases. We observed downregulated expression of BUB1B, Aurora Kinases A and B, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 4 and 6, and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) in NSP-B treated cells, which was further corroborated by Western blot analysis. Notably, higher expression levels of these genes showed reduced overall and progression-free survival in the CTCL patient cohort. FOXM1 and BUB1B expression exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in NSP-B-treated CTCL cells.FOXM1 silencing decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis via BUB1B downregulation. Moreover, NSP-B suppressed FOXM1-regulated genes, such as Aurora Kinases A and B, CDKs 4 and 6, and PLK1. The combined treatment of Bortezomib and NSP-B showed greater efficacy in reducing CTCL cell viability and promoting apoptosis compared to either treatment alone. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that targeting the FOXM1 pathway may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for CTCL management, with NSP-B offering significant potential as a novel treatment option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Human Immunology Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jericha M Mateo
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tamam El-Elimat
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nicholas H Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Feras Q Alali
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory of Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sher G, Masoodi T, Patil K, Akhtar S, Kuttikrishnan S, Ahmad A, Uddin S. Dysregulated FOXM1 signaling in the regulation of cancer stem cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:107-121. [PMID: 35931301 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the introduction of the cancer stem cell (CSC) paradigm, significant advances have been made in understanding the functional and biological plasticity of these elusive components in malignancies. Endowed with self-renewing abilities and multilineage differentiation potential, CSCs have emerged as cellular drivers of virtually all facets of tumor biology, including metastasis, tumor recurrence/relapse, and drug resistance. The functional and biological characteristics of CSCs, such as self-renewal, cell fate decisions, survival, proliferation, and differentiation are regulated by an array of extracellular factors, signaling pathways, and pluripotent transcriptional factors. Besides the well-characterized regulatory role of transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, and MYC in CSCs, evidence for the central role of Forkhead box transcription factor FOXM1 in the establishment, maintenance, and functions of CSCs is accumulating. Conventionally identified as a master regulator of the cell cycle, a comprehensive understanding of this molecule has revealed its multifarious oncogenic potential and uncovered its role in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, self-renewal, and drug resistance. This review compiles the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that provides evidence for the mechanisms by which FOXM1 expression promotes stemness in glioblastoma, breast, colon, ovarian, lung, hepatic, and pancreatic carcinomas. We have also compiled the data showing the association of stem cell mediators with FOXM1 using TCGA mRNA expression data. Further, the prognostic importance of FOXM1 and other stem cell markers is presented. The delineation of FOXM1-mediated regulation of CSCs can aid in the development of molecularly targeted pharmacological approaches directed at the selective eradication of CSCs in several human malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gulab Sher
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Kalyani Patil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yu F, He H, Nastoupil LJ, Xu-Monette ZY, Pham K, Liang Y, Chen G, Fowler NH, Yin CC, Tan D, Yang Y, Hu S, Young KH, Pham LV, You MJ. Targetable vulnerability of deregulated FOXM1/PLK1 signaling axis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:4666-4679. [PMID: 36381323 PMCID: PMC9641390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXM1 is a transcription factor that controls cell cycle regulation, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Overexpression of FOXM1 has been implicated in various cancer types. However, the activation status and functional significance of FOXM1 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have not been well investigated. Using proteomic approaches, we discovered that the protein expression levels of FOXM1 and PLK1 were positively correlated in DLBCL cell lines and primary DLBCL. Expression levels of FOXM1 and PLK1 mRNAs were also significantly higher in DLBCL than in normal human B cells and could predict poor prognosis of DLBCL, particularly in patients with germinal center B cell-like (GCB) DLBCL. Furthermore, proteomic studies defined a FOXM1-PLK1 signature that consisted of proteins upstream and downstream of that axis involved in the p38-MAPK-AKT pathway, cell cycle, and DNA damage/repair. Further studies demonstrated a mechanistic function of the FOXM1/PLK1 axis in connection with the DNA damage response pathways regulating the S/G2 checkpoint of the cell cycle. Therapeutic targeting of FOXM1/PLK1 using a FOXM1 or PLK1 inhibitor, as well as other clinically relevant small-molecule inhibitors targeting ATR-CHK1, was highly effective in DLBCL in vitro models. These findings are instrumental for lymphoma drug discovery aiming at the FOXM1/PLK1/ATR/CHK1 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yu
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua He
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Loretta J Nastoupil
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Zijun Y Xu-Monette
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Division of Hematopathology, Duke University Medical Center and Duke Cancer InstituteDurham, NC, USA
| | - Ky Pham
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Liang
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Taizhou University College of MedicineTaizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Taizhou University College of MedicineTaizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nathan H Fowler
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - C Cameron Yin
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Dongfeng Tan
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Yaling Yang
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Shimin Hu
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
| | - Ken H Young
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Division of Hematopathology, Duke University Medical Center and Duke Cancer InstituteDurham, NC, USA
| | - Lan V Pham
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc.South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M James You
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHouston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHouston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jerome MS, Kuthethur R, Kabekkodu SP, Chakrabarty S. Regulation of mitochondrial function by forkhead transcription factors. Biochimie 2022; 198:96-108. [PMID: 35367579 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
6
|
Bailly C. The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton. An update of its mode of action, pharmacological properties and applications. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 914:174661. [PMID: 34863996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton (TS) is used as a veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections. TS is a protein translation inhibitor, essentially active against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria. In procaryotes, TS abrogates binding of GTPase elongation factors to the 70S ribosome, by altering the structure of rRNA-L11 protein complexes. TS exerts also antimalarial effects by disrupting protein synthesis in the apicoplast genome of Plasmodium falciparum. Interestingly, the drug targets both the infectious pathogen (bacteria or parasite) and host cell, by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagy which contributes to enhance the host cell defense. In addition, TS has been characterized as a potent chemical inhibitor of the oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1, frequently overexpressed in cancers or other diseases. The capacity of TS to crosslink FoxM1, and a few other proteins such as peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) and the 19S proteasome, contributes to the anticancer effects of the thiopeptide. The anticancer activities of TS evidenced using diverse tumor cell lines, in vivo models and drug combinations are reviewed here, together with the implicated targets and mechanisms. The difficulty to formulate TS is a drag on the pharmaceutical development of the natural product. However, the design of hemisynthetic analogues and the use of micellar drug delivery systems should facilitate a broader utilization of the compound in human and veterinary medicines. This review shed light on the many pharmacological properties of TS, with the objective to promote its use as a pharmacological tool and medicinal product.