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Kong MM, Wei T, Liu B, Xi ZX, Ding JT, Liu X, Li K, Qin TL, Qian ZY, Wu WC, Wu JZ, Li WL. Discovery of novel ULK1 inhibitors through machine learning-guided virtual screening and biological evaluation. Future Med Chem 2024:1-17. [PMID: 39145469 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2385288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Build a virtual screening model for ULK1 inhibitors based on artificial intelligence. Materials & methods: Build machine learning and deep learning classification models and combine molecular docking and biological evaluation to screen ULK1 inhibitors from 13 million compounds. And molecular dynamics was used to explore the binding mechanism of active compounds. Results & conclusion: Possibly due to less available training data, machine learning models significantly outperform deep learning models. Among them, the Naive Bayes model has the best performance. Through virtual screening, we obtained three inhibitors with IC50 of μM level and they all bind well to ULK1. This study provides an efficient virtual screening model and three promising compounds for the study of ULK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Kong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision & Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Tao Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Xi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jun-Tao Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ke Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Tian-Li Qin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Zhen-Yong Qian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Wen-Can Wu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Jian-Zhang Wu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision & Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Wu-Lan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
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2
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Hassan AMIA, Zhao Y, Chen X, He C. Blockage of Autophagy for Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7459. [PMID: 39000565 PMCID: PMC11242824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of cancer are increasing, making it a leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy face significant limitations due to therapeutic resistance. Autophagy, a cellular self-degradation mechanism, plays a crucial role in cancer development, drug resistance, and treatment. This review investigates the potential of autophagy inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. A systematic search was conducted on Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases from 1967 to 2024 to identify studies on autophagy inhibitors and their mechanisms in cancer therapy. The review includes original articles utilizing in vitro and in vivo experimental methods, literature reviews, and clinical trials. Key terms used were "Autophagy", "Inhibitors", "Molecular mechanism", "Cancer therapy", and "Clinical trials". Autophagy inhibitors such as chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have shown promise in preclinical studies by inhibiting lysosomal acidification and preventing autophagosome degradation. Other inhibitors like wortmannin and SAR405 target specific components of the autophagy pathway. Combining these inhibitors with chemotherapy has demonstrated enhanced efficacy, making cancer cells more susceptible to cytotoxic agents. Clinical trials involving CQ and HCQ have shown encouraging results, although further investigation is needed to optimize their use in cancer therapy. Autophagy exhibits a dual role in cancer, functioning as both a survival mechanism and a cell death pathway. Targeting autophagy presents a viable strategy for cancer therapy, particularly when integrated with existing treatments. However, the complexity of autophagy regulation and the potential side effects necessitate further research to develop precise and context-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China (X.C.)
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China (X.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China
| | - Chengwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China (X.C.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR 999078, China
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3
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Walweel N, Aydin O. Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy in Cancer Treatment: Integrating Nanomedicine with Autophagy Inhibition Strategies. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:27832-27852. [PMID: 38973850 PMCID: PMC11223161 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
The complicated stepwise lysosomal degradation process known as autophagy is in charge of destroying and eliminating damaged organelles and defective cytoplasmic components. This mechanism promotes metabolic adaptability and nutrition recycling. Autophagy functions as a quality control mechanism in cells that support homeostasis and redox balance under normal circumstances. However, the role of autophagy in cancer is controversial because, mostly depending on the stage of the tumor, it may either suppress or support the disease. While autophagy delays the onset of tumors and slows the dissemination of cancer in the early stages of tumorigenesis, numerous studies demonstrate that autophagy promotes the development and spread of tumors as well as the evolution and development of resistance to several anticancer drugs in advanced cancer stages. In this Review, we primarily emphasize the therapeutic role of autophagy inhibition in improving the treatment of multiple cancers and give a broad overview of how its inhibition modulates cancer responses. There have been various attempts to inhibit autophagy, including the use of autophagy inhibitor drugs, gene silencing therapy (RNA interference), and nanoparticles. In this Review, all these topics are thoroughly covered and illustrated by recent studies and field investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Walweel
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
- NanoThera
Lab, ERFARMA-Drug Application and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
| | - Omer Aydin
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
- NanoThera
Lab, ERFARMA-Drug Application and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri 38280, Turkey
- ERNAM-Nanotechnology
Research and Application Center, Erciyes
University, Kayseri 38039, Turkey
- ERKAM-Clinical-Engineering
Research and Implementation Center, Erciyes
University, Kayseri 38030, Turkey
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4
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Shamsudin NF, Leong SW, Koeberle A, Suriya U, Rungrotmongkol T, Chia SL, Taher M, Haris MS, Alshwyeh HA, Alosaimi AA, Mediani A, Ilowefah MA, Islami D, Mohd Faudzi SM, Fasihi Mohd Aluwi MF, Wai LK, Rullah K. A novel chromone-based as a potential inhibitor of ULK1 that modulates autophagy and induces apoptosis in colon cancer. Future Med Chem 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38949858 DOI: 10.1080/17568919.2024.2363668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Chromones are promising for anticancer drug development. Methods & results: 12 chromone-based compounds were synthesized and tested against cancer cell lines. Compound 8 showed the highest cytotoxicity (LC50 3.2 μM) against colorectal cancer cells, surpassing 5-fluorouracil (LC50 4.2 μM). It suppressed colony formation, induced cell cycle arrest and triggered apoptotic cell death, confirmed by staining and apoptosis markers. Cell death was accompanied by enhanced reactive oxygen species formation and modulation of the autophagic machinery (autophagy marker light chain 3B (LC3B); adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK); protein kinase B (PKB); UNC-51-like kinase (ULK)-1; and ULK2). Molecular docking and dynamic simulations revealed that compound 8 directly binds to ULK1. Conclusion: Compound 8 is a promising lead for autophagy-modulating anti-colon cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Farisya Shamsudin
- Drug Discovery & Synthetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Sze-Wei Leong
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Andreas Koeberle
- Michael Popp Institute & Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Utid Suriya
- Structural & Computational Biology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thanyada Rungrotmongkol
- Structural & Computational Biology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Suet Lin Chia
- UPM - MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Taher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Salahuddin Haris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Hussah Abdullah Alshwyeh
- Basic & Applied Scientific Research Centre, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej A Alosaimi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mediani
- Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | | | - Deri Islami
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Universitas Abdurrab, Jalan Riau Ujung, Pekanbaru 28292, Riau, Indonesia
| | - Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi
- Laboratory of Natural Products, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Lam Kok Wai
- Drugs & Herbal Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Rullah
- Drug Discovery & Synthetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia
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Wang Y, Wu N, Li J, Liang J, Zhou D, Cao Q, Li X, Jiang N. The interplay between autophagy and ferroptosis presents a novel conceptual therapeutic framework for neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107162. [PMID: 38554788 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
In American men, the incidence of prostate cancer (PC) is the highest among all types of cancer, making it the second leading cause of mortality associated with cancer. For advanced or metastatic PC, antiandrogen therapies are standard treatment options. The administration of these treatments unfortunately carries the potential risk of inducing neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) serves as a crucial indicator of prostate cancer development, encompassing various factors such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR), Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), miRNA. The processes of autophagy and ferroptosis (an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death) play pivotal roles in the regulation of various types of cancers. Clinical trials and preclinical investigations have been conducted on many signaling pathways during the development of NEPC, with the deepening of research, autophagy and ferroptosis appear to be the potential target for regulating NEPC. Due to the dual nature of autophagy and ferroptosis in cancer, gaining a deeper understanding of the developmental programs associated with achieving autophagy and ferroptosis may enhance risk stratification and treatment efficacy for patients with NEPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youzhi Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Ning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junbo Li
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Jiaming Liang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Diansheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Qian Cao
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Institution of Urology, Peking University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Urogenital Diseases (Male) Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center, National Urological Cancer Center, Beijing 100034, China.
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China.
