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Xu SM, Cheng Y, Fisher H, Janitz M. Recent advances in the investigation of fusion RNAs and their role in molecular pathology of cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 168:106529. [PMID: 38246262 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106529] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Gene fusions have had a significant role in the development of various types of cancer, oftentimes involved in oncogenic activities through dysregulation of gene expression or signalling pathways. Some cancer-associated chromosomal translocations can undergo backsplicing, resulting in fusion-circular RNAs, a more stable isoform immune to RNase degradation. This stability makes fusion circular RNAs a promising diagnostic biomarker for cancer. While the detection of linear fusion RNAs and their function in certain cancers have been described in literature, fusion circular RNAs lag behind due to their low abundance in cancer cells. This review highlights current literature on the role of linear and circular fusion transcripts in cancer, tools currently available for detecting of these chimeric RNAs and their function and how they play a role in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Mei Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuning Cheng
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Harry Fisher
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Janitz
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Catalano G, Zaza A, Banella C, Pelosi E, Castelli G, de Marinis E, Smigliani A, Travaglini S, Ottone T, Divona M, Del Principe MI, Buccisano F, Maurillo L, Ammatuna E, Testa U, Nervi C, Venditti A, Voso MT, Noguera NI. MCL1 regulates AML cells metabolism via direct interaction with HK2. Metabolic signature at onset predicts overall survival in AMLs' patients. Leukemia 2023; 37:1600-1610. [PMID: 37349598 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
We characterize the metabolic background in distinct Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AMLs), by comparing the metabolism of primary AML blasts isolated at diagnosis with that of normal hematopoietic maturing progenitors, using the Seahorse XF Agilent. Leukemic cells feature lower spare respiratory (SRC) and glycolytic capacities as compared to hematopoietic precursors (i.e. day 7, promyelocytes). According with Proton Leak (PL) values, AML blasts can be grouped in two well defined populations. The AML group with blasts presenting high PL or high basal OXPHOS plus high SRC levels had shorter overall survival time and significantly overexpressed myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) protein. We demonstrate that MCL1 directly binds to Hexokinase 2 (HK2) on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Overall, these results suggest that high PL and high SRC plus high basal OXPHOS levels at disease onset, arguably with the concourse of MCL1/HK2 action, are significantly linked with shorter overall survival time in AML. Our data describe a new function for MCL1 protein in AMLs' cells: by forming a complex with HK2, MCL1 co-localizes to VDAC on the OMM, thus inducing glycolysis and OXPHOS, ultimately conferring metabolic plasticity and promoting resistance to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Catalano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zaza
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Banella
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence and Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Marinis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Ariela Smigliani
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariadomenica Divona
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Buccisano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Maurillo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Ammatuna
- Department of Hematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Hematology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nelida Ines Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S. Via del Fosso di Fiorano, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Kmetič I, Murati T, Kovač V, Jurčević IL, Šimić B, Radošević K, Miletić M. Novel ferrocene-containing triacyl derivative of resveratrol improves viability parameters in ovary cells. J Appl Toxicol 2023. [PMID: 36823762 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Besides the use of resveratrol as a drug candidate, there are obstacles mainly due to its poor pharmacokinetic properties. Numerous studies are being conducted on the synthesis of resveratrol derivatives that exhibit enhanced biological activity. The aim of our research was to investigate activity of the newly synthesized ferrocene-containing triacyl derivative of resveratrol to achieve cell protection from endo/exogenous ROS and reduction in cell death by assessing multiple endpoints. Our research showed that both resveratrol and the resveratrol derivatives (1-100 μM) lower the levels of ROS in CHO-K1 cells. Resveratrol at doses <20 μM had little or no effect on cell proliferation, while at higher doses, a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and viability has been noticed. The activity of the new derivative was significantly altered compared to resveratrol-cellular viability was not suppressed regardless of the concentration applied, and the extent of apoptosis was low. In summary, the new ferrocene-resveratrol derivative has the potential to protect cells from oxidative stress due to its low cytotoxicity and retained antioxidant properties, whereas caution should be exercised with resveratrol at higher doses, as it significantly impairs cell viability and induces cell death. By linking ROS to specific diseases (relevance in neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and neoplastic diseases), we can assume that the new resveratrol derivative can prevent or alleviate the mentioned disorders. Furthermore, recognition of the resveratrol derivative as an anti-apoptotic chemical could be useful in the cultivation of various cell lines on a large scale in the industrial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Kmetič