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille, Wasquehal, 59290, France.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lewis R, Maurer HC, Singh N, Gonzalez-Menendez I, Wirth M, Schick M, Zhang L, Isaakidis K, Scherger AK, Schulze V, Lu J, Zenz T, Steiger K, Rad R, Quintanilla-Martinez L, Espeli M, Balabanian K, Keller U, Habringer S. CXCR4 hyperactivation cooperates with TCL1 in CLL development and aggressiveness. Leukemia 2021; 35:2895-2905. [PMID: 34363012 PMCID: PMC8478649 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01376-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant CXCR4 activity has been implicated in lymphoma pathogenesis, disease progression, and resistance to therapies. Using a mouse model with a gain-of-function CXCR4 mutation (CXCR4C1013G) that hyperactivates CXCR4 signaling, we identified CXCR4 as a crucial activator of multiple key oncogenic pathways. CXCR4 hyperactivation resulted in an expansion of transitional B1 lymphocytes, which represent the precursors of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Indeed, CXCR4 hyperactivation led to a significant acceleration of disease onset and a more aggressive phenotype in the murine Eµ-TCL1 CLL model. Hyperactivated CXCR4 signaling cooperated with TCL1 to cause a distinct oncogenic transcriptional program in B cells, characterized by PLK1/FOXM1-associated pathways. In accordance, Eµ-TCL1;CXCR4C1013G B cells enriched a transcriptional signature from patients with Richter's syndrome, an aggressive transformation of CLL. Notably, MYC activation in aggressive lymphoma was associated with increased CXCR4 expression. In line with this finding, additional hyperactive CXCR4 signaling in the Eµ-Myc mouse, a model of aggressive B-cell cancer, did not impact survival. In summary, we here identify CXCR4 hyperactivation as a co-driver of an aggressive lymphoma phenotype.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mutation
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/physiology
- Receptors, CXCR4/genetics
- Receptors, CXCR4/metabolism
- Polo-Like Kinase 1
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lewis
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - H Carlo Maurer
- Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikita Singh
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irene Gonzalez-Menendez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Wirth
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Schick
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Konstandina Isaakidis
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Veronika Schulze
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Junyan Lu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Universitätsspital and Universität Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martinez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marion Espeli
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris, France
- CNRS, GDR3697 "Microenvironment of Tumor Niches", Micronit, France
- OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Karl Balabanian
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris, France
- CNRS, GDR3697 "Microenvironment of Tumor Niches", Micronit, France
- OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Ulrich Keller
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Stefan Habringer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH), Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kuttikrishnan S, Prabhu KS, Khan AQ, Alali FQ, Ahmad A, Uddin S. Thiostrepton inhibits growth and induces apoptosis by targeting FoxM1/SKP2/MTH1 axis in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:3170-3180. [PMID: 34369229 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1957873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in the etiology of many cancers, however, its role has not been elucidated in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-pre-ALL). In the current study, we showed that the downregulation of FoxM1 by its inhibitor thiostrepton inhibited cell viability and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in a panel of B-pre-ALL cell lines. Thiostrepton led downregulation of FoxM1 accompanied by decreased expression of Aurora kinase A, B, matrix metalloproteinases, and oncogene SKP2 as well as MTH1. Downregulation of the FoxM1/SKP2/MTH1 axis led to increase in the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and suppression of antiapoptotic proteins. Thiostrepton-mediated apoptosis was prevented by N-acetyl cysteine, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. Co-treatment of B-pre-ALL with subtoxic doses of thiostrepton and bortezomib potentiated the proapoptotic action. Altogether, our results suggest that targeting FoxM1expression could be an attractive strategy for the treatment of B-pre-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Feras Q Alali
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Laboratory of Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hu K, Xie W, Ni S, Yan S, Tian G, Qi W, Duan Y. Cadmium chloride enhances cisplatin sensitivity in osteosarcoma cells by reducing FOXM1 expression. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:650-660. [PMID: 32627005 PMCID: PMC7336512 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly malignant disease and is associated with a poor patient prognosis and a high mortality rate. Disease prognosis significantly correlates with chemotherapeutic responses. Cadmium is a heavy metal with specific effects on bone, but its benefits for osteosarcoma treatment have not been characterized. In the present study, cadmium chloride was used to treat MG63 osteosarcoma cells, and their gene expression profiles were assessed by GeneChip technology. We found that forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) was downregulated by cadmium chloride, and lentiviral‑mediated silencing of FOXM1 confirmed a role for this factor in the cisplatin resistance of MG63 cells. In nude mice, cadmium chloride enhanced the sensitivity of osteosarcoma to cisplatin, an effect mediated by FOXM1. Collectively, these data indicate that cadmium chloride can alter the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin through FOXM1, highlighting it as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor for osteosarcoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konghe Hu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Wenquan Xie
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Songjia Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
| | - Shumin Yan
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Gaoqiang Tian
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Affiliated Yuebei People's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, Guangdong 512025, P.R. China
| | - Weizhong Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Weizhong Qi or Dr Yang Duan, Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Yang Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Weizhong Qi or Dr Yang Duan, Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510280, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cytokine-Mediated Dysregulation of Signaling Pathways in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145002. [PMID: 32679860 PMCID: PMC7403981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic disorder of B lymphocytes characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow. The altered plasma cells overproduce abnormal monoclonal immunoglobulins and also stimulate osteoclasts. The host’s immune system and microenvironment are of paramount importance in the growth of PCs and, thus, in the pathogenesis of the disease. The interaction of MM cells with the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment through soluble factors and cell adhesion molecules causes pathogenesis of the disease through activation of multiple signaling pathways, including NF-κβ, PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT. These activated pathways play a critical role in the inhibition of apoptosis, sustained proliferation, survival and migration of MM cells. Besides, these pathways also participate in developing resistance against the chemotherapeutic drugs in MM. The imbalance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MM leads to an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn play a significant role in dysregulation of signaling pathways and proliferation of MM cells; however, the association appears to be inadequate and needs more research. In this review, we are highlighting the recent findings on the roles of various cytokines and growth factors in the pathogenesis of MM and the potential therapeutic utility of aberrantly activated signaling pathways to manage the MM disease.
