1
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Benedetti R, Di Crosta M, D'Orazi G, Cirone M. Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs) of mutp53 and Epigenetic Changes Induced by mutp53. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:508. [PMID: 39056701 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Wild-type (wt) p53 and mutant forms (mutp53) play a key but opposite role in carcinogenesis. wtP53 acts as an oncosuppressor, preventing oncogenic transformation, while mutp53, which loses this property, may instead favor this process. This suggests that a better understanding of the mechanisms activating wtp53 while inhibiting mutp53 may help to design more effective anti-cancer treatments. In this review, we examine possible PTMs with which both wt- and mutp53 can be decorated and discuss how their manipulation could represent a possible strategy to control the stability and function of these proteins, focusing in particular on mutp53. The impact of ubiquitination, phosphorylation, acetylation, and methylation of p53, in the context of several solid and hematologic cancers, will be discussed. Finally, we will describe some of the recent studies reporting that wt- and mutp53 may influence the expression and activity of enzymes responsible for epigenetic changes such as acetylation, methylation, and microRNA regulation and the possible consequences of such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Di Crosta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Orazi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio", 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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2
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Cordani M, Garufi A, Benedetti R, Tafani M, Aventaggiato M, D’Orazi G, Cirone M. Recent Advances on Mutant p53: Unveiling Novel Oncogenic Roles, Degradation Pathways, and Therapeutic Interventions. Biomolecules 2024; 14:649. [PMID: 38927053 PMCID: PMC11201733 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The p53 protein is the master regulator of cellular integrity, primarily due to its tumor-suppressing functions. Approximately half of all human cancers carry mutations in the TP53 gene, which not only abrogate the tumor-suppressive functions but also confer p53 mutant proteins with oncogenic potential. The latter is achieved through so-called gain-of-function (GOF) mutations that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance by deregulating transcriptional networks, signaling pathways, metabolism, immune surveillance, and cellular compositions of the microenvironment. Despite recent progress in understanding the complexity of mutp53 in neoplastic development, the exact mechanisms of how mutp53 contributes to cancer development and how they escape proteasomal and lysosomal degradation remain only partially understood. In this review, we address recent findings in the field of oncogenic functions of mutp53 specifically regarding, but not limited to, its implications in metabolic pathways, the secretome of cancer cells, the cancer microenvironment, and the regulating scenarios of the aberrant proteasomal degradation. By analyzing proteasomal and lysosomal protein degradation, as well as its connection with autophagy, we propose new therapeutical approaches that aim to destabilize mutp53 proteins and deactivate its oncogenic functions, thereby providing a fundamental basis for further investigation and rational treatment approaches for TP53-mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessia Garufi
- Unit of Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.T.); (M.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Tafani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.T.); (M.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Michele Aventaggiato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.T.); (M.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Gabriella D’Orazi
- Unit of Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, 00131 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.T.); (M.A.); (M.C.)
