1
|
Yin L, Hu X, Pei G, Tang M, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Huang M, Li S, Zhang J, Citu C, Zhao Z, Debeb BG, Feng X, Chen J. Genome-wide CRISPR screen reveals the synthetic lethality between BCL2L1 inhibition and radiotherapy. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302353. [PMID: 38316463 PMCID: PMC10844523 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is one of the most commonly used anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cellular response to irradiation, especially to a single high-dose irradiation, remains largely unknown. In this study, we performed a whole-genome CRISPR loss-of-function screen and revealed temporal inherent and acquired responses to RT. Specifically, we found that loss of the IL1R1 pathway led to cellular resistance to RT. This is in part because of the involvement of radiation-induced IL1R1-dependent transcriptional regulation, which relies on the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the mitochondrial anti-apoptotic pathway, particularly the BCL2L1 gene, is crucially important for cell survival after radiation. BCL2L1 inhibition combined with RT dramatically impeded tumor growth in several breast cancer cell lines and syngeneic models. Taken together, our results suggest that the combination of an apoptosis inhibitor such as a BCL2L1 inhibitor with RT may represent a promising anticancer strategy for solid cancers including breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Yin
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoding Hu
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic and Research Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guangsheng Pei
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mengfan Tang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - You Zhou
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Pediatrics Research, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huimin Zhang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Min Huang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Siting Li
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Citu Citu
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bisrat G Debeb
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic and Research Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xu Feng
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Pancreas Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Pancreas Institute, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junjie Chen
- https://ror.org/04twxam07 Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou T, Zhang LY, He JZ, Miao ZM, Li YY, Zhang YM, Liu ZW, Zhang SZ, Chen Y, Zhou GC, Liu YQ. Review: Mechanisms and perspective treatment of radioresistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133899. [PMID: 36865554 PMCID: PMC9971010 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is the major treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The radioresistance and toxicity are the main obstacles that leading to therapeutic failure and poor prognosis. Oncogenic mutation, cancer stem cells (CSCs), tumor hypoxia, DNA damage repair, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumor microenvironment (TME) may dominate the occurrence of radioresistance at different stages of radiotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs, targeted drugs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors are combined with radiotherapy to treat NSCLC to improve the efficacy. This article reviews the potential mechanism of radioresistance in NSCLC, and discusses the current drug research to overcome radioresistance and the advantages of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in improving the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China,Experimental & Training Teaching Centers, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li-Ying Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China,College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian-Zheng He
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China,College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Miao
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang-Yang Li
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ming Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shang-Zu Zhang
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gu-Cheng Zhou
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong-Qi Liu
- Provincial-Level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China,College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine and Transformation at Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yong-Qi Liu,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee JM, Kim HS, Kim A, Chang YS, Lee JG, Cho J, Kim EY. ABT-737, a BH3 Mimetic, Enhances the Therapeutic Effects of Ionizing Radiation in K-ras Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Preclinical Model. Yonsei Med J 2022; 63:16-25. [PMID: 34913280 PMCID: PMC8688371 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2022.63.1.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor radioresistance and dose-limiting toxicity restrict the curative potential of radiotherapy, requiring novel approaches to overcome the limitations and augment the efficacy. Here, we investigated the effects of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation and autophagy induction by irradiation on antiapoptotic proteins and the effectiveness of the BH3 mimetic ABT-737 as a radiosensitizer using K-ras mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and a KrasG12D:p53fl/fl mouse (KP mouse) model. MATERIALS AND METHODS A549 and H460 cells were irradiated, and the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, JAK/STAT transcriptional pathway, and autophagic pathway were evaluated by immunoblotting. The radiosensitizing effects of ABT-737 were evaluated using A549 and H460 cell lines with clonogenic assays and also by a KP mouse model with microcomputed tomography and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In A549 and H460 cells and mouse lung tissue, irradiation-induced overexpression of the antiapoptotic molecules Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, Bcl-w, and Mcl-1 through JAK/STAT transcriptional signaling induced dysfunction of the autophagic pathway. After treatment with ABT-737 and exposure to irradiation, the number of surviving clones in the cotreatment group was significantly lower than that in the group treated with radiation or ABT-737 alone. In the KP mouse lung cancer model, cotreatment with ABT-737 and radiation-induced significant tumor regression; however, body weight changes in the combination group were not significantly different, suggesting that combination treatment did not cause systemic toxicity. CONCLUSION These findings supported the radiosensitizing activity of ABT-737 in preclinical models, and suggested that clinical trials using this strategy may be beneficial in K-ras mutant NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Mo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hey Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Arum Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Soo Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Gu Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaeho Cho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shukla SD, Swaroop Vanka K, Chavelier A, Shastri MD, Tambuwala MM, Bakshi HA, Pabreja K, Mahmood MQ, O’Toole RF. Chronic respiratory diseases: An introduction and need for novel drug delivery approaches. TARGETING CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY LUNG DISEASES USING ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS 2020. [PMCID: PMC7499075 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820658-4.00001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Globally, chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), both communicable and noncommunicable, are among the leading causes of mortality, morbidity, economic and societal burden, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). CRDs affect multiple components of respiratory system, including the airways, parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature. Although noncommunicable respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), cystic fibrosis (CF), and lung cancer (LC), account for enormous disease burden, the currently available therapies only focus on alleviating the symptoms of diseases rather than providing optimal treatment and/or prevention. Similarly a major respiratory communicable disease, that is, tuberculosis (TB), is associated with the challenge of increasingly developing antibiotic resistance in the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In light of these challenges, we aim to summarize the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to hallmark pathophysiology of CRDs. Moreover, we will also highlight the limitations of current therapeutic strategies and explore novel drug delivery options that may be potentially more effective in the management of CRDs.