Collapse
|
11
|
Giannuzzi D, Giudice L, Marconato L, Ferraresso S, Giugno R, Bertoni F, Aresu L. Integrated analysis of transcriptome, methylome and copy number aberrations data of marginal zone lymphoma and follicular lymphoma in dog. Vet Comp Oncol 2020; 18:645-655. [PMID: 32154977 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) are classified as indolent B-cell lymphomas in dogs. Aside from the clinical and histopathological similarities with the human counterpart, the molecular pathogenesis remains unclear. We integrated transcriptome, genome-wide DNA methylation and copy number aberration analysis to provide insights on the pathogenesis of canine MZL (n = 5) and FL (n = 7), also comparing them with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Transcriptome profiling highlighted the presence of similar biological processes affecting both histotypes, including BCR and TLR signalling pathways. However, FLs showed an enrichment of E2F targets, whereas MZLs were characterized by MYC-driven transcriptional activation signatures. FLs showed a distinctive loss on chr1 containing CEACAM23 and 24, conversely MZLs presented multiple recurrent gains on chr13, where MYC is located. The distribution of methylation peaks was similar between the two histotypes. Integrating data from the three omics, FLs resulted clearly separated from MZLs and DLBCL dataset. MZLs showed the enrichment of FoxM1 network and TLR associated TICAM1-dependent IRFs activation pathway. However, no specific signatures differentiated MZLs from DLBCLs. In conclusion, our study presents the first comprehensive analysis of molecular and epigenetic pathogenesis of canine FL and MZL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Giannuzzi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Giudice
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Laura Marconato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Ferraresso
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rosalba Giugno
- Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Aresu
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Khan AQ, Mohamed EAN, Hakeem I, Nazeer A, Kuttikrishnan S, Prabhu KS, Siveen KS, Nawaz Z, Ahmad A, Zayed H, Uddin S. Sanguinarine Induces Apoptosis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells via Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. Molecules 2020; 25:E1229. [PMID: 32182833 PMCID: PMC7179475 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sanguinarine (SNG), a natural compound with an array of pharmacological activities, has promising therapeutic potential against a number of pathological conditions, including malignancies. In the present study, we have investigated the antiproliferative potential of SNG against two well-characterized papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cell lines, BCPAP and TPC-1. SNG significantly inhibited cell proliferation of PTC cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Western blot analysis revealed that SNG markedly attenuated deregulated expression of p-STAT3, without affecting total STAT3, and inhibited growth of PTC via activation of apoptotic and autophagy signaling cascade, as SNG treatment of PTC cells led to the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8; cleavage of PARP and activation of autophagy markers. Further, SNG-mediated anticancer effects in PTC cells involved the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an inhibitor of ROS, prevented SNG-mediated antiproliferative, apoptosis and autophagy inducing action. Interestingly, SNG also sensitized PTC cells to chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin, which was inhibited by NAC. Finally, SNG suppressed the growth of PTC thyrospheres and downregulated stemness markers ALDH2 and SOX2. Altogether, the findings of the current study suggest that SNG has anticancer potential against PTC cells as well its derived cancer stem-like cells, most likely via inactivation of STAT3 and its associated signaling molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q. Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
| | - Elham A. N. Mohamed
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Ishrat Hakeem
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
| | - Aneeza Nazeer
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
| | - Kirti S. Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
| | - Kodappully S. Siveen
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
| | - Zafar Nawaz
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (E.A.N.M.); (I.H.); (A.N.); (S.K.); (K.S.P.); (K.S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Maes A, Maes K, Vlummens P, De Raeve H, Devin J, Szablewski V, De Veirman K, Menu E, Moreaux J, Vanderkerken K, De Bruyne E. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase is a novel target for diffuse large B cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Blood Cancer J 2019; 9:87. [PMID: 31740676 PMCID: PMC6861269 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-019-0249-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are among the most aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) plays a role in cancer cell cycle progression and is associated with poor prognosis in several cancer cell types. In this study, the role of MELK in DLBCL and MCL and the therapeutic potential of MELK targeting is evaluated. MELK is highly expressed in DLBCL and MCL patient samples, correlating with a worse clinical outcome in DLBCL. Targeting MELK, using the small molecule OTSSP167, impaired cell growth and survival and induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in the lymphoma cells. Western blot analysis revealed that MELK targeting decreased the phosphorylation of FOXM1 and the protein levels of EZH2 and several mitotic regulators, such as Cdc25B, cyclin B1, Plk-1, and Aurora kinases. In addition, OTSSP167 also sensitized the lymphoma cells to the clinically relevant Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax by strongly reducing Mcl1 levels. Finally, OTSSP167 treatment of A20-inoculated mice resulted in a significant prolonged survival. In conclusion, targeting MELK with OTSSP167 induced strong anti-lymphoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that MELK could be a potential new target in these aggressive B cell malignancies.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Cell Cycle/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/diagnosis
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/metabolism
- Mice
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Naphthyridines/pharmacology
- Naphthyridines/therapeutic use
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hendrik De Raeve
- Department of Pathology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Devin
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Moreaux
- Laboratory for Monitoring Innovative Therapies, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology, Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Haque M, Li J, Huang YH, Almowaled M, Barger CJ, Karpf AR, Wang P, Chen W, Turner SD, Lai R. NPM-ALK Is a Key Regulator of the Oncoprotein FOXM1 in ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1119. [PMID: 31390744 PMCID: PMC6721812 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) is an oncogenic transcription factor implicated in the pathogenesis of solid and hematologic cancers. In this study, we examined the significance of FOXM1 in NPM-ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (NPM-ALK + ALCL), with a focus on how it interacts with NPM-ALK, which is a key oncogenic driver in these tumors. FOXM1 was expressed in NPM-ALK + ALCL cell lines (5/5), patient samples (21/21), and tumors arising in NPM-ALK transgenic mice (4/4). FOXM1 was localized in the nuclei and confirmed to be transcriptionally active. Inhibition of FOXM1 in two NPM-ALK + ALCL cells using shRNA and pharmalogic agent (thiostrepton) resulted in reductions in cell growth and soft-agar colony formation, which were associated with apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. FOXM1 is functionally linked to NPM-ALK, as FOXM1 enhanced phosphorylation of the NPM-ALK/STAT3 axis. Conversely, DNA binding and transcriptional activity of FOXM1 was dependent on the expression of NPM-ALK. Further studies showed that this dependency hinges on the binding of FOXM1 to NPM1 that heterodimerizes with NPM-ALK, and the phosphorylation status of NPM-ALK. In conclusion, we identified FOXM1 as an important oncogenic protein in NPM-ALK+ ALCL. Our results exemplified that NPM-ALK exerts oncogenic effects in the nuclei and illustrated a novel role of NPM1 in NPM-ALK pathobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moinul Haque
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
- Electron Microscopy Center, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yung-Hsing Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Meaad Almowaled
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Carter J Barger
- Eppley Institute and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Adam R Karpf
- Eppley Institute and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Will Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Suzanne D Turner
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB20QQ, UK
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gu C, Jing X, Holman C, Sompallae R, Zhan F, Tricot G, Yang Y, Janz S. Upregulation of FOXM1 leads to diminished drug sensitivity in myeloma. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1152. [PMID: 30463534 PMCID: PMC6249818 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5015-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following up on previous work demonstrating the involvement of the transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) in the biology and outcome of a high-risk subset of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (nMM), this study evaluated whether FOXM1 gene expression may be further upregulated upon tumor recurrence in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (rMM). Also assessed was the hypothesis that increased levels of FOXM1 diminish the sensitivity of myeloma cells to commonly used myeloma drugs, such as the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Bz) and the DNA intercalator doxorubicin (Dox). METHODS FOXM1 message was evaluated in 88 paired myeloma samples from patients with nMM and rMM, using gene expression microarrays as measurement tool. Sources of differential gene expression were identified and outlier analyses were performed using statistical methods. Two independent human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) containing normal levels of FOXM1 (FOXM1N) or elevated levels of lentivirus-encoded FOXM1 (FOXM1Hi) were employed to determine FOXM1-dependent changes in cell proliferation, survival, efflux-pump activity, and drug sensitivity. Levels of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein were determined with the assistance of Western blotting. RESULTS Upregulation of FOXM1 occurred in 61 of 88 (69%) patients with rMM, including 4 patients that exhibited > 20-fold elevated expression peaks. Increased FOXM1 levels in FOXM1Hi myeloma cells caused partial resistance to Bz (1.9-5.6 fold) and Dox (1.5-2.9 fold) in vitro, using FOXM1N myeloma as control. Reduced sensitivity of FOXM1Hi cells to Bz was confirmed in vivo using myeloma-in-mouse xenografts. FOXM1-dependent regulation of total and phosphorylated Rb agreed with a working model of myeloma suggesting that FOXM1 governs both chromosomal instability (CIN) and E2F-dependent proliferation, using a mechanism that involves interaction with NIMA related kinase 2 (NEK2) and cyclin dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings enhanced our understanding of the emerging FOXM1 genetic network in myeloma and provided preclinical support for the therapeutic targeting of the FOXM1-NEK2 and CDK4/6-Rb-E2F pathways using small-drug CDK and NEK2 inhibitors. Clinical research is warranted to assess whether this approach may overcome drug resistance in FOXM1Hi myeloma and, thereby, improve the outcome of patients in which the transcription factor is expressed at high levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Gu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Xuefang Jing