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6
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Xiong D, Wei X, Huang W, Zheng J, Feng R. Prediction significance of autophagy-related genes in survival probability and drug resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:1049-1076. [PMID: 38240686 PMCID: PMC10866451 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205282] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, has significant prognostic heterogeneity. This study aimed to generate a prognostic prediction model based on autophagy-related genes for DLBCL patients. METHODS Utilizing bioinformatics techniques, we analyzed the clinical information and transcriptome data of DLBCL patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through unsupervised clustering, we identified new autophagy-related molecular subtypes and pinpointed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these subtypes. Based on these DEGs, a prognostic model was constructed using Cox and Lasso regression. The effectiveness, accuracy, and clinical utility of this prognostic model were assessed using numerous independent validation cohorts, survival analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, multivariate Cox regression analysis, nomograms, and calibration curves. Moreover, functional analysis, immune cell infiltration, and drug sensitivity analysis were performed. RESULTS DLBCL patients with different clinical characterizations (age, molecular subtypes, ECOG scores, and stages) showed different expression features of autophagy-related genes. The prediction model was constructed based on the eight autophagy-related genes (ADD3, IGFBP3, TPM1, LYZ, AFDN, DNAJC10, GLIS3, and CCDC102A). The prognostic nomogram for overall survival of DLBCL patients incorporated risk level, stage, ECOG scores, and molecular subtypes, showing excellent agreement between observed and predicted outcomes. Differences were noted in the proportions of immune cells (native B cells, Treg cells, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ memory activated T cells, gamma delta T cells, macrophages M1, and resting mast cells) between high-risk and low-risk groups. LYZ and ADD3 exhibited correlations with drug resistance to most chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSIONS This study established a novel prognostic assessment model based on the expression profile of autophagy-related genes and clinical characteristics of DLBCL patients, explored immune infiltration and predicted drug resistance, which may guide precise and individualized immunochemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xiong
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University or the First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Hematology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People’s Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528308, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolei Wei
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University or the First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Weiming Huang
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University or the First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jingxia Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University or the First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ru Feng
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University or the First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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7
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Li S, Wang A, Wu Y, He S, Shuai W, Zhao M, Zhu Y, Hu X, Luo Y, Wang G. Targeted therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer: New insights into regulated cell death combined with immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2024; 321:300-334. [PMID: 37688394 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which has a high rate of metastatic spread and drug resistance, is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Therefore, NSCLC patients have a very poor prognosis and a very low chance of survival. Human cancers are closely linked to regulated cell death (RCD), such as apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. Currently, small-molecule compounds targeting various types of RCD have shown potential as anticancer treatments. Moreover, RCD appears to be a specific part of the antitumor immune response; hence, the combination of RCD and immunotherapy might increase the inhibitory effect of therapy on tumor growth. In this review, we summarize small-molecule compounds used for the treatment of NSCLC by focusing on RCD and pharmacological systems. In addition, we describe the current research status of an immunotherapy combined with an RCD-based regimen for NSCLC, providing new ideas for targeting RCD pathways in combination with immunotherapy for patients with NSCLC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shutong Li
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengyuan He
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yumeng Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiuying Hu
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yubin Luo
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology & Immunology, Laboratory of Rheumatology & Immunology, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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8
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Bahar ME, Kim HJ, Kim DR. Targeting the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway for cancer therapy: from mechanism to clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:455. [PMID: 38105263 PMCID: PMC10725898 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of solid tumors, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, underscores the urgent need for enhanced insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metastasis, chemoresistance, and the mechanistic backgrounds of individuals whose cancers are prone to migration. The most prevalent signaling cascade governed by multi-kinase inhibitors is the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, encompassing the RAS-RAF-MAPK kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway. RAF kinase is a primary mediator of the MAPK pathway, responsible for the sequential activation of downstream targets, such as MEK and the transcription factor ERK, which control numerous cellular and physiological processes, including organism development, cell cycle control, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell survival, and death. Defects in this signaling cascade are associated with diseases such as cancer. RAF inhibitors (RAFi) combined with MEK blockers represent an FDA-approved therapeutic strategy for numerous RAF-mutant cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, and thyroid cancer. However, the development of therapy resistance by cancer cells remains an important barrier. Autophagy, an intracellular lysosome-dependent catabolic recycling process, plays a critical role in the development of RAFi resistance in cancer. Thus, targeting RAF and autophagy could be novel treatment strategies for RAF-mutant cancers. In this review, we delve deeper into the mechanistic insights surrounding RAF kinase signaling in tumorigenesis and RAFi-resistance. Furthermore, we explore and discuss the ongoing development of next-generation RAF inhibitors with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Additionally, this review sheds light on the functional interplay between RAF-targeted therapies and autophagy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Entaz Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joon Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Deok Ryong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Convergence Medical Sciences and Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, College of Medicine, Jinju, South Korea.
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Guil-Luna S, Sanchez-Montero MT, Rodríguez-Ariza A. S-Nitrosylation at the intersection of metabolism and autophagy: Implications for cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189012. [PMID: 37918453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189012] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic plasticity, which determines tumour growth and metastasis, is now understood to be a flexible and context-specific process in cancer metabolism. One of the major pathways contributing to metabolic adaptations in eucaryotic cells is autophagy, a cellular degradation and recycling process that is activated during periods of starvation or stress to maintain metabolite and biosynthetic intermediate levels. Consequently, there is a close association between the metabolic adaptive capacity of tumour cells and autophagy-related pathways in cancer. Additionally, nitric oxide regulates protein function and signalling through S-nitrosylation, a post-translational modification that can also impact metabolism and autophagy. The primary objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the role of S-nitrosylation at the intersection of metabolism and autophagy in cancer. First, we will outline the involvement of S-nitrosylation in the metabolic adaptations that occur in tumours. Then, we will discuss the multifaceted role of autophagy in cancer, the interplay between metabolism and autophagy during tumour progression, and the contribution of S-nitrosylation to autophagic dysregulation in cancer. Finally, we will present insights into relevant therapeutic aspects and discuss prospects for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Guil-Luna
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Cancer Network Biomedical Research Center (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Comparative Anatomy and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Córdoba, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rodríguez-Ariza
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain; Cancer Network Biomedical Research Center (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Medical Oncology Department, Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
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10
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Yang Y, Ji C, Zhong Q, Yan H, Wang J. In silico approaches for the identification of novel ULK1 inhibitors: pharmacophore model, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37904331 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2275182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) has been regarded as an attractive target for tumor therapy. In this study, in silico approaches, such as the pharmacophore-based virtual screening strategy, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, were applied to develop novel potential ULK1 inhibitors. The pharmacophore models based on known aminopyrimidine ULK1 inhibitors were constructed to screen the dataset of 1.68 million compounds, which were obtained via screening the 2.30 million compounds in ChEMBL database by Lipinski's rule of five. Seven novel compounds and 1 known ULK1 inhibitor stand out for the strong virtual biological activity by molecular docking, cluster analysis, Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) calculation and Absorption Distribution Metabolism Excretion Toxicity (ADMET) prediction. Their results of MD included principal component analysis (PCA) and Free Energy Landscapes surface (FELs) indicated that the protein-ligand complex was stable in simulated trajectories of 100 ns. The binding free energy (BFE) calculations showed that a total of 6 novel compounds (CL130, CL834, CL961, CL966, CL163 and CL329) with the stable binding state and stronger BFE (-61.17 to -37.01 kcal/mol) than that of original ligand 3RF (-36.66 kcal/mol). With reference to the ULK1 inhibition of 3RF (IC50 = 160 nM), it can be inferred that these compounds could be used as a new type of potential ULK1 inhibitors and be worthy of further investigation for tumor treatments.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Cuicui Ji
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qidi Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, P. R. China
| | - Hong Yan
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Juan Wang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, P. R. China
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11
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Bestion E, Raymond E, Mezouar S, Halfon P. Update on Autophagy Inhibitors in Cancer: Opening up to a Therapeutic Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cells 2023; 12:1702. [PMID: 37443736 PMCID: PMC10341243 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved and natural degradation process that helps maintain cell homeostasis through the elimination of old, worn, and defective cellular components, ensuring proper cell energy intake. The degradative pathway constitutes a protective barrier against diverse human diseases including cancer. Autophagy basal level has been reported to be completely dysregulated during the entire oncogenic process. Autophagy influences not only cancer initiation, development, and maintenance but also regulates cancer response to therapy. Currently, autophagy inhibitor candidates mainly target the early autophagy process without any successful preclinical/clinical development. Lessons learned from autophagy pharmaceutical manipulation as a curative option progressively help to improve drug design and to encounter new targets of interest. Combinatorial strategies with autophagy modulators are supported by abundant evidence, especially dealing with immune checkpoint inhibitors, for which encouraging preclinical results have been recently published. GNS561, a PPT1 inhibitor, is a promising autophagy modulator as it has started a phase 2 clinical trial in liver cancer indication, combined with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, an assessment without precedent in the field. This approach paves a new road, leading to the resurgence of anticancer autophagy inhibitors as an attractive therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïne Bestion
- Genoscience Pharma, 13006 Marseille, France; (E.R.); (S.M.); (P.H.)
| | - Eric Raymond
- Genoscience Pharma, 13006 Marseille, France; (E.R.); (S.M.); (P.H.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital Group, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Soraya Mezouar
- Genoscience Pharma, 13006 Marseille, France; (E.R.); (S.M.); (P.H.)
- Établissement Français du Sang, Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur et Corse, Marseille, France; «Biologie des Groupes Sanguins», Aix Marseille Univ-CNRS-EFS-ADÉS, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Halfon
- Genoscience Pharma, 13006 Marseille, France; (E.R.); (S.M.); (P.H.)
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12
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Huang H, Pan R, Wang S, Guan Y, Zhao Y, Liu X. Current and potential roles of RNA modification-mediated autophagy dysregulation in cancer. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 736:109542. [PMID: 36758911 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy, a cellular lysosomal degradation and survival pathway, supports nutrient recycling and adaptation to metabolic stress and participates in various stages of tumor development, including tumorigenesis, metastasis, and malignant state maintenance. Among the various factors contributing to the dysregulation of autophagy in cancer, RNA modification can regulate autophagy by directly affecting the expression of core autophagy proteins. We propose that autophagy disorder mediated by RNA modification is an important mechanism for cancer development. Therefore, this review mainly discusses the role of RNA modification-mediated autophagy regulation in tumorigenesis. We summarize the molecular basis of autophagy and the core proteins and complexes at different stages of autophagy, especially those involved in cancer development. Moreover, we describe the crosstalk of RNA modification and autophagy and review the recent advances and potential role of the RNA modification/autophagy axis in the development of multiple cancers. Furthermore, the dual role of the RNA modification/autophagy axis in cancer drug resistance is discussed. A comprehensive understanding and extensive exploration of the molecular crosstalk of RNA modifications with autophagy will provide important insights into tumor pathophysiology and provide more options for cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Huang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Ruining Pan
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Yifei Guan
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Intensive Care Unit, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, 102218, China.