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3
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Di Crosta M, Arena A, Benedetti R, Gilardini Montani MS, Cirone M. 5-AZA Upregulates SOCS3 and PTPN6/SHP1, Inhibiting STAT3 and Potentiating the Effects of AG490 against Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2468-2479. [PMID: 38534772 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, including aberrant DNA methylation occurring at the promoters of oncogenes and oncosuppressor genes and histone modifications, can contribute to carcinogenesis. Aberrant methylation mediated by histone methylatransferases, alongside histones, can affect methylation of proteins involved in the regulation of pro-survival pathways such as JAK/STAT and contribute to their activation. In this study, we used DNA or histone demethylating agents, 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA) or DS-3201 (valemetostat), respectively, to treat primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) cells, alone or in combination with AG490, a Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor. Cell viability was investigated by trypan blue assay and FACS analysis. The molecular changes induced by 5-AZA and/or AG490 treatments were investigated by Western blot analysis, while cytokine release by PEL cells treated by these drugs was evaluated by Luminex. Statistical analyses were performed with Graphpad Prism® software (version 9) and analyzed by Student's t test or a nonparametric one-way ANOVA test. The results obtained in this study suggest that 5-AZA upregulated molecules that inhibit STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, namely Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) and tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type (PTPN) 6/Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1), reducing STAT3 activation and downregulating several STAT3 pro-survival targets in PEL cells. As this lymphoma is highly dependent on the constitutive activation of STAT3, 5-AZA impaired PEL cell survival, and when used in combination with AG490 JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor, it potentiated its cytotoxic effect. Differently from 5-AZA, the inhibition of the EZH1/2 histone methyltransferase by DS-3201, reported to contribute to STAT3 activation in other cancers, slightly affected STAT3 phosphorylation or survival in PEL cells, either alone or in combination with AG490. This study suggests that 5-AZA, by upregulating the expression level of SOCS3 and PTPN6/SHP1, reduced STAT3 activation and improved the outcome of treatment targeting this transcription factor in PEL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Di Crosta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Arena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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4
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Pereira M, Glogova A, Haagsma J, Stewart J, Shepherd TG, Petrik J. Mutant p53 murine oviductal epithelial cells induce progression of high-grade serous carcinoma and are most sensitive to simvastatin therapy in vitro and in vivo. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:218. [PMID: 37986175 PMCID: PMC10662458 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer, characterized by gain-of-function TP53 mutations originating in the fallopian tube epithelium. Therapeutic intervention occurs at advanced metastatic disease, due to challenges in early-stage diagnosis, with common disease recurrence and therapy resistance despite initial therapy success. The mevalonate pathway is exploited by many cancers and is potently inhibited by statin drugs. Statins have shown anti-cancer activity in many, but not all cancers. Here, we investigated the role of p53 status in relation to mevalonate pathway signaling in murine oviductal epithelial (OVE) cells and identified OVE cell sensitivity to statin inhibition. We found that p53R175H mutant and Trp53 knockout OVE cells have increased mevalonate pathway signaling compared to p53 wild-type OVE cells. Through orthotopic implantation to replicate the fallopian tube origin of HGSC, p53R175H mutant cells upregulated the mevalonate pathway to drive progression to advanced-stage ovarian cancer, and simvastatin treatment abrogated this effect. Additionally, simvastatin was more efficacious at inhibiting cell metabolic activity in OVE cells than atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and pravastatin. In vitro, simvastatin demonstrated potent effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration in OVE cells regardless of p53 status. In vivo, simvastatin induced ovarian cancer disease regression through decreased primary ovarian tumor weight and increased apoptosis. Simvastatin also significantly increased cytoplasmic localization of HMG-CoA reductase in ovarian tumors. Downstream of the mevalonate pathway, simvastatin had no effect on YAP or small GTPase activity. This study suggests that simvastatin can induce anti-tumor effects and could be an important inhibitor of ovarian cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Pereira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alice Glogova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jacob Haagsma
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Julia Stewart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jim Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Mardente S, Romeo MA, Asquino A, Po A, Gilardini Montani MS, Cirone M. HHV-6A Infection of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells Induces Several Effects Related to Cancer Progression. Viruses 2023; 15:2122. [PMID: 37896899 PMCID: PMC10612057 DOI: 10.3390/v15102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that thyrocytes are permissive to HHV-6A infection and that the virus may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroiditis. Thyroid autoimmune diseases increase the risk of papillary cancer, which is not surprising considering that chronic inflammation activates pathways that are also pro-oncogenic. Moreover, in this condition, cell proliferation is stimulated as an attempt to repair tissue damage caused by the inflammatory process. Interestingly, it has been reported that the well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the less aggressive form of thyroid tumor, may progress to the more aggressive follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and eventually to the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), and that to such progression contributes the presence of an inflammatory/immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. In this study, we investigated whether papillary tumor cells (BCPAP) could be infected by human herpes virus-6A (HHV-6A), and if viral infection could induce effects related to cancer progression. We found that the virus dysregulated the expression of several microRNAs, such as miR-155, miR-9, and the miR-221/222 cluster, which are involved in different steps of carcinogenesis, and increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6, which may also sustain thyroid tumor cell growth and promote cancer progression. Genomic instability and the expression of PTEN, reported to act as an oncogene in mutp53-carrying cells such as BCPAP, also increased following HHV-6A-infection. These findings suggest that a ubiquitous herpesvirus such as HHV-6A, which displays a marked tropism for thyrocytes, could be involved in the progression of PTC towards more aggressive forms of thyroid tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Mardente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (M.A.R.); (A.A.); (M.S.G.M.)
| | - Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (M.A.R.); (A.A.); (M.S.G.M.)
| | - Angela Asquino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (M.A.R.); (A.A.); (M.S.G.M.)
| | - Agnese Po
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.M.); (M.A.R.); (A.A.); (M.S.G.M.)
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6
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Carter BZ, Mak PY, Muftuoglu M, Tao W, Ke B, Pei J, Bedoy AD, Ostermann LB, Nishida Y, Isgandarova S, Sobieski M, Nguyen N, Powell RT, Martinez-Moczygemba M, Stephan C, Basyal M, Pemmaraju N, Boettcher S, Ebert BL, Shpall EJ, Wallner B, Morgan RA, Karras GI, Moll UM, Andreeff M. Epichaperome inhibition targets TP53-mutant AML and AML stem/progenitor cells. Blood 2023; 142:1056-1070. [PMID: 37339579 PMCID: PMC10656725 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022019047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
TP 53-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains the ultimate therapeutic challenge. Epichaperomes, formed in malignant cells, consist of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and associated proteins that support the maturation, activity, and stability of oncogenic kinases and transcription factors including mutant p53. High-throughput drug screening identified HSP90 inhibitors as top hits in isogenic TP53-wild-type (WT) and -mutant AML cells. We detected epichaperomes in AML cells and stem/progenitor cells with TP53 mutations but not in healthy bone marrow (BM) cells. Hence, we investigated the therapeutic potential of specifically targeting epichaperomes with PU-H71 in TP53-mutant AML based on its preferred binding to HSP90 within epichaperomes. PU-H71 effectively suppressed cell intrinsic stress responses and killed AML cells, primarily by inducing apoptosis; targeted TP53-mutant stem/progenitor cells; and prolonged survival of TP53-mutant AML xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models, but it had minimal effects on healthy human BM CD34+ cells or on murine hematopoiesis. PU-H71 decreased MCL-1 and multiple signal proteins, increased proapoptotic Bcl-2-like protein 11 levels, and synergized with BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in TP53-mutant AML. Notably, PU-H71 effectively killed TP53-WT and -mutant cells in isogenic TP53-WT/TP53-R248W Molm13 cell mixtures, whereas MDM2 or BCL-2 inhibition only reduced TP53-WT but favored the outgrowth of TP53-mutant cells. Venetoclax enhanced the killing of both TP53-WT and -mutant cells by PU-H71 in a xenograft model. Our data suggest that epichaperome function is essential for TP53-mutant AML growth and survival and that its inhibition targets mutant AML and stem/progenitor cells, enhances venetoclax activity, and prevents the outgrowth of venetoclax-resistant TP53-mutant AML clones. These concepts warrant clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Z. Carter
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Po Yee Mak
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Muharrem Muftuoglu
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Baozhen Ke
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jingqi Pei
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Andrea D. Bedoy
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Lauren B. Ostermann
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Yuki Nishida
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Sevinj Isgandarova
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease, Texas A&M University, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Mary Sobieski
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Reid T. Powell
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Margarita Martinez-Moczygemba
- Center for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease, Texas A&M University, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Institute of Bioscience and Technology, Houston, TX
| | - Mahesh Basyal
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Naveen Pemmaraju
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Steffen Boettcher
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin L. Ebert
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth J. Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Georgios I. Karras
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Genetics and Epigenetics Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - Ute M. Moll
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Department of Leukemia, Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Arena A, Romeo MA, Benedetti R, Gilardini Montani MS, Santarelli R, Gonnella R, D'Orazi G, Cirone M. NRF2 and STAT3: friends or foes in carcinogenesis? Discov Oncol 2023; 14:37. [PMID: 37000324 PMCID: PMC10064365 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00644-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