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Carol Holman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Ramakrishna Sompallae
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
- Iowa Institute for Genetics, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Fenghuang Zhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Guido Tricot
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
| | - Ye Yang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research, Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Siegfried Janz
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242 USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53213 USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liang J, Cui Y, Meng Y, Li X, Wang X, Liu W, Huang L, Du H. Integrated analysis of transcription factors and targets co-expression profiles reveals reduced correlation between transcription factors and target genes in cancer. Funct Integr Genomics 2018; 19:191-204. [PMID: 30251028 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-018-0636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors are recognized as the key regulators of gene expression. However, the changes in the correlation of transcription factors and their target genes between normal and tumor tissues are usually ignored. In this research, we used mRNA expression profile data from The Cancer Genome Atlas which included 5726 samples across 11 major human cancers to perform co-expression analysis by the Pearson correlation coefficients. Then, integrating 81,357 pairs of transcription factors and target genes from transcription factors databases to find out the changes in the co-expression correlation of these gene pairs from normal to tumor tissues. Based on the changes in the number of co-expressed TF-TG pairs and changes in the level of co-expression, we found the generally reduced correlation between transcription factors and their target genes in cancer. Additionally, we screened out universal and specific transcription factors-target genes pairs which may significant influence particular cancer. Then, we obtained 423 cancer cell line expression profiles from Broad Institute Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia to verify our results. Some of these pairs like XRCC5-XRCC6 have been reported to involve in multiple cancers, while pairs like IRF1-PSMB9 without any previous articles related to tumor but involve in the biological processes of cancer, which are of great potential to be therapeutic targets. Our research may provide insights to better understand the tumor development mechanisms and find potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsheng Liang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 Zhonghuan Road East, Panyu District, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Cui
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 Zhonghuan Road East, Panyu District, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuhuan Meng
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 Zhonghuan Road East, Panyu District, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingsong Li
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 Zhonghuan Road East, Panyu District, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanli Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizhen Huang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 Zhonghuan Road East, Panyu District, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongli Du
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, 382 Zhonghuan Road East, Panyu District, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
FoxM1 is an independent poor prognostic marker and therapeutic target for advanced Middle Eastern breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17466-17482. [PMID: 29707121 PMCID: PMC5915129 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death in females in Saudi Arabia. BC in Saudi women tend to behave more aggressively than breast cancer in the West. Therefore, identification of new molecular targets and treatment strategies are highly warranted to improve patient outcome. FoxM1 has been shown to play a critical role in pathogenesis of various malignancies. In this study, we explored the prevalence and clinical implication of FoxM1 overexpression in Saudi breast cancer. FoxM1 protein overexpression was seen in 79% (770/975) of BC tissues and was associated with aggressive clinical parameters such as younger age (< 30 yrs) (p = 0.0172), high grade (p < 0.0001), mucinous histology (p < 0.0001) and triple negative phenotype (p < 0.0001). Overexpression of FoxM1 was significantly associated with activated AKT (p < 0.0001), Ki67 expression (p < 0.0001), VEGF (p < 0.0001), MMP-9 (p < 0.0001), XIAP (p < 0.0001) and Bcl-xL (p = 0.0300). Importantly, FoxM1 overexpression is found to be an independent prognostic marker in multivariate analysis in advanced stage (Stage III and IV) breast cancer (p = 0.0298). In vitro data using BC cell lines showed that down-regulation of FoxM1 using specific inhibitor, thiostrepton or siRNA inhibited cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis. In addition, treatment of BC cell lines with thiostrepton resulted in inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, thiostrepton treatment regressed MDA-MB-231 cells generated xenografts via down-regulation of FoxM1 and its downstream targets. Our results suggest that FoxM1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of aggressive breast cancers.
Collapse
|
18
|
Upregulation of FOXM1 in a subset of relapsed myeloma results in poor outcome. Blood Cancer J 2018; 8:22. [PMID: 29449574 PMCID: PMC5814454 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-018-0060-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
|
19
|
Kelleher FC, O'Sullivan H. FOXM1 in sarcoma: role in cell cycle, pluripotency genes and stem cell pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 7:42792-42804. [PMID: 27074562 PMCID: PMC5173172 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXM1 is a pro-proliferative transcription factor that promotes cell cycle progression at the G1-S, and G2-M transitions. It is activated by phosphorylation usually mediated by successive cyclin – cyclin dependent kinase complexes, and is highly expressed in sarcoma. p53 down regulates FOXM1 and FOXM1 inhibition is also partly dependent on Rb and p21. Abnormalities of p53 or Rb are frequent in sporadic sarcomas with bone or soft tissue sarcoma, accounting for 36% of index cancers in the high penetrance TP53 germline disorder, Li-Fraumeni syndrome. FOXM1 stimulates transcription of pluripotency related genes including SOX2, KLF4, OCT4, and NANOG many of which are important in sarcoma, a disorder of mesenchymal stem cell/ partially committed progenitor cells. In a selected specific, SOX2 is uniformly expressed in synovial sarcoma. Embryonic pathways preferentially used in stem cell such as Hippo, Hedgehog, and Wnt dominate in FOXM1 stoichiometry to alter rates of FOXM1 production or degradation. In undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, liposarcoma, and fibrosarcoma, dysregulation of the Hippo pathway increases expression of the effector co-transcriptional activator Yes-Associated Protein (YAP). A complex involving YAP and the transcription factor TEAD elevates FOXM1 in these sarcoma subtypes. In another scenario 80% of desmoid tumors have nuclear localization of β-catenin, the Wnt pathway effector molecule. Thiazole antibiotics inhibit FOXM1 and because they have an auto-regulator loop FOXM1 expression is also inhibited. Current systemic treatment of sarcoma is of limited efficacy and inhibiting FOXM1 represents a potential new strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fergal C Kelleher
- St. James Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Nandi D, Cheema PS, Jaiswal N, Nag A. FoxM1: Repurposing an oncogene as a biomarker. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 52:74-84. [PMID: 28855104 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed a tremendous progress in understanding the biology of cancer, which has led to more comprehensive approaches for global gene expression profiling and genome-wide analysis. This has helped to determine more sophisticated prognostic and predictive signature markers for the prompt diagnosis and precise screening of cancer patients. In the search for novel biomarkers, there has been increased interest in FoxM1, an extensively studied transcription factor that encompasses most of the hallmarks of malignancy. Considering the attractive potential of this multifarious oncogene, FoxM1 has emerged as an important molecule implicated in initiation, development and progression of cancer. Bolstered with the skill to maneuver the proliferation signals, FoxM1 bestows resistance to contemporary anti-cancer therapy as well. This review sheds light on the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that implies that FoxM1 neoplastic functions can be used as a novel predictive, prognostic and therapeutic marker for different cancers. This assessment also highlights the key features of FoxM1 that can be effectively harnessed to establish FoxM1 as a strong biomarker in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deeptashree Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Pradeep Singh Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Neha Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Alo Nag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Logic programming reveals alteration of key transcription factors in multiple myeloma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9257. [PMID: 28835615 PMCID: PMC5569101 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09378-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovative approaches combining regulatory networks (RN) and genomic data are needed to extract biological information for a better understanding of diseases, such as cancer, by improving the identification of entities and thereby leading to potential new therapeutic avenues. In this study, we confronted an automatically generated RN with gene expression profiles (GEP) from a cohort of multiple myeloma (MM) patients and normal individuals using global reasoning on the RN causality to identify key-nodes. We modeled each patient by his or her GEP, the RN and the possible automatically detected repairs needed to establish a coherent flow of the information that explains the logic of the GEP. These repairs could represent cancer mutations leading to GEP variability. With this reasoning, unmeasured protein states can be inferred, and we can simulate the impact of a protein perturbation on the RN behavior to identify therapeutic targets. We showed that JUN/FOS and FOXM1 activities are altered in almost all MM patients and identified two survival markers for MM patients. Our results suggest that JUN/FOS-activation has a strong impact on the RN in view of the whole GEP, whereas FOXM1-activation could be an interesting way to perturb an MM subgroup identified by our method.