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Antiviral Drugs, Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China.
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13
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Alhasan B, Mikeladze M, Guzhova I, Margulis B. Autophagy, molecular chaperones, and unfolded protein response as promoters of tumor recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:217-254. [PMID: 36723697 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence is a paradoxical function of a machinery, whereby a small proportion of the cancer cell population enters a resistant, dormant state, persists long-term in this condition, and then transitions to proliferation. The dormant phenotype is typical of cancer stem cells, tumor-initiating cells, disseminated tumor cells, and drug-tolerant persisters, which all demonstrate similar or even equivalent properties. Cancer cell dormancy and its conversion to repopulation are regulated by several protein signaling systems that inhibit or induce cell proliferation and provide optimal interrelations between cancer cells and their special niche; these systems act in close connection with tumor microenvironment and immune response mechanisms. During dormancy and reawakening periods, cell proteostasis machineries, autophagy, molecular chaperones, and the unfolded protein response are recruited to protect refractory tumor cells from a wide variety of stressors and therapeutic insults. Proteostasis mechanisms functionally or even physically interfere with the main regulators of tumor relapse, and the significance of these interactions and implications in the tumor recurrence phases are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Alhasan
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Marina Mikeladze
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Guzhova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris Margulis
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
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14
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Paudel RR, Lu D, Roy Chowdhury S, Monroy EY, Wang J. Targeted Protein Degradation via Lysosomes. Biochemistry 2023; 62:564-579. [PMID: 36130224 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the scope of targeted protein degradation (TPD), proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), leveraging the ubiquitin-proteasome system, have been extensively studied. However, they are limited to the degradation of soluble and membrane proteins, excluding the aggregated and extracellular proteins and dysfunctional organelles. As an alternative protein degradation pathway, lysosomes serve as a feasible tool for accessing these untouched proteins and/or organelles by proteosomes. Here, we focus on reviewing the emerging lysosome-mediated TPD, such as AUTAC, ATTEC, AUTOTAC, LYTAC, and MoDE-A. Intracellular targets, such as soluble and aggregated proteins and organelles, can be degraded via the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Extracellular targets, such as membrane proteins, and secreted extracellular proteins can be degraded via the endosome-lysosome pathway. In addition, we summarize the mechanism and regulation of autophagy, available methods and assays for monitoring the autophagy process, and the recently developed chemical probes for perturbing the autophagy pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi R Paudel
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Dong Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sandipan Roy Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Erika Y Monroy
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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15
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Zhou M, Ma Y, Chiang CC, Rock EC, Luker KE, Luker GD, Chen YC. High-Throughput Cellular Heterogeneity Analysis in Cell Migration at the Single-Cell Level. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206754. [PMID: 36449634 PMCID: PMC9908848 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell migration represents an essential step toward metastasis and cancer deaths. However, conventional drug discovery focuses on cytotoxic and growth-inhibiting compounds rather than inhibitors of migration. Drug screening assays generally measure the average response of many cells, masking distinct cell populations that drive metastasis and resist treatments. Here, this work presents a high-throughput microfluidic cell migration platform that coordinates robotic liquid handling and computer vision for rapidly quantifying individual cellular motility. Using this innovative technology, 172 compounds were tested and a surprisingly low correlation between migration and growth inhibition was found. Notably, many compounds were found to inhibit migration of most cells while leaving fast-moving subpopulations unaffected. This work further pinpoints synergistic drug combinations, including Bortezomib and Danirixin, to stop fast-moving cells. To explain the observed cell behaviors, single-cell morphological and molecular analysis were performed. These studies establish a novel technology to identify promising migration inhibitors for cancer treatment and relevant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Zhou
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yushu Ma
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Chun-Cheng Chiang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Edwin C. Rock
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Luker
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Gary D. Luker
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2200 Bonisteel, Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2099, USA
| | - Yu-Chih Chen
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, 5115 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 3700 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- CMU-Pitt Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3420 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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16
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Zou Y, Zhang G, Li C, Long H, Chen D, Li Z, Ouyang G, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Discovery of Tryptanthrin and Its Derivatives and Its Activities against NSCLC In Vitro via Both Apoptosis and Autophagy Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021450. [PMID: 36674964 PMCID: PMC9861433 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, a series of novel tryptanthrin derivatives were synthesized and their inhibitory activities against selected human cancer cell lines, namely, lung (A549), chronic myeloid leukemia (K562), prostate (PC3), and live (HepG2), were evaluated using a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric (MTT) assay. Among the tested compounds, compound C1 exhibited a promising inhibitory effect on the A549 cell line with an IC50 value of 0.55 ± 0.33 µM. The observation of the cell morphological result showed that treatment with C1 could significantly inhibit the migration of A549 cells through the cell migration assay. Moreover, after treatment with C1, the A549 cells exhibited a typical apoptotic morphology and obvious autophagy. In addition, the detection of apoptosis and the mitochondrial membrane potential indicated that C1 induced A549 cell apoptosis via modulating the levels of Bcl2 family members and disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential. Compound C1 also suppressed the expression of cyclin D1 and increased the expression of p21 in the A549 cells, inducing cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase in a dose dependent manner. The further mechanism study found that C1 markedly increased the transformation from LC3-I to LC3-II. Taken together, our results suggest that C1 is capable of inhibiting the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, inducing cell apoptosis, and triggering autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayu Zou
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guanglong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Chengpeng Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Haitao Long
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Danping Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhurui Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guiping Ouyang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Zhenchao Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550025, China
- Guizhou Engineering Laboratory for Synthetic Drugs, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-851-8830-8717
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17
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Small Molecule Inhibitors for Unc-51-like Autophagy-Activating Kinase Targeting Autophagy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020953. [PMID: 36674464 PMCID: PMC9866249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged components of cells and recycles them as biochemical building blocks. Autophagy can also be induced to protect cells in response to intra- and extracellular stresses, including damage to cellular components, nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and pathogenic invasion. Dysregulation of autophagy has been attributed to various diseases. In particular, autophagy protects cancer cells by supporting tumor cell survival and the development of drug resistance. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of autophagy in cancer has stimulated the research on discovery and development of specific inhibitors targeting various stages of autophagy. In recent years, Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase (ULK) inhibitors have become an attractive strategy to treat cancer. This review summarizes recent discoveries and developments in small-molecule ULK inhibitors and their potential as anticancer agents. We focused on structural features, interactions with binding sites, and biological effects of these inhibitors. Overall, this review will provide guidance for using ULK inhibitors as chemical probes for autophagy in various cancers and developing improved ULK inhibitors that would enhance therapeutic benefits in the clinic.
