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Kofman K, Levin M. Bioelectric Pharmacology of Cancer: A Systematic Review of Ion Channel Drugs Affecting the Cancer Phenotype. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024:S0079-6107(24)00062-2. [PMID: 38971325 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kofman
- Faculty of Science, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University.
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2
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Smerdi D, Moutafi M, Kotsantis I, Stavrinou LC, Psyrri A. Overcoming Resistance to Temozolomide in Glioblastoma: A Scoping Review of Preclinical and Clinical Data. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:673. [PMID: 38929657 PMCID: PMC11204771 DOI: 10.3390/life14060673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with an overall survival almost 14.6 months. Optimal resection followed by combined temozolomide chemotherapy and radiotherapy, also known as Stupp protocol, remains the standard of treatment; nevertheless, resistance to temozolomide, which can be obtained throughout many molecular pathways, is still an unsurpassed obstacle. Several factors influence the efficacy of temozolomide, including the involvement of other DNA repair systems, aberrant signaling pathways, autophagy, epigenetic modifications, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicle production. The blood-brain barrier, which serves as both a physical and biochemical obstacle, the tumor microenvironment's pro-cancerogenic and immunosuppressive nature, and tumor-specific characteristics such as volume and antigen expression, are the subject of ongoing investigation. In this review, preclinical and clinical data about temozolomide resistance acquisition and possible ways to overcome chemoresistance, or to treat gliomas without restoration of chemosensitinity, are evaluated and presented. The objective is to offer a thorough examination of the clinically significant molecular mechanisms and their intricate interrelationships, with the aim of enhancing understanding to combat resistance to TMZ more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Smerdi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Myrto Moutafi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kotsantis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Lampis C. Stavrinou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurotraumatology, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
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3
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Mubeen S, Raza I, Ujjan B, Wasim B, Khan L, Naeem N, Enam SA, Hanif F. Iloperidone and Temozolomide Synergistically Inhibit Growth, Migration and Enhance Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1134. [PMID: 38927341 PMCID: PMC11200733 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061134] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fatal astrocytic glioma with poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Repurposing potential FDA-approved drugs like anti-psychotics can address the concerns in a timely and cost-effective manner. Epidemiological studies have shown that patients with schizophrenic using anti-psychotics have a low incidence of GBM. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of atypical anti-psychotic Iloperidone (ILO) alone and in combination with Temozolomide (TMZ) against GBM. The study assessed the growth inhibitory effect of ILO, TMZ, and their combination (ILO + TMZ) on U-87MG and T-98G cell lines using an MTT assay. The drug interaction coefficient (CDI) was determined, and doses with synergistic effects were used for subsequent experiments, including migratory, invasion, and TUNEL assays. The expressions of DRD2, β-catenin, Dvl2, Twist, and Slug were assessed by RTq-PCR, whereas the β-catenin protein expression was also determined by immunocytochemistry. ILO (p < 0.05) and TMZ (p < 0.01) significantly inhibited the growth of U-87MG cells at all tested doses. The combination of 60 µM of both drugs showed synergistic activity with CDI < 1. The inhibition of migration and apoptosis was more pronounced in the case of combination treatment (p < 0.001). Inhibition of the invading cells was also found to be significant in ILO- and combination-treated groups (p < 0.001). ILO and combination treatment also significantly downregulated the expression of DRD2, while TMZ upregulated the expression (p < 0.001). The expressions of β-catenin (p < 0.001), Dvl2 (p < 0.001), Twist (p < 0.001), and Slug (p < 0.001) were also significantly downregulated in all treatment groups as compared to the vehicle control. The data suggest that ILO possesses strong growth inhibitory activity, possibly due to its effect on DRD2 and β-catenin expression and has the potential to be repurposed against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Mubeen
- Department of Anatomy, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 75330, Pakistan;
| | - Iffat Raza
- Department of Anatomy, Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences, Karachi 75080, Pakistan;
| | - Badaruddin Ujjan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dow University Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan;
| | - Bushra Wasim
- Department of Anatomy, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi 75600, Pakistan;
| | - Lubna Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 75330, Pakistan;
| | - Nadia Naeem
- Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences, Karachi 75330, Pakistan;
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Center of Oncological Research in Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
| | - Farina Hanif
- Department of Biochemistry, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 75330, Pakistan;
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4
