1
|
Tang J, Chen L, Chang Y, Hang D, Chen G, Wang Y, Feng L, Xu M. ZBTB7A interferes with the RPL5-P53 feedback loop and reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:1783-1799. [PMID: 38896079 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23772] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a primary mechanism leading to cell apoptosis, making it of great research interests in cancer management. This study delves into the function of ribosomal protein L5 (RPL5) in ER stress within pancreatic cancer (PCa) cells and investigates its regulatory mechanisms. Bioinformatics predictions pinpointed RPL5 as an ER stress-related gene exhibiting diminished expression in PCa. Indeed, RPL5 was found to be poorly expressed in PCa tissues and cells, with this reduced expression correlating with an unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, RPL5 overexpression led to heightened levels of p-PERK, p-eIF2α, and CHOP, bolstering the proapoptotic effect of Tunicamycin, an ER stress activator, on PCa cells. Additionally, the RPL5 overexpression curbed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Tunicamycin enhanced the binding between RPL5 and murine double minute 2 (MDM2), thus suppressing MDM2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of P53. Consequently, P53 augmentation intensified ER stress, which further enhanced the binding between RPL5 and MDM2 through PERK-dependent eIF2α phosphorylation, thereby establishing a positive feedback loop. Zinc finger and BTB domain containing 7A (ZBTB7A), conspicuously overexpressed in PCa samples, repressed RPL5 transcription, thereby reducing P53 expression. Silencing of ZBTB7A heightened ER stress and subdued the malignant attributes of PCa cells, effects counteracted upon RPL5 silencing. Analogous outcomes were recapitulated in vivo employing a xenograft tumor mouse model, where ZBTB7A silencing dampened the tumorigenic potential of PCa cells, an effect reversed by additional RPL5 silencing. In conclusion, this study suggests that ZBTB7A represses RPL5 transcription, thus impeding the RPL5-P53 feedback loop and mitigating ER-induced apoptosis in PCa cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Hongkou District Jiangwan Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lingling Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yunli Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Dongyun Hang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guoyu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lingmei Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shen R, Zhou J, Xin L, Zhou HB, Huang J. OBHSA, a novel selective estrogen receptor degrader, overcomes tamoxifen resistance through cell cycle arrest and unfolded protein response-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 244:106599. [PMID: 39147211 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor that has surpassed lung cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. In clinical practice,the primary approach for treating estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive BC is through endocrine therapy, which involves targeting the ERα using medications like tamoxifen and fulvestrant. However, the problem of de novo or acquired resistance poses a significant clinical challenge, emphasizing the critical need for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this regard, we have successfully designed and developed a novel selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD) called OBHSA, which specifically targets and degrades ERα, demonstrating remarkable efficacy. Our findings revealed the effectiveness of OBHSA in inhibiting the proliferation of various BC cells, including both tamoxifen-sensitive and tamoxifen-resistant BC cells, indicating its great potential to overcome endocrine resistance. In terms of mechanism, we discovered that OBHSA overcame tamoxifen resistance through two distinct pathways. Firstly, OBHSA degraded cyclin D1 in an ERα-dependent manner, thereby blocking the cell cycle. Secondly, OBHSA induced an elevation in intracellular reactive oxygen species, triggering an excessive activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death. In summary, our finding demonstrated that OBHSA exerts anti-tumor effects by inducing cell cycle arrest and UPR-mediated apoptosis. These findings hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic drugs targeting endocrine-resistant BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Shen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Lilan Xin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hai-Bing Zhou
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Jian Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Bayi Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun HN, Ma DY, Guo XY, Hao YY, Jin MH, Han YH, Jin X, Kwon T. Peroxiredoxin I and II as novel therapeutic molecular targets in cervical cancer treatment through regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by bleomycin. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:267. [PMID: 38821929 PMCID: PMC11143287 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02039-7] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer, significantly affecting women worldwide, often involves treatment with bleomycin, an anticancer agent targeting breast, ovarian, and cervical cancers by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce cancer cell death. The Peroxiredoxin (PRDX) family, particularly PRDX1 and 2, plays a vital role in maintaining cellular balance by scavenging ROS, thus mitigating the damaging effects of bleomycin-induced mitochondrial and cellular oxidative stress. This process reduces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and prevents cell apoptosis. However, reducing PRDX1 and 2 levels reverses their protective effect, increasing apoptosis. This research highlights the importance of PRDX1 and 2 in cervical cancer treatments with bleomycin, showing their potential to enhance treatment efficacy by managing ROS and ER stress and suggesting a therapeutic strategy for improving outcomes in cervical cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu-Nan Sun
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Daqing, 163319, China.