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti St. 6, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Teuta Murati
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti St. 6, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Veronika Kovač
- Laboratory for Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti St. 6, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Irena Landeka Jurčević
- Laboratory for Food Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti St. 6, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Branimir Šimić
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti St. 6, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Kristina Radošević
- Laboratory for Cell Culture Technology and Biotransformations, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti St. 6, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Marina Miletić
- Laboratory for Toxicology, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierotti St. 6, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
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4
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Zhang S, Sui M, Zhang Z, Su Y. Brusatol From Brucea javanica Suppresses Arsenic Trioxide-Induced PD-L1 Upregulation Through Inhibition of NRF2 in Leukemia Cells. Nat Prod Commun 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221132699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of programed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is associated with poor prognosis in leukemia. Moreover, antitumor pharmaceuticals have been shown to induce immunoresistance, leading to reduced efficacy. Previous studies have indicated that arsenic trioxide (ATO) promotes immune evasion by inducing PD-L1 expression in solid tumors; however, little is known about its role in leukemia. A proportion of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia were resistant to ATO therapy. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of ATO on the expression of PD-L1 in leukemia cells and the underlying mechanism mediated through the nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor (NRF2) protein. Brusatol, extracted from Brucea javanica, was selected as a unique NRF2 inhibitor, and we evaluated the possibility of using a regimen combining ATO/Brusatol in leukemia therapy. Promyelocytic NB4 and lymphocytic Jurkat cells were treated with ATO and brusatol either alone or in combination. We found that ATO significantly upregulated the expression of PD-L1 in NB4 and Jurkat cells at both the protein and mRNA levels compared with its expression in the untreated cell group. Mechanistically, ATO increased nuclear NRF2 expression and the extent of NRF2 binding to the PD-L1 promoter. Pharmacological inhibition of NRF2 by brusatol significantly blocked this effect, thereby reducing ATO-induced PD-L1 expression. In addition, the combination of brusatol and ATO showed stronger cytotoxicity than ATO alone indicated by cell counting kit-8 assay. Therefore, brusatol may further enhance the antileukemia effect of ATO not only by inhibiting ATO-induced PD-L1 expression but also by enhancing ATO-induced cytotoxicity. Our study provides a rationale for the clinical application of ATO/brusatol combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Meijuan Sui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Su
- First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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5
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Khodakarami A, Adibfar S, Karpisheh V, Abolhasani S, Jalali P, Mohammadi H, Gholizadeh Navashenaq J, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The molecular biology and therapeutic potential of Nrf2 in leukemia. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:241. [PMID: 35906617 PMCID: PMC9336077 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02660-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor has contradictory roles in cancer, which can act as a tumor suppressor or a proto-oncogene in different cell conditions (depending on the cell type and the conditions of the cell environment). Nrf2 pathway regulates several cellular processes, including signaling, energy metabolism, autophagy, inflammation, redox homeostasis, and antioxidant regulation. As a result, it plays a crucial role in cell survival. Conversely, Nrf2 protects cancerous cells from apoptosis and increases proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. It promotes resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies, so we want to elucidate the role of Nrf2 in cancer and the positive point of its targeting. Also, in the past few years, many studies have shown that Nrf2 protects cancer cells, especially leukemic cells, from the effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. The present paper summarizes these studies to scrutinize whether targeting Nrf2 combined with chemotherapy would be a therapeutic approach for leukemia treatment. Also, we discussed how Nrf2 and NF-κB work together to control the cellular redox pathway. The role of these two factors in inflammation (antagonistic) and leukemia (synergistic) is also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Khodakarami
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sara Adibfar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Vahid Karpisheh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shiva Abolhasani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pooya Jalali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
- Bioclinicum, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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6