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Budiman A, Anastasya G, Handini AL, Lestari IN, Subra L, Aulifa DL. Characterization of Drug with Good Glass-Forming Ability Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Its Impact Toward in vitro and in vivo Studies. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2199-2225. [PMID: 38465205 PMCID: PMC10924831 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Solid oral dosage forms are mostly preferred in pharmaceutical formulation development due to patient convenience, ease of product handling, high throughput, low manufacturing costs, with good physical and chemical stability. However, 70% of drug candidates have poor water solubility leading to compromised bioavailability. This phenomenon occurs because drug molecules are often absorbed after dissolving in gastrointestinal fluid. To address this limitation, delivery systems designed to improve the pharmacokinetics of drug molecules are needed to allow controlled release and target-specific delivery. Among various strategies, amorphous formulations show significantly high potential, particularly for molecules with solubility-limited dissolution rates. The ease of drug molecules to amorphized is known as their glass-forming ability (GFA). Specifically, drug molecules categorized into class III based on the Taylor classification have a low recrystallization tendency and high GFA after cooling, with substantial "glass stability" when heated. In the last decades, the application of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as drug delivery systems (DDS) has gained significant attention in various investigations and the pharmaceutical industry. This is attributed to the unique physicochemical properties of MSNs, including high loading capacity, recrystallization inhibition, excellent biocompatibility, and easy functionalization. Therefore, this study aimed to discuss the current state of good glass former drug loaded mesoporous silica and shows its impact on the pharmaceutical properties including dissolution and physical stability, along with in vivo study. The results show the importance of determining whether mesoporous structures are needed in amorphous formulations to improve the pharmaceutical properties of drug with a favorable GFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Budiman
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Gracia Anastasya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Annisa Luthfiyah Handini
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ira Novianty Lestari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Laila Subra
- Department of Pharmacy, Universiti Geomatika Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Diah Lia Aulifa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
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Dong Y, Chen J, Chen Y, Liu S. Targeting the STAT3 oncogenic pathway: Cancer immunotherapy and drug repurposing. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115513. [PMID: 37741251 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115513] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune effector cells in the microenvironment tend to be depleted or remodeled, unable to perform normal functions, and even promote the malignant characterization of tumors, resulting in the formation of immunosuppressive microenvironments. The strategy of reversing immunosuppressive microenvironment has been widely used to enhance the tumor immunotherapy effect. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was found to be a crucial regulator of immunosuppressive microenvironment formation and activation as well as a factor, stimulating tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasiveness and metastasis. Therefore, regulating the immune microenvironment by targeting the STAT3 oncogenic pathway might be a new cancer therapy strategy. This review discusses the pleiotropic effects of STAT3 on immune cell populations that are critical for tumorigenesis, and introduces the novel strategies targeting STAT3 oncogenic pathway for cancer immunotherapy. Lastly, we summarize the conventional drugs used in new STAT3-targeting anti-tumor applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushan Dong
- Graduate School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No. 24, Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Chinese Medicine Internal Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 1 Xiyuan Playground, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Songjiang Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, No.26, Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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6
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Chen J, Rodriguez AS, Morales MA, Fang X. Autophagy Modulation and Its Implications on Glioblastoma Treatment. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8687-8703. [PMID: 37998723 PMCID: PMC10670099 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110546] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a vital cellular process that functions to degrade and recycle damaged organelles into basic metabolites. This allows a cell to adapt to a diverse range of challenging conditions. Autophagy assists in maintaining homeostasis, and it is tightly regulated by the cell. The disruption of autophagy has been associated with many diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. This review will center its discussion on providing an in-depth analysis of the current molecular understanding of autophagy and its relevance to brain tumors. We will delve into the current literature regarding the role of autophagy in glioma pathogenesis by exploring the major pathways of JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and summarizing the current therapeutic interventions and strategies for glioma treatment. These treatments will be evaluated on their potential for autophagy induction and the challenges associated with their utilization. By understanding the mechanism of autophagy, clinical applications for future therapeutics in treating gliomas can be better targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Andrea Salinas Rodriguez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Maximiliano Arath Morales
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
| | - Xiaoqian Fang
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
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7