| | - Da-Yu Ma
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Guo
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Ying-Ying Hao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Mei-Hua Jin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Ying-Hao Han
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Heilongjiang, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Xun Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Taeho Kwon
- Primate Resources Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk, 56216, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Applied Biological Engineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, Korea National University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sharma D, Adnan D, Abdel-Reheem MK, Anafi RC, Leary DD, Bishehsari F. Circadian transcriptome of pancreatic adenocarcinoma unravels chronotherapeutic targets. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e177697. [PMID: 38716727 PMCID: PMC11141942 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.177697] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal cancer characterized by a poor outcome and an increasing incidence. A significant majority (>80%) of newly diagnosed cases are deemed unresectable, leaving chemotherapy as the sole viable option, though with only moderate success. This necessitates the identification of improved therapeutic options for PDA. We hypothesized that there are temporal variations in cancer-relevant processes within PDA tumors, offering insights into the optimal timing of drug administration - a concept termed chronotherapy. In this study, we explored the presence of the circadian transcriptome in PDA using patient-derived organoids and validated these findings by comparing PDA data from The Cancer Genome Atlas with noncancerous healthy pancreas data from GTEx. Several PDA-associated pathways (cell cycle, stress response, Rho GTPase signaling) and cancer driver hub genes (EGFR and JUN) exhibited a cancer-specific rhythmic pattern intricately linked to the circadian clock. Through the integration of multiple functional measurements for rhythmic cancer driver genes, we identified top chronotherapy targets and validated key findings in molecularly divergent pancreatic cancer cell lines. Testing the chemotherapeutic efficacy of clinically relevant drugs further revealed temporal variations that correlated with drug-target cycling. Collectively, our study unravels the PDA circadian transcriptome and highlights a potential approach for optimizing chrono-chemotherapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Sharma
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Darbaz Adnan
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mostafa K. Abdel-Reheem
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ron C. Anafi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel D. Leary
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Faraz Bishehsari
- Rush Center for Integrated Microbiome and Chronobiology Research, Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lim CH, Fang XQ, Kang H, Oh T, Lee S, Kim YS, Lim JH. ER Stress-Activated HSF1 Governs Cancer Cell Resistance to USP7 Inhibitor-Based Chemotherapy through the PERK Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2768. [PMID: 38474017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052768] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 inhibitors (USP7i) are considered a novel class of anticancer drugs. Cancer cells occasionally become insensitive to anticancer drugs, known as chemoresistance, by acquiring multidrug resistance, resulting in poor clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. However, the chemoresistance of cancer cells to USP7i (P22077 and P5091) and mechanisms to overcome it have not yet been investigated. In the present study, we generated human cancer cells with acquired resistance to USP7i-induced cell death. Gene expression profiling showed that heat stress response (HSR)- and unfolded protein response (UPR)-related genes were largely upregulated in USP7i-resistant cancer cells. Biochemical studies showed that USP7i induced the phosphorylation and activation of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), mediated by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) signaling pathway. Inhibition of HSF1 and PERK significantly sensitized cancer cells to USP7i-induced cytotoxicity. Our study demonstrated that the ER stress-PERK axis is responsible for chemoresistance to USP7i, and inhibiting PERK is a potential strategy for improving the anticancer efficacy of USP7i.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hoon Lim
- Department of Medicinal Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Program, Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Xue-Quan Fang
- Department of Medicinal Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Program, Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeji Kang
- Department of Medicinal Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Taerim Oh
- Department of Medicinal Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghoon Lee
- Department of Medicinal Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Program, Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Seon Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hong Lim
- Department of Medicinal Biosciences, College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Program, Department of Applied Life Science, Graduate School, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
- Center for Metabolic Diseases, Konkuk University, 268, Chungwon-daero, Chungju 27478, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Albassam H, Ladin DA, Elhassanny A, Burns C, Van Dross-Anderson R. Apoptosis mechanisms induced by 15d-PMJ 2 in HCT116 colon cancer cells: insights into CHOP10/TRB3/Akt signaling. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1283677. [PMID: 38026967 PMCID: PMC10652392 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1283677] [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: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Agents that stimulate the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway are being exploited pharmacologically to induce cancer cell death. Cytotoxic ER stress is typically regulated by the transcription factor, C/EBP homologous protein 10 (CHOP10). Products of CHOP10 transcription include the pro-apoptotic proteins: ER oxidoreductase 1α (ERO1α), death receptor-5 (DR5), and tribbles-related protein 3 (TRB3). Our previous findings showed cell death induced by 15-deoxy- Δ12,14 prostamide J2 (15d-PMJ2) occurred in an ER stress-dependent manner. However, the pathway by which 15d-PMJ2 regulates ER stress-mediated death downstream of CHOP10 has not been identified. Our results demonstrate 5 µM 15d-PMJ2 increased CHOP10 expression and apoptosis in HCT116 colon cancer cells. In cells treated with pharmacological inhibitors of ER stress, 15d-PMJ2-induced apoptosis was reliant upon the ER stress pathway. To investigate the role of CHOP10 and its transcriptional products in apoptosis, genetic deletion of CHOP10 (CHOP10-KO) was performed using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The apoptotic action of 15d-PMJ2 was blunted in cells lacking CHOP10 expression. The deletion of CHOP10 reduced the expression of DR5, ERO1α, and TRB3 although only the expression of TRB3 was significantly reduced. Therefore, we overexpressed TRB3 in CHOP10-KO cells and observed that the activation of Akt was inhibited and 15d-PMJ2-induced apoptosis was restored. Thus, a mechanism of apoptosis elicited by 15d-PMJ2 includes the stimulation of CHOP10/TRB3/Akt inhibition. Given the important role these signaling molecules play in cancer cell fate, 15d-PMJ2 may be an effective inducer of apoptosis in cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hussam Albassam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Daniel A. Ladin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Ahmed Elhassanny
