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Muzza M, Pogliaghi G, Colombo C, Grassi ES, Carbone E, Palazzo S, Frattini F, Gazzano G, Persani L, Fugazzola L. Extra-nuclear TERT counteracts oxidative stress and promotes progression in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Transl Res 2024; 271:1-12. [PMID: 38670453 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The reactivation of TERT is associated with poor outcome in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Extra-telomeric functions of TERT were reported, with a protective role against oxidative stress (OS). The aim of the present study was to explore the extra-nuclear TERT localization in PTC and its role in cancer progression. TERT nuclear export under OS were analyzed in K1 PTC cell line. We investigated the role of different TERT localizations using specific TERT constructs that limit its localization to the nucleus or to the mitochondria. The effect of SRC kinase inhibitor PP2, which reduces TERT nuclear export, was investigated as well. Moreover, TERT localization was analyzed in 39 PTC tissues and correlated with the genetic profile and the level of OS, DNA damage and apoptosis in the tumors and with the clinical characteristics of the patients. We demonstrated that TERT is exported from the nucleus in response to OS induced either from H2O2 or the BRAF inhibitor PLX4720. We proved that extra-nuclear TERT reduces mitochondrial OS and induces mitochondrial fragmentation. Moreover, limiting mitochondrial TERT localization reduced proliferation, migration, AKT phosphorylation and glycolysis and increased DNA damage and p21 expression. Finally, in PTC tissues the fraction of mitochondrial/nuclear TERT resulted inversely correlated with OS and p21 expression and associated with tumor persistence. In conclusion, our data indicate that extra-nuclear TERT is involved in reducing the effect of excessive OS, thus promoting cancer cell survival. Extra-nuclear TERT may thus represent a marker of cancer progression and a possible therapeutic target in PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Muzza
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Endocrine Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Pogliaghi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Endocrine Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Endocrine Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Stellaria Grassi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Erika Carbone
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Endocrine Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Palazzo
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Gazzano
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Endocrine Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Endocrine Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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2
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Zhang C, Huang T, Li L. Targeting cuproptosis for cancer therapy: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:68. [PMID: 39152464 PMCID: PMC11328505 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01589-8] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death induced by excessive copper (Cu) accumulation within cells. Mechanistically, cuproptosis results from Cu-induced aggregation of dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase, correlated with the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle and the loss of iron-sulfur cluster proteins, ultimately resulting in proteotoxic stress and triggering cell death. Recently, cuproptosis has garnered significant interest in tumor research due to its potential as a crucial therapeutic strategy against cancer. In this review, we summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relationship with other types of cell death. Additionally, we reviewed the current drugs or strategies available to induce cuproptosis in tumor cells, including Cu ionophores, small compounds, and nanomedicine. Furthermore, we targeted cell metabolism and specific regulatory genes in cancer therapy to enhance tumor sensitivity to cuproptosis. Finally, we discussed the feasibility of targeting cuproptosis to overcome tumor chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance and suggested future research directions. This study suggested that targeting cuproptosis could open new avenues for developing tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenliang Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Huang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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3
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Zeng M, Wu B, Wei W, Jiang Z, Li P, Quan Y, Hu X. Disulfiram: A novel repurposed drug for cancer therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1389-1398. [PMID: 38275022 PMCID: PMC11188872 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Cancer is a major global health issue. Effective therapeutic strategies can prolong patients' survival and reduce the costs of treatment. Drug repurposing, which identifies new therapeutic uses for approved drugs, is a promising approach with the advantages of reducing research costs, shortening development time, and increasing efficiency and safety. Disulfiram (DSF), a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug used to treat chronic alcoholism, has a great potential as an anticancer drug by targeting diverse human malignancies. Several studies show the antitumor effects of DSF, particularly the combination of DSF and copper (DSF/Cu), on a wide range of cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM), breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. In this review, we summarize the antitumor mechanisms of DSF/Cu, including induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and various cell death signaling pathways, and inhibition of proteasome activity, as well as inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Furthermore, we highlight the ability of DSF/Cu to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), which provides a new approach to prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Strikingly, DSF/Cu inhibits several molecular targets associated with drug resistance, and therefore it is becoming a novel option to increase the sensitivity of chemo-resistant and radio-resistant patients. Studies of DSF/Cu may shed light on its improved application to clinical tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Baibei Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Institute of Biochemistry of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zihan Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Peiqiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuanting Quan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiaobo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- The Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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4