Collapse
|
22
|
Gu C, Yang Y, Sompallae R, Xu H, Tompkins VS, Holman C, Hose D, Goldschmidt H, Tricot G, Zhan F, Janz S. FOXM1 is a therapeutic target for high-risk multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2016; 30:873-82. [PMID: 26648534 PMCID: PMC4826574 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a validated oncoprotein in solid cancers, but its role in malignant plasma cell tumors such as multiple myeloma (MM) is unknown. We analyzed publicly available MM data sets and found that overexpression of FOXM1 prognosticates inferior outcome in a subset (~15%) of newly diagnosed cases, particularly patients with high-risk disease based on global gene expression changes. Follow-up studies using human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs) as the principal experimental model system demonstrated that enforced expression of FOXM1 increased growth, survival and clonogenicity of myeloma cells, whereas knockdown of FOXM1 abolished these features. In agreement with that, constitutive upregulation of FOXM1 promoted HMCL xenografts in laboratory mice, whereas inducible knockdown of FOXM1 led to growth inhibition. Expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) and NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) was coregulated with FOXM1 in both HMCLs and myeloma patient samples, suggesting interaction of these three genes in a genetic network that may lend itself to targeting with small-drug inhibitors for new approaches to myeloma therapy and prevention. These results establish FOXM1 as high-risk myeloma gene and provide support for the design and testing of FOXM1-targeted therapies specifically for the FOXM1(High) subset of myeloma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Gu
- Basic Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210046 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Ye Yang
- Basic Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210046 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Sompallae
- Basic Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 210046 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Bioinformatics Core Facility, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Van S. Tompkins
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Carol Holman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Dirk Hose
- Medizinische Klinik V, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
- Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Goldschmidt
- Medizinische Klinik V, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
- Nationales Centrum für Tumorerkrankungen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guido Tricot
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Fenghuang Zhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| | - Siegfried Janz
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, 52242 Iowa, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bisikirska B, Bansal M, Shen Y, Teruya-Feldstein J, Chaganti R, Califano A. Elucidation and Pharmacological Targeting of Novel Molecular Drivers of Follicular Lymphoma Progression. Cancer Res 2016; 76:664-74. [PMID: 26589882 PMCID: PMC4738055 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-0828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Follicular lymphoma, the most common indolent subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is associated with a relatively long overall survival rate ranging from 6 to 10 years from the time of diagnosis. However, in 20% to 60% of follicular lymphoma patients, transformation to aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) reduces median survival to only 1.2 years. The specific functional and genetic determinants of follicular lymphoma transformation remain elusive, and genomic alterations underlying disease advancement have only been identified for a subset of cases. Therefore, to identify candidate drivers of follicular lymphoma transformation, we performed systematic analysis of a B-cell-specific regulatory model exhibiting follicular lymphoma transformation signatures using the Master Regulator Inference algorithm (MARINa). This analysis revealed FOXM1, TFDP1, ATF5, HMGA1, and NFYB to be candidate master regulators (MR) contributing to disease progression. Accordingly, validation was achieved through synthetic lethality assays in which RNAi-mediated silencing of MRs individually or in combination reduced the viability of (14;18)-positive DLBCL (t-DLBCL) cells. Furthermore, specific combinations of small-molecule compounds targeting synergistic MR pairs induced loss of viability in t-DLBCL cells. Collectively, our findings indicate that MR analysis is a valuable method for identifying bona fide contributors to follicular lymphoma transformation and may therefore guide the selection of compounds to be used in combinatorial treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mukesh Bansal
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Yao Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Julie Teruya-Feldstein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Raju Chaganti
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Consolaro F, Basso G, Ghaem-Magami S, Lam EWF, Viola G. FOXM1 is overexpressed in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and its inhibition sensitizes B-ALL cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:1230-40. [PMID: 26316295 PMCID: PMC4583527 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) is a transcription factor that plays a central role in the regulation of cell cycle, proliferation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. FOXM1 is overexpressed in many human tumors and its upregulation has been linked to high proliferation rates and poor prognosis. We therefore studied the role of FOXM1 in B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in order to understand whether FOXM1 could be a key target for leukemia therapy. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were carried out in a small cohort of pediatric B-ALL patients to evaluate FOXM1 levels. To assess its biological relevance, its expression was down-modulated by transient RNA interference in B-ALL cell lines (REH and NALM-6). Our results show that FOXM1 expression is higher in both B-ALL patients and cell lines when compared to PBMC or normal B-cells (CD19+) from healthy donors. Furthermore, blocking FOXM1 activity in two B-ALL cell lines, by either knockdown or treatment with the FOXM1 inhibitor thiostrepton, causes significant decrease in their cell proliferation. This decrease in cell proliferation was coupled with both an induction of the G2/M cell cycle arrest and with a reduction in the S phase population. Finally, we noted how thiostrepton synergises with chemotherapeutic agents commonly used in B-ALL therapy, thus increasing their efficiency. Therefore our results suggest that FOXM1 is highly expressed in both patients and B-ALL cell lines, and that targeting FOXM1 could be an attractive strategy for leukemia therapy and for overcoming drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Consolaro
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Oncohematology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basso
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Oncohematology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sadaf Ghaem-Magami
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine (ICTEM), London, UK
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine (ICTEM), London, UK
| | - Giampietro Viola
- Department of Woman's and Child's Health, Oncohematology Laboratory, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ahmed M, Hussain AR, Siraj AK, Uddin S, Al-Sanea N, Al-Dayel F, Al-Assiri M, Beg S, Al-Kuraya KS. Co-targeting of Cyclooxygenase-2 and FoxM1 is a viable strategy in inducing anticancer effects in colorectal cancer cells. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:131. [PMID: 26159723 PMCID: PMC4861127 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0406-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-talk between deregulated signaling pathways in cancer cells causes uncontrolled growth and proliferation. These cancers cells become more aggressive and quickly develop resistance to therapy. Therefore targeting of these deregulated pathways simultaneously can result in efficient cell death of cancer cells. In this study we investigated co-expression of Cox-2 and FoxM1 in a cohort of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) samples and also examined whether inhibition of Cox-2 and FoxM1 simultaneously can lead to inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines and in vivo xenografts. Methods Protein expression of Cox-2 and FoxM1 was determined in a large cohort of 770 clinical CRC samples in a tissue micro-array format by immunohistochemistry. Cell death was measured using live dead assay. Apoptosis was measured by annexin V/PI dual staining. Immunoblotting was performed to examine the expression of proteins. Calcusyn software was utilized to estimate the synergistic doses using chou and Talalay method. Results Co-expression of Cox-2 and FoxM1 was detected in 33.3 % (232/697) of CRC’s and associated with an aggressive phenotype characterized by younger age (p = 0.0191), high proliferative index marker; Ki-67 (p = 0.004) and MMP-9 (p = 0.0116) as well as activation of AKT (p = 0.0214). In vitro, inhibition of FoxM1 and Cox-2 with pharmacological inhibitors; Thiostrepton and NS398 resulted in efficient down-regulation of FoxM1 and Cox-2 expression along with in-activation of AKT and inhibition of colony formation, invasion and migratory capability of CRC cells. In addition, there was also inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in CRC cell lines. Finally, treatment of CRC xenograft tumors in nude mice with combination of Cox-2 and FoxM1 inhibitors inhibited tumor growth significantly via down-regulation of Cox-2 and FoxM1 expression. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that co-expression of Cox-2 and FoxM1 might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of CRC. Therefore, targeting of these pathways simultaneously with sub toxic doses of pharmacological inhibitors can be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of this subset of CRC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-015-0406-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maqbool Ahmed
