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Mohammed I, Alhammer AH, Arif IS. The p53 reactivator PRIMA-1 MET synergises with 5-fluorouracil to induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Invest New Drugs 2023; 41:587-595. [PMID: 37402008 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01380-5] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies; p53 is mutated in approximately 75% of PC patients. Hence, the protein derived from mutant/wild-type TP53 may represent a therapeutic target. Interestingly, a p53 reactivator (PRIMA-1MET) showed promise in clinical trials of haematological malignancies; therefore, it warrants an in vitro evaluation in PC cell lines. To evaluate the antiproliferative effects of PRIMA-1MET, either alone or combined with the common chemotherapy 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), against mutated and wild-type p53 PC cell lines. This study involved p53-mutant (AsPC-1) and p53-wild type (Capan-2) PC cell lines. The cytotoxicity of PRIMA-1MET alone or in combination with 5-FU was evaluated by MTT assay. Synergism was assessed by calculating the combination index (CI) via CalcuSyn software. Fluorescence microscopy was used to analyse apoptosis following acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. Morphological changes were investigated with an inverted microscope. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‒qPCR) was used to measure gene expression. Both PC cell lines were sensitive to PRIMA-1MET monotherapy. Furthermore, PRIMA-1MET and 5-FU had a synergistic effect (CI < 1), reflected by significant enhancement of apoptosis and morphological changes in the combination vs. monotherapy treatments. Moreover, the RT‒qPCR results indicated increased expression of the NOXA and TP73 genes in combination-treated cells. Our data suggested that PRIMA-1MET, whether alone or combined with 5-FU, has an antiproliferative effect on PC cell lines regardless of p53 mutational status. The synergism of the combination was associated with significant apoptosis induction through p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. Preclinical confirmation of these data in in vivo models is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtehal Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali Haider Alhammer
- Medical and Molecular Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Al-Nahrain University, Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | - Inam Sameh Arif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
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2
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Biological activity of Pt IV prodrugs triggered by riboflavin-mediated bioorthogonal photocatalysis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17198. [PMID: 30464209 PMCID: PMC6249213 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that riboflavin (Rf) functions as unconventional bioorthogonal photocatalyst for the activation of PtIV prodrugs. In this study, we show how the combination of light and Rf with two PtIV prodrugs is a feasible strategy for light-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death induction. In Capan-1 cells, which have high tolerance against photodynamic therapy, Rf-mediated activation of the cisplatin and carboplatin prodrugs cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2(Cl)2(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] (1) and cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2(CBDCA)(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] (2, where CBDCA = cyclobutane dicarboxylate) resulted in pronounced reduction of the cell viability, including under hypoxia conditions. Such photoactivation mode occurs to a considerable extent intracellularly, as demonstrated for 1 by uptake and cell viability experiments. 195Pt NMR, DNA binding studies using circular dichroism, mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence microscopy were performed using the Rf-1 catalyst-substrate pair and indicated that cell death is associated with the efficient light-induced formation of cisplatin. Accordingly, Western blot analysis revealed signs of DNA damage and activation of cell death pathways through Rf-mediated photochemical activation. Phosphorylation of H2AX as indicator for DNA damage, was detected for Rf-1 in a strictly light-dependent fashion while in case of free cisplatin also in the dark. Photochemical induction of nuclear pH2AX foci by Rf-1 was confirmed in fluorescence microscopy again proving efficient light-induced cisplatin release from the prodrug system.