Collapse
|
5
|
Gupta P, Gutcaits A. Development and Validation of a Robust QSAR Model for Benzothiazole Hydrazone Derivatives as Bcl-XL Inhibitors. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2018. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180815666180502093039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background:
B-cell Lymphoma Extra Large (Bcl-XL) belongs to B-cell Lymphoma two
(Bcl-2) family. Due to its over-expression and anti-apoptotic role in many cancers, it has been proven
to be a more biologically relevant therapeutic target in anti-cancer therapy. In this study, a Quantitative
Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling was performed to establish the link between
structural properties and inhibitory potency of benzothiazole hydrazone derivatives against Bcl-XL.
Methods:
The 53 benzothiazole hydrazone derivatives have been used for model development using
genetic algorithm and multiple linear regression methods. The data set is divided into training and
test set using Kennard-Stone based algorithm. The best QSAR model has been selected with statistically
significant r2 = 0.931, F-test =55.488 RMSE = 0.441 and Q2 0.900.
Results:
The model has been tested successfully for external validation (r2
pred = 0.752), as well as
different criteria for acceptable model predictability. Furthermore, analysis of the applicability domain
has been carried out to evaluate the prediction reliability of external set molecules. The developed
QSAR model has revealed that nThiazoles, nROH, EEig13d, WA, BEHv6, HATS6m,
RDF035u and IC4 descriptors are important physico-chemical properties for determining the inhibitory
activity of these molecules.
Conclusion:
The developed QSAR model is stable for this chemical series, indicating that test set
molecules represent the training dataset. The model is statistically reliable with good predictability.
The obtained descriptors reflect important structural features required for activity against Bcl-XL.
These properties are designated by topology, shape, size, geometry, substitution information of the
molecules (nThiazoles and nROH) and electronic properties. In a nutshell, these characteristics can
be successfully utilized for designing and screening of novel inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Gupta
- CNS Active Compound Laboratory, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, LV1006, Latvia
| | - Aleksandrs Gutcaits
- CNS Active Compound Laboratory, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, LV1006, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou J, Zhao T, Ma L, Liang M, Guo YJ, Zhao LM. Cucurbitacin B and SCH772984 exhibit synergistic anti-pancreatic cancer activities by suppressing EGFR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3 and ERK signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:103167-103181. [PMID: 29262554 PMCID: PMC5732720 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a natural tetracyclic triterpene product and displays antitumor activity across a wide array of cancers. In this study, we explored the anti-pancreatic cancer activity of CuB alone and in combination with SCH772984, an ERK inhibitor, in vitro and in vivo. CuB inhibited proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells by arresting them in the G2/M cell cycle phase. This was associated with inhibition of EGFR expression and activity and downstream signaling, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and STAT3. Interestingly, ERK activity was markedly enhanced by activating AMPK signaling after 12 h of CuB treatment. SCH772984 potentiates the cytotoxic effect of CuB on pancreatic cancer cells through complementary inhibition of EGFR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, STAT3 and ERK signaling, followed by an increase in the pro-apoptotic protein Bim and a decrease in the anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl and survivin. Furthermore, combined therapy with CuB and SCH772984 resulted in highly significant growth inhibition of pancreatic cancer xenografts. These results may provide a basis for further development of combining CuB and ERK inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingkai Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tiangang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linfeng Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying-Jie Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li-Mei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lemjabbar-Alaoui H, Hassan OU, Yang YW, Buchanan P. Lung cancer: Biology and treatment options. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1856:189-210. [PMID: 26297204 PMCID: PMC4663145 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 445] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in men and women in the U.S. and worldwide. About 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking and the use of tobacco products. However, other factors such as radon gas, asbestos, air pollution exposures, and chronic infections can contribute to lung carcinogenesis. In addition, multiple inherited and acquired mechanisms of susceptibility to lung cancer have been proposed. Lung cancer is divided into two broad histologic classes, which grow and spread differently: small-cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs) and non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs). Treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Therapeutic-modalities recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer. Despite the improvements in diagnosis and therapy made during the past 25 years, the prognosis for patients with lung cancer is still unsatisfactory. The responses to current standard therapies are poor except for the most localized cancers. However, a better understanding of the biology pertinent to these challenging malignancies, might lead to the development of more efficacious and perhaps more specific drugs. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent developments in lung cancer biology and its therapeutic strategies, and discuss the latest treatment advances including therapies currently under clinical investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Lemjabbar-Alaoui
- Department of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Division, University of CA, San Francisco 94143, USA
| | - Omer Ui Hassan
- Department of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Division, University of CA, San Francisco 94143, USA
| | - Yi-Wei Yang
- Department of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Division, University of CA, San Francisco 94143, USA
| | - Petra Buchanan
- Department of Surgery, Thoracic Oncology Division, University of CA, San Francisco 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Clarke N, Biscocho J, Kwei KA, Davidson JM, Sridhar S, Gong X, Pollack JR. Integrative Genomics Implicates EGFR as a Downstream Mediator in NKX2-1 Amplified Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142061. [PMID: 26556242 PMCID: PMC4640868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NKX2-1, encoding a homeobox transcription factor, is amplified in approximately 15% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), where it is thought to drive cancer cell proliferation and survival. However, its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. To identify relevant downstream transcriptional targets, here we carried out a combined NKX2-1 transcriptome (NKX2-1 knockdown followed by RNAseq) and cistrome (NKX2-1 binding sites by ChIPseq) analysis in four NKX2-1-amplified human NSCLC cell lines. While NKX2-1 regulated genes differed among the four cell lines assayed, cell proliferation emerged as a common theme. Moreover, in 3 of the 4 cell lines, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was among the top NKX2-1 upregulated targets, which we confirmed at the protein level by western blot. Interestingly, EGFR knockdown led to upregulation of NKX2-1, suggesting a negative feedback loop. Consistent with this finding, combined knockdown of NKX2-1 and EGFR in NCI-H1819 lung cancer cells reduced cell proliferation (as well as MAP-kinase and PI3-kinase signaling) more than knockdown of either alone. Likewise, NKX2-1 knockdown enhanced the growth-inhibitory effect of the EGFR-inhibitor erlotinib. Taken together, our findings implicate EGFR as a downstream effector of NKX2-1 in NKX2-1 amplified NSCLC, with possible clinical implications, and provide a rich dataset for investigating additional mediators of NKX2-1 driven oncogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Clarke
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jewison Biscocho
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Kevin A. Kwei
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jean M. Davidson
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Sushmita Sridhar
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Xue Gong
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jonathan R. Pollack
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a novel semisynthetic derivative of cucurbitacin B. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117794. [PMID: 25674792 PMCID: PMC4326133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most deadly type of cancer in humans, with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most frequent and aggressive type of lung cancer showing high resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. Despite the outstanding progress made in anti-tumor therapy, discovering effective anti-tumor drugs is still a challenging task. Here we describe a new semisynthetic derivative of cucurbitacin B (DACE) as a potent inhibitor of NSCLC cell proliferation. DACE arrested the cell cycle of lung epithelial cells at the G2/M phase and induced cell apoptosis by interfering with EGFR activation and its downstream signaling, including AKT, ERK, and STAT3. Consistent with our in vitro studies, intraperitoneal application of DACE significantly suppressed the growth of mouse NSCLC that arises from type II alveolar pneumocytes due to constitutive expression of a human oncogenic c-RAF kinase (c-RAF-1-BxB) transgene in these cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that DACE is a promising lead compound for the development of an anti-lung-cancer drug.