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18
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Lee MJ, Park JS, Jo SB, Joe YA. Enhancing Anti-Cancer Therapy with Selective Autophagy Inhibitors by Targeting Protective Autophagy. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2023; 31:1-15. [PMID: 36579459 PMCID: PMC9810440 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a process of eliminating damaged or unnecessary proteins and organelles, thereby maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Deregulation of autophagy is associated with several diseases including cancer. Contradictory dual roles of autophagy have been well established in cancer. Cytoprotective mechanism of autophagy has been extensively investigated for overcoming resistance to cancer therapies including radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Selective autophagy inhibitors that directly target autophagic process have been developed for cancer treatment. Efficacies of autophagy inhibitors have been tested in various pre-clinical cancer animal models. Combination therapies of autophagy inhibitors with chemotherapeutics are being evaluated in clinal trials. In this review, we will focus on genetical and pharmacological perturbations of autophagy-related proteins in different steps of autophagic process and their therapeutic benefits. We will also summarize combination therapies of autophagy inhibitors with chemotherapies and their outcomes in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Understanding of current knowledge of development, progress, and application of cytoprotective autophagy inhibitors in combination therapies will open new possibilities for overcoming drug resistance and improving clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ju Lee
- Department of Medical Lifescience, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Bin Jo
- Department of Medical Lifescience, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ae Joe
- Department of Medical Lifescience, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea,Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea,Corresponding Author E-mail: , Tel: +82-2-3147-8406, Fax: +82-2-593-2522
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19
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Duan T, Yang X, Kuang J, Sun W, Li J, Ge J, Zhang M, Cai X, Yu P, Yang J, Zhu X. ULK1 Depletion Protects Mice from Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis by Promoting Apoptosis and Inhibiting Autophagy. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:315-325. [PMID: 36874251 PMCID: PMC9983443 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s399855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The uncoordinated-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1) is an important serine/threonine protein kinase involved in autophagy, especially for the initiation stage. Previous studies have shown that ULK1 could be used as a prognostic marker in predicting poor progression-free survival and a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) when treated with sorafenib; however, its role during hepatocarcinogenesis remains to be elucidated. Methods CCK8 and colony formation assay were used to detect cell growth ability. Western blotting was performed to determine expression level of protein. Data from public database were downloaded to analyze expression of ULK1 at mRNA level and predict survival time. RNA-seq was conducted to reveal disturbed gene profile orchestrated by ULK1 depletion. A diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mice model was used to uncover the role of ULK1 in hepatocarcinogenesis. Results ULK1 was up-regulated in liver cancer tissues and cell lines, and knockdown of ULK1 promoted apoptosis and suppressed proliferation of liver cancer cells. In in vivo experiments, Ulk1 depletion attenuated starvation-induced autophagy in mice liver, reduced diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatic tumor number and size, and prevented tumor progression. Further, RNA-seq analysis revealed a close relationship between Ulk1 and immunity with significant changes in gene sets enriched in the interleukin and interferon pathways. Conclusion ULK1 deficiency prevented hepatocarcinogenesis and inhibited hepatic tumor growth, and might be a molecular target for the prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Duan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Kuang
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, College of Sciences, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, Hunan, 410073, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Ge
- Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Mohan Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Cai
- Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Peilin Yu
- Department of Toxicology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Nutrition and Toxicology, Hangzhou Normal University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinqiang Zhu
- Medical Research Center, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, People's Republic of China
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20
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Canonical and Noncanonical ER Stress-Mediated Autophagy Is a Bite the Bullet in View of Cancer Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233773. [PMID: 36497032 PMCID: PMC9738281 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells adapt multiple mechanisms to counter intense stress on their way to growth. Tumor microenvironment stress leads to canonical and noncanonical endoplasmic stress (ER) responses, which mediate autophagy and are engaged during proteotoxic challenges to clear unfolded or misfolded proteins and damaged organelles to mitigate stress. In these conditions, autophagy functions as a cytoprotective mechanism in which malignant tumor cells reuse degraded materials to generate energy under adverse growing conditions. However, cellular protection by autophagy is thought to be complicated, contentious, and context-dependent; the stress response to autophagy is suggested to support tumorigenesis and drug resistance, which must be adequately addressed. This review describes significant findings that suggest accelerated autophagy in cancer, a novel obstacle for anticancer therapy, and discusses the UPR components that have been suggested to be untreatable. Thus, addressing the UPR or noncanonical ER stress components is the most effective approach to suppressing cytoprotective autophagy for better and more effective cancer treatment.
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21
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Troumpoukis D, Papadimitropoulou A, Charalampous C, Kogionou P, Palamaris K, Sarantis P, Serafimidis I. Targeting autophagy in pancreatic cancer: The cancer stem cell perspective. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1049436. [PMID: 36505808 PMCID: PMC9730023 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1049436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is currently the seventh leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with the estimated death toll approaching half a million annually. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common (>90% of cases) and most aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, with extremely poor prognosis and very low survival rates. PDAC is initiated by genetic alterations, usually in the oncogene KRAS and tumor suppressors CDKN2A, TP53 and SMAD4, which in turn affect a number of downstream signaling pathways that regulate important cellular processes. One of the processes critically altered is autophagy, the mechanism by which cells clear away and recycle impaired or dysfunctional organelles, protein aggregates and other unwanted components, in order to achieve homeostasis. Autophagy plays conflicting roles in PDAC and has been shown to act both as a positive effector, promoting the survival of pancreatic tumor-initiating cells, and as a negative effector, increasing cytotoxicity in uncontrollably expanding cells. Recent findings have highlighted the importance of cancer stem cells in PDAC initiation, progression and metastasis. Pancreatic cancer stem cells (PaCSCs) comprise a small subpopulation of the pancreatic tumor, characterized by cellular plasticity and the ability to self-renew, and autophagy has been recognised as a key process in PaCSC maintenance and function, simultaneously suggesting new strategies to achieve their selective elimination. In this review we evaluate recent literature that links autophagy with PaCSCs and PDAC, focusing our discussion on the therapeutic implications of pharmacologically targeting autophagy in PaCSCs, as a means to treat PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Troumpoukis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Chrysanthi Charalampous
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kogionou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Palamaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Serafimidis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece,*Correspondence: Ioannis Serafimidis,
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22
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Rangel M, Kong J, Bhatt V, Khayati K, Guo JY. Autophagy and tumorigenesis. FEBS J 2022; 289:7177-7198. [PMID: 34270851 PMCID: PMC8761221 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process that captures cellular waste and degrades them in the lysosome. The main functions of autophagy are quality control of cytosolic proteins and organelles, and intracellular recycling of nutrients in order to maintain cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is upregulated in many cancers to promote cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Both cell-autonomous autophagy (also known as tumor autophagy) and non-cell-autonomous autophagy (also known as host autophagy) support tumorigenesis through different mechanisms, including inhibition of p53 activation, sustaining redox homeostasis, maintenance of essential amino acids levels in order to support energy production and biosynthesis, and inhibition of antitumor immune responses. Therefore, autophagy may serve as a tumor-specific vulnerability and targeting autophagy could be a novel strategy in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rangel
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Jerry Kong
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Vrushank Bhatt
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Khoosheh Khayati
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA
| | - Jessie Yanxiang Guo
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA,Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA,Department of Chemical Biology, Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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23
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Zhang L, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Zhang L, Chen L. Inhibiting Cytoprotective Autophagy in Cancer Therapy: An Update on Pharmacological Small-Molecule Compounds. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:966012. [PMID: 36034776 PMCID: PMC9403721 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.966012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-degradation process in which damaged proteins and organelles are engulfed into autophagosomes for digestion and eventually recycled for cellular metabolism to maintain intracellular homeostasis. Accumulating studies have reported that autophagy has the Janus role in cancer as a tumor suppressor or an oncogenic role to promote the growth of established tumors and developing drug resistance. Importantly, cytoprotective autophagy plays a prominent role in many types of human cancers, thus inhibiting autophagy, and has been regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. Here, we focus on summarizing small-molecule compounds inhibiting the autophagy process, as well as further discuss other dual-target small-molecule compounds, combination strategies, and other strategies to improve potential cancer therapy. Therefore, these findings will shed new light on exploiting more small-molecule compounds inhibiting cytoprotective autophagy as candidate drugs for fighting human cancers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lan Zhang, ; Lu Chen,
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lan Zhang, ; Lu Chen,
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24
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Function and regulation of ULK1: From physiology to pathology. Gene 2022; 840:146772. [PMID: 35905845 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The expression of ULK1, a core protein of autophagy, is closely related to autophagic activity. Numerous studies have shown that pathological abnormal expression of ULK1 is associated with various human diseases such as neurological disorders, infections, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases and cancers. In addition, new advances in the regulation of ULK1 have been identified. Furthermore, targeting ULK1 as a therapeutic strategy for diseases is gaining attention as new corresponding activators or inhibitors are being developed. In this review, we describe the structure and regulation of ULK1 as well as the current targeted activators and inhibitors. Moreover, we highlight the pathological disorders of ULK1 expression and its critical role in human diseases.