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Hsu CY, Yang WT, Lin JH, Lu CH, Hu KC, Lan TH, Chang CC. Sertindole, an Antipsychotic Drug, Curbs the STAT3/BCL-xL Axis to Elicit Human Bladder Cancer Cell Apoptosis In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11852. [PMID: 37511611 PMCID: PMC10380261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411852] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the leading urinary tract malignancy. Epidemiological evidence has linked lower cancer incidence in schizophrenia patients to long-term medication, highlighting the anticancer potential of antipsychotics. Sertindole is an atypical antipsychotic agent with reported anticancer action on breast and gastric cancers. Yet, sertindole's effect on bladder cancer remains unaddressed. We herein present the first evidence of sertindole's antiproliferative effect and mechanisms of action on human bladder cancer cells. Sertindole was cytotoxic against bladder cancer cells while less cytotoxic to normal urothelial cells. Apoptosis was a primary cause of sertindole's cytotoxicity, as the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk rescued cells from sertindole-induced killing. Mechanistically, sertindole inhibited the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), an oncogenic driver of bladder cancer, as sertindole lowered the levels of tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 along with that of STAT3's target gene BCL-xL. Notably, ectopic expression of the dominant-active STAT3 mutant impaired sertindole-induced apoptosis in addition to restoring BCL-xL expression. Moreover, bladder cancer cells overexpressing BCL-xL were refractory to sertindole's proapoptotic action, arguing that sertindole represses STAT3 to downregulate BCL-xL, culminating in the induction of apoptosis. Overall, the current study indicated sertindole exerts bladder cancer cytotoxicity by provoking apoptosis through targeted inhibition of the antiapoptotic STAT3/BCL-xL signaling axis. These findings implicate the potential to repurpose sertindole as a therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yu Hsu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung 435403, Taiwan
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Yang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Hwa Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Lu
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Cheng Hu
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
| | - Tsuo-Hung Lan
- Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nantou 542019, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Che Chang
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413305, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
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8
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Wan S, Zhang G, Liu R, Abbas MN, Cui H. Pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy cross-talk in glioblastoma opens up new avenues for glioblastoma treatment. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:115. [PMID: 37208730 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a common primary tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) being the most malignant, aggressive, and drug resistant. Most drugs are designed to induce cancer cell death, either directly or indirectly, but malignant tumor cells can always evade death and continue to proliferate, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. This reflects our limited understanding of the complex regulatory network that cancer cells utilize to avoid death. In addition to classical apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy are recognized as key cell death modalities that play significant roles in tumor progression. Various inducers or inhibitors have been discovered to target the related molecules in these pathways, and some of them have already been translated into clinical treatment. In this review, we summarized recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of inducing or inhibiting pyroptosis, ferroptosis, or autophagy in GBM, which are important for treatment or drug tolerance. We also discussed their links with apoptosis to better understand the mutual regulatory network among different cell death processes. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicheng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
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9
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Yoon S, Kim HS. First-Line Combination Treatment with Low-Dose Bipolar Drugs for ABCB1-Overexpressing Drug-Resistant Cancer Populations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098389. [PMID: 37176096 PMCID: PMC10179254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098389] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors include a heterogeneous population, of which a small proportion includes drug-resistant cancer (stem) cells. In drug-sensitive cancer populations, first-line chemotherapy reduces tumor volume via apoptosis. However, it stimulates drug-resistant cancer populations and finally results in tumor recurrence. Recurrent tumors are unresponsive to chemotherapeutic drugs and are primarily drug-resistant cancers. Therefore, increased apoptosis in drug-resistant cancer cells in heterogeneous populations is important in first-line chemotherapeutic treatments. The overexpression of ABCB1 (or P-gp) on cell membranes is an important characteristic of drug-resistant cancer cells; therefore, first-line combination treatments with P-gp inhibitors could delay tumor recurrence. Low doses of bipolar drugs showed P-gp inhibitory activity, and their use as a combined therapy sensitized drug-resistant cancer cells. FDA-approved bipolar drugs have been used in clinics for a long period of time, and their toxicities are well reported. They can be easily applied as first-line combination treatments for targeting resistant cancer populations. To apply bipolar drugs faster in first-line combination treatments, knowledge of their complete information is crucial. This review discusses the use of low-dose bipolar drugs in sensitizing ABCB1-overexpressing, drug-resistant cancers. We believe that this review will contribute to facilitating first-line combination treatments with low-dose bipolar drugs for targeting drug-resistant cancer populations. In addition, our findings may aid further investigations into targeting drug-resistant cancer populations with low-dose bipolar drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungpil Yoon
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Sik Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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10
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Villarruel-Melquiades F, Mendoza-Garrido ME, García-Cuellar CM, Sánchez-Pérez Y, Pérez-Carreón JI, Camacho J. Current and novel approaches in the pharmacological treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2571-2599. [PMID: 37213397 PMCID: PMC10198058 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i17.2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumours worldwide. The mortality-to-incidence ratio is up to 91.6% in many countries, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Systemic drugs, including the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and lenvatinib, are first-line drugs used in HCC treatment. Unfortunately, these therapies are ineffective in most cases due to late diagnosis and the development of tumour resistance. Thus, novel pharmacological alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided new approaches targeting cells of the immune system. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death-1 have shown benefits in HCC patients. In addition, drug combinations, including first-line treatment and immunotherapy, as well as drug repurposing, are promising novel therapeutic alternatives. Here, we review the current and novel pharmacological approaches to fight HCC. Preclinical studies, as well as approved and ongoing clinical trials for liver cancer treatment, are discussed. The pharmacological opportunities analysed here should lead to significant improvement in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Villarruel-Melquiades
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - María Eugenia Mendoza-Garrido
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Claudia M García-Cuellar
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Yesennia Sánchez-Pérez
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Julio Isael Pérez-Carreón
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Javier Camacho
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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11
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Giunta R, Cheli G, Spaiardi P, Russo G, Masetto S. Pimozide Increases a Delayed Rectifier K + Conductance in Chicken Embryo Vestibular Hair Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020488. [PMID: 36831024 PMCID: PMC9953418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pimozide is a conventional antipsychotic drug largely used in the therapy for schizophrenia and Tourette's syndrome. Pimozide is assumed to inhibit synaptic transmission at the CNS by acting as a dopaminergic D2 receptor antagonist. Moreover, pimozide has been shown to block voltage-gated Ca2+ and K+ channels in different cells. Despite its widespread clinical use, pimozide can cause several adverse effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms and cardiac arrhythmias. Dizziness and loss of balance are among the most common side effects of pimozide. By using the patch-clamp whole-cell technique, we investigated the effect of pimozide [3 μM] on K+ channels expressed by chicken embryo vestibular type-II hair cells. We found that pimozide slightly blocks a transient outward rectifying A-type K+ current but substantially increases a delayed outward rectifying K+ current. The net result was a significant hyperpolarization of type-II hair cells at rest and a strong reduction of their response to depolarizing stimuli. Our findings are consistent with an inhibitory effect of pimozide on the afferent synaptic transmission by type-II hair cells. Moreover, they provide an additional key to understanding the beneficial/collateral pharmacological effects of pimozide. The finding that pimozide can act as a K+ channel opener provides a new perspective for the use of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giunta
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Cheli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Spaiardi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Russo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sergio Masetto
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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12
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Elucidating the Anti-Tumorigenic Efficacy of Oltipraz, a Dithiolethione, in Glioblastoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193057. [PMID: 36231019 PMCID: PMC9562012 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193057] [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: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive primary brain tumor, displays a highly infiltrative growth pattern and remains refractory to chemotherapy. Phytochemicals carrying specificity and low cytotoxicity may serve as potent and safer alternatives to conventional chemotherapy for treating GBM. We have evaluated the anticancer effects of Oltipraz (Olt), a synthetic dithiolethione found in many vegetables, including crucifers. While Olt exposure was non-toxic to the HEK-293 cell line, it impaired the cell growth in three GBM cell lines (LN18, LN229, and U-87 MG), arresting those at the G2/M phase. Olt-exposed GBM cells induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial depolarization, caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis, nuclear condensation, and DNA fragmentation, and decreased glutathione, a natural ROS scavenger, as well as vimentin and β-catenin, the EMT-associated markers. Its effect on a subpopulation of GBM cells exhibiting glioblastoma stem cell (GSCs)-like characteristics revealed a reduced expression of Oct4, Sox2, CD133, CD44, and a decrease in ALDH+, Nestin+ and CD44+ cells. In contrast, there was an increase in the expression of GFAP and GFAP+ cells. The Olt also significantly suppressed the oncosphere-forming ability of cells. Its efficacy was further validated in vivo, wherein oral administration of Olt could suppress the ectopically established GBM tumor growth in SCID mice. However, there was no alteration in body weight, organ ratio, and biochemical parameters, reflecting the absence of any toxicity otherwise. Together, our findings could demonstrate the promising chemotherapeutic efficacy of Olt with potential implications in treating GBM.
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Sanati M, Binabaj MM, Ahmadi SS, Aminyavari S, Javid H, Mollazadeh H, Bibak B, Mohtashami E, Jamialahmadi T, Afshari AR, Sahebkar A. Recent advances in glioblastoma multiforme therapy: A focus on autophagy regulation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113740. [PMID: 36166963 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113740] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite conventional treatment options including chemoradiation, patients with the most aggressive primary brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), experience an average survival time of less than 15 months. Regarding the malignant nature of GBM, extensive research and discovery of novel treatments are urgently required to improve the patients' prognosis. Autophagy, a crucial physiological pathway for the degradation and recycling of cell components, is one of the exciting targets of GBM studies. Interventions aimed at autophagy activation or inhibition have been explored as potential GBM therapeutics. This review, which delves into therapeutic techniques to block or activate autophagy in preclinical and clinical research, aims to expand our understanding of available therapies battling GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maryam Moradi Binabaj
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Samaneh Aminyavari
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hamid Mollazadeh
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Bahram Bibak
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Elmira Mohtashami
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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14
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Thuru X, Magnez R, El-Bouazzati H, Vergoten G, Quesnel B, Bailly C. Drug Repurposing to Enhance Antitumor Response to PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143368. [PMID: 35884428 PMCID: PMC9322126 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143368] [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: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint have considerably improved the treatment of some cancers, but novel drugs, new combinations, and treatment modalities are needed to reinvigorate immunosurveillance in immune-refractory tumors. An option to elicit antitumor immunity against cancer consists of using approved and marketed drugs known for their capacity to modulate the expression and functioning of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint. Here, we have reviewed several types of drugs known to alter the checkpoint, either directly via the blockade of PD-L1 or indirectly via an action on upstream effectors (such as STAT3) to suppress PD-L1 transcription or to induce its proteasomal degradation. Specifically, the repositioning of the approved drugs liothyronine, azelnidipine (and related dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers), niclosamide, albendazole/flubendazole, and a few other modulators of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint (repaglinide, pimozide, fenofibrate, lonazolac, propranolol) is presented. Their capacity to bind to PD-L1 or to repress its expression and function offer novel perspectives for combination with PD-1 targeted biotherapeutics. These known and affordable drugs could be useful to improve the therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Thuru
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Romain Magnez
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Hassiba El-Bouazzati
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, University of Lille, Inserm, INFINITE—U1286, 3 Rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, F-59006 Lille, France;
| | - Bruno Quesnel
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Christian Bailly
- Oncowitan, Scientific Consulting Office, F-59290 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
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15
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Xiong P, Zhang T, Li Z, Tang X. Retinoid Drugs Improve Autophagy of Medulloblastoma Cells via Hedgehog-Gli Signaling Pathway. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2022.3045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Our study aims to discuss the effect of retinoid drug on autophagy of medulloblastoma cells. Targeted ferrocenoretinoic acid was prepared and identified. The MB cells were assigned into blank group, control group and transfection group followed by analysis of cell survival rate and
expression of Rack1, Hedgehog-Gli, Beclin1 and LC3. The size and form of prepared ferrocenoretinoic acid was uniform. There was positive charge which can bind target. Ferrocenoretinoic acid treatment declined cell survival rate and increased cell apoptotic rate. The level of Rack1 and Hedgehog-Gli
in transfection group was lower than other two group. The tendency in expression of Beclin1 and LC3 was reversed. In conclusion, the expression of Rack1 is restrained by nano-retinoid drug so as to restrain the Hedgehog-Gli signal activity. Therefore, the survival rate of medulloblastoma cells
could be restrained and apoptotic rate could be prompted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Xiaoping Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
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16
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STAT3 in medulloblastoma: a key transcriptional regulator and potential therapeutic target. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:10635-10652. [PMID: 35716286 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07694-6] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood accounting for about 60% of all pediatric embryonal tumors. Despite improvements in the overall survival rate, this tumor still lacks an efficient, reliable, and less toxic therapeutic approach. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in medulloblastoma initiation and progression is a crucial step for the development of effective therapies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 is a convergence point for several signaling cascades that are implicated in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis. Accumulated evidence has revealed the pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma pathogenesis such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression as well as maintenance, drug resistance, and recurrence. In this review, we focus on the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis and discuss the recent advances of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibition as a promising developed strategy for medulloblastoma therapy.
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17
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Li J, Qu P, Zhou XZ, Ji YX, Yuan S, Liu SP, Zhang QG. Pimozide inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells by alleviating the Warburg effect through the P53 signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113063. [PMID: 35658233 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Warburg effect is a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, referring to the ability of cancer cells to generate energy through high levels of glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen, allowing them to grow and proliferate rapidly. The antipsychotic Pimozide has strong anti-breast cancer effects both in vivo and in vitro, whether Pimozide has an inhibitory effect on aerobic glycolysis has not been elucidated. In this study, Pimozide inhibited the Warburg effect of breast cancer cells by hindering glucose uptake, ATP level and lactate production; reducing the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR); suppressing the expression of PKM2, a rate-limiting enzyme in glycolysis. Intriguingly, Pimozide was significantly involved in reprogramming glucose metabolism in breast cancer cells through a p53-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies demonstrated Pimozide increased the expression of p53 through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/MDM2 signaling pathway, which in turn downregulated the expression of PKM2. In sum, our results suggest that Pimozide mediates the p53 signaling pathway through PI3K/AKT/MDM2 to inhibit the Warburg effect and breast cancer growth, and it may be a potential aerobic glycolysis inhibitor for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Li
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University College of Basic Medicine, Yanji, 133002 Jilin, China; Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622 Liaoning, China
| | - Peng Qu
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622 Liaoning, China
| | - Xing-Zhi Zhou
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622 Liaoning, China
| | - Yun-Xia Ji
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622 Liaoning, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622 Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002 Jilin, China
| | - Shuang-Ping Liu
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622 Liaoning, China.
| | - Qing-Gao Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University College of Basic Medicine, Yanji, 133002 Jilin, China; Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622 Liaoning, China.
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18
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Kaushik I, Srivastava SK. GABA A receptor agonist suppresses pediatric medulloblastoma progression by inhibiting PKA-Gli1 signaling axis. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2584-2602. [PMID: 35331907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Sonic hedgehog-activated subgroup of medulloblastoma (SHH-MB) is one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors. Recent clinical studies and genomic databases indicate that GABAA receptor holds significant clinical relevance as a therapeutic target for pediatric MB. Herein, we report that "moxidectin," a GABAA receptor agonist, inhibits the proliferation of Daoy, UW426, UW228, ONS76, and PFSK1 SHH-MB cells by inducing apoptosis. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that moxidectin significantly induced GABAA receptor expression and inhibited cyclic AMP (cAMP)-mediated protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-Gli1 signaling in SHH-MB. Gli1 and the downstream effector cancer stem cell (CSC) molecules such as Pax6, Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog were also inhibited by moxidectin treatment. Interestingly, moxidectin also inhibited the expression of MDR1. Mechanistic studies using pharmacological or genetic inhibitors/activators of PKA and Gli1 confirmed that the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of moxidectin were mediated through inhibition of PKA-Gli1 signaling. Oral administration of 2.5 mg/kg moxidectin suppressed the growth of SHH-MB tumors by 55%-80% in subcutaneous and intracranial tumor models in mice. Ex vivo analysis of excised tumors confirmed the observations made in the in vitro studies. Moxidectin is an FDA-approved drug with an established safety record, therefore any positive findings from our studies will prompt its further clinical investigation for the treatment of MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itishree Kaushik
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Sanjay K Srivastava
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA.