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Azhar R Hussain
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdul K Siraj
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nasser Al-Sanea
- Department of Surgery, Colorectal unit, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Fouad Al-Dayel
- Department of Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Shaham Beg
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Khawla S Al-Kuraya
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. .,Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Buchner M, Park E, Geng H, Klemm L, Flach J, Passegué E, Schjerven H, Melnick A, Paietta E, Kopanja D, Raychaudhuri P, Müschen M. Identification of FOXM1 as a therapeutic target in B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6471. [PMID: 25753524 PMCID: PMC4366523 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [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: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the cure rate of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the prognosis for patients with relapsed ALL remains poor. Here we identify FOXM1 as a candidate responsible for an aggressive clinical course. We show that FOXM1 levels peak at the pre-B-cell receptor checkpoint but are dispensable for normal B-cell development. Compared with normal B-cell populations, FOXM1 levels are 2- to 60-fold higher in ALL cells and are predictive of poor outcome in ALL patients. FOXM1 is negatively regulated by FOXO3A, supports cell survival, drug resistance, colony formation and proliferation in vitro, and promotes leukemogenesis in vivo. Two complementary approaches of pharmacological FOXM1 inhibition-(i) FOXM1 transcriptional inactivation using the thiazole antibiotic thiostrepton and (ii) an FOXM1 inhibiting ARF-derived peptide-recapitulate the findings of genetic FOXM1 deletion. Taken together, our data identify FOXM1 as a novel therapeutic target, and demonstrate feasibility of FOXM1 inhibition in ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maike Buchner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Eugene Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OAH, UK
| | - Huimin Geng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Lars Klemm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Johanna Flach
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Medicine, Hem/Onc Division, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Passegué
- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Medicine, Hem/Onc Division, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Hilde Schjerven
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Ari Melnick
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Elisabeth Paietta
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10466, USA
| | - Dragana Kopanja
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Pradip Raychaudhuri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
| | - Markus Müschen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OAH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Xu XS, Miao RC, Wan Y, Zhang LQ, Qu K, Liu C. FoxM1 as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Cancer Drug Therapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 16:23-9. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.1.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
28
|
Abu-Elmagd M, Assidi M, Schulten HJ, Dallol A, Pushparaj PN, Ahmed F, Scherer SW, Al-Qahtani M. Individualized medicine enabled by genomics in Saudi Arabia. BMC Med Genomics 2015; 8 Suppl 1:S3. [PMID: 25951871 PMCID: PMC4315314 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-8-s1-s3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The biomedical research sector in Saudi Arabia has recently received special attention from the government, which is currently supporting research aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of common diseases afflicting Saudi Arabian society. To build capacity for research and training, a number of centres of excellence were established in different areas of the country. Among these, is the Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, with its internationally ranked and highly productive team performing translational research in the area of individualized medicine. Here, we present a panorama of the recent trends in different areas of biomedical research in Saudi Arabia drawing from our vision of where genomics will have maximal impact in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We describe advances in a number of research areas including; congenital malformations, infertility, consanguinity and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, cancer and genomic classifications in Saudi Arabia, epigenetic explanations of idiopathic disease, and pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine. We conclude that CEGMR will continue to play a pivotal role in advances in the field of genomics and research in this area is facing a number of challenges including generating high quality control data from Saudi population and policies for using these data need to comply with the international set up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abu-Elmagd
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
- KACST Technology Innovation Centre in Personalized Medicine at King Abdulaziz University (CIPM), P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia, P.O. Box 61519, Egypt
| | - Mourad Assidi
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
- KACST Technology Innovation Centre in Personalized Medicine at King Abdulaziz University (CIPM), P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
| | - Hans-Juergen Schulten
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
| | - Ashraf Dallol
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
- KACST Technology Innovation Centre in Personalized Medicine at King Abdulaziz University (CIPM), P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
| | - Peter Natesan Pushparaj
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
| | - Farid Ahmed
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
- The Centre for Applied Genomics and Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- McLaughlin Centre and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed Al-Qahtani
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box: 80216 Jeddah 21589, KSA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zona S, Bella L, Burton MJ, Nestal de Moraes G, Lam EWF. FOXM1: an emerging master regulator of DNA damage response and genotoxic agent resistance. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:1316-22. [PMID: 25287128 PMCID: PMC4316173 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
FOXM1 is a transcription factor required for a wide spectrum of essential biological functions, including DNA damage repair, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell renewal, cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests that FOXM1 also has a role in many aspects of the DNA damage response. Accordingly, FOXM1 drives the transcription of genes for DNA damage sensors, mediators, signal transducers and effectors. As a result of these functions, it plays an integral part in maintaining the integrity of the genome and so is key to the propagation of accurate genetic information to the next generation. Preserving the genetic code is a vital means of suppressing cancer and other genetic diseases. Conversely, FOXM1 is also a potent oncogenic factor that is essential for cancer initiation, progression and drug resistance. An enhanced FOXM1 DNA damage repair gene expression network can confer resistance to genotoxic agents. Developing a thorough understanding of the regulation and function of FOXM1 in DNA damage response will improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative conditions and immunodeficiency disorders. It will also benefit cancer patients with acquired genotoxic agent resistance. FOXM1 is a potent oncogenic factor essential for cancer initiation, progression and drug resistance. FOXM1 also drives the transcription of genes for DNA damage sensors, mediators, signal transducers and effectors. It plays an integral part in maintaining the integrity of the genome. An enhanced FOXM1 DNA damage repair gene expression network can confer resistance to genotoxic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zona
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Laura Bella
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthew J Burton
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Gabriela Nestal de Moraes