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Travaglini S, Gurnari C, Antonelli S, Silvestrini G, Noguera NI, Ottone T, Voso MT. The Anti-Leukemia Effect of Ascorbic Acid: From the Pro-Oxidant Potential to the Epigenetic Role in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930205. [PMID: 35938170 PMCID: PMC9352950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Data derived from high-throughput sequencing technologies have allowed a deeper understanding of the molecular landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic options, with a higher efficacy and a lower toxicity than conventional chemotherapy. In the antileukemia drug development scenario, ascorbic acid, a natural compound also known as Vitamin C, has emerged for its potential anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities on leukemic cells. However, the role of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the treatment of AML has been debated for decades. Mechanistic insight into its role in many biological processes and, especially, in epigenetic regulation has provided the rationale for the use of this agent as a novel anti-leukemia therapy in AML. Acting as a co-factor for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (2-OGDDs), ascorbic acid is involved in the epigenetic regulations through the control of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, epigenetic master regulators with a critical role in aberrant hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. In line with this discovery, great interest has been emerging for the clinical testing of this drug targeting leukemia epigenome. Besides its role in epigenetics, ascorbic acid is also a pivotal regulator of many physiological processes in human, particularly in the antioxidant cellular response, being able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) to prevent DNA damage and other effects involved in cancer transformation. Thus, for this wide spectrum of biological activities, ascorbic acid possesses some pharmacologic properties attractive for anti-leukemia therapy. The present review outlines the evidence and mechanism of ascorbic acid in leukemogenesis and its therapeutic potential in AML. With the growing evidence derived from the literature on situations in which the use of ascorbate may be beneficial in vitro and in vivo, we will finally discuss how these insights could be included into the rational design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Travaglini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Gurnari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - S. Antonelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - G. Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - N. I. Noguera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - T. Ottone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - M. T. Voso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Neuro-Oncohematology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. T. Voso,
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7
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Banella C, Catalano G, Travaglini S, Pelosi E, Ottone T, Zaza A, Guerrera G, Angelini DF, Niscola P, Divona M, Battistini L, Screnci M, Ammatuna E, Testa U, Nervi C, Voso MT, Noguera NI. Ascorbate Plus Buformin in AML: A Metabolic Targeted Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102565. [PMID: 35626170 PMCID: PMC9139619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AMLs) are rapidly progressive clonal neoplastic diseases. The overall 5-year survival rate is very poor: less than 5% in older patients aged over 65 years old. Elderly AML patients are often “unfit” for intensive chemotherapy, further highlighting the need of highly effective, well-tolerated new treatment options for AMLs. Growing evidence indicates that AML blasts feature a highly diverse and flexible metabolism consistent with the aggressiveness of the disease. Based on these evidences, we targeted the metabolic peculiarity and plasticity of AML cells with an association of ascorbate, which causes oxidative stress and interferes with hexokinase activity, and buformin, which completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production. The ascorbate–buformin combination could be an innovative therapeutic option for elderly AML patients that are resistant to therapy. Abstract In the present study, we characterized the metabolic background of different Acute Myeloid Leukemias’ (AMLs) cells and described a heterogeneous and highly flexible energetic metabolism. Using the Seahorse XF Agilent, we compared the metabolism of normal hematopoietic progenitors with that of primary AML blasts and five different AML cell lines. We assessed the efficacy and mechanism of action of the association of high doses of ascorbate, a powerful oxidant, with the metabolic inhibitor buformin, which inhibits mitochondrial complex I and completely shuts down mitochondrial contributions in ATP production. Primary blasts from seventeen AML patients, assayed for annexin V and live/dead exclusion by flow cytometry, showed an increase in the apoptotic effect using the drug combination, as compared with ascorbate alone. We show that ascorbate inhibits glycolysis through interfering with HK1/2 and GLUT1 functions in hematopoietic cells. Ascorbate combined with buformin decreases mitochondrial respiration and ATP production and downregulates glycolysis, enhancing the apoptotic effect of ascorbate in primary blasts from AMLs and sparing normal CD34+ bone marrow progenitors. In conclusion, our data have therapeutic implications especially in fragile patients since both agents have an excellent safety profile, and the data also support the clinical evaluation of ascorbate–buformin in association with different mechanism drugs for the treatment of refractory/relapsing AML patients with no other therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Banella
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Catalano
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Travaglini
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (U.T.)