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Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Yang LV, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Falasca M, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Lombardi P, Libra M, Candido S, Montalto G, Cervello M, Steelman LS, McCubrey JA. Introduction of WT-TP53 into pancreatic cancer cells alters sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted therapeutics and nutraceuticals. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 69:16-34. [PMID: 29980405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive, highly metastatic malignancy and accounts for 85% of pancreatic cancers. PDAC patients have poor prognosis with a five-year survival of only 5-10%. Mutations at the TP53 gene are readily detected in pancreatic tumors isolated from PDAC patients. We have investigated the effects of restoration of wild-type (WT) TP53 activity on the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, as well as, nutraceuticals. Upon introduction of the WT-TP53 gene into the MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line, the sensitivity to drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer cells such as: gemcitabine, fluorouracil (5FU), cisplatin, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and paclitaxel increased significantly. Likewise, the sensitivity to drugs used to treat other cancers such as: doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, and 4 hydroxy tamoxifen (4HT) also increased upon introduction of WT-TP53 into MIA-PaCa-2 cells. Furthermore, the sensitivity to certain inhibitors which target: PI3K/mTORC1, PDK1, SRC, GSK-3, and biochemical processes such as proteasomal degradation and the nutraceutical berberine as increased upon introduction of WT-TP53. Furthermore, in some cases, cells with WT-TP53 were more sensitive to the combination of drugs and suboptimal doses of the MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3a. However, TP53-independent effects of nutlin-3a were observed upon treatment with either a proteasomal or a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor. These studies indicate the sensitizing effects that WT-TP53 can have in PDAC cells which normally lack WT-TP53 to various therapeutic agents and suggest approaches to improve PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese 20026, Italy; Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Pathology & Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Pathology & Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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4
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Yan Y, Qing Y, Pink JJ, Gerson SL. Loss of Uracil DNA Glycosylase Selectively Resensitizes p53-Mutant and -Deficient Cells to 5-FdU. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:212-221. [PMID: 29117941 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-17-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitors including fluoropyrimidines [e.g., 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and 5-Fluorodeoxyuridine (5-FdU, floxuridine)] and antifolates (e.g., pemetrexed) are widely used against solid tumors. Previously, we reported that shRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) sensitized cancer cells to 5-FdU. Because p53 has also been shown as a critical determinant of the sensitivity to TS inhibitors, we further interrogated 5-FdU cytotoxicity after UDG depletion with regard to p53 status. By analyzing a panel of human cancer cells with known p53 status, it was determined that p53-mutated or -deficient cells are highly resistant to 5-FdU. UDG depletion resensitizes 5-FdU in p53-mutant and -deficient cells, whereas p53 wild-type (WT) cells are not affected under similar conditions. Utilizing paired HCT116 p53 WT and p53 knockout (KO) cells, it was shown that loss of p53 improves cell survival after 5-FdU, and UDG depletion only significantly sensitizes p53 KO cells. This sensitization can also be recapitulated by UDG depletion in cells with p53 KD by shRNAs. In addition, sensitization is also observed with pemetrexed in p53 KO cells, but not with 5-FU, most likely due to RNA incorporation. Importantly, in p53 WT cells, the apoptosis pathway induced by 5-FdU is activated independent of UDG status. However, in p53 KO cells, apoptosis is compromised in UDG-expressing cells, but dramatically elevated in UDG-depleted cells. Collectively, these results provide evidence that loss of UDG catalyzes significant cell death signals only in cancer cells mutant or deficient in p53.Implications: This study reveals that UDG depletion restores sensitivity to TS inhibitors and has chemotherapeutic potential in the context of mutant or deficient p53. Mol Cancer Res; 16(2); 212-21. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Yulan Qing
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John J Pink
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Stanton L Gerson
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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5
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Cun Y, Zhang Q, Xiong C, Li M, Dai N, Zhang S, Wang D. Combined use of adenoviral vector Ad5/F35-mediated APE1 siRNA enhances the therapeutic efficacy of adenoviral-mediated p53 gene transfer in hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Oncol Rep 2013; 29:2197-204. [PMID: 23563597 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. In order to establish a more effective therapeutic strategy against unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we evaluated, in the present study, the effects of combined treatment with adenoviral vector Ad5/F35-mediated APE1 siRNA (Ad5/F35-siAPE1) and adenoviral-mediated p53 gene transfer (Ad-p53) in hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Infection of SMMC-7721 cells with Ad5/F35-siAPE1 resulted in a time- and dose-dependent decrease of APE1 protein, while Ad-p53 treatment led to a time- and dose-dependent increase of p53 protein expression. Ad5/F35-siAPE1 significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effect of SMMC-7721 cells to Ad-p53 in cell survival assays, associated with increased cell apoptosis. Moreover, administration of Ad5/F35-siAPE1 and Ad-p53 into nude mice resulted in tumor growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in SMMC-7721 xenografts compared to administration of either agent alone. These results suggest that combination of Ad5/F35-siAPE1 and Ad-p53 could be a promising gene therapeutic approach against human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Cun