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0NN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhao B, Barrera LA, Ersing I, Willox B, Schmidt SCS, Greenfeld H, Zhou H, Mollo SB, Shi TT, Takasaki K, Jiang S, Cahir-McFarland E, Kellis M, Bulyk ML, Kieff E, Gewurz BE. The NF-κB genomic landscape in lymphoblastoid B cells. Cell Rep 2014; 8:1595-606. [PMID: 25159142 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear factor κB (NF-κΒ) subunits RelA, RelB, cRel, p50, and p52 are each critical for B cell development and function. To systematically characterize their responses to canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathway activity, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis in lymphoblastoid B cell lines (LCLs). We found a complex NF-κB-binding landscape, which did not readily reflect the two NF-κB pathway paradigms. Instead, 10 subunit-binding patterns were observed at promoters and 11 at enhancers. Nearly one-third of NF-κB-binding sites lacked κB motifs and were instead enriched for alternative motifs. The oncogenic forkhead box protein FOXM1 co-occupied nearly half of NF-κB-binding sites and was identified in protein complexes with NF-κB on DNA. FOXM1 knockdown decreased NF-κB target gene expression and ultimately induced apoptosis, highlighting FOXM1 as a synthetic lethal target in B cell malignancy. These studies provide a resource for understanding mechanisms that underlie NF-κB nuclear activity and highlight opportunities for selective NF-κB blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luis A Barrera
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Committee on Higher Degrees in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ina Ersing
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bradford Willox
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stefanie C S Schmidt
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hannah Greenfeld
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hufeng Zhou
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sarah B Mollo
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tommy T Shi
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kaoru Takasaki
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sizun Jiang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ellen Cahir-McFarland
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Martha L Bulyk
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Committee on Higher Degrees in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Elliott Kieff
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin E Gewurz
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gartel AL. Suppression of the Oncogenic Transcription Factor FOXM1 by Proteasome Inhibitors. SCIENTIFICA 2014; 2014:596528. [PMID: 25093142 PMCID: PMC4095980 DOI: 10.1155/2014/596528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is one of the key regulators of tumorigenesis. We found that FOXM1 upregulates its own transcription and its protein stability depends on its interaction with the chaperone nucleophosmin. We also determined that FOXM1 is negatively regulated by the tumor suppressor p53. We identified the thiazole antibiotics Siomycin A and thiostrepton as inhibitors of transcriptional activity and FOXM1 expression via proteasome inhibition. In addition, we found that all tested proteasome inhibitors target FOXM1. We showed synergy between thiostrepton and bortezomib in different human cancer cell lines and in vivo. We generated isogenic human cancer cell lines of different origin with wild-type p53 or p53 knockdown and we demonstrated that proteasome inhibitors induce p53-independent apoptosis in these cells. Using RNA-interference or proteasome inhibitors to inhibit FOXM1 we found that suppression of FOXM1 sensitized human cancer cells to apoptosis induced by DNA-damaging agents or oxidative stress. We encapsulated thiostrepton into micelle-nanoparticles and after injection we detected accumulation of nanoparticles in tumors and in the livers of treated mice. This treatment led to inhibition of human xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Our data indicate that targeting FOXM1 increases apoptosis and inhibits tumor growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei L. Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 606012, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lim R, Barker G, Lappas M. FOXM1 is lower in human fetal membranes after spontaneous preterm labour and delivery. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:1052-60. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous preterm birth is usually associated with infection, inflammation or both. Forkhead box (FOX) M1 (FOXM1), a member of the FOX family of transcription factors, has been associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine whether FOXM1 regulates the expression and release of pro-labour mediators in human gestational tissues. FOXM1 mRNA and protein expression were determined in fetal membranes from women at (1) preterm no labour: Caesarean section with no labour and (2) preterm labour: after spontaneous labour and delivery. Primary amnion cells were utilised to investigate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing of FOXM1 on pro-labour mediators. Spontaneous preterm labour decreased FOXM1 gene and nuclear protein expression. FOXM1 silencing in primary amnion cells increased interleukin (IL)-1β-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and secretion), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression and subsequent prostaglandin (PG)E2 and PGF2α release as well as gene expression and secretion of the matrix-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). In conclusion, spontaneous preterm labour is associated with decreased FOXM1 expression in fetal membranes.
Collapse
|
33
|
Wierstra I. The transcription factor FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1): proliferation-specific expression, transcription factor function, target genes, mouse models, and normal biological roles. Adv Cancer Res 2013; 118:97-398. [PMID: 23768511 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407173-5.00004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1) is a typical proliferation-associated transcription factor, which stimulates cell proliferation and exhibits a proliferation-specific expression pattern. Accordingly, both the expression and the transcriptional activity of FOXM1 are increased by proliferation signals, but decreased by antiproliferation signals, including the positive and negative regulation by protooncoproteins or tumor suppressors, respectively. FOXM1 stimulates cell cycle progression by promoting the entry into S-phase and M-phase. Moreover, FOXM1 is required for proper execution of mitosis. Accordingly, FOXM1 regulates the expression of genes, whose products control G1/S-transition, S-phase progression, G2/M-transition, and M-phase progression. Additionally, FOXM1 target genes encode proteins with functions in the execution of DNA replication and mitosis. FOXM1 is a transcriptional activator with a forkhead domain as DNA binding domain and with a very strong acidic transactivation domain. However, wild-type FOXM1 is (almost) inactive because the transactivation domain is repressed by three inhibitory domains. Inactive FOXM1 can be converted into a very potent transactivator by activating signals, which release the transactivation domain from its inhibition by the inhibitory domains. FOXM1 is essential for embryonic development and the foxm1 knockout is embryonically lethal. In adults, FOXM1 is important for tissue repair after injury. FOXM1 prevents premature senescence and interferes with contact inhibition. FOXM1 plays a role for maintenance of stem cell pluripotency and for self-renewal capacity of stem cells. The functions of FOXM1 in prevention of polyploidy and aneuploidy and in homologous recombination repair of DNA-double-strand breaks suggest an importance of FOXM1 for the maintenance of genomic stability and chromosomal integrity.
Collapse
|
34
|
Identification of candidate B-lymphoma genes by cross-species gene expression profiling. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76889. [PMID: 24130802 PMCID: PMC3793908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative genome-wide expression profiling of malignant tumor counterparts across the human-mouse species barrier has a successful track record as a gene discovery tool in liver, breast, lung, prostate and other cancers, but has been largely neglected in studies on neoplasms of mature B-lymphocytes such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma (BL). We used global gene expression profiles of DLBCL-like tumors that arose spontaneously in Myc-transgenic C57BL/6 mice as a phylogenetically conserved filter for analyzing the human DLBCL transcriptome. The human and mouse lymphomas were found to have 60 concordantly deregulated genes in common, including 8 genes that Cox hazard regression analysis associated with overall survival in a published landmark dataset of DLBCL. Genetic network analysis of the 60 genes followed by biological validation studies indicate FOXM1 as a candidate DLBCL and BL gene, supporting a number of studies contending that FOXM1 is a therapeutic target in mature B cell tumors. Our findings demonstrate the value of the “mouse filter” for genomic studies of human B-lineage neoplasms for which a vast knowledge base already exists.