NRF2 is a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, also through the interaction with several pro-survival pathways. NRF2 controls the transcription of detoxification enzymes and a variety of other molecules impinging in several key biological processes. This perspective will focus on the complex interplay of NRF2 with STAT3, another transcription factor often aberrantly activated in cancer and driving tumorigenesis as well as immune suppression. Both NRF2 and STAT3 can be regulated by ER stress/UPR activation and their cross-talk influences and is influenced by autophagy and cytokines, contributing to shape the microenvironment, and both control the execution of DDR, also by regulating the expression of HSPs. Given the importance of these transcription factors, more investigations aimed at better elucidating the outcome of their networking could help to discover new and more efficacious strategies to fight cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Arena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Santarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Gonnella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Orazi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio", 66013, Chieti, Italy
- School of Medicine, UniCamillus International University, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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8
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Gonnella R, Arena A, Zarrella R, Gilardini Montani MS, Santarelli R, Cirone M. HSPs/STAT3 Interplay Sustains DDR and Promotes Cytokine Release by Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043933. [PMID: 36835344 PMCID: PMC9959463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare and aggressive B-cell lymphoma, against which current therapies usually fail. In the present study, we show that targeting HSPs, such as HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90, could be an efficient strategy to reduce PEL cell survival, as it induces strong DNA damage, which correlated with an impairment of DDR. Moreover, as HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90 cross talk with STAT3, their inhibition results in STAT3 de-phosphorylation and. On the other hand, the inhibition of STAT3 may downregulate these HSPs. These findings suggest that targeting HSPs has important implications in cancer therapy, as it can reduce the release of cytokines by PEL cells, which, besides affecting their own survival, could negatively influence anti-cancer immune response.
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9
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Romeo MA, Gilardini Montani MS, Arena A, Benedetti R, D’Orazi G, Cirone M. c-Myc Sustains Pancreatic Cancer Cell Survival and mutp53 Stability through the Mevalonate Pathway. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102489. [PMID: 36289751 PMCID: PMC9599358 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that wild-type (wt)p53 inhibits oncogene c-Myc while mutant (mut)p53 may transactivate it, with an opposite behavior that frequently occurs in the crosstalk of wt or mutp53 with molecules/pathways promoting carcinogenesis. Even if it has been reported that mutp53 sustains c-Myc, whether c-Myc could in turn influence mutp53 expression remains to be investigated. In this study, we found that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of c-Myc downregulated mutp53, impaired cell survival and increased DNA damage in pancreatic cancer cells. At the molecular level, we observed that c-Myc inhibition reduced the expression of mevalonate kinase (MVK), a molecule belonging to the mevalonate pathway that—according to previous findings—can control mutp53 stability, and thus contributes to cancer cell survival. In conclusion, this study unveils another criminal alliance between oncogenes, such as c-Myc and mutp53, that plays a key role in oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Arena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D’Orazi
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Uddin MA, Akhter MS, Kubra KT, Barabutis N. Hsp90 inhibition protects brain endothelial cells against LPS-induced injury. Biofactors 2022; 48:926-933. [PMID: 35266593 PMCID: PMC10131175 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelium increases infiltration of lymphocytes and innate immune cells in the brain, leading to the development of neurological disorders. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors are anti-inflammatory agents and P53 inducers, which reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a diverse variety of human tissues. In this study, we investigate the effects of those compounds in LPS-induced brain endothelial inflammation, by utilizing human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). Our results suggest that Hsp90 inhibitors suppress inflammation by inhibiting the LPS-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3); and P38 activation. Moreover, those compounds reduce the P53 suppressors murine double minute 2 (MDM2) and murine double minute 4 (MDM4). Immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein/glucose-regulated protein 78 (BiP/Grp78)-a key element of endothelial barrier integrity-was also increased by Hsp90 inhibition. Hence, we conclude that application of Hsp90 inhibitors in diseases related to BBB dysfunction may deliver a novel therapeutic possibility in the affected population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Khadeja-Tul Kubra
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
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11