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25
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Gillson J, Abd El-Aziz YS, Leck LYW, Jansson PJ, Pavlakis N, Samra JS, Mittal A, Sahni S. Autophagy: A Key Player in Pancreatic Cancer Progression and a Potential Drug Target. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143528. [PMID: 35884592 PMCID: PMC9315706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary With the mortality rate of pancreatic cancer predicted to rise over the coming years, it is essential that effective treatment strategies are developed as soon as possible. Pancreatic cancer has always proven very difficult to treat due to its fast growing and aggressive nature. Chemotherapeutic treatment has struggled to increase the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients due to effective chemo-resistant properties that derive from the supporting tumor microenvironment and autophagy, a vital survival pathway. This review will explore how the autophagy pathway and tumor microenvironment help to sustain tumor survival under stress and expand into a metastatic state. Due to the comprehensive understanding of the autophagy pathway, we will highlight the potential chinks in the pancreatic tumor’s armor and identify potential targets to overcome chemo-resistance in pancreatic cancer. We will also present novel autophagy inhibitors that could reduce tumor survival and how they could be most effectively conceived. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is known to have the lowest survival outcomes among all major cancers, and unfortunately, this has only been marginally improved over last four decades. The innate characteristics of pancreatic cancer include an aggressive and fast-growing nature from powerful driver mutations, a highly defensive tumor microenvironment and the upregulation of advantageous survival pathways such as autophagy. Autophagy involves targeted degradation of proteins and organelles to provide a secondary source of cellular supplies to maintain cell growth. Elevated autophagic activity in pancreatic cancer is recognized as a major survival pathway as it provides a plethora of support for tumors by supplying vital resources, maintaining tumour survival under the stressful microenvironment and promoting other pathways involved in tumour progression and metastasis. The combination of these features is unique to pancreatic cancer and present significant resistance to chemotherapeutic strategies, thus, indicating a need for further investigation into therapies targeting this crucial pathway. This review will outline the autophagy pathway and its regulation, in addition to the genetic landscape and tumor microenvironment that contribute to pancreatic cancer severity. Moreover, this review will also discuss the mechanisms of novel therapeutic strategies that inhibit autophagy and how they could be used to suppress tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Gillson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Yomna S. Abd El-Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Lionel Y. W. Leck
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J. Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nick Pavlakis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Jaswinder S. Samra
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Anubhav Mittal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9926-7829
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26
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Lahiri V, Metur SP, Hu Z, Song X, Mari M, Hawkins WD, Bhattarai J, Delorme-Axford E, Reggiori F, Tang D, Dengjel J, Klionsky DJ. Post-transcriptional regulation of ATG1 is a critical node that modulates autophagy during distinct nutrient stresses. Autophagy 2022; 18:1694-1714. [PMID: 34836487 PMCID: PMC9298455 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1997305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy is a highly conserved nutrient-recycling pathway that eukaryotes utilize to combat diverse stresses including nutrient depletion. Dysregulation of autophagy disrupts cellular homeostasis leading to starvation susceptibility in yeast and disease development in humans. In yeast, the robust autophagy response to starvation is controlled by the upregulation of ATG genes, via regulatory processes involving multiple levels of gene expression. Despite the identification of several regulators through genetic studies, the predominant mechanism of regulation modulating the autophagy response to subtle differences in nutrient status remains undefined. Here, we report the unexpected finding that subtle changes in nutrient availability can cause large differences in autophagy flux, governed by hitherto unknown post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms affecting the expression of the key autophagyinducing kinase Atg1 (ULK1/ULK2 in mammals). We have identified two novel post-transcriptional regulators of ATG1 expression, the kinase Rad53 and the RNA-binding protein Ded1 (DDX3 in mammals). Furthermore, we show that DDX3 regulates ULK1 expression post-transcriptionally, establishing mechanistic conservation and highlighting the power of yeast biology in uncovering regulatory mechanisms that can inform therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikramjit Lahiri
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shree Padma Metur
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zehan Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, FribourgSwitzerland
| | - Xinxin Song
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muriel Mari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Wayne D. Hawkins
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Janakraj Bhattarai
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joern Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, FribourgSwitzerland
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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27
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Zhang Y, Gao LX, Wang W, Zhang T, Dong FY, Ding WP. M 6 A Demethylase FTO Regulates Cisplatin Resistance of Gastric Cancer by Modulating Autophagy Activation via ULK1. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:3085-3096. [PMID: 35730319 PMCID: PMC9459343 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is an important factor for treatment failure of gastric cancer. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the predominant mRNA internal modification in eukaryotes. The roles of m6A modification in drug resistance of gastric cancer remains unclear. In the present study, the m6A methylated RNA level was significantly decreased while the expression of m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity‐associated protein (FTO) was obviously elevated in cisplatin‐resistant (SGC‐7901/DDP) gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of FTO reversed cisplatin resistance of SGC‐7901/DDP cells both in vitro and in vivo, which was attributed to the inhibition of Unc‐51‐like kinase 1 (ULK1)‐mediated autophagy. Mechanistically, ULK1 expression was regulated in an FTO‐m6A‐dependent and YTHDF2‐mediated manner. Collectively, our findings indicate that the FTO/ULK1 axis exerts crucial roles in cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First Aflliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Ling-Xi Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Aflliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Aflliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Aflliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Fang-Yi Dong
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ping Ding
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institution, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.,Department of Radiotherapy, The First Aflliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, China
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28
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Ravichandran R, PriyaDharshini LC, Sakthivel KM, Rasmi RR. Role and regulation of autophagy in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166400. [PMID: 35341960 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is an intracellular self-degradative mechanism which responds to cellular conditions like stress or starvation and plays a key role in regulating cell metabolism, energy homeostasis, starvation adaptation, development and cell death. Numerous studies have stipulated the participation of autophagy in cancer, but the role of autophagy either as tumor suppressor or tumor promoter is not clearly understood. However, mechanisms by which autophagy promotes cancer involves a diverse range of modifications of autophagy associated proteins such as ATGs, Beclin-1, mTOR, p53, KRAS etc. and autophagy pathways like mTOR, PI3K, MAPK, EGFR, HIF and NFκB. Furthermore, several researches have highlighted a context-dependent, cell type and stage-dependent regulation of autophagy in cancer. Alongside this, the interaction between tumor cells and their microenvironment including hypoxia has a great potential in modulating autophagy response in favour to substantiate cancer cell metabolism, self-proliferation and metastasis. In this review article, we highlight the mechanism of autophagy and their contribution to cancer cell proliferation and development. In addition, we discuss about tumor microenvironment interaction and their consequence on selective autophagy pathways and the involvement of autophagy in various tumor types and their therapeutic interventions concentrated on exploiting autophagy as a potential target to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Ravichandran
- Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Arts and Science, Civil Aerodrome Post, Coimbatore 641 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Kunnathur Murugesan Sakthivel
- Department of Biochemistry, PSG College of Arts and Science, Civil Aerodrome Post, Coimbatore 641 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rajan Radha Rasmi
- Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Arts and Science, Civil Aerodrome Post, Coimbatore 641 014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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29
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Zhang H, Gao C, Zhang L, Yu R, Kang C. Homology modeling, virtual screening and MD simulations for identification of NUAK1 and ULK1 potential dual inhibitors. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj03690d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to their severe metabolic stress. SNF1 like kinase 1 (NUAK1) is the key part of the cellular antioxidant system. Inhibiting the...
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30
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Iessi E, Vona R, Cittadini C, Matarrese P. Targeting the Interplay between Cancer Metabolic Reprogramming and Cell Death Pathways as a Viable Therapeutic Path. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121942. [PMID: 34944758 PMCID: PMC8698563 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer cells, metabolic adaptations are often observed in terms of nutrient absorption, biosynthesis of macromolecules, and production of energy necessary to meet the needs of the tumor cell such as uncontrolled proliferation, dissemination, and acquisition of resistance to death processes induced by both unfavorable environmental conditions and therapeutic drugs. Many oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have a significant effect on cellular metabolism, as there is a close relationship between the pathways activated by these genes and the various metabolic options. The metabolic adaptations observed in cancer cells not only promote their proliferation and invasion, but also their survival by inducing intrinsic and acquired resistance to various anticancer agents and to various forms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. In this review we analyze the main metabolic differences between cancer and non-cancer cells and how these can affect the various cell death pathways, effectively determining the susceptibility of cancer cells to therapy-induced death. Targeting the metabolic peculiarities of cancer could represent in the near future an innovative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of those tumors whose metabolic characteristics are known.
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31
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Abd El-Aziz YS, Leck LYW, Jansson PJ, Sahni S. Emerging Role of Autophagy in the Development and Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6152. [PMID: 34944772 PMCID: PMC8699656 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process, which is characterized by degradation of damaged proteins and organelles needed to supply the cell with essential nutrients. At basal levels, autophagy is important to maintain cellular homeostasis and development. It is also a stress responsive process that allows the cells to survive when subjected to stressful conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Autophagy has been implicated in many pathologies including cancer. It is well established that autophagy plays a dual role in different cancer types. There is emerging role of autophagy in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) development and progression. This review will focus on the role played by autophagy in relation to different aspects of cancer progression and discuss recent studies exploring the role of autophagy in OSCC. It will further discuss potential therapeutic approaches to target autophagy in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yomna S. Abd El-Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
- Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Lionel Y. W. Leck
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J. Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW 2064, Australia
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32
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A perspective on the role of autophagy in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166262. [PMID: 34481059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy refers to a ubiquitous set of catabolic pathways required to achieve proper cellular homeostasis. Aberrant autophagy has been implicated in a multitude of diseases including cancer. In this review, we highlight pioneering and groundbreaking research that centers on delineating the role of autophagy in cancer initiation, proliferation and metastasis. First, we discuss the autophagy-related (ATG) proteins and their respective roles in the de novo formation of autophagosomes and the subsequent delivery of cargo to the lysosome for recycling. Next, we touch upon the history of cancer research that centers upon ATG proteins and regulatory mechanisms that control an appropriate autophagic response and how these are altered in the diseased state. Then, we discuss the various discoveries that led to the idea of autophagy as a double-edged sword when it comes to cancer therapy. This review also briefly narrates how different types of autophagy-selective macroautophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy, have been linked to different cancers. Overall, these studies build upon a steadfast trajectory that aims to solve the monumentally daunting challenge of finding a cure for many types of cancer by modulating autophagy either through inhibition or induction.