Collapse
|
35
|
Sengupta A, Rahman M, Mateo-Lozano S, Tirado OM, Notario V. The dual inhibitory effect of thiostrepton on FoxM1 and EWS/FLI1 provides a novel therapeutic option for Ewing's sarcoma. Int J Oncol 2013; 43:803-12. [PMID: 23857410 PMCID: PMC3787886 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS), together with its high lethal recurrence rate and the side-effects of current treatments, call for novel targeted therapies with greater curative effectiveness and substantially reduced side-effects. The oncogenic chimeric protein EWS/FLI1 is the key malignancy driver in most EWSs, regulating numerous target genes, many of which influence cell cycle progression. It has often been argued that targeting proteins regulated directly or indirectly by EWS/FLI1 may provide improved therapeutic options for EWS. In this context, our study examined FoxM1, a key cell cycle regulating transcription factor, reported to be expressed in EWS and influenced by EWS/FLI1. Thiostrepton, a naturally occurring small molecule, has been shown to selectively inhibit FoxM1 expression in cancer cells. We demonstrate that in EWS, in addition to inhibiting FoxM1 expression, thiostrepton downregulates the expression of EWS/FLI1, both at the mRNA and protein levels, leading to cell cycle arrest and, ultimately, to apoptotic cell death. We also show that thiostrepton treatment reduces the tumorigenicity of EWS cells, significantly delaying the growth of nude mouse xenograft tumors. Results from this study demonstrate a novel action of thiostrepton as inhibitor of the expression of the EWS/FLI1 oncoprotein in vitro and in vivo, and that it shows greater efficacy against EWS than against other tumor types, as it is active on EWS cells and tumors at concentrations lower than those reported to have effective inhibitory activity on tumor cells derived from other cancers. Owing to the dual action of this small molecule, our findings suggest that thiostrepton may be particularly effective as a novel agent for the treatment of EWS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Sengupta
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Molecular Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bu R, Hussain AR, Al-Obaisi KAS, Ahmed M, Uddin S, Al-Kuraya KS. Bortezomib inhibits proteasomal degradation of IκBα and induces mitochondrial dependent apoptosis in activated B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma 2013; 55:415-24. [PMID: 23697845 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2013.806799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Activated B-cell type lymphoma (ABC), a subgroup of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), has a worse survival after upfront chemotherapy and is characterized by constitutive activation of the anti-apoptotic nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) pathway. The implication of NFκB inhibition in ABC has not yet been fully explored as a potential therapeutic target. Therefore, a panel of ABC cell lines was used to examine the effect of bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor which blocks degradation of IκBα and consequently inhibits NFκB activity. Our data showed that bortezomib caused a dose-dependent growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in all cell lines studied. We next determined the status of the NFκB pathway following bortezomib treatment and found that there was accumulation of IκBα without affecting its phosphorylation status at an early time point. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that bortezomib treatment inhibited constitutive nuclear NFκB in ABC cell lines. Furthermore, treatment of ABC cell lines with bortezomib for 48 h also down-regulated the expression of NFκB-regulated gene products, such as IκBα, Bcl-2, Bcl-Xl, XIAP and survivin, leading to apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Altogether, these results suggest that NFκB may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in DLBCL using proteasomal inhibitors such as bortezomib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Bu
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hussain AR, Uddin S, Ahmed M, Al-Dayel F, Bavi PP, Al-Kuraya KS. Phosphorylated IκBα predicts poor prognosis in activated B-cell lymphoma and its inhibition with thymoquinone induces apoptosis via ROS release. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60540. [PMID: 23555990 PMCID: PMC3610815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated B-cell lymphoma (ABC), one of the three subtypes of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) has the worst survival rate after upfront chemotherapy and is characterized by constitutively activated NFκB. We therefore studied the role of NFκB In a cohort of clinical DLBCL samples and ABC cell lines. In our clinical tissue microarray cohort of DLBCL samples, p-IκBα was detected in 38.3% of ABC DLBCL and was an independent prognostic marker for poor survival. In vitro, we found that Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural compound isolated from Nigella sativa caused release of ROS in ABC cells. TQ-mediated release of ROS in turn inhibited NFκB activity by dephosphorylating IκBα and decreased translocation of p65 subunit of NFκB in the nuclear compartment in ABC cell lines. This led to inhibition of cell viability and induction of mitochondrial dependent apoptosis in ABC-DLBCL cell lines. Additionally, TQ treatment also caused up-regulation of death receptor 5 (DR5), however, up-regulation of DR5 did not play a role in TQ-induced apoptosis. Finally, combination of sub-optimal doses of TQ and TRAIL induced efficient apoptosis in ABC-DLBCL cell lines. These data show that p-IκBα can be used as a prognostic marker and target for therapy in this aggressive sub-type of DLBCL and TQ may play an important role in the management of DLBCL in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azhar R. Hussain
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maqbool Ahmed
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fouad Al-Dayel
- Department of Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Prashant P. Bavi
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawla S. Al-Kuraya
- Human Cancer Genomic Research, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wierstra I. FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1) in tumorigenesis: overexpression in human cancer, implication in tumorigenesis, oncogenic functions, tumor-suppressive properties, and target of anticancer therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2013; 119:191-419. [PMID: 23870513 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407190-2.00016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
FOXM1 (Forkhead box M1) is a typical proliferation-associated transcription factor and is also intimately involved in tumorigenesis. FOXM1 stimulates cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by promoting the entry into S-phase and M-phase. Additionally, FOXM1 is required for proper execution of mitosis. In accordance with its role in stimulation of cell proliferation, FOXM1 exhibits a proliferation-specific expression pattern and its expression is regulated by proliferation and anti-proliferation signals as well as by proto-oncoproteins and tumor suppressors. Since these factors are often mutated, overexpressed, or lost in human cancer, the normal control of the foxm1 expression by them provides the basis for deregulated FOXM1 expression in tumors. Accordingly, FOXM1 is overexpressed in many types of human cancer. FOXM1 is intimately involved in tumorigenesis, because it contributes to oncogenic transformation and participates in tumor initiation, growth, and progression, including positive effects on angiogenesis, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated lung inflammation, self-renewal capacity of cancer cells, prevention of premature cellular senescence, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. However, in the context of urethane-induced lung tumorigenesis, FOXM1 has an unexpected tumor suppressor role in endothelial cells because it limits pulmonary inflammation and canonical Wnt signaling in epithelial lung cells, thereby restricting carcinogenesis. Accordingly, FOXM1 plays a role in homologous recombination repair of DNA double-strand breaks and maintenance of genomic stability, that is, prevention of polyploidy and aneuploidy. The implication of FOXM1 in tumorigenesis makes it an attractive target for anticancer therapy, and several antitumor drugs have been reported to decrease FOXM1 expression.
Collapse
|
39
|
Halasi M, Gartel AL. Targeting FOXM1 in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 85:644-652. [PMID: 23103567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 is overexpressed in the majority of human cancers. In addition, FOXM1 has been implicated in cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The important role of FOXM1 in cancer affirms its significance for therapeutic intervention. Current data suggest that targeting FOXM1 in mono- or combination therapy may have promising therapeutic benefits for the treatment of cancer. However, challenges with the delivery of anti-FOXM1 siRNA to tumors and the absence of small molecules, which specifically inhibit FOXM1, are delaying the development of FOXM1 inhibitors as feasible anticancer drugs. In this review, we describe and summarize the efforts that have been made to target FOXM1 in cancer and the consequences of FOXM1 suppression in human cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Halasi
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|