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D’Orazi G, Cirone M. Interconnected Adaptive Responses: A Way Out for Cancer Cells to Avoid Cellular Demise. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112780. [PMID: 35681760 PMCID: PMC9179898 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Different from normal cells, cancer cells must hyperactivate a variety of integrated responses in order to survive their basal stress or its exacerbation caused by exposure to anti-cancer agents. As cancer cells become particularly dependent on these adaptive responses, namely UPR, DDR autophagy, anti-oxidant and heat shock responses, this turns out to be an Achille’s heel, which allows them to be selectively killed while sparing normal unstressed cells. Better knowledge of the cross-talk between these adaptive processes and their impact on the immune system is needed to design more effective anti-cancer therapies, as reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella D’Orazi
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. D’Annunzio”, 66013 Chieti, Italy;
- Unit of Cellular Networks, Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome LA Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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12
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Gu W, Shen H, Xie L, Zhang X, Yang J. The Role of Feedback Loops in Targeted Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:800140. [PMID: 35651786 PMCID: PMC9148955 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.800140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with limited treatment options and low long-term survival rates. The complex and variable signal regulation networks are one of the important reasons why it is difficult for pancreatic cancer to develop precise targeted therapy drugs. Numerous studies have associated feedback loop regulation with the development and therapeutic response of cancers including pancreatic cancer. Therefore, we review researches on the role of feedback loops in the progression of pancreatic cancer, and summarize the connection between feedback loops and several signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer, as well as recent advances in the intervention of feedback loops in pancreatic cancer treatment, highlighting the potential of capitalizing on feedback loops modulation in targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weigang Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - HongZhang Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofeng Zhang, ; Jianfeng Yang,
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaofeng Zhang, ; Jianfeng Yang,
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13
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Tseng TH, Wang CJ, Lee YJ, Shao YC, Shen CH, Lee KC, Tung SY, Kuo HC. Suppression of the Proliferation of Huh7 Hepatoma Cells Involving the Downregulation of Mutant p53 Protein and Inactivation of the STAT 3 Pathway with Ailanthoidol. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095102. [PMID: 35563493 PMCID: PMC9099615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ailanthoidol (ATD) has been isolated from the barks of Zanthoxylum ailanthoides and displays anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiadipogenic, and antitumor promotion activities. Recently, we found that ATD suppressed TGF-β1-induced migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. In this report, we found that ATD exhibited more potent cytotoxicity in Huh7 hepatoma cells (mutant p53: Y220C) than in HepG2 cells (wild-type p53). A trypan blue dye exclusion assay and colony assay showed ATD inhibited the growth of Huh7 cells. ATD also induced G1 arrest and reduced the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK2. Flow cytometry analysis with Annexin-V/PI staining demonstrated that ATD induced significant apoptosis in Huh7 cells. Moreover, ATD increased the expression of cleaved PARP and Bax and decreased the expression of procaspase 3/8 and Bcl-xL/Bcl-2. In addition, ATD decreased the expression of mutant p53 protein (mutp53), which is associated with cell proliferation with the exploration of p53 siRNA transfection. Furthermore, ATD suppressed the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the expression of mevalonate kinase (MVK). Consistent with ATD, the administration of S3I201 (STAT 3 inhibitor) reduced the expression of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL, cyclin D1, mutp53, and MVK. These results demonstrated ATD’s selectivity against mutp53 hepatoma cells involving the downregulation of mutp53 and inactivation of STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsui-Hwa Tseng
- Department of Medical Applied Chemistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (T.-H.T.); (Y.-C.S.)
- Department of Medical Education, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Jong Wang
- Department of Health Diet and Industry Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yean-Jang Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua 50007, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Chia Shao
- Department of Medical Applied Chemistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan; (T.-H.T.); (Y.-C.S.)
| | - Chien-Heng Shen
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan;
| | - Ko-Chao Lee
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Shui-Yi Tung
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-Y.T.); (H.-C.K.)
| | - Hsing-Chun Kuo
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Research Fellow, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Research Center for Food and Cosmetic Safety, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 33303, Taiwan
- Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion Research Center, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-Y.T.); (H.-C.K.)