- Cancer Center, Daping Hospital and Research Institute of Surgery, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, PR China
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Wennier ST, Liu J, McFadden G. Bugs and drugs: oncolytic virotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2013; 13:1817-33. [PMID: 21740354 DOI: 10.2174/138920112800958850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 09/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Single agent therapies are rarely successful in treating cancer, particularly at metastatic or end stages, and survival rates with monotherapies alone are generally poor. The combination of multiple therapies to treat cancer has already driven significant improvements in the standard of care treatments for many types of cancers. The first combination treatments exploited for cancer therapy involved the use of several cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. Later, with the development of more targeted agents, the use of novel, less toxic drugs, in combination with the more classic cytotoxic drugs has proven advantageous for certain cancer types. Recently, the combination of oncolytic virotherapy with chemotherapy has shown that the use of these two therapies with very distinct anti-tumor mechanisms may also lead to synergistic interactions that ultimately result in increased therapeutic effects not achievable by either therapy alone. The mechanisms of synergy between oncolytic viruses (OVs) and chemotherapeutic agents are just starting to be elucidated. It is evident, however, that the success of these OV-drug combinations depends greatly on the particular OV, the drug(s) selected, and the cancer type targeted. This review summarizes the different OV-drug combinations investigated to date, including the use of second generation armed OVs, which have been studied with the specific purpose of generating synergistic interactions with particular chemotherapy agents. The known mechanisms of synergy between these OV-drug combinations are also summarized. The importance of further investigating these mechanisms of synergy will be critical in order to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of OV-drug combination therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Tusell Wennier
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Rd, P.O. Box 100266 Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Bessadottir M, Egilsson M, Einarsdottir E, Magnusdottir IH, Ogmundsdottir MH, Omarsdottir S, Ogmundsdottir HM. Proton-shuttling lichen compound usnic acid affects mitochondrial and lysosomal function in cancer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51296. [PMID: 23227259 PMCID: PMC3515546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The lichen compound usnic acid (UA) is a lipophilic weak acid that acts as a proton shuttle and causes loss of mitochondrial inner membrane potential. In the current study we show that UA treatment induced the formation of autophagosomes in human cancer cells, but had minimal effects on normal human fibroblasts. However, autophagic flux was incomplete, degradation of autophagosomal content did not occur and acidification was defective. UA-treated cells showed reduced ATP levels and activation of AMP kinase as well as signs of cellular stress. UA is thus likely to trigger autophagosome formation both by energy depletion and stress conditions. Our findings indicate that the H(+)-shuttling effect of UA operates not only in mitochondria as previously shown, but also in lysosomes, and have implications for therapeutic manipulation of autophagy and pH-determined drug distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margret Bessadottir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mar Egilsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Eydis Einarsdottir
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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8
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Cisplatin sensitivity and mechanisms of anti-HPV16 E6-ribozyme on cervical carcinoma CaSKi cell line. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10330-011-0949-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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9
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Upregulated p53 expression activates apoptotic pathways in wild-type p53-bearing mesothelioma and enhances cytotoxicity of cisplatin and pemetrexed. Cancer Gene Ther 2012; 19:218-28. [PMID: 22223137 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2011.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The majority of malignant mesothelioma possesses the wild-type p53 gene with a homologous deletion of the INK4A/ARF locus containing the p14(ARF) and the p16(INK4A) genes. We examined whether forced expression of p53 inhibited growth of mesothelioma cells and produced anti-tumor effects by a combination of cisplatin (CDDP) or pemetrexed (PEM), the first-line drugs for mesothelioma treatments. Transduction of mesothelioma cells with adenoviruses bearing the p53 gene (Ad-p53) induced phosphorylation of p53, upregulated Mdm2 and p21 expression levels and decreased phosphorylation of pRb. The transduction generated cleavage of caspase-8 and -3, but not caspase-9. Cell cycle analysis showed increased G0/G1- or G2/M-phase populations and subsequently sub-G1 fractions, depending on cell types and Ad-p53 doses. Transduction with Ad-p53 suppressed viability of mesothelioma cells and augmented the growth inhibition by CDDP or PEM mostly in a synergistic manner. Intrapleural injection of Ad-p53 and systemic administration of CDDP produced anti-tumor effects in an orthotopic animal model. These data collectively suggest that Ad-p53 is a possible agent for mesothelioma in combination with the first-line chemotherapeutics.