| | - Tiziana Ottone
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zaza
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gisella Guerrera
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Daniela Francesca Angelini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Pasquale Niscola
- Hematology Unit, Saint’ Eugenio Hospital, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Luca Battistini
- Neuroimmunology and Flow Cytometry Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (D.F.A.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Screnci
- Banca Regionale Sangue Cordone Ombelicale UOC Immunoematologia e Medicina Trasfusionale, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Roma, Italy;
| | - Emanuele Ammatuna
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.P.); (U.T.)
| | - Clara Nervi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Roma La Sapienza, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Voso
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.V.); (N.I.N.); Tel.: +39-06-501-703-225 (N.I.N.)
| | - Nelida Ines Noguera
- Neurooncoemtology Units, Santa Lucia Foundation, I.R.C.C.S., 00143 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (G.C.); (S.T.); (T.O.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.T.V.); (N.I.N.); Tel.: +39-06-501-703-225 (N.I.N.)
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8
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Panieri E, Saso L. Inhibition of the NRF2/KEAP1 Axis: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy to Alter Redox Balance of Cancer Cells. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 34:1428-1483. [PMID: 33403898 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Significance: The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (NRF2/KEAP1) pathway is a crucial and highly conserved defensive system that is required to maintain or restore the intracellular homeostasis in response to oxidative, electrophilic, and other types of stress conditions. The tight control of NRF2 function is maintained by a complex network of biological interactions between positive and negative regulators that ultimately ensure context-specific activation, culminating in the NRF2-driven transcription of cytoprotective genes. Recent Advances: Recent studies indicate that deregulated NRF2 activation is a frequent event in malignant tumors, wherein it is associated with metabolic reprogramming, increased antioxidant capacity, chemoresistance, and poor clinical outcome. On the other hand, the growing interest in the modulation of the cancer cells' redox balance identified NRF2 as an ideal therapeutic target. Critical Issues: For this reason, many efforts have been made to identify potent and selective NRF2 inhibitors that might be used as single agents or adjuvants of anticancer drugs with redox disrupting properties. Despite the lack of specific NRF2 inhibitors still represents a major clinical hurdle, the researchers have exploited alternative strategies to disrupt NRF2 signaling at different levels of its biological activation. Future Directions: Given its dualistic role in tumor initiation and progression, the identification of the appropriate biological context of NRF2 activation and the specific clinicopathological features of patients cohorts wherein its inactivation is expected to have clinical benefits, will represent a major goal in the field of cancer research. In this review, we will briefly describe the structure and function of the NRF2/ KEAP1 system and some of the most promising NRF2 inhibitors, with a particular emphasis on natural compounds and drug repurposing. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 1428-1483.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Panieri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer," University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer," University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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9
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Yu X, Mansouri A, Liu Z, Gao R, Li K, Chen C, Huang Y, Chen Z, Chen S, Lu Y, Li Y, Zeng C, Zeng Y. NRF2 activation induced by PML-RARα promotes microRNA 125b-1 expression and confers resistance to chemotherapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e418. [PMID: 34047481 PMCID: PMC8101532 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xibao Yu
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ardalan Mansouri
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Zhuandi Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rili Gao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kehan Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunte Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youxue Huang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Lu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yixin Zeng
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
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New promising developments for potential therapeutic applications of high-dose ascorbate as an anticancer drug. Hematol Oncol Stem Cell Ther 2020; 14:179-191. [PMID: 33278349 DOI: 10.1016/j.hemonc.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbate) is an essential dietary requirement, with fundamental redox, anti-oxidant functions at physiologic concentrations. Vitamin C is a cofactor for Fe2+ and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, englobing large families of enzymes, including also epigenetic regulators of DNA and histone methylation. Importantly, vitamin C is involved in the control of the activity of TET (ten-eleven translocation) enzymes, key epigenetic regulators. For this spectrum of activities, often involving pathways deregulated in cancer cells, vitamin C possesses some pharmacologic activities that can be exploited in anticancer therapy. In particular, the capacity of pharmacological doses of vitamin C to target redox imbalance and to rescue deregulated epigenetic program observed in some cancer cells represents a consistent therapeutic potentiality. Several recent studies have identified some cancer subsets that could benefit from the pharmacological activities of vitamin C. The identification of these potentially responsive patients will help to carefully define controlled clinical trials aiming to evaluate the anticancer activity of Vitamin C.
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