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14
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Targeting c-Myc Unbalances UPR towards Cell Death and Impairs DDR in Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040731. [PMID: 35453482 PMCID: PMC9033049 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) are aggressive hematological cancers, for which the search for new and more effective therapies is needed. Both cancers overexpress c-Myc and are highly dependent on this proto-oncogene for their survival. Although c-Myc inhibition has been shown to reduce PEL and MM survival, the underlying mechanisms leading to such an effect are not completely clarified. In this study, by pharmacologic inhibition and silencing, we show that c-Myc stands at the cross-road between UPR and DDR. Indeed, it plays a key role in maintaining the pro-survival function of UPR, through the IRE1α/XBP1 axis, and sustains the expression level of DDR molecules such as RAD51 and BRCA1 in MM and PEL cells. Moreover, we found that c-Myc establishes an interplay with the IRE1α/XBP1 axis whose inhibition downregulated c-Myc, skewed UPR towards cell death and enhanced DNA damage. In conclusion, this study unveils new insights into the molecular mechanisms leading to the cytotoxic effects of c-Myc inhibition and reinforces the idea that its targeting may be a promising therapeutic approach against MM and PEL that, although different cancers, share some similarities, including c-Myc overexpression, constitutive ER stress and poor response to current chemotherapies.
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15
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Fouzat A, Hussein OJ, Gupta I, Al-Farsi HF, Khalil A, Al Moustafa AE. Elaeagnus angustifolia Plant Extract Induces Apoptosis via P53 and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling Pathways in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Front Nutr 2022; 9:871667. [PMID: 35369073 PMCID: PMC8971957 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.871667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) is used as an alternative medicine in the Middle East to manage numerous human diseases. We recently reported that EA flower extract inhibits cell proliferation and invasion of human oral and HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Nevertheless, the outcome of EA extract on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells has not been explored yet. We herein investigate the effect of the aqueous EA extract (100 and 200 μl/ml) on two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436) for 48 h and explore its underlying molecular pathways. Our data revealed that EA extract suppresses cell proliferation by approximately 50% and alters cell-cycle progression of these two cancer cell lines. Additionally, EA extract induces cell apoptosis by 40–50%, accompanied by the upregulation of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax and cleaved caspase-8) and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic marker, Bcl-2. Moreover, EA extract inhibits colony formation compared to their matched control. More significantly, the molecular pathway analysis of EA-treated cells revealed that EA extract enhances p53 expression, while inhibiting the expression of total and phosphorylated Signal Transducer and Activator Of Transcription 3 (STAT3) in both cell lines, suggesting p53 and STAT3 are the main key players behind the biological events provoked by the extract in TNBC cells. Our findings implicate that EA flower extract may possess an important potential as an anticancer drug against TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arij Fouzat
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ishita Gupta
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ashraf Khalil
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- *Correspondence: Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa, ,
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16
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Arena A, Gilardini Montani MS, Romeo MA, Benedetti R, Gaeta A, Cirone M. DNA damage triggers an interplay between wtp53 and c-Myc affecting lymphoma cell proliferation and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus replication. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1869:119168. [PMID: 34728235 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The induction of DNA damage together with the interference with DNA repair represents a promising strategy in cancer treatment. Here we show that the PARP-1/2/3 inhibitor AZD2461 in combination with the CHK1 inhibitor UCN-01 altered the DNA damage response and reduced cell proliferation in PEL cells, an aggressive B cell lymphoma highly resistant to chemotherapies. AZD2461/UCN-01 combination activated p53/p21 and downregulated c-Myc in these cells, leading to a reduced expression level of RAD51, molecule involved in DNA repair. The effect of AZD2461/UCN-01 on c-Myc and p53/p21 was inter-dependent and, besides impairing cell proliferation, contributed to the activation of the replicative cycle of KSHV, carried in a latent state in PEL cells. Finally, we found that the pharmacological or genetic inhibition of p21 counteracted the viral lytic cycle activation and further reduced PEL cell proliferation, suggesting that it could induce a double beneficial effect in this setting. This study unveils that, therapeutic approaches, based on the induction of DNA damage and the reduction of DNA repair, could be used to successfully treat this malignant lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Arena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Saveria Gilardini Montani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelia Gaeta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy..