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Adenovirus-mediated p53 gene therapy reverses resistance of breast cancer cells to adriamycin. Anticancer Drugs 2011; 22:556-62. [PMID: 21637162 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e328345b4e7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether adenovirus-mediated p53 gene (Ad-p53) transfection can enhance adriamycin cytotoxicity and reverse adriamycin resistance in human breast cancer cells and explore its effect on the expression of MDR1 gene and permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp). Human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR, were used in in-vitro studies. After infection with Ad-p53, the cytotoxicity of adriamycin was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The expression of MDR1 mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The expression of P-gp was analyzed using western blotting. In in-vivo studies, MCF-7/ADR tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously in athymic nude mice. After 14 days of inoculation, tumor size was measured. Apoptosis and expression of P-gp in the tumor tissue were analyzed by fluorescence activated cell sorting and western blotting. After transfection with a multiplicity of infection of 50 for Ad-p53, chemosensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells increased by 18.1 times (P=0.001), and 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of adriamycin decreased from 4.54 ± 0.91 to 0.26 ± 0.11 mg/l. Real-time PCR showed that MDR1 mRNA decreased from 1.32 to 0.85 (P=0.001). Western blotting analysis showed that P-gp also decreased. In in-vivo studies, Ad-p53 combined with adriamycin dramatically inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenograft of MCF-7/ADR. The fluorescence activated cell sorting assay showed that there were more apoptotic cells in tumor tissues treated with Ad-p53 and adriamycin. The expression of P-gp was significantly decreased in tumor tissues. This study suggests that Ad-p53 can reverse MCF-7/MDR cell resistance to adriamycin. The reversal effect was associated with inhibition of P-gp expression and induction of apoptosis.
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Touchefeu Y, Harrington KJ, Galmiche JP, Vassaux G. Review article: gene therapy, recent developments and future prospects in gastrointestinal oncology. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32:953-68. [PMID: 20937041 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04424.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapy consists of the introduction of genetic material into cells for a therapeutic purpose. A wide range of gene therapy vectors have been developed and used for applications in gastrointestinal oncology. AIM To review recent developments and published clinical trials concerning the application of gene therapy in the treatment of liver, colon and pancreatic cancers. METHODS Search of the literature published in English using the PubMed database. RESULTS A large variety of therapeutic genes are under investigation, such as tumour suppressor, suicide, antiangiogenesis, inflammatory cytokine and micro-RNA genes. Recent progress concerns new vectors, such as oncolytic viruses, and the synergy between viral gene therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As evidence of these basic developments, recently published phase I and II clinical trials, using both single agents and combination strategies, in adjuvant or advanced disease settings, have shown encouraging results and good safety records. CONCLUSIONS Cancer gene therapy is not yet indicated in clinical practice. However, basic and clinical advances have been reported and gene therapy is a promising, new therapeutic approach for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Touchefeu
- Institut des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, INSERM U, University Hospital, Nantes, France.
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12
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Gomes NP, Espinosa JM. Disparate chromatin landscapes and kinetics of inactivation impact differential regulation of p53 target genes. Cell Cycle 2010; 9:3428-37. [PMID: 20818159 PMCID: PMC3047614 DOI: 10.4161/cc.9.17.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The p53 transcription factor regulates the expression of genes involved in cellular responses to stress, including cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The p53 transcriptional program is extremely malleable, with target gene expression varying in a stress- and cell type-specific fashion. The molecular mechanisms underlying differential p53 target gene expression remain elusive. Here we provide evidence for gene-specific mechanisms affecting expression of three important p53 target genes. First we show that transcription of the apoptotic gene PUMA is regulated through intragenic chromatin boundaries, as revealed by distinct histone modification territories that correlate with binding of the insulator factors CTCF, Cohesins and USF1/2. Interestingly, this mode of regulation produces an evolutionary conserved long non-coding RNA of unknown function. Second, we demonstrate that the kinetics of transcriptional competence of the cell cycle arrest gene p21 and the apoptotic gene FAS are markedly different in vivo, as predicted by recent biochemical dissection of their core promoter elements in vitro. After a pulse of p53 activity in cells, assembly of the transcriptional apparatus on p21 is rapidly reversed, while FAS transcriptional activation is more sustained. Collectively these data add to a growing list of p53-autonomous mechanisms that impact differential regulation of p53 target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Gomes