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Raufi AG, Liguori NR, Carlsen L, Parker C, Hernandez Borrero L, Zhang S, Tian X, Louie A, Zhou L, Seyhan AA, El-Deiry WS. Therapeutic Targeting of Autophagy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:751568. [PMID: 34916936 PMCID: PMC8670090 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.751568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease characterized by early metastasis, late detection, and poor prognosis. Progress towards effective therapy has been slow despite significant efforts. Novel treatment approaches are desperately needed and autophagy, an evolutionary conserved process through which proteins and organelles are recycled for use as alternative energy sources, may represent one such target. Although incompletely understood, there is growing evidence suggesting that autophagy may play a role in PDAC carcinogenesis, metastasis, and survival. Early clinical trials involving autophagy inhibiting agents, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have been disappointing. Recently, evidence has demonstrated synergy between the MAPK pathway and autophagy inhibitors in PDAC, suggesting a promising therapeutic intervention. In addition, novel agents, such as ONC212, have preclinical activity in pancreatic cancer, in part through autophagy inhibition. We discuss autophagy in PDAC tumorigenesis, metabolism, modulation of the immune response, and preclinical and clinical data with selected autophagy modulators as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Raufi
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Hematology/Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Wafik S. El-Deiry, ; Alexander G. Raufi,
| | - Nicholas R. Liguori
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lindsey Carlsen
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Cassandra Parker
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Liz Hernandez Borrero
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Shengliang Zhang
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Xiaobing Tian
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Anna Louie
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Lanlan Zhou
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Attila A. Seyhan
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Wafik S. El-Deiry
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Hematology/Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Wafik S. El-Deiry, ; Alexander G. Raufi,
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Abd El-Aziz YS, Gillson J, Jansson PJ, Sahni S. Autophagy: A promising target for triple negative breast cancers. Pharmacol Res 2021; 175:106006. [PMID: 34843961 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancers which constitutes about 15% of all breast cancer cases and characterized by negative expression of hormonal receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Thus, endocrine and HER2 targeted therapies are not effective toward TNBCs, and they mainly rely on chemotherapy and surgery for treatment. Despite recent advances in chemotherapy, 40% of TNBC patients develop a metastatic relapse and recurrence. Therefore, understanding the molecular profile of TNBC is warranted to identify targets that can be selected for the development of a new and effective therapeutic approach. Autophagy is an internal defensive mechanism that allows the cells to survive under different stressors. It has been well known that autophagy exerts a crucial role in cancer progression. The critical role of autophagy in TNBC progression is emerging in recent years. This review will discuss autophagic pathway, how autophagy affects TNBC progression and recent therapeutic approaches that can target autophagy as a new treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yomna S Abd El-Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Josef Gillson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.
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Understanding the Role of Autophagy in Cancer Formation and Progression Is a Real Opportunity to Treat and Cure Human Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225622. [PMID: 34830777 PMCID: PMC8616104 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The modulation of autophagy represents a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. More than one hundred clinical trials have been conducted or are ongoing to explore the efficacy of autophagy modulators to reduce the tumor growth and potentiate the anti-cancer effects of conventional therapy. Despite this, the effective role of autophagy during tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis remains not well understood. Depending on the cancer type and stage of cancer, autophagy may have tumor suppressor properties as well as help cancer cells to proliferate and evade cancer therapy. The current review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the autophagy implications in cancer and report the therapeutic opportunities based on the modulation of the autophagy process. Abstract The malignant transformation of a cell produces the accumulation of several cellular adaptions. These changes determine variations in biological processes that are necessary for a cancerous cell to survive during stressful conditions. Autophagy is the main nutrient recycling and metabolic adaptor mechanism in eukaryotic cells, represents a continuous source of energy and biomolecules, and is fundamental to preserve the correct cellular homeostasis during unfavorable conditions. In recent decades, several findings demonstrate a close relationship between autophagy, malignant transformation, and cancer progression. The evidence suggests that autophagy in the cancer context has a bipolar role (it may act as a tumor suppressor and as a mechanism of cell survival for established tumors) and demonstrates that the targeting of autophagy may represent novel therapeutic opportunities. Accordingly, the modulation of autophagy has important clinical benefits in patients affected by diverse cancer types. Currently, about 30 clinical trials are actively investigating the efficacy of autophagy modulators to enhance the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy treatments. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathways regulating autophagy in the cancer context will provide new ways to target autophagy for improving the therapeutic benefits. Herein, we describe how autophagy participates during malignant transformation and cancer progression, and we report the ultimate efforts to translate this knowledge into specific therapeutic approaches to treat and cure human cancers.
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The Emerging Roles of Autophagy in Human Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111651. [PMID: 34829881 PMCID: PMC8615641 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a process of cellular self-digestion, delivers intracellular components including superfluous and dysfunctional proteins and organelles to the lysosome for degradation and recycling and is important to maintain cellular homeostasis. In recent decades, autophagy has been found to help fight against a variety of human diseases, but, at the same time, autophagy can also promote the procession of certain pathologies, which makes the connection between autophagy and diseases complex but interesting. In this review, we summarize the advances in understanding the roles of autophagy in human diseases and the therapeutic methods targeting autophagy and discuss some of the remaining questions in this field, focusing on cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases and metabolic disorders.
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Quinn MCJ, McCue K, Shi W, Johnatty SE, Beesley J, Civitarese A, O'Mara TA, Glubb DM, Tyrer JP, Armasu SM, Ong JS, Gharahkhani P, Lu Y, Gao B, Patch AM, Fasching PA, Beckmann MW, Lambrechts D, Vergote I, Velez Edwards DR, Beeghly-Fadiel A, Benitez J, Garcia MJ, Goodman MT, Dörk T, Dürst M, Modugno F, Moysich K, du Bois A, Pfisterer J, Bauman K, Karlan BY, Lester J, Cunningham JM, Larson MC, McCauley BM, Kjaer SK, Jensen A, Hogdall CK, Hogdall E, Schildkraut JM, Riggan MJ, Berchuck A, Cramer DW, Terry KL, Bjorge L, Webb PM, Friedlander M, Pejovic T, Moffitt M, Glasspool R, May T, Ene GEV, Huntsman DG, Woo M, Carney ME, Hinsley S, Heitz F, Fereday S, Kennedy CJ, Edwards SL, Winham SJ, deFazio A, Pharoah PDP, Goode EL, MacGregor S, Chenevix-Trench G. Identification of a Locus Near ULK1 Associated With Progression-Free Survival in Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021; 30:1669-1680. [PMID: 34162658 PMCID: PMC8419101 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-20-1817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many loci have been found to be associated with risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, although there is considerable variation in progression-free survival (PFS), no loci have been found to be associated with outcome at genome-wide levels of significance. METHODS We carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of PFS in 2,352 women with EOC who had undergone cytoreductive surgery and standard carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy. RESULTS We found seven SNPs at 12q24.33 associated with PFS (P < 5 × 10-8), the top SNP being rs10794418 (HR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15-1.34; P = 1.47 × 10-8). High expression of a nearby gene, ULK1, is associated with shorter PFS in EOC, and with poor prognosis in other cancers. SNP rs10794418 is also associated with expression of ULK1 in ovarian tumors, with the allele associated with shorter PFS being associated with higher expression, and chromatin interactions were detected between the ULK1 promoter and associated SNPs in serous and endometrioid EOC cell lines. ULK1 knockout ovarian cancer cell lines showed significantly increased sensitivity to carboplatin in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The locus at 12q24.33 represents one of the first genome-wide significant loci for survival for any cancer. ULK1 is a plausible candidate for the target of this association. IMPACT This finding provides insight into genetic markers associated with EOC outcome and potential treatment options.See related commentary by Peres and Monteiro, p. 1604.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C J Quinn
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karen McCue
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sharon E Johnatty
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jonathan Beesley
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Civitarese
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tracy A O'Mara
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dylan M Glubb
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jonathan P Tyrer
- Department of Oncology, Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastian M Armasu
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jue-Sheng Ong
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Puya Gharahkhani
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bo Gao
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Care Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ann-Marie Patch
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignace Vergote
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Digna R Velez Edwards
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alicia Beeghly-Fadiel
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Javier Benitez
- Human Genetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), and Biomedical Network on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Garcia
- Human Genetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), and Biomedical Network on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
- Computational Oncology Group, Spanish National Cancer Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc T Goodman
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Community and Population Health Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Thilo Dörk
- Gynaecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Dürst
- Department of Gynecology, Jena University Hospital - Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Francesmary Modugno
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Womens Cancer Research Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kirsten Moysich
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, Cancer Pathology & Prevention, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | - Andreas du Bois
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | | | | | - Beth Y Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jenny Lester
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Julie M Cunningham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Melissa C Larson
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Bryan M McCauley
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Susanne K Kjaer
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Allan Jensen
- Department of Lifestyle, Reproduction and Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus K Hogdall
- Department of Gynecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Estrid Hogdall
- Department of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Lifestyle, Reproduction and Cancer, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joellen M Schildkraut
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Marjorie J Riggan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Andrew Berchuck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Daniel W Cramer
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathryn L Terry
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Line Bjorge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Michael Friedlander
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tanja Pejovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Melissa Moffitt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rosalind Glasspool
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Taymaa May
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabrielle E V Ene
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David G Huntsman
- British Columbia's Ovarian Cancer Research (OVCARE) Program, Vancouver General Hospital, BC Cancer Agency and University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michelle Woo
- British Columbia's Ovarian Cancer Research (OVCARE) Program, Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael E Carney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Samantha Hinsley
- Cancer Research UK Glasgow Clinical Trials Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Heitz
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Essen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
- Department for Gynecology with the Center for Oncologic Surgery Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sian Fereday
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine J Kennedy
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stacey L Edwards
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stacey J Winham
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Paul D P Pharoah
- Department of Oncology, Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Strangeways Research Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, University of Cambridge, Worts Causeway, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen L Goode
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Georgia Chenevix-Trench
- Department of Genetics and Computational Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Kumar P, Jagtap YA, Patwa SM, Kinger S, Dubey AR, Prajapati VK, Dhiman R, Poluri KM, Mishra A. Autophagy based cellular physiological strategies target oncogenic progression. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:258-277. [PMID: 34448206 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidence accumulated from past findings indicates that defective proteostasis may contribute to risk factors for cancer generation. Irregular assembly of abnormal proteins catalyzes the disturbance of cellular proteostasis and induces the ability of abnormal cellular proliferation. The autophagy mechanism plays a key role in the regular clearance of abnormal/poor lipids, proteins, and various cellular organelles. The results of functional and effective autophagy deliver normal cellular homeostasis, which establishes supportive metabolism and avoids unexpected tumorigenesis events. Still, the precise molecular mechanism of autophagy in tumor suppression has not been clear. How autophagy triggers selective or nonselective bulk degradation to dissipate tumor promotion under stress conditions is not clear. Under proteotoxic insults to knockdown the drive of tumorigenesis, it is critical for us to figure out the detailed molecular functions of autophagy in human cancers. The current article summarizes autophagy-based theragnostic strategies targeting various phases of tumorigenesis and suggests the preventive roles of autophagy against tumor progression. A better understanding of various molecular partners of autophagic flux will improve and innovate therapeutic approaches based on autophagic-susceptible effects against cellular oncogenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Yuvraj Anandrao Jagtap
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Som Mohanlal Patwa
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sumit Kinger
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ankur Rakesh Dubey
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Krishna Mohan Poluri
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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DeLiberty JM, Robb R, Gates CE, Bryant KL. Unraveling and targeting RAS-driven metabolic signaling for therapeutic gain. Adv Cancer Res 2021; 153:267-304. [PMID: 35101233 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS mutations are among the most frequent oncogenic drivers observed in human cancers. With a lack of available treatment options, RAS-mutant cancers account for many of the deadliest cancers in the United States. Recent studies established that altered metabolic requirements are a hallmark of cancer, and many of these alterations are driven by aberrant RAS signaling. Specifically, RAS-driven cancers are characterized by upregulated glycolysis, the differential channeling of glycolytic intermediates, upregulated nutrient scavenging pathways such as autophagy and macropinocytosis, and altered glutamine utilization and mitochondrial function. This unique metabolic landscape promotes tumorigenesis, proliferation, survival in nutrient deficient environments and confers resistance to conventional cytotoxic and targeted therapies. Emerging work demonstrates how these dependencies can be therapeutically exploited in vitro and in vivo with many metabolic inhibitors currently in clinical trials. This review aims to outline the unique metabolic requirements induced by aberrant RAS signaling and how these altered dependencies present opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M DeLiberty
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ryan Robb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Claire E Gates
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kirsten L Bryant
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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Qiu X, Zheng L, Liu X, Hong D, He M, Tang Z, Tian C, Tan G, Hwang S, Shi Z, Wang L. ULK1 Inhibition as a Targeted Therapeutic Strategy for Psoriasis by Regulating Keratinocytes and Their Crosstalk With Neutrophils. Front Immunol 2021; 12:714274. [PMID: 34421918 PMCID: PMC8371267 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.714274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease resulting from an interplay of keratinocytes and immune cells. Previous studies have identified an essential role of autophagy in the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis including proliferation and differentiation. However, much less is known about the role of autophagy-related proteins in the cutaneous immune response. Herein, we showed that ULK1, the key autophagic initiator, and its phosphorylation at Ser556 were distinctively decreased in the epidermis from lesional skin of psoriasis patients. Topical application of SBI0206965, a selective ULK1 inhibitor, significantly attenuated epidermal hyperplasia, infiltration of neutrophils, and transcripts of the psoriasis-related markers in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasiform dermatitis (PsD). In vitro, ULK1 impairment by siRNA and SBI0206965 arrested cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of keratinocytes but had a marginal effect on the expression of proinflammatory mediators under steady status. Surprisingly, SBI0206965 blocked the production of chemokines and cytokines in keratinocytes stimulated by neutrophils. Of interest, the pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of ULK1 inhibition cannot be fully replicated by autophagic inhibitors. Our findings suggest a self-regulatory process by downregulating ULK1 to maintain the immune homeostasis of psoriatic skin via regulating keratinocytes and their crosstalk with neutrophils, possibly through both autophagy-dependent and independent mechanisms. ULK1 might be a potential target for preventing or treating psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuting Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Hong
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mintong He
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zengqi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cuicui Tian
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guozhen Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sam Hwang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Zhenrui Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangchun Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kang SM, Kim DH. A Structural Approach into Drug Discovery Based on Autophagy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11060526. [PMID: 34199860 PMCID: PMC8226661 DOI: 10.3390/life11060526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent intracellular degradation machinery that plays an essential role in the regulation of cellular homeostasis. As many studies have revealed that autophagy is related to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and so on, and it is considered as a promising drug target. Recent advances in structural determination and computational technologies provide important structural information on essential autophagy-related proteins. Combined with high-throughput screening methods, structure-activity relationship studies have led to the discovery of molecules that modulate autophagy. In this review, we summarize the recent structural studies on autophagy-related proteins and the discovery of modulators, indicating that targeting autophagy can be utilized as an effective strategy for novel drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Min Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Korea;
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-64-754-8195
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Martins WK, Silva MDND, Pandey K, Maejima I, Ramalho E, Olivon VC, Diniz SN, Grasso D. Autophagy-targeted therapy to modulate age-related diseases: Success, pitfalls, and new directions. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100033. [PMID: 34909664 PMCID: PMC8663935 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a critical metabolic process that supports homeostasis at a basal level and is dynamically regulated in response to various physiological and pathological processes. Autophagy has some etiologic implications that support certain pathological processes due to alterations in the lysosomal-degradative pathway. Some of the conditions related to autophagy play key roles in highly relevant human diseases, e.g., cardiovascular diseases (15.5%), malignant and other neoplasms (9.4%), and neurodegenerative conditions (3.7%). Despite advances in the discovery of new strategies to treat these age-related diseases, autophagy has emerged as a therapeutic option after preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we discuss the pitfalls and success in regulating autophagy initiation and its lysosome-dependent pathway to restore its homeostatic role and mediate therapeutic effects for cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiac diseases. The main challenge for the development of autophagy regulators for clinical application is the lack of specificity of the repurposed drugs, due to the low pharmacological uniqueness of their target, including those that target the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK pathway. Then, future efforts must be conducted to deal with this scenery, including the disclosure of key components in the autophagy machinery that may intervene in its therapeutic regulation. Among all efforts, those focusing on the development of novel allosteric inhibitors against autophagy inducers, as well as those targeting autolysosomal function, and their integration into therapeutic regimens should remain a priority for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleska Kerllen Martins
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Maryana do Nascimento da Silva
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Kiran Pandey
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, Meyer Building, Room 823, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Ikuko Maejima
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa Machi, Maebashi, Gunma, 3718512, Japan
| | - Ercília Ramalho
- Laboratory of Cell and Membrane (LCM), Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Vania Claudia Olivon
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Physiology, UNIDERP, Av. Ceará, 333. Vila Miguel Couto, Campo Grande, MS, 79003-010, Brazil
| | - Susana Nogueira Diniz
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Anhanguera University of São Paulo (UNIAN), Rua Raimundo Pereira de Magalhães, 3,305. Pirituba, São Paulo, 05145-200, Brazil
| | - Daniel Grasso
- Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Junín 954 p4, Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Argentina
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Ghaznavi H, Shirvaliloo M, Zarebkohan A, Shams Z, Radnia F, Bahmanpour Z, Sargazi S, Saravani R, Shirvalilou S, Shahraki O, Shahraki S, Nazarlou Z, Sheervalilou R. An Updated Review on Implications of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Tumorigenesis: Possible Alterations in Autophagy through Engineered Nanomaterials and Their Importance in Cancer Therapy. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 100:119-143. [PMID: 33990406 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most commonly recognized as a catabolic pathway, autophagy is a perplexing mechanism through which a living cell can free itself of excess cytoplasmic components, i.e., organelles, by means of certain membranous vesicles or lysosomes filled with degrading enzymes. Upon exposure to external insult or internal stimuli, the cell might opt to activate such a pathway, through which it can gain control over the maintenance of intracellular components and thus sustain homeostasis by intercepting the formation of unnecessary structures or eliminating the already present dysfunctional or inutile organelles. Despite such appropriateness, autophagy might also be considered a frailty for the cell, as it has been said to have a rather complicated role in tumorigenesis. A merit in the early stages of tumor formation, autophagy appears to be salutary because of its tumor-suppressing effects. In fact, several investigations on tumorigenesis have reported diminished levels of autophagic activity in tumor cells, which might result in transition to malignancy. On the contrary, autophagy has been suggested to be a seemingly favorable mechanism to progressed malignancies, as it contributes to survival of such cells. Based on the recent literature, this mechanism might also be activated upon the entry of engineered nanomaterials inside a cell, supposedly protecting the host from foreign materials. Accordingly, there is a good chance that therapeutic interventions for modulating autophagy in malignant cells using nanoparticles may sensitize cancerous cells to certain treatment modalities, e.g., radiotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the signaling pathways involved in autophagy and the significance of the mechanism itself in apoptosis and tumorigenesis while shedding light on possible alterations in autophagy through engineered nanomaterials and their potential therapeutic applications in cancer. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Autophagy has been said to have a complicated role in tumorigenesis. In the early stages of tumor formation, autophagy appears to be salutary because of its tumor-suppressing effects. On the contrary, autophagy has been suggested to be a favorable mechanism to progressed malignancies. This mechanism might be affected upon the entry of nanomaterials inside a cell. Accordingly, therapeutic interventions for modulating autophagy using nanoparticles may sensitize cancerous cells to certain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Ghaznavi
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Milad Shirvaliloo
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Amir Zarebkohan
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Zinat Shams
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Fatemeh Radnia
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Zahra Bahmanpour
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Saman Sargazi
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Ramin Saravani
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Sakine Shirvalilou
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Omolbanin Shahraki
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Sheida Shahraki
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Ziba Nazarlou
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
| | - Roghayeh Sheervalilou
- Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (H.G.), Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, (M.S.), Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences,Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (A.Z.), Department of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Z.S.), Department of Medical Biotechnology, Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (F.R.), Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Z.B.), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sar), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.S.), Finetech in Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (S.Sh), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (O.S), Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis Institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (S.Sha), Material Engineering Department, College of Science Koç University, Istanbul 34450, Turkey (Z.N.), Pharmacology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran (R.Sh)
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You J, Wang X. Circ_HIPK3 Knockdown Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Cholangiocarcinoma Partly via Mediating the miR-148a-3p/ULK1 Pathway. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:3827-3839. [PMID: 34007215 PMCID: PMC8123961 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s293823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is on the rise in recent years, and its pathogenesis may be associated with the deregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs). Hence, we aimed to investigate the role of circRNA homeodomain interacting protein kinase 3 (circ_HIPK3) in CCA. Methods The expression of circ_HIPK3, miR-148a-3p and unc-51 like kinase 3 (ULK1) mRNA was detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The role of circ_HIPK3 in cell proliferation was detected by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle progression were investigated using flow cytometry assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected by transwell assay. The protein levels of ULK1 and migration/invasion-associated markers were measured using Western blot. The putative relationship between miR-148a-3p and circ_HIPK3 or ULK1 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The role of circ_HIPK3 was also investigated in vivo. Results Circ_HIPK3 was overexpressed in CCA tissues and cells. In function, circ_HIPK3 knockdown inhibited CCA cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis and cycle arrest. It was confirmed that miR-148a-3p was a target of circ_HIPK3, and ULK1 was a target of miR-148a-3p. Circ_HIPK3 regulated ULK1 expression by targeting miR-148a-3p. Rescue experiments showed that miR-148a-3p inhibition reversed the effects of circ_HIPK3 knockdown. Besides, miR-148a-3p enrichment-blocked cell proliferation, migration and invasion were recovered by ULK1 overexpression. In vivo, circ_HIPK3 knockdown inhibited solid tumor growth. Conclusion Circ_HIPK3 knockdown blocked CCA malignant development partly via regulating the miR-148a-3p/ULK1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junning You
- Department of Emergency, Xianyang Hosptial, Yan'an University, XianYang, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Yulin No.2 Hospital, Yulin, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Zhou C, Li AH, Liu S, Sun H. Identification of an 11-Autophagy-Related-Gene Signature as Promising Prognostic Biomarker for Bladder Cancer Patients. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050375. [PMID: 33925460 PMCID: PMC8146553 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Human bladder cancer, one of the most common cancers worldwide, is a molecularly heterogenous and complex disease. Identifying novel prognostic biomarkers and establishing new predictive signatures are important for personalized medicine and effective treatment of bladder cancer patients. Autophagy, a cell self-maintenance process that removes damaged organelles and misfolded proteins, displays both tumor promotion and suppression activities. The aim of our study is to investigate the function of autophagy-related genes in bladder cancer with the main focus on their contribution to prognostic outcome. By analyzing data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we identified 32 autophagy-related genes that were highly associated with overall survival of bladder cancer patients. Further statistical assessment established an 11-autophagy-related-gene signature as an effective prognostic biomarker to predict the survival outcomes of bladder cancer patients. Abstract Background: Survival rates for highly invasive bladder cancer (BC) patients have been very low, with a 5-year survival rate of 6%. Accurate prediction of tumor progression and survival is important for diagnosis and therapeutic decisions for BC patients. Our study aims to develop an autophagy-related-gene (ARG) signature that helps to predict the survival of BC patients. Methods: RNA-seq data of 403 BC patients were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma (TCGA-BLCA) database. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify overall survival (OS)-related ARGs. The Lasso Cox regression model was applied to establish an ARG signature in the TCGA training cohort (N = 203). The performance of the 11-gene ARG signature was further evaluated in a training cohort and an independent validation cohort (N = 200) using Kaplan-Meier OS curve analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: Our study identified an 11-gene ARG signature that is significantly associated with OS, including APOL1, ATG4B, BAG1, CASP3, DRAM1, ITGA3, KLHL24, P4HB, PRKCD, ULK2, and WDR45. The ARGs-derived high-risk bladder cancer patients exhibited significantly poor OS in both training and validation cohorts. The prognostic model showed good predictive efficacy, with the area under the ROC curve (AUCs) for 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival of 0.702 (0.695), 0.744 (0.640), and 0.794 (0.658) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. A prognostic nomogram, which included the ARGs-derived risk factor, age and stage for eventual clinical translation, was established. Conclusion: We identified a novel ARG signature for risk-stratification and robust prediction of overall survival for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hong Sun
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(646)-754-9459
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Chmurska A, Matczak K, Marczak A. Two Faces of Autophagy in the Struggle against Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2981. [PMID: 33804163 PMCID: PMC8000091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy can play a double role in cancerogenesis: it can either inhibit further development of the disease or protect cells, causing stimulation of tumour growth. This phenomenon is called "autophagy paradox", and is characterised by the features that the autophagy process provides the necessary substrates for biosynthesis to meet the cell's energy needs, and that the over-programmed activity of this process can lead to cell death through apoptosis. The fight against cancer is a difficult process due to high levels of resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. More and more research is indicating that autophagy may play a very important role in the development of resistance by protecting cancer cells, which is why autophagy in cancer therapy can act as a "double-edged sword". This paper attempts to analyse the influence of autophagy and cancer stem cells on tumour development, and to compare new therapeutic strategies based on the modulation of these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chmurska
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Lodz, Banacha Street 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Matczak
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska Street 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Marczak
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biophysics, University of Lodz, Pomorska Street 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; (K.M.); (A.M.)
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Pargol M, Zare Karizi S, Akbari M, Nourmohammadi B, Shadmehr MB, Karimipoor M, Zare Karizi S. Investigation the Role of Autophagy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2021; 22:947-955. [PMID: 33773561 PMCID: PMC8286697 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2021.22.3.947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Recent studies have shown the role of autophagy in different types of cancer including lung cancer. MicroRNAs are considered as key factors in regulation of autophagy related genes. miR-30d, miR-204-5p and miR-20a are regulatory markers which can suppress the expression of beclin1, LC3, bcl2 and ULK1 as their target genes and they lead to decrement of autophagy in human cancer cells. Moreover, epigenetic modifications DNA methylation has been indicated in regulation of autophagy in different stages of cancer. Methods: In this study, the expression levels of miR-30d, miR-204-5p and miR-20a as well as their target genes were analyzed in 30 non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) patients sample and adjacent normal tissues by real-time qPCR. In addition, DNA methylation of beclin1, LC3, bcl2 and ULK1 genes were assessed by MS-HRM method. Results: MiR-30d (p value= 0.01) and miR-204-5p (P=0.048) significantly down-regulated in tumor samples compared to normal adjacent tissues, while there was no significant change in expression level of miR-20a. On the other hand, target genes expression level was significantly increased in NSCLC tissues, however methylation pattern of the target gene promoters, did not show any significant alteration. Conclusion: These results indicate roles for miR-30d, miR-204-5p as tumor suppressor genes as well as target genes as oncogenes in NSCLC patients. Although these factors may have a significant role in NSCLC progression, further studies are necessary to investigate the implications of these findings for treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minoo Pargol
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, School of Biological Science, Varamin Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran.,Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Zare Karizi
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, School of Biological Science, Varamin Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran.,Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Akbari
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, School of Biological Science, Varamin Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran.,Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Nourmohammadi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Behgam Shadmehr
- Tracheal Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Karimipoor
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Zare Karizi
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, School of Biological Science, Varamin Pishva Branch, Islamic Azad University, Varamin, Iran
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48
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Xiao M, Benoit A, Hasmim M, Duhem C, Vogin G, Berchem G, Noman MZ, Janji B. Targeting Cytoprotective Autophagy to Enhance Anticancer Therapies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:626309. