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Zhou X, Qian Y, Ling C, He Z, Shi P, Gao Y, Sui X. An integrated framework for prognosis prediction and drug response modeling in colorectal liver metastasis drug discovery. J Transl Med 2024; 22:321. [PMID: 38555418 PMCID: PMC10981831 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05127-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer globally, and liver metastasis (CRLM) is the primary cause of death. Hence, it is essential to discover novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic drugs for CRLM. METHODS This study developed two liver metastasis-associated prognostic signatures based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CRLM. Additionally, we employed an interpretable deep learning model utilizing drug sensitivity databases to identify potential therapeutic drugs for high-risk CRLM patients. Subsequently, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to verify the efficacy of these compounds. RESULTS These two prognostic models exhibited superior performance compared to previously reported ones. Obatoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor, showed significant differential responses between high and low risk groups classified by prognostic models, and demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in both Transwell assay and CT26 colorectal liver metastasis mouse model. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the significance of developing specialized prognostication approaches and investigating effective therapeutic drugs for patients with CRLM. The application of a deep learning drug response model provides a new drug discovery strategy for translational medicine in precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China
| | - Yuzhen Qian
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chen Ling
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China
| | - Zhuoying He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China
| | - Peishang Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China.
| | - Xinghua Sui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518107, China.
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Guo X, Li Y, Chen X, Sun B, Guo X. Urocortin-1 promotes colorectal cancer cell migration and proliferation and inhibits apoptosis via inhibition of the p53 signaling pathway. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:163. [PMID: 38546882 PMCID: PMC10978644 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of urocortin-1 (UCN-1) on growth, migration, and apoptosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) in vivo and vitro and the mechanism by which UCN-1 modulates CRC cells in vitro. METHODS The correlation between UCN-1 and CRC was evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and a tissue microarray. The expression of UCN-1 in CRC cells was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. In vitro, the influence of UCN-1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of HT-29, HCT-116, and RKO cells was explored using the celigo cell counting assay or cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry, and wound healing or Transwell assays, respectively. In vivo, the effect of UCN-1 on CRC growth and progression was evaluated in nude mice. The downstream pathway underlying UCN-1-mediated regulation of CRC was determined using the phospho-kinase profiler array in RKO cells. Lentiviruses were used to knockdown or upregulate UCN-1 expression in cells. RESULTS Both the TCGA and tissue microarray results showed that UCN-1 was strongly expressed in the tissues of patients with CRC. Furthermore, the tissue microarray results showed that the expression of UCN-1 was higher in male than in female patients, and high expression of UCN-1 was associated with higher risk of lymphatic metastasis and later pathological stage. UCN-1 knockdown caused a reduction in CRC cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation, as well as an increase in apoptosis. In xenograft experiments, tumors generated from RKO cells with UCN-1 knockdown exhibited reduced volumes and weights. A reduction in the expression of Ki-67 in xenograft tumors indicated that UCN-1 knockdown curbed tumor growth. The human phospho-kinase array showed that the p53 signaling pathway participated in UCN-1-mediated CRC development. The suppression in migration and proliferation caused by UCN-1 knockdown was reversed by inhibitors of p53 signal pathway, while the increase in cell apoptosis was suppressed. On the other hand, overexpression of UCN-1 promoted proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis in CRC cells. Overexpression of p53 reversed the effect of UCN-1 overexpression on CRC development. CONCLUSION UCN-1 promotes migration and proliferation and inhibits apoptosis via inhibition of the p53 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Binghua Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaolan Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Ebrahimi S, Soukhtanloo M, Mostafavi-Pour Z. Anti-tumor effects of Auraptene through induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress in a mouse model of colorectal cancer. Tissue Cell 2023; 81:102004. [PMID: 36603499 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.102004] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The main strategy of cancer cells for survival is uncontrolled cell division and escape from apoptosis. The use of anticancer agents inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and controlling cell division might be a therapeutic approach to eradicate cancer cells. Herein, we examined the therapeutic effects of Auraptene on CT26 cells as well as on a mouse model of colorectal cancer (CRC). The spheroid assay was also conducted to analyze the anti-proliferative activity of Auraptene. We also assessed the in vitro analysis of ROS generation. The impact of Auraptene on oxidant/antioxidant markers, as well as the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Nrf2, Cyclin D1, and Survivin genes, was evaluated by qPCR in tumor samples. As a result, Auraptene significantly reduced the size of CT26 spheroids at a dose of 200 µM. After 12 h, ROS levels were significantly elevated in CT26 cells. The administration of Auraptene induced apoptosis and the cell cycle arrest by modulating Bax, Bcl-2, Nrf2, Cyclin D1, and Survivin mRNA levels. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that Auraptene suppressed CAT, GSH (reduced Glutathione), and FRAP while increasing MDA in tissue homogenates which in turn could raise oxidative stress and stimulate apoptosis. Therefore, Auraptene may act as a powerful adjuvant therapy in CRC since it triggers apoptosis and cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Ebrahimi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mostafavi-Pour
- Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Ghanim B, Baier D, Pirker C, Müllauer L, Sinn K, Lang G, Hoetzenecker K, Berger W. Trabectedin Is Active against Two Novel, Patient-Derived Solitary Fibrous Pleural Tumor Cell Lines and Synergizes with Ponatinib. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225602. [PMID: 36428694 PMCID: PMC9688590 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFT) is a rare disease. Besides surgery combined with radiotherapy in nondisseminated stages, curative options are currently absent. Out of fourteen primo-cell cultures, established from surgical SFT specimens, two showed stable in vitro growth. Both cell models harbored the characteristic NAB2-STAT6 fusion and were further investigated by different preclinical methods assessing cell viability, clone formation, and protein regulation upon single-drug treatment or in response to selected treatment combinations. Both fusion-positive cell models showed-in line with the clinical experience and the literature-a low to moderate response to most of the tested cytotoxic and targeted agents. However, the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors ponatinib and dasatinib, as well as the anti-sarcoma compound trabectedin, revealed promising activity against SFT growth. Furthermore, both cell models spontaneously presented strong FGFR downstream signaling targetable by ponatinib. Most interestingly, the combination of either ponatinib or dasatinib with trabectedin showed synergistic effects. In conclusion, this study identified novel trabectedin-based treatment combinations with clinically approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors, using two newly established NAB2-STAT6 fusion-positive cell models. These findings can be the basis for anti-SFT drug repurposing approaches in this rare and therapy-refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahil Ghanim
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, University Hospital Krems, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Dina Baier
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Cluster “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Christine Pirker
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard Müllauer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Sinn
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gyoergy Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Research Cluster “Translational Cancer Therapy Research”, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Hou Y, Liu R, Xia M, Sun C, Zhong B, Yu J, Ai N, Lu JJ, Ge W, Liu B, Chen X. Nannocystin ax, an eEF1A inhibitor, induces G1 cell cycle arrest and caspase-independent apoptosis through cyclin D1 downregulation in colon cancer in vivo. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105870. [PMID: 34500061 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Nannocystin ax (NAN), a 21-membered cyclodepsipeptide initially isolated from myxobacteria of the Nannocystis genus, was found to target the eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A). The current study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effect and underlying mechanisms of NAN with in vitro and in vivo models. Results showed that NAN induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest and caspase-independent apoptosis in HCT116 and HT29 human CRC cells. NAN significantly downregulated cyclin D1 level in a short time, but NAN did not affect the transcription level and ubiquitin-dependent degradation of cyclin D1. Furthermore, NAN treatment directly targeted eEF1A and partially decreased the synthesis of new proteins, contributing to the downregulation of cyclin D1. Besides, NAN significantly suppressed tumor growth in the zebrafish xenograft model. In conclusion, NAN triggered G1 phase cell cycle arrest through cyclin D1 downregulation and eEF1A-targeted translation inhibition and promoted caspase-independent apoptosis in CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Hou
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Mengwei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Chong Sun
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Bingling Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Nana Ai
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry & Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China.