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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13
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Azmi AS, Philip PA, Aboukameel A, Wang Z, Banerjee S, Zafar SF, Goustin AS, Almhanna K, Yang D, Sarkar FH, Mohammad RM. Reactivation of p53 by novel MDM2 inhibitors: implications for pancreatic cancer therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2010; 10:319-31. [PMID: 20370686 DOI: 10.2174/156800910791190229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2009] [Accepted: 01/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The present study is the first to show in pancreatic cancer (PC) the growth inhibition and apoptosis by novel MDM2 inhibitors (MI-319 & 219) through reactivation of p53 pathway. Our results highlight two new secondary targets of MDM2 inhibitor 'SIRT1' and Ku70. SIRT1 which has a role in ageing and cancer and is known to regulate p53 signaling through acetylation. Ku70 is a key component of non-homologous end joining machinery in the DNA damage pathway and is known to regulate apoptosis by blocking Bax entry into mitochondria. Growth inhibition and apoptosis by MI-219, MI-319 was accompanied by increase in levels of p53 along with p21(WAF1) and the proapoptotic Puma. SiRNA against p21(WAF1) abrogated the growth inhibition of PC cells confirming p21(WAF1) as a key player downstream of activated p53. Immunoprecipitation-western blot analysis revealed reduced association of MDM2-p53 interaction in drug exposed PC cells. In combination studies, the inhibitors synergistically augmented anti-tumor effects of therapeutic drug gemcitabine both in terms of cell growth inhibition as well as apoptosis. Surface plasmon resonance studies confirmed strong binding between MI-319 and Ku70 (K(D) 170 nM). Western blot revealed suppression of SIRT1 and Ku70 with simultaneous upregulation of acetyl-p53 (Lys379) and Bax. Co-Immunoprecipitation studies confirmed that MI-319 could disrupt Ku70-Bax and SIRT1-Bax interaction. Further, using wt-p53 xenograft of Capan-2, we found that oral administration of MI-319 at 300 mg/kg for 14 days resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition without any observed toxicity to the animals. No tumor inhibition was found in mut-p53 BxPC-3 xenografts. In light of our results, the inhibitors of MDM2 warrant clinical investigation as new agents for PC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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14
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Multiple hepatic arterial injections of recombinant adenovirus p53 and 5-fluorouracil after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot phase II trial. Anticancer Drugs 2009; 20:389-95. [PMID: 19287305 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e32832a2df9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This pilot phase II study was designed to determine the efficacy, toxicities, and biological activity of multiple hepatic arterial injections of recombinant adenovirus p53 (rAd-p53) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) when compared with TACE alone in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Forty-six patients with unresectable HCC were randomized in either group 1 [23 patients, multiple hepatic arterial injections of Ad-p53 (1x10 viral particles) and 5-FU (500-750 mg), after TACE] or group 2 (23 patients, TACE alone). In group 1, the number of Ad-p53/5-FU courses administered was 166 (median 7, range 3-12). In group 2, the number of TACE courses administered was 47 (median 2, range 1-3). Partial response and stable disease were 69.5% in group 1 and 65.2% in group 2. Times to progression were 9.6 months (range 2.1-21.7) in group 1 and 8.3 months (range 2.1-16.8) in group 2. Overall survivals were 12.8 months (range 2.7-26.2) in group 1 and 10.4 months (range 2.7-22.5) in group 2. Toxicities in both groups were generally mild and reversible. The most common Ad-p53-related toxicity was a transient fever. Specific p53 transgene expression was detected using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in biopsied tumor tissues. Distribution studies revealed that the vector was detected in the plasma, but rarely in the gargle and urine. This study shows that multiple hepatic arterial injections of Ad-p53 and 5-FU after TACE can be active and safe as a treatment for patients with unresectable HCC.