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Colin Burns
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Rukiyah Van Dross-Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
- Center for Health Disparities, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ma F, Zhao L, Ma R, Wang J, Du L. FoxO signaling and mitochondria-related apoptosis pathways mediate tsinling lenok trout (Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis) liver injury under high temperature stress. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126404. [PMID: 37597633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Tsinling lenok trout (Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis) is a typical cold water fish. High temperature has been shown to damage the liver of fish. However, few studies have investigated the liver apoptosis induced by high temperature stress in fish from the perspective of gene expression and metabolic function. Therefore, we investigated the changes caused by high temperature stress (24 °C) on the liver tissue structure, antioxidant capacity, liver gene expression, and the metabolome of tsinling lenok trout. The transcriptomic results showed that genes associated with apoptosis, such as CASP8, CASP3, PERK, Bcl-6 and TRAIL, were upregulated under high temperature stress. Metabolomic analysis showed that the metabolic pathway of nucleotide synthesis was significantly downregulated, while that of oxygen radical synthesis was significantly upregulated. Integrated analysis showed that after high temperature stress, immune-related signaling pathways in trout were activated and their apoptosis level increased, which might be related to hepatopancreas injury. In addition, abnormalities in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial function were observed, suggesting that functional hypoxia caused by high temperature might be involved fish cell apoptosis. These results provide new insights into the process of cell apoptosis in fish under high temperature stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Resource Utilization of Agricultural Solid Waste in Gansu Province, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui, Gansu Province, PR China.
| | - Lei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Utilization of Agricultural Solid Waste in Gansu Province, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Ruilin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Resource Utilization of Agricultural Solid Waste in Gansu Province, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Utilization of Agricultural Solid Waste in Gansu Province, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Leqiang Du
- Key Laboratory of Resource Utilization of Agricultural Solid Waste in Gansu Province, Tianshui Normal University, Tianshui, Gansu Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gimła M, Pyrczak-Felczykowska A, Malinowska M, Hać A, Narajczyk M, Bylińska I, Reekie TA, Herman-Antosiewicz A. The pyrazole derivative of usnic acid inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:210. [PMID: 37743482 PMCID: PMC10518105 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03054-x] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Western societies. Its late diagnosis and resistance to chemotherapies result in a high mortality rate; thus, the development of more effective therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer is strongly warranted. Usnic acid (UA) is a secondary metabolite of lichens that shows modest antiproliferative activity toward cancer cells. Recently, we reported the synthesis of a UA pyrazole derivative, named 5, which was more active than the parent compound toward cervical cancer cells. Here, its anticancer potential has been evaluated in detail in other cancer cells, particularly pancreatic cancer cells. METHODS The impact of UA and derivative 5 on cell viability, morphology, cell cycle, and death was assessed using the MTT test, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting, respectively. The calcium ions level was detected fluorometrically. In vivo, the anticancer activity of 5 was evaluated in a murine xenograft model. RESULTS Derivative 5 inhibited the viability of different cancer cells. Noncancerous cells were less sensitive. It induced the release of calcium ions from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ER stress, which was manifested by cell vacuolization. It was accompanied by G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and cell death of pancreatic cancer cells. When applied to nude mice with xenografted pancreatic cancer cells, 5 inhibited tumor growth, with no signs of kidney or liver toxicity. CONCLUSIONS UA derivative 5 is superior to UA inhibiting the growth and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. ER stress exaggeration is a mechanism underlying the activity of derivative 5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Gimła
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Marcelina Malinowska
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Hać
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Narajczyk
- Electron Microscopy Section, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Irena Bylińska
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tristan A Reekie
- School of Science, University of New South Wales Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, 2600, Australia
| | - Anna Herman-Antosiewicz
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdańsk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bortoletto AS, Parchem RJ. KRAS Hijacks the miRNA Regulatory Pathway in Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:1563-1572. [PMID: 36946612 PMCID: PMC10183808 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Extensive studies have focused on the misregulation of individual miRNAs in cancer. More recently, mutations in the miRNA biogenesis and processing machinery have been implicated in several malignancies. Such mutations can lead to global miRNA misregulation, which may promote many of the well-known hallmarks of cancer. Interestingly, recent evidence also suggests that oncogenic Kristen rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations act in part by modulating the activity of members of the miRNA regulatory pathway. Here, we highlight the vital role mutations in the miRNA core machinery play in promoting malignant transformation. Furthermore, we discuss how mutant KRAS can simultaneously impact multiple steps of miRNA processing and function to promote tumorigenesis. Although the ability of KRAS to hijack the miRNA regulatory pathway adds a layer of complexity to its oncogenic nature, it also provides a potential therapeutic avenue that has yet to be exploited in the clinic. Moreover, concurrent targeting of mutant KRAS and members of the miRNA core machinery represents a potential strategy for treating cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina S. Bortoletto
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ronald J. Parchem
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|