| | - Xiuping Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
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Targeting BCL-2 in Cancer: Advances, Challenges, and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061292. [PMID: 33799470 PMCID: PMC8001391 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Apoptosis, a programmed form of cell death, represents the main mechanism by which cells die. Such phenomenon is highly regulated by the BCL-2 family of proteins, which includes both pro-apoptotic and pro-survival proteins. The decision whether cells live or die is tightly controlled by a balance between these two classes of proteins. Notably, the pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins are frequently overexpressed in cancer cells dysregulating this balance in favor of survival and also rendering cells more resistant to therapeutic interventions. In this review, we outlined the most important steps in the development of targeting the BCL-2 survival proteins, which laid the ground for the discovery and the development of the selective BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax as a therapeutic drug in hematological malignancies. The limitations and future directions are also discussed. Abstract The major form of cell death in normal as well as malignant cells is apoptosis, which is a programmed process highly regulated by the BCL-2 family of proteins. This includes the antiapoptotic proteins (BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1, BCLW, and BFL-1) and the proapoptotic proteins, which can be divided into two groups: the effectors (BAX, BAK, and BOK) and the BH3-only proteins (BIM, BAD, NOXA, PUMA, BID, BIK, HRK). Notably, the BCL-2 antiapoptotic proteins are often overexpressed in malignant cells. While this offers survival advantages to malignant cells and strengthens their drug resistance capacity, it also offers opportunities for novel targeted therapies that selectively kill such cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the extensive preclinical and clinical studies targeting BCL-2 proteins with various BCL-2 proteins inhibitors with emphasis on venetoclax as a single agent, as well as in combination with other therapeutic agents. This review also discusses recent advances, challenges focusing on drug resistance, and future perspectives for effective targeting the Bcl-2 family of proteins in cancer.
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Hong Z, Tang P, Liu B, Ran C, Yuan C, Zhang Y, Lu Y, Duan X, Yang Y, Wu H. Ferroptosis-related Genes for Overall Survival Prediction in Patients with Colorectal Cancer can be Inhibited by Gallic acid. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:942-956. [PMID: 33867820 PMCID: PMC8040315 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.57164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most deadly malignant tumors, which seriously threatens human health. Ferroptosis, a new type of iron-dependent cell regulatory necrosis. Inducing ferroptosis of tumor cells is regarded as a potential treatment strategy. However, the prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes in CRC remains to be further elucidated. Gallic acid, widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food fields, is a dietary supplement with potential prescription significance. In this study, the mRNA expression profiles and corresponding clinical data of CRC patients were downloaded from public databases. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was used to evaluate the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes. In addition, bioinformatics analysis showed the prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes in CRC. Molecular docking predicts the binding status of gallic acid and ferroptosis-related genes. The experiment confirmed the correctness of the predicted results. Our results show that in the TCGA cohort, 30 ferroptosis-related genes are differentially expressed between CRC and adjacent normal tissues. Among them, eight differentially expressed genes are related to overall survival. Gallic acid can bind to ferroptosis-related targets and regulate the expression of corresponding proteins, and ferroptosis inhibitors reversed the experimental results. In summary, eight new ferroptosis-related genes can be used to predict the prognosis of CRC. Gallic acid can improve CRC by regulating ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Hong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Peili Tang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chongwang Ran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chong Yuan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueyun Duan
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanfang Yang
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Chemistry of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of New Products for Geriatrics Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Hezhen Wu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resources and Chemistry of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of New Products for Geriatrics Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
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Wen S, He L, Zhong Z, Mi H, Liu F. Prognostic Model of Colorectal Cancer Constructed by Eight Immune-Related Genes. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:604252. [PMID: 33330631 PMCID: PMC7729086 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.604252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract with a high mortality rate. Growing evidence demonstrates that immune-related genes play a prominent role in the occurrence and development of CRC. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of immune-related genes in CRC. Methods Gene expression profiles and clinical data of 568 CRC and 44 non-tumorous tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. First, we performed a differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis to determine the DEGs associated with overall survival. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently performed for prognostic immune-related genes. Then, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to establish the immune prognostic model and identify the independent prognostic factors of CRC. Next, in vitro experiments were done to further validate the model. Finally, we analyzed the correlation among immune-related genes, clinical traits, and immune cell infiltration. Results In total, 3,702 DEGs were obtained, and 338 prognostic immune-related genes were identified. Among them, 45 genes were significantly correlated with the prognosis of CRC patients. A TF-mediated network was set up to explore its internal mechanism. GO and KEGG analyses further illustrated that these genes were enriched in immune-and inflammatory-related pathways. Then, a prognostic prediction model composed of eight immune-related genes (SLC10A2, UTS2, FGF2, UCN, IL1RL2, ESM1, ADIPOQ, and VIP) was constructed. The AUC of the ROC curve for 1, 3, 5, and 10 years overall survival (OS) was 0.751, 0.707, 0.680, and 0.729, respectively. The survival analysis suggested that the OS of the high-risk group was significantly poorer than that of the low-risk group. Meanwhile, in vitro assays revealed that ESM1 and SLC10A2 exert opposing roles in colon cancer cell proliferation, validating the accuracy of the model. The correlation analysis indicated that immune cell infiltration was positively related to the model. Conclusion This study screened prognosis-related immune genes and developed a prognostic prediction model of CRC. These findings may help provide potential novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CRC. At the same time, the understanding of the CRC immune microenvironment status was deepened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Wen
- The First Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Long He
- The First Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuotai Zhong
- The First Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Mi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengbin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Opydo-Chanek M, Cichoń I, Rak A, Kołaczkowska E, Mazur L. The pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor obatoclax promotes differentiation and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Invest New Drugs 2020; 38:1664-1676. [PMID: 32367199 PMCID: PMC7575496 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-00931-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
One of the key features of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the arrest of differentiation at the early progenitor stage of myelopoiesis. Therefore, the identification of new agents that could overcome this differentiation block and force leukemic cells to enter the apoptotic pathway is essential for the development of new treatment strategies in AML. Regarding this, herein we report the pro-differentiation activity of the pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor, obatoclax. Obatoclax promoted differentiation of human AML HL-60 cells and triggered their apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, obatoclax-induced apoptosis was associated with leukemic cell differentiation. Moreover, decreased expression of Bcl-2 protein was observed in obatoclax-treated HL-60 cells. Furthermore, differentiation of these cells was accompanied by the loss of their proliferative capacity, as shown by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Taken together, these findings indicate that the anti-AML effects of obatoclax involve not only the induction of apoptosis but also differentiation of leukemic cells. Therefore, obatoclax represents a promising treatment for AML that warrants further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Opydo-Chanek
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Iwona Cichoń
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kołaczkowska
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Lidia Mazur
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
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Obatoclax, a Pan-BCL-2 Inhibitor, Downregulates Survivin to Induce Apoptosis in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells Via Suppressing WNT/β-catenin Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051773. [PMID: 32150830 PMCID: PMC7084590 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevailing cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Aberrant expression of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins is closely linked to neoplastic progression and chemoresistance. Obatoclax is a clinically developed drug, which binds antiapoptotic BCL-2, BCL-xL, and MCL-1 for inhibition to elicit apoptosis. Survivin is an antiapoptotic protein, whose upregulation correlates with pathogenesis, therapeutic resistance, and poor prognosis in CRC. Herein, we provide the first evidence delineating the functional linkage between Obatoclax and survivin in the context of human CRC cells. In detail, Obatoclax was found to markedly downregulate survivin. This downregulation was mainly achieved via transcriptional repression, as Obatoclax lowered the levels of both survivin mRNA and promoter activity, while blocking proteasomal degradation failed to prevent survivin from downregulation by Obatoclax. Notably, ectopic survivin expression curtailed Obatoclax-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity, confirming an essential role of survivin downregulation in Obatoclax-elicited anti-CRC effect. Moreover, Obatoclax was found to repress hyperactive WNT/β-catenin signaling activity commonly present in human CRC cells, and, markedly, ectopic expression of dominant-active β-catenin mutant rescued the levels of survivin along with elevated cell viability. We further revealed that, depending on the cell context, Obatoclax suppresses WNT/β-catenin signaling in HCT 116 cells likely via inducing β-catenin destabilization, or by downregulating LEF1 in DLD-1 cells. Collectively, we for the first time define survivin downregulation as a novel, pro-apoptotic mechanism of Obatoclax as a consequence of Obatocalx acting as an antagonist to WNT/β-catenin signaling.