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Ma G, Shimada H, Hiroshima K, Tada Y, Suzuki N, Tagawa M. Gene medicine for cancer treatment: commercially available medicine and accumulated clinical data in China. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2009; 2:115-22. [PMID: 19920899 PMCID: PMC2761194 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s3535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Loss of p53 function compromises genetic homeostasis, which induces deregulated DNA replication, damages DNA, and subsequently results in increased resistance to anticancer agents. Pharmacological approaches using recombinant adenoviruses (Ad) have been developed to restore the p53 functions. Another approach for gene medicine is to modify Ad replication in a tumor-specific manner, which induces tumor cell death without damaging normal tissues in the vicinity. The Ad-derived gene medicines, Ad expressing the wild-type p53 gene and replication-competent Ad defective of the E1B-55kDa gene, have been tested for their clinical feasibility and became commercially available in China. These agents demonstrated their antitumor activities as a monotherapy and in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In this article, we summarize the outcomes of clinical trials in China, most of which have been published in domestic Chinese journals, and discuss potential directions of cancer gene therapy with these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Ma
- Division of Pathology, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-1 Nitona, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
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Saffari M, Dinehkabodi OS, Ghaffari SH, Modarressi MH, Mansouri F, Heidari M. Identification of novel p53 target genes by cDNA AFLP in glioblastoma cells. Cancer Lett 2008; 273:316-22. [PMID: 18814959 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Revised: 05/27/2008] [Accepted: 08/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The p53 plays critical role in cellular functions such as cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. We overexpressed wild-type p53 (wt-p53) in U87 glioblastoma cells via recombinant adenovirus Ad-GFP-P53 which encodes p53 and green fluorescent protein. The transcript profiles were investigated using cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism approach. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and DNA sequencing results for the selected genes showed that Cathepsin B and cell cycle associated protein-1 or Caprin-I, genes were suppressed whereas Annexin-II gene overexpressed in response to the overexpression of wt-p53 gene. Our results suggest that these genes could be important mediators of p53-dependent tumor growth suppression in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Saffari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Pour Sina Avenue, Tehran, Iran
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Coleman MC, Asbury CR, Daniels D, Du J, Aykin-Burns N, Smith BJ, Li L, Spitz DR, Cullen JJ. 2-deoxy-D-glucose causes cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and radiosensitization in pancreatic cancer. Free Radic Biol Med 2008; 44:322-31. [PMID: 18215740 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2007] [Revised: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 08/28/2007] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Glucose metabolism as assessed by (18)FDG PET imaging provides prognostic information in patients with pancreatic cancer but the implications of manipulating glucose metabolism for therapeutic purposes are unknown. Based on previous results with other cancer cell types, we hypothesized that inhibition of glucose metabolism in pancreatic cancer cells would cause cell killing via oxidative stress resulting from disruptions in thiol metabolism. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), a chemical inhibitor of glucose metabolism, and glucose deprivation induced cytotoxicity in human pancreatic cancer cells in a time-and dose-dependent manner as well as causing significant increases in metabolic oxidative stress as measured by increased glutathione disulfide accumulation and NADP(+)/NADPH ratios. Simultaneous administration of the thiol antioxidant N-acetylcysteine protected pancreatic cancer cells against the c-ytotoxic effects of 2DG as well as reversing 2DG-induced glutathione disulfide accumulation and augmenting intracellular cysteine pools. In nude mice with heterotopic pancreatic tumors, the combination of 2DG and ionizing radiation resulted in greater inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival, relative to either agent alone. These results support the hypothesis that inhibiting glucose metabolism causes cytotoxicity in human pancreatic cancer cells via metabolic oxidative stress and disruptions in thiol metabolism. These results also support the speculation that inhibitors of glucose metabolism can be used in combination with classical oxidative stress-inducing agents (such as ionizing radiation) to enhance therapeutic responses in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell C Coleman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Grivicich I, Regner A, Zanoni C, Correa LP, Jotz GP, Henriques JAP, Schwartsmann G, da Rocha AB. Hsp70 response to 5-fluorouracil treatment in human colon cancer cell lines. Int J Colorectal Dis 2007; 22:1201-8. [PMID: 17390142 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-007-0307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Colorectal cancer is a common disease with high rate of mortality. Although there is evidence of some benefits of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), the most commonly used drug in colon cancer therapy, it still remains unsatisfactory because of intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) synthesis can be increased by cellular insults, such as chemotherapy-induced damage. Inducible Hsp70 has been suggested to be involved in cytoprotection against apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated whether the content of Hsp70 is associated to 5-FU resistance. METHODS HT-29 and SNU-C4 human colon cancer cell lines were treated with 5-FU and their relative chemoresistance, and Hsp70 were determined. RESULTS Comparison of IC(50) values showed that the HT-29 cells were relatively resistant to 5-FU, whereas the SNU-C4 cells presented greater sensitivity to this drug. Further, 5-FU treatment leads to a hypodiploid population in HT-29 cells significantly lower compared to SNU-C4 cells. In the HT-29 cell line, 5-FU treatment promoted an increase of 5.5 times in Hsp70 concentration after 12 h. Then, within 24 h, the increase in Hsp70 levels was still about two times. In contrast, in the SNU-C4 cell line, 5-FU induced an increase of about two times in the Hsp70 content after 12 h and, after 24 h, did not significantly affect Hsp70 content. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that 5-FU induced Hsp70 synthesis in the HT-29 resistant cell line and that this Hsp70 accumulation could protect against 5-FU-induced apoptosis. Thus, Hsp70 protection against 5-FU-induced apoptosis might underlie colon cancer chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Grivicich
- Laboratório de Marcadores de Estresse Celular, Centro de Pesquisas em Ciências Médicas, Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Fauquette V, Aubert S, Groux-Degroote S, Hemon B, Porchet N, Van Seuningen I, Pigny P. Transcription factor AP-2alpha represses both the mucin MUC4 expression and pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Carcinogenesis 2007; 28:2305-12. [PMID: 17621592 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgm158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MUC4 is a transmembrane mucin expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (DAC) in contrast to normal pancreas, and is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients with invasive DAC. Our aim was therefore to investigate the mechanisms that control MUC4 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. We focused our study on activator protein (AP)-2alpha transcription factor that acts as a tumour suppressor gene in several cancers. In a series of 18 human DAC, using immunohistochemistry, we confirmed that MUC4 was exclusively expressed in cancerous or preneoplastic lesions in 83% of the samples. On the contrary, AP-2 was mainly expressed by non-tumoural ductal cells (61%) or endocrine cells (67%). Moreover, MUC4 and AP-2 were never found co-expressed suggesting an inhibitory role of AP-2alpha in normal ductal cells. In CAPAN-1 and CAPAN-2 cells, transient AP-2alpha over-expression decreased both MUC4 mRNA and apomucin levels by 20-40% by a mechanism involving inhibition of MUC4 promoter. By chromatin immunoprecipitation and gel-shift assays, we demonstrated that this inhibition involved two AP-2 cis-elements located in the -475/-238 region of the promoter. CAPAN-1 clones, which stably over-expressed AP-2alpha, displayed a strong MUC4 down-regulation (-38 to -100%), a significant decrease of both cell proliferation and invasion concomitant to the up-regulation of p27 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that AP-2alpha is an important in vivo negative regulator of MUC4 expression in human pancreatic tissue and that AP-2alpha may play a tumour-suppressive role in pancreatic DAC.
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Temme A, Rodriguez JA, Hendruschk S, Günes S, Weigle B, Schäkel K, Schmitz M, Bachmann M, Schackert G, Rieber EP. Nuclear localization of Survivin renders HeLa tumor cells more sensitive to apoptosis by induction of p53 and Bax. Cancer Lett 2006; 250:177-93. [PMID: 17084966 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2006] [Revised: 09/14/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that nuclear expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein Survivin in tumor cells predicted a favorable prognosis whereas cytosolic-localized protein caused a decreased overall survival. Therefore Survivin's subcellular localization may be important for its anti-apoptotic capacity. To address this question, we investigated localization and function of Survivin in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) and HeLa tumor cells. NHLFs of early passages expressed Survivin in the nucleus and were highly sensitive to C2 ceramide, which induces the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In contrast, NHLFs at higher passages relocated Survivin to the cytosol and became more resistant to C2 ceramide. Blocking nuclear export of Survivin by leptomycin B in HeLa cells increased susceptibility to C2 ceramide. In addition, transduction of HeLa cells with Survivin fused to a nuclear localization signal augmented basal expression levels of p53 and Bax and enhanced sensitivity for intrinsic apoptosis. Those findings suggest that a predominant nuclear localization of Survivin increases the sensitivity for pro-apoptotic stimuli, whereas nuclear export enables Survivin to fulfill its inhibitor of apoptosis function. A therapeutic intervention which holds Survivin in the nucleus of tumor cells might improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Temme
- Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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