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17
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Cirone M. Cancer cells dysregulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation to ensure their survival and proliferation: mimicking them is a smart strategy of gammaherpesviruses. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:500-509. [PMID: 34130564 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1934811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is the catalytic subunit of two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which have common and distinct subunits that mediate separate and overlapping functions. mTORC1 is activated by plenty of nutrients, and the two complexes can be activated by PI3K signaling. mTORC2 acts as an upstream regulator of AKT, and mTORC1 acts as a downstream effector. mTOR signaling integrates both intracellular and extracellular signals, acting as a key regulator of cellular metabolism, growth, and survival. A dysregulated activation of mTOR, as result of PI3K pathway or mTOR regulatory protein mutations or even due to the presence of cellular or viral oncogenes, is a common finding in cancer and represents a central mechanism in cancerogenesis. In the final part of this review, we will focus on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation by the human gammaherpesviruses EBV and KSHV that hijack this pathway to promote their-mediated oncogenic transformation and pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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18
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Santarelli R, Pompili C, Gilardini Montani MS, Romeo MA, Gonnella R, D'Orazi G, Cirone M. Lovastatin reduces PEL cell survival by phosphorylating ERK1/2 that blocks the autophagic flux and engages a cross-talk with p53 to activate p21. IUBMB Life 2021; 73:968-977. [PMID: 33987937 PMCID: PMC8361952 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Statins are inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway that besides being cholesterol lowering agents, display anti‐cancer properties. This is because cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes but also because the mevalonate pathway controls protein farnesylation and geranylation, processes essential for the activity of GTPase family proteins. In this study, we found that Lovastatin exerted a dose‐ and time‐dependent cytotoxic effect against PEL cells, an aggressive B cell lymphoma strictly associated with the gammaherpesvirus KSHV and characterized by a poor response to conventional chemotherapies. At molecular level, Lovastatin by dephosphorylating STAT3, induced ERK1/2 activation that inhibited autophagy and phosphorylated p53ser15 that in turn maintained ERK1/2 activated and up‐regulated p21. However, p21 played a pro‐survival role in this setting, as its inhibition by UC2288 further reduced cell survival in PEL cells undergoing Lovastatin treatment. In conclusion, this study suggests that Lovastatin may represent a valid therapeutic alternative against PEL cells, especially if used in combination with p21 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Santarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pompili
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Saveria Gilardini Montani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Gonnella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Orazi
- Translational Research Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
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19
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D'Orazi G, Cordani M, Cirone M. Oncogenic pathways activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines promote mutant p53 stability: clue for novel anticancer therapies. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:1853-1860. [PMID: 33070220 PMCID: PMC11072129 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03677-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and cancerogenesis are strongly interconnected processes, not only because inflammation promotes DNA instability, but also because both processes are driven by pathways such as NF-kB, STAT3, mTOR and MAPKs. Interestingly, these pathways regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β that in turn control their activation and play a crucial role in shaping immune response. The transcription factor p53 is the major tumor suppressor that is often mutated in cancer, contributing to tumor progression. In this overview, we highlight how the interplay between pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-inflammatory/pro-oncogenic pathways, regulating and being regulated by UPR signaling and autophagy, affects the stability of mutp53 that in turn is able to control autophagy, UPR signaling, cytokine release and the activation of the same oncogenic pathways to preserve its own stability and promote tumorigenesis. Interrupting these positive feedback loops may represent a promising strategy in anticancer therapy, particularly against cancers carrying mutp53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella D'Orazi
- Department of Research and Advanced Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cordani
- IMDEA Nanociencia, C/Faraday 9, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Institute Italy Foundation Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Romeo MA, Gilardini Montani MS, Benedetti R, Arena A, D’Orazi G, Cirone M. p53-R273H Sustains ROS, Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Release and mTOR Activation While Reducing Autophagy, Mitophagy and UCP2 Expression, Effects Prevented by wtp53. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030344. [PMID: 33668399 PMCID: PMC7996167 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