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Negative regulators of cell death pathways in cancer: perspective on biomarkers and targeted therapies. Apoptosis 2019; 23:93-112. [PMID: 29322476 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a primary cause of human fatality and conventional cancer therapies, e.g., chemotherapy, are often associated with adverse side-effects, tumor drug-resistance, and recurrence. Molecularly targeted therapy, composed of small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapy (e.g., monoclonal antibody and cancer vaccines), is a less harmful alternative being more effective against cancer cells whilst preserving healthy tissues. Drug-resistance, however, caused by negative regulation of cell death signaling pathways, is still a challenge. Circumvention of negative regulators of cell death pathways or development of predictive and response biomarkers is, therefore, quintessential. This review critically discusses the current state of knowledge on targeting negative regulators of cell death signaling pathways including apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and anoikis and evaluates the recent advances in clinical and preclinical research on biomarkers of negative regulators. It aims to provide a comprehensive platform for designing efficacious polytherapies including novel agents for restoring cell death signaling pathways or targeting alternative resistance pathways to improve the chances for antitumor responses. Overall, it is concluded that nonapoptotic cell death pathways are a potential research arena for drug discovery, development of novel biomarkers and targeted therapies.
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Matarlo JS, Krumpe LRH, Heinz WF, Oh D, Shenoy SR, Thomas CL, Goncharova EI, Lockett SJ, O'Keefe BR. The Natural Product Butylcycloheptyl Prodiginine Binds Pre-miR-21, Inhibits Dicer-Mediated Processing of Pre-miR-21, and Blocks Cellular Proliferation. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1133-1142.e4. [PMID: 31155509 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Identification of RNA-interacting pharmacophores could provide chemical probes and, potentially, small molecules for RNA-based therapeutics. Using a high-throughput differential scanning fluorimetry assay, we identified small-molecule natural products with the capacity to bind the discrete stem-looped structure of pre-miR-21. The most potent compound identified was a prodiginine-type compound, butylcycloheptyl prodiginine (bPGN), with the ability to inhibit Dicer-mediated processing of pre-miR-21 in vitro and in cells. Time-dependent RT-qPCR, western blot, and transcriptomic analyses showed modulation of miR-21 expression and its target genes such as PDCD4 and PTEN upon treatment with bPGN, supporting on-target inhibition. Consequently, inhibition of cellular proliferation in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells was also observed when treated with bPGN. The discovery that bPGN can bind and modulate the expression of regulatory RNAs such as miR-21 helps set the stage for further development of this class of natural product as a molecular probe or therapeutic agent against miRNA-dependent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe S Matarlo
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lauren R H Krumpe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - William F Heinz
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daniel Oh
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shilpa R Shenoy
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Cheryl L Thomas
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ekaterina I Goncharova
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Directorate, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Stephen J Lockett
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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Steele TM, Talbott GC, Sam A, Tepper CG, Ghosh PM, Vinall RL. Obatoclax, a BH3 Mimetic, Enhances Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis and Decreases the Clonogenicity of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Cells via Mechanisms That Involve the Inhibition of Pro-Survival Molecules as Well as Cell Cycle Regulators. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061285. [PMID: 30875757 PMCID: PMC6470498 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies by our group and others have determined that expression levels of Bcl-2 and/or Bcl-xL, pro-survival molecules which are associated with chemoresistance, are elevated in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MI-BC). The goal of this study was to determine whether combining Obatoclax, a BH3 mimetic which inhibits pro-survival Bcl-2 family members, can improve responses to cisplatin chemotherapy, the standard of care treatment for MI-BC. Three MI-BC cell lines (T24, TCCSuP, 5637) were treated with Obatoclax alone or in combination with cisplatin and/or pre-miR-34a, a molecule which we have previously shown to inhibit MI-BC cell proliferation via decreasing Cdk6 expression. Proliferation, clonogenic, and apoptosis assays confirmed that Obatoclax can decrease cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Combination treatment experiments identified Obatoclax + cisplatin as the most effective treatment. Immunoprecipitation and Western analyses indicate that, in addition to being able to inhibit Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, Obatoclax can also decrease cyclin D1 and Cdk4/6 expression levels. This has not previously been reported. The combined data demonstrate that Obatoclax can inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, and significantly enhance the effectiveness of cisplatin in MI-BC cells via mechanisms that likely involve the inhibition of both pro-survival molecules and cell cycle regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Steele
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate University College of Pharmacy (CNUCOP), Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA.
- VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS), Sacramento, CA 95655, USA.
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - George C Talbott
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate University College of Pharmacy (CNUCOP), Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA.
| | - Anhao Sam
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate University College of Pharmacy (CNUCOP), Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA.
| | - Clifford G Tepper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Paramita M Ghosh
- VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS), Sacramento, CA 95655, USA.
- Department of Urologic Surgery, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Ruth L Vinall
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate University College of Pharmacy (CNUCOP), Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA.
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Liu Z, An H, Song P, Wang D, Li S, Chen K, Pang Q. Potential targets of TMEM176A in the growth of glioblastoma cells. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:7763-7775. [PMID: 30464524 PMCID: PMC6223399 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s179725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human transmembrane protein 176A (TMEM176A) is upregulated in several tumors. Growing evidence has suggested the high clinical value of TMEM176A as a biomarker for early tumor diagnosis. However, less is known about the function of TMEM176A in glioblastomas (GBMs). METHODS In this study, we systematically analyzed the effect of TMEM176A knockdown and overexpression in GBM cells (U87, T98G and A172) on cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis. RESULTS Our results indicated that TMEM176A acted as a tumor-promoting factor in GBM cells. Moreover, a specific ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, suppressed the function of TMEM176A in GBM cells. Therefore, we proposed that TMEM176A may be involved in a pathway including ERK1/2 in the regulation of the cell cycle. Moreover, we also found that TMEM176A affected the expression of Bcl2 and played a central role in apoptosis of GBM cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results not only elucidated the multiple functions of TMEM176A in GBM cells but also provided a deep insight into the potential targets of TMEM176A in the growth of GBM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, People's Hospital of Zhangqiu, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong 250200, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia An
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Zhangqiu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong 250200, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of Orthopedics, People's Hospital of Zhangqiu, Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong 250200, People's Republic of China
| | - Dejing Wang
- Department of Stomatology, People's Hospital of Zhangqiu, Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong 250200, People's Republic of China
| | - Shichun Li
- Department of Doppler Ultrasonic, People's Hospital of Zhangqiu, Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong 250200, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, Tianqiao, Jinan, Shandong 250200, People's Republic of China,
| | - Qi Pang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Huaiyin, Jinan, Shandong 250200, People's Republic of China,
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