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Huang J, Campian JL, DeWees TA, Skrott Z, Mistrik M, Johanns TM, Ansstas G, Butt O, Leuthardt E, Dunn GP, Zipfel GJ, Osbun JW, Abraham C, Badiyan S, Schwetye K, Cairncross JG, Rubin JB, Kim AH, Chheda MG. A Phase 1/2 Study of Disulfiram and Copper With Concurrent Radiation Therapy and Temozolomide for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024:S0360-3016(24)00660-6. [PMID: 38768767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This phase 1/2 study aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of combining disulfiram and copper (DSF/Cu) with radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS AND MATERIALS Patients received standard RT and TMZ with DSF (250-375 mg/d) and Cu, followed by adjuvant TMZ plus DSF (500 mg/d) and Cu. Pharmacokinetic analyses determined drug concentrations in plasma and tumors using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS Thirty-three patients, with a median follow-up of 26.0 months, were treated, including 12 IDH-mutant, 9 NF1-mutant, 3 BRAF-mutant, and 9 other IDH-wild-type cases. In the phase 1 arm, 18 patients were treated; dose-limiting toxicity probabilities were 10% (95% CI, 3%-29%) at 250 mg/d and 21% (95% CI, 7%-42%) at 375 mg/d. The phase 2 arm treated 15 additional patients at 250 mg/d. No significant difference in overall survival or progression-free survival was noted between IDH- and NF1-mutant cohorts compared with institutional counterparts treated without DSF/Cu. However, extended remission occurred in 3 BRAF-mutant patients. Diethyl-dithiocarbamate-copper, the proposed active metabolite of DSF/Cu, was detected in plasma but not in tumors. CONCLUSIONS The maximum tolerated dose of DSF with RT and TMZ is 375 mg/d. DSF/Cu showed limited clinical efficacy for most patients. However, promising efficacy was observed in BRAF-mutant GBM, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri.
| | - Jian L Campian
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Todd A DeWees
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Radiation Oncology, Surgery, Division of Biostatistics, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Zdenek Skrott
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Mistrik
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tanner M Johanns
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - George Ansstas
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Omar Butt
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Eric Leuthardt
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Gavin P Dunn
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Gregory J Zipfel
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Joshua W Osbun
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Christopher Abraham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Shahed Badiyan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Katherine Schwetye
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - J Gregory Cairncross
- Clark H. Smith Brain Tumour Centre, Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joshua B Rubin
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Albert H Kim
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Milan G Chheda
- Brain Tumor Center, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
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5
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Xia Y, Sun M, Huang H, Jin WL. Drug repurposing for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:92. [PMID: 38637540 PMCID: PMC11026526 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a complex and multifactorial disease, presents a significant challenge to global health. Despite significant advances in surgical, radiotherapeutic and immunological approaches, which have improved cancer treatment outcomes, drug therapy continues to serve as a key therapeutic strategy. However, the clinical efficacy of drug therapy is often constrained by drug resistance and severe toxic side effects, and thus there remains a critical need to develop novel cancer therapeutics. One promising strategy that has received widespread attention in recent years is drug repurposing: the identification of new applications for existing, clinically approved drugs. Drug repurposing possesses several inherent advantages in the context of cancer treatment since repurposed drugs are typically cost-effective, proven to be safe, and can significantly expedite the drug development process due to their already established safety profiles. In light of this, the present review offers a comprehensive overview of the various methods employed in drug repurposing, specifically focusing on the repurposing of drugs to treat cancer. We describe the antitumor properties of candidate drugs, and discuss in detail how they target both the hallmarks of cancer in tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. In addition, we examine the innovative strategy of integrating drug repurposing with nanotechnology to enhance topical drug delivery. We also emphasize the critical role that repurposed drugs can play when used as part of a combination therapy regimen. To conclude, we outline the challenges associated with repurposing drugs and consider the future prospects of these repurposed drugs transitioning into clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
| | - Hai Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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6
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Nizami ZN, Aburawi HE, Semlali A, Muhammad K, Iratni R. Oxidative Stress Inducers in Cancer Therapy: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1159. [PMID: 37371889 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are metabolic byproducts that regulate various cellular processes. However, at high levels, ROS induce oxidative stress, which in turn can trigger cell death. Cancer cells alter the redox homeostasis to facilitate protumorigenic processes; however, this leaves them vulnerable to further increases in ROS levels. This paradox has been exploited as a cancer therapeutic strategy with the use of pro-oxidative drugs. Many chemotherapeutic drugs presently in clinical use, such as cisplatin and doxorubicin, induce ROS as one of their mechanisms of action. Further, various drugs, including phytochemicals and small molecules, that are presently being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies attribute their anticancer activity to ROS induction. Consistently, this review aims to highlight selected pro-oxidative drugs whose anticancer potential has been characterized with specific focus on phytochemicals, mechanisms of ROS induction, and anticancer effects downstream of ROS induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohra Nausheen Nizami
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain PO Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hanan E Aburawi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain PO Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdelhabib Semlali
- Groupe de Recherche en Écologie Buccale, Faculté de Médecine Dentaire-Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Khalid Muhammad
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain PO Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabah Iratni
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain PO Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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