p53 is the most frequently mutated or inactivated gene in cancer, as its activity is not reconcilable with tumor onset and progression. Moreover, mutations in the p53 gene give rise to mutant proteins such as p53-R273H that, besides losing the wild type p53 (wtp53) capacity to safeguard genome integrity, may promote carcinogenesis, mainly due to its crosstalk with pro-oncogenic pathways. Interestingly, the activation of oncogenic pathways is interconnected with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to create an inflammatory/pro-tumorigenic milieu. In this study, based on experiments involving p53-R273H silencing and transfection, we showed that this mutant p53 (mutp53) promoted cancer cell survival by increasing intracellular ROS level and pro-inflammatory/immune suppressive cytokine release, activating mTOR, reducing autophagy and mitophagy and downregulating uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). Interestingly, p53-R273H transfection into cancer cells carrying wtp53 induced none of these effects and resulted in p21 upregulation. This suggests that wtp53 may counteract several pro-tumorigenic activities of p53-R273H and this could explain the lower aggressiveness of cancers carrying heterozygous mutp53 in comparison to those harboring homozygous mutp53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anele Romeo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.A.R.); (M.S.G.M.); (R.B.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Saveria Gilardini Montani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.A.R.); (M.S.G.M.); (R.B.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.A.R.); (M.S.G.M.); (R.B.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Arena
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.A.R.); (M.S.G.M.); (R.B.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D’Orazi
- Department of Research, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Neurosciences, Images and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio”, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mara Cirone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.A.R.); (M.S.G.M.); (R.B.); (A.A.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4997-3319; Fax: + 39-064-456-229
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21
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STAT3 and p53: Dual Target for Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120637. [PMID: 33371351 PMCID: PMC7767392 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 is considered the "guardian of the genome" that can protect cells against cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest followed by cell death. However, STAT3 is constitutively activated in several human cancers and plays crucial roles in promoting cancer cell proliferation and survival. Hence, STAT3 and p53 have opposing roles in cellular pathway regulation, as activation of STAT3 upregulates the survival pathway, whereas p53 triggers the apoptotic pathway. Constitutive activation of STAT3 and gain or loss of p53 function due to mutations are the most frequent events in numerous cancer types. Several studies have reported the association of STAT3 and/or p53 mutations with drug resistance in cancer treatment. This review discusses the relationship between STAT3 and p53 status in cancer, the molecular mechanism underlying the negative regulation of p53 by STAT3, and vice versa. Moreover, it underlines prospective therapies targeting both STAT3 and p53 to enhance chemotherapeutic outcomes.
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22
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Zhu G, Pan C, Bei JX, Li B, Liang C, Xu Y, Fu X. Mutant p53 in Cancer Progression and Targeted Therapies. Front Oncol 2020; 10:595187. [PMID: 33240819 PMCID: PMC7677253 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.595187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
TP53 is the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor gene in human cancer. The majority of mutations of p53 are missense mutations, leading to the expression of the full length p53 mutant proteins. Mutant p53 (Mutp53) proteins not only lose wild-type p53-dependent tumor suppressive functions, but also frequently acquire oncogenic gain-of-functions (GOF) that promote tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the oncogenic GOF of mutp53 and the potential therapies targeting mutp53 in human cancers. In particular, we discuss the promising drugs that are currently under clinical trials as well as the emerging therapeutic strategies, including CRISPR/Cas9 based genome edition of mutant TP53 allele, small peptide mediated restoration of wild-type p53 function, and immunotherapies that directly eliminate mutp53 expressing tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoyang Zhu
- Postdoctoral Research Center, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, China
| | - Chaoyun Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Xin Bei
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Shenzhen International Institute for Biomedical Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Xuemei Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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