Collapse
|
10
|
Del Bufalo D, Desideri M, De Luca T, Di Martile M, Gabellini C, Monica V, Busso S, Eramo A, De Maria R, Milella M, Trisciuoglio D. Histone deacetylase inhibition synergistically enhances pemetrexed cytotoxicity through induction of apoptosis and autophagy in non-small cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:230. [PMID: 25301686 PMCID: PMC4198757 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Pemetrexed, a multi-target folate antagonist, has demonstrated efficacy in NSCLC histological subtypes characterized by low thymidylate synthase (TS) expression. Among many other potential targets, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) modulate TS expression, potentially sensitizing to the cytotoxic action of anti-cancer drugs that target the folate pathway, such as pemetrexed. Since high levels of TS have been linked to clinical resistance to pemetrexed in NSCLC, herein we investigated the molecular and functional effects of combined pemetrexed and ITF2357, a pan-HDACi currently in clinical trials as an anti-cancer agent. Results In NSCLC cell lines, HDAC inhibition by ITF2357 induced histone and tubulin acetylation and downregulated TS expression at the mRNA and protein level. In combination experiments in vitro ITF2357 and pemetrexed demonstrated sequence-dependent synergistic growth-inhibitory effects, with the sequence pemetrexed followed by ITF2357 inducing a strikingly synergistic reduction in cell viability and induction of both apoptosis and autophagy in all cell line models tested, encompassing both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Conversely, simultaneous administration of both drugs achieved frankly antagonistic effects, while the sequence of ITF2357 followed by pemetrexed had additive to slightly synergistic growth-inhibitory effects only in certain cell lines. Similarly, highly synergistic growth inhibition was also observed in patient-derived lung cancer stem cells (LCSC) exposed to pemetrexed followed by ITF2357. In terms of molecular mechanisms of interaction, the synergistic growth-inhibitory effects observed were only partially related to TS modulation by ITF2357, as genetic silencing of TS expression potentiated growth inhibition by either pemetrexed or ITF2357 and, to a lesser extent, by their sequential combination. Genetic and pharmacological approaches provided an interesting link between the autophagic and apoptotic pathways, and showed that sequential pemetrexed/ITF2357 causes a toxic form of autophagy with consequent activation of a caspase-dependent apoptotic program. In vivo experiments in NSCLC xenografts confirmed that sequential pemetrexed/ITF2357 is feasible and results in increased inhibition of tumor growth and increased mice survival. Conclusions Overall, these data provide a strong rationale for the clinical development of sequential schedules employing pemetrexed followed by HDACi in NSCLC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1476-4598-13-230) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Del Bufalo
- Experimental Chemotherapy Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Park D, Magis AT, Li R, Owonikoko TK, Sica GL, Sun SY, Ramalingam SS, Khuri FR, Curran WJ, Deng X. Novel small-molecule inhibitors of Bcl-XL to treat lung cancer. Cancer Res 2013; 73:5485-96. [PMID: 23824742 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-XL is a major antiapoptotic protein in the Bcl-2 family whose overexpression is more widely observed in human lung cancer cells than that of Bcl-2, suggesting that Bcl-XL is more biologically relevant and therefore a better therapeutic target for lung cancer. Here, we screened small molecules that selectively target the BH3 domain (aa 90-98) binding pocket of Bcl-XL using the UCSF DOCK 6.1 program suite and the NCI chemical library database. We identified two new Bcl-XL inhibitors (BXI-61 and BXI-72) that exhibit selective toxicity against lung cancer cells compared with normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Fluorescence polarization assay reveals that BXI-61 and BXI-72 preferentially bind to Bcl-XL protein but not Bcl2, Bcl-w, Bfl-1/A1, or Mcl-1 in vitro with high binding affinities. Treatment of cells with BXI-72 results in disruption of Bcl-XL/Bak or Bcl-XL/Bax interaction, oligomerization of Bak, and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Importantly, BXI-61 and BXI-72 exhibit more potent efficacy against human lung cancer than ABT-737 but less degree in platelet reduction in vivo. BXI-72 overcomes acquired radioresistance of lung cancer. On the basis of our findings, the development of BXI(s) as a new class of anticancer agents is warranted and represents a novel strategy for improving lung cancer outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongkyoo Park
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Hematology and Medical Oncology, and Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Capelletto E, Novello S. Emerging New Agents for the Management of Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Drugs 2012; 72 Suppl 1:37-52. [DOI: 10.2165/1163028-s0-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
13
|
Pietanza MC, Rudin CM. Novel therapeutic approaches for small cell lung cancer: the future has arrived. Curr Probl Cancer 2012; 36:156-73. [PMID: 22495056 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
14
|
Oleanolic acid initiates apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and reduces metastasis of a B16F10 melanoma model in vivo. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28596. [PMID: 22174843 PMCID: PMC3235133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug resistance, a process mediated by multiple mechanisms, is a critical determinant for treating lung cancer. The aim of this study is to determine if oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpene present in several plants, is able to circumvent the mechanisms of drug resistance present in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and to induce their death. Principal Findings OA decreased the cell viability of the NSCLC cell lines A459 and H460 despite the presence of active, multidrug-resistant (MDR) MRP1/ABCC1 proteins and the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and survivin. These effects are due to apoptosis, as evidenced by the capacity of OA to induce fragmentation of DNA and activate caspase 3. Induction of NSCLC cell death by OA cannot be explained by inhibition of the MDR proteins, since treatment with triterpene had little or no effect on the activity or expression of MRP1. Moreover, treatment with OA had no effect on the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, but increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, altering the Bcl-2/Bax balance towards a pro-apoptotic profile. OA also decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein survivin. Furthermore, OA decreased the expression of the angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and decreased the development of melanoma-induced lung metastasis. Conclusion Our data provide a significant insight into the antitumoral and antimetastatic activity of OA in NSCLC and suggest that including OA in the NSCLC regimens may help to decrease the number of relapses and reduce the development of metastases.