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19
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Programmed Cell Death Alterations Mediated by Synthetic Indole Chalcone Resulted in Cell Cycle Arrest, DNA Damage, Apoptosis and Signaling Pathway Modulations in Breast Cancer Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030503. [PMID: 35335879 PMCID: PMC8953149 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although new chemotherapy significantly increased the survival of breast cancer (BC) patients, the use of these drugs is often associated with serious toxicity. The discovery of novel anticancer agents for BC therapy is expected. This study was conducted to explore the antiproliferative effect of newly synthesized indole chalcone derivative ZK-CH-11d on human BC cell lines. MTT screening, flow cytometry, Western blot, and fluorescence microscopy were used to evaluate the mode of cell death. ZK-CH-11d significantly suppressed the proliferation of BC cells with minimal effect against non-cancer cells. This effect was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and apoptosis induction. Apoptosis was associated with cytochrome c release, increased activity of caspase 3 and caspase 7, PARP cleavage, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of the DNA damage response system. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that ZK-CH-11d increased the AMPK phosphorylation with simultaneous inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway indicating autophagy initiation. However, chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, significantly potentiated the cytotoxic effect of ZK-CH-11d in MDA-MB-231 cells indicating that autophagy is not principally involved in the antiproliferative effect of ZK-CH-11d. Taking together the results from our experiments, we assume that autophagy was activated as a defense mechanism in treated cells trying to escape from chalcone-induced harmful effects.
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20
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Wang Y, Xu Y, Zhu C. The Role of Autophagy in Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:1535-1547. [PMID: 36197606 PMCID: PMC9596594 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01015-6] [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] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Autophagy is a physiological process that occurs in normal tissues. Under external environmental pressure or internal environmental changes, cells can digest part of their contents through autophagy in order to reduce metabolic pressure or remove damaged organelles. In cancer, autophagy plays a paradoxical role, acting as a tumor suppressor-by removing damaged organelles and inhibiting inflammation or by promoting genome stability and the tumor-adaptive responses-as a pro-survival mechanism to protect cells from stress. In this article, we review the autophagy-dependent mechanisms driving childhood central nervous system tumor cell death, malignancy invasion, chemosensitivity, and radiosensitivity. Autophagy inhibitors and inducers have been developed, and encouraging results have been achieved in autophagy modulation, suggesting that these might be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafeng Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital,Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018 China ,Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China ,Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention,Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China ,Center for Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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21
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EZH2 as a new therapeutic target in brain tumors: Molecular landscape, therapeutic targeting and future prospects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112532. [PMID: 34906772 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are responsible for high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The brain tumor treatment depends on identification of molecular pathways involved in progression and malignancy. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has obtained much attention in recent years in field of cancer therapy due to its aberrant expression and capacity in modulating expression of genes by binding to their promoter and affecting methylation status. The present review focuses on EZH2 signaling in brain tumors including glioma, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, ependymomas, medulloblastoma and brain rhabdoid tumors. EZH2 signaling mainly participates in increasing proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. However, in medulloblastoma, EZH2 demonstrates tumor-suppressor activity. Furthermore, EZH2 can regulate response of brain tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Various molecular pathways can function as upstream mediators of EZH2 in brain tumors including lncRNAs and miRNAs. Owing to its enzymatic activity, EZH2 can bind to promoter of target genes to induce methylation and affects their expression. EZH2 can be considered as an independent prognostic factor in brain tumors that its upregulation provides undesirable prognosis. Both anti-tumor agents and gene therapies such as siRNA have been developed for targeting EZH2 in cancer therapy.
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22
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Repurposing Antipsychotics for Cancer Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121785. [PMID: 34944601 PMCID: PMC8698939 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121785] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 19 million new cases each year. Lately, several novel chemotherapeutic drugs have been introduced, efficiently inhibiting tumor growth and proliferation. However, developing a new drug is a time- and money-consuming process, requiring around 1 billion dollars and nearly ten years, with only a minority of the initially effective anti-cancer drugs experimentally finally being efficient in human clinical trials. Drug repurposing for cancer treatment is an optimal alternative as the safety of these drugs has been previously tested, and thus, in case of successful preclinical studies, can be introduced faster and with a lower cost into phase 3 clinical trials. Antipsychotic drugs are associated with anti-cancer properties and, lately, there has been an increasing interest in their role in cancer treatment. In the present review, we discussed in detail the in-vitro and in-vivo properties of the most common typical and atypical antipsychotics, along with their mechanism of action.
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23
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Bu F, Zhang J, Shuai W, Liu J, Sun Q, Ouyang L. Repurposing drugs in autophagy for the treatment of cancer: From bench to bedside. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1815-1831. [PMID: 34808390 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a multistep degradation pathway involving the lysosome, which supports nutrient reuse and metabolic balance, and has been implicated as a process that regulates cancer genesis and development. Targeting tumors by regulating autophagy has become a therapeutic strategy of interest. Drugs with other indications can have antitumor activity by modulating autophagy, providing a shortcut to developing novel antitumor drugs (i.e., drug repurposing/repositioning), as successfully performed for chloroquine (CQ); an increasing number of repurposed drugs have since advanced into clinical trials. In this review, we describe the application of different drug-repurposing approaches in autophagy for the treatment of cancer and focus on repurposing drugs that target autophagy to treat malignant neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faqian Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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24
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Ramachandran S, Kaushik IS, Srivastava SK. Pimavanserin: A Novel Autophagy Modulator for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225661. [PMID: 34830816 PMCID: PMC8616166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic tumors exhibit high basal autophagy compared to that of other cancers. Several studies including those from our laboratory reported that enhanced autophagy leads to apoptosis in cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the autophagy and apoptosis inducing effects of Pimavanserin tartrate (PVT). Autophagic effects of PVT were determined by Acridine Orange assay and Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis. Clinical significance of ULK1 in normal and pancreatic cancer patients was evaluated by R2 and GEPIA cancer genomic databases. Modulation of proteins in autophagy signaling was assessed by Western blotting and Immunofluorescence. Apoptotic effects of PVT was evaluated by Annexin-V/APC assay. Subcutaneous xenograft pancreatic tumor model was used to evaluate the autophagy-mediated apoptotic effects of PVT in vivo. Autophagy was induced upon PVT treatment in pancreatic ducal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Pancreatic cancer patients exhibit reduced levels of autophagy initiator gene, ULK1, which correlated with reduced patient survival. Interestingly, PVT induced the expression of autophagy markers ULK1, FIP200, Atg101, Beclin-1, Atg5, LC3A/B, and cleavage of caspase-3, an indicator of apoptosis in several PDAC cells. ULK1 agonist LYN-1604 enhanced the autophagic and apoptotic effects of PVT. On the other hand, autophagy inhibitors chloroquine and bafilomycin blocked the autophagic and apoptotic effects of PVT in PDAC cells. Notably, chloroquine abrogated the growth suppressive effects of PVT by 25% in BxPC3 tumor xenografts in nude mice. Collectively, our results indicate that PVT mediated pancreatic tumor growth suppression was associated with induction of autophagy mediated apoptosis.
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Role of Phytochemicals in Perturbation of Redox Homeostasis in Cancer. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010083. [PMID: 33435480 PMCID: PMC7827008 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, research on reactive oxygen species (ROS) has revealed their critical role in the initiation and progression of cancer by virtue of various transcription factors. At certain threshold values, ROS act as signaling molecules leading to activation of oncogenic pathways. However, if perturbated beyond the threshold values, ROS act in an anti-tumor manner leading to cellular death. ROS mediate cellular death through various programmed cell death (PCD) approaches such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, etc. Thus, external stimulation of ROS beyond a threshold is considered a promising therapeutic strategy. Phytochemicals have been widely regarded as favorable therapeutic options in many diseased conditions. Over the past few decades, mechanistic studies on phytochemicals have revealed their effect on ROS homeostasis in cancer. Considering their favorable side effect profile, phytochemicals remain attractive treatment options in cancer. Herein, we review some of the most recent studies performed using phytochemicals and, we further delve into the mechanism of action enacted by individual phytochemicals for PCD in cancer.
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