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a set of pathways activated by the accumulation of improperly folded proteins. It can be triggered by a broad range of stressful conditions which disrupt successful maturation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by interfering with proper folding, assembly, and posttranslational modification. Recent studies have demonstrated the induction of ER stress and activation of elements of the UPR in human lung cells exposed to diesel exhaust particles, airborne particulate matter, and tobacco smoke. ER stress has been found to play a role in a variety of lung maladies, including cancer, infections, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lung cancer is one of the few diseases where the etiological agent, cigarette smoke (CS), is well known. It is, therefore, desirable to measure dysregulation of the UPR pathway in samples representing both the earliest events (cells exposed to CS in vitro) and in clinical samples from healthy smokers and individuals with smoking-related lung diseases. We hereby provide a detailed description of methods for assessing the degree and timing of cellular response to CS with respect to the three major UPR pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhao
- Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
D'Angelo SP, Pietanza MC. [The molecular pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2010; 13:C46-57. [PMID: 21081036 PMCID: PMC6134416 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2010.11.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra P D'Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Thoracic Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Farsaci B, Sabzevari H, Higgins JP, Di Bari MG, Takai S, Schlom J, Hodge JW. Effect of a small molecule BCL-2 inhibitor on immune function and use with a recombinant vaccine. Int J Cancer 2010; 127:1603-13. [PMID: 20091862 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule BCL-2 inhibitors are being examined as monotherapy in phase I/II clinical trials for several types of tumors. However, few data are available about the effect of BCL-2 inhibitors on immune function. The aims of our study were to investigate the effect of a small molecule BCL-2 inhibitor on immune function and determine the most effective way of combining this inhibitor with a recombinant vaccine to treat tumors. The in vitro effect of the pan-BCL-2 inhibitor GX15-070 was assessed in mouse CD8 T lymphocytes at 2 different stages of activation as well as regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). The in vivo effect of GX15-070 after recombinant vaccinia/fowlpox CEA-TRICOM vaccination was analyzed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and in splenocytes of mice bearing subcutaneous tumors. The therapeutic efficacy of such sequential therapy was measured as a reduction of pulmonary tumor nodules. Activated mature CD8 T lymphocytes were more resistant to GX15-070 as compared to early-activated cells. Treg function was significantly decreased after treatment with the BCL-2 inhibitor. In vivo, GX15-070 was given after vaccination so as to not negatively impact the induction of vaccine-mediated immunity, resulting in increased intratumoral activated CD8:Treg ratio and significant reduction of pulmonary tumor nodules. Our study is the first to show the effect of a small molecule BCL-2 inhibitor on the immune system and following a vaccine. It is also the first to demonstrate the efficacy of this sequence in reducing tumors in mouse models, providing a rationale for the design of combinational clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Farsaci
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kim KW, Moretti L, Mitchell LR, Jung DK, Lu B. Combined Bcl-2/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition leads to enhanced radiosensitization via induction of apoptosis and autophagy in non-small cell lung tumor xenograft model. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:6096-105. [PMID: 19773376 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiotherapy has a central role in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Effectiveness of this modality, however, is often limited as resistance results from defects in cell death. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We investigated whether simultaneous up-regulation of apoptosis, via Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737, and autophagy, via mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor rapamycin, can be used to enhance radiosensitivity of H460 cells in vitro and growth delay in a xenograft model. RESULTS In vitro studies confirmed that ABT-737 and rapamycin induce apoptosis and autophagy, respectively. ABT-737 induced cleaved caspase-3, a marker of apoptosis, and rapamycin correlated with an increase in punctate localization of green fluorescent protein-LC3, characteristic of autophagy. The combination ABT-737/rapamycin markedly enhanced sensitivity of H460 cells to radiation (dose enhancement ratio = 2.47; P = 0.002) in clonogenic assay. In addition, the combination ABT-737/rapamycin/radiation showed a dramatic tumor growth delay in a mouse xenograft model. In vivo immunohistochemistry staining showed that combination therapy yielded over a 100% increase in caspase-3 activity (apoptosis) and a 6-fold decrease in p62 protein level (indicative of autophagic flux) compared with radiation alone control group. Moreover, cell proliferation (Ki-67 staining) was reduced by 77% (P = 0.001) and vascular density (von Willebrand factor staining) by 67.5% (P = 0.09) compared with radiation alone. Additional in vitro studies in human umbilical vein endothelial cells indicated that combined therapy also significantly decreases tubule formation. CONCLUSION These results suggest that concurrent induction of apoptosis and autophagy enhances radiation therapy both in vitro and in lung cancer xenograft models. Further investigations are warranted to assess the clinical potential of such strategy in lung cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Woon Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-5671, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gao J, Zheng Z, Rawal B, Schell MJ, Bepler G, Haura EB. Mirk/Dyrk1B, a novel therapeutic target, mediates cell survival in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2009; 8:1671-9. [PMID: 19633423 PMCID: PMC3839311 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.8.17.9322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Minibrain-related kinase (Mirk) is a member of the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase (Dyrk)/minibrain family of dual-specificity protein kinases and is identical to Dyrk1B. Mirk/Dyrk1B is a serine/threonine kinase that has been found to be upregulated in solid tumors and mediates cell survival in colon cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and rhabdomyosarcomas. There is little known about Mirk in lung cancer. In the present study, we showed that Mirk protein was widely overexpressed in 13 of 19 NSCLC cell lines. Mirk immunoprecipitation coupled with anti-phosphotyrosine western blotting confirmed tyrosine phosphorylation of Mirk in NSCLC cells. Mirk knockdown by small interfering RNA induced cell apoptosis concomitant with upregulation of Bak, a Bcl-2 family member, and downregulation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) tyrosine phosphorylation. Mirk knockdown led to decreased cell colony formation in vitro as well as delayed tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model and sensitized cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Using automated quantitative determination of the Mirk protein in tumor specimens of patients with early-stage lung cancer, overexpression of Mirk was found in nearly 90% of tumor specimens in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. These results suggest that Mirk is overexpressed in lung cancer, acts as a survival factor in lung cancer cells and may be a novel therapeutic target.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Blotting, Western
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/enzymology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/physiology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Gene Knockdown Techniques
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/enzymology
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Middle Aged
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/biosynthesis
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/deficiency
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/biosynthesis
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/deficiency
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Transfection
- bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein/metabolism
- Dyrk Kinases
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Gao
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics and Thoracic Oncology Program
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics and Thoracic Oncology Program
| | - Bhupendra Rawal
- Biostatistics Core; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; Tampa, FL USA
| | - Michael J. Schell
- Biostatistics Core; H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; Tampa, FL USA
| | - Gerold Bepler
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics and Thoracic Oncology Program
| | - Eric B. Haura
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics and Thoracic Oncology Program
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Magrini R, Russo D, Ottaggio L, Fronza G, Inga A, Menichini P. PRIMA-1 synergizes with adriamycin to induce cell death in non-small cell lung cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2008; 104:2363-73. [PMID: 18442053 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
p53-dependent apoptosis is important for the efficacy of cancer treatment, and tumors carrying mutant p53 are often resistant to chemotherapy. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells generally exhibit resistance to apoptosis following treatment with many cytotoxic drugs. The new molecule PRIMA-1 appears to kill human tumor cells by restoring the transcriptional activity to mutated p53. We investigated the induction of apoptosis in response to this drug in three NSCLC cell lines carrying different p53 proteins: A549 (p53wt), LX1 (p53R273H), and SKMes1 (p53R280K). PRIMA-1 alone did not trigger apoptosis but significantly reduced cell viability. However, in combination with adriamycin, PRIMA-1 strengthen the adriamycin-induced apoptosis in A549 and LX1. Interestingly, even in SKMes1 cells, the combined treatment triggered a strong PARP cleavage without DNA fragmentation. Our data suggest that in NSCLC cells, PRIMA-1 may induce cell death through pathways other than apoptosis but may synergize with adriamycin to trigger an apoptotic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Magrini
- Molecular Mutagenesis and DNA Repair Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, National Cancer Research Institute (IST), Genova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jorgensen E, Stinson A, Shan L, Yang J, Gietl D, Albino AP. Cigarette smoke induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response in normal and malignant human lung cells. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:229. [PMID: 18694499 PMCID: PMC2527015 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although lung cancer is among the few malignancies for which we know the primary etiological agent (i.e., cigarette smoke), a precise understanding of the temporal sequence of events that drive tumor progression remains elusive. In addition to finding that cigarette smoke (CS) impacts the functioning of key pathways with significant roles in redox homeostasis, xenobiotic detoxification, cell cycle control, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functioning, our data highlighted a defensive role for the unfolded protein response (UPR) program. The UPR promotes cell survival by reducing the accumulation of aberrantly folded proteins through translation arrest, production of chaperone proteins, and increased degradation. Importance of the UPR in maintaining tissue health is evidenced by the fact that a chronic increase in defective protein structures plays a pathogenic role in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's syndromes, and cancer. Methods Gene and protein expression changes in CS exposed human cell cultures were monitored by high-density microarrays and Western blot analysis. Tissue arrays containing samples from 110 lung cancers were probed with antibodies to proteins of interest using immunohistochemistry. Results We show that: 1) CS induces ER stress and activates components of the UPR; 2) reactive species in CS that promote oxidative stress are primarily responsible for UPR activation; 3) CS exposure results in increased expression of several genes with significant roles in attenuating oxidative stress; and 4) several major UPR regulators are increased either in expression (i.e., BiP and eIF2α) or phosphorylation (i.e., phospho-eIF2α) in a majority of human lung cancers. Conclusion These data indicate that chronic ER stress and recruitment of one or more UPR effector arms upon exposure to CS may play a pivotal role in the etiology or progression of lung cancers, and that phospho-eIF2α and BiP may have diagnostic and/or therapeutic potential. Furthermore, we speculate that upregulation of UPR regulators (in particular BiP) may provide a pro-survival advantage by increasing resistance to cytotoxic stresses such as hypoxia and chemotherapeutic drugs, and that UPR induction is a potential mechanism that could be attenuated or reversed resulting in a more efficacious treatment strategy for lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Jorgensen
- Public Health Division, Vector Research LLC, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Camidge DR. The Potential of Death Receptor 4– and 5–Directed Therapies in the Treatment of Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2007; 8:413-9. [PMID: 17681093 DOI: 10.3816/clc.2007.n.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aberrations of the intracellular apoptotic balance--reducing proapoptotic signaling and increasing antiapoptotic signaling--are common in cancer cells. Increasing apoptosis through the direct manipulation of the apoptotic machinery offers novel anticancer strategies. Of the 2 main interacting proapoptotic pathways, the extrinsic pathway is characterized by ligand dependent stimulation of cell surface death receptor (DRs). Recombinant ligand and agonistic monoclonal antibodies directed against the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors, DR 4 (TRAIL-R1) and/or DR 5 (TRAIL-R2), are now being explored within clinical trials. These agents appear well tolerated with hints of single-agent activity in lymphoma, colorectal cancer, chondrosarcoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. Numerous molecular factors influencing sensitivity or resistance have been identified in vitro, but the determinants of clinical benefit remain unclear. Preclinically, synergy with cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy is well documented, with DR4/5 stimulation helping to tip the intracellular processing of multiple stimuli in favor of cell death. Provided that a wide therapeutic margin relative to normal cells can be maintained, maximizing apoptotic responses to standard treatments through DR4/5-directed therapy, with or without additional blockade of antiapoptotic signaling, has considerable potential in the treatment of lung cancer. Trials of DR4/5-directed therapies in combination with standard first-line chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer are under way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Ross Camidge
- Developmental Therapeutics and Thoracic Malignancies Programs, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li J, Viallet J, Haura EB. A small molecule pan-Bcl-2 family inhibitor, GX15-070, induces apoptosis and enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2007; 61:525-34. [PMID: 17505826 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-007-0499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2006] [Accepted: 04/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Overexpression of Bcl-2 family members as well as deregulated apoptosis pathways are known hallmarks of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are typically resistant to cytotoxic chemotherapy and approaches that alter the balance between pro-survival and pro-death Bcl-2 family members have shown promise in preclinical models of NSCLC. METHODS Here we evaluated the effects of a novel pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor GX15-070 on NSCLC survival and when combined with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors as well as traditional cytotoxic agents. GX15-070 is a small molecule agent that binds anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins and interferes with their ability to interact with pro-apoptotic proteins. We evaluated the effect of GX15-070 and correlated the effect on EGFR status as well as Bcl-2 family protein expression. RESULTS We show that GX15-070 can disrupt Mcl-1:Bak interactions in lung cancer cells. We identified differential sensitivity of a panel of lung cancer cells to GX15-070 and no clear relationship existed between EGFR status or Bcl-2 family protein expression and sensitivity to GX15-070. GX15-070 could induce apoptosis in a subset of lung cancer cell lines and this correlated with the effects on cell viability. GX15-070 combined with gefitinib was synergistic in a cell line dependent on EGFR for survival but GX15-070 could not reverse resistance to gefitinib in cell lines not dependent on EGFR for survival. Finally, we observed synergy between GX15-070 and cisplatin in NSCLC cells. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, GX15-070 can trigger apoptosis in NSCLC cells and can enhance chemotherapy-induced death. These data suggest that clinical trials with GX15-070 in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy are indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiannong Li
- Thoracic Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, MRC3 East, Tampa, FL 33612-9497, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mijatovic T, Op De Beeck A, Van Quaquebeke E, Dewelle J, Darro F, de Launoit Y, Kiss R. The cardenolide UNBS1450 is able to deactivate nuclear factor kappaB-mediated cytoprotective effects in human non-small cell lung cancer cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2006; 5:391-9. [PMID: 16505114 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-05-0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are associated with very dismal prognoses, and adjuvant chemotherapy, including irinotecan, taxanes, platin, and Vinca alkaloid derivatives, offers patients only slight clinical benefits. Part of the chemoresistance of NSCLCs results from the constitutive or anticancer drug-induced activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathways. The present study shows that human A549 NSCLC cells display highly activated cytoprotective NF-kappaB signaling pathways. UNBS1450, which is a cardenolide belonging to the same class of chemicals as ouabain and digitoxin, affected the expression and activation status of different constituents of the NF-kappaB pathways in these A549 tumor cells. The modifications brought about by UNBS1450 led to a decrease in both the DNA-binding capacity of the p65 subunit and the NF-kappaB transcriptional activity. Using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-dephenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay, we observed in vitro that UNBS1450 was as potent as taxol and SN38 (the active metabolite of irinotecan) in reducing the overall growth levels of the human A549 NSCLC cell line, and was more efficient than platin derivatives, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin. The chronic in vivo i.p. and p.o. UNBS1450 treatments of human A549 orthotopic xenografts metastasizing to the brains and the livers of immunodeficient mice had a number of significant therapeutic effects on this very aggressive model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Mijatovic
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy (CP 205/1), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Plaine, Boulevard du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Molodtsov VN, Senchenkov EV, Bazhanova ED. Apoptosis and expression of vasopressin, insulin, and Bcl-2 in the neurosecretory system of aged mice. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2006. [DOI: 10.1134/s002209300603015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
26
|
Zhao Y, El-Gabry M, Hei TK. Loss of Betaig-h3 protein is frequent in primary lung carcinoma and related to tumorigenic phenotype in lung cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2006; 45:84-92. [PMID: 16329146 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Betaig-h3 as a secreted protein induced by transforming growth factor-beta has been suggested to modulate cell adhesion and tumor formation. Although we have previously shown that downregulation of Betaig-h3 gene is involved in the cellular transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by radiation, its regulation in primary human lung cancers is not clearly understood. In this study, Betaig-h3 expression was studied in 130 primary human lung carcinomas by immunohistochemistry. Betaig-h3 protein was absent or reduced by more than two-fold in 45 of 130 primary lung carcinomas relative to normal lung tissues examined. Recovery of Betaig-h3 expression in H522 lung cancer cells lacking endogenous Betaig-h3 protein significantly suppressed their in vitro cellular growth and in vivo tumorigenicity. In addition, parental H522 cancer cells are resistant to the etoposide induced apoptosis compared with normal human bronchial epithelial cells. However, recovery of Betaig-h3 expression in H522 cancer cells results in significantly higher sensitivity to apoptotic induction than parental tumor cells. IGFBP3 is upregulated in Betaigh3-transfected H522 cells that may mediate the apoptotic sensitivity and antitumor function of Betaig-h3 gene. These observations demonstrate that downregulation of Betaig-h3 gene is a frequent event and related to the tumor progression in human lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Zhao
- Center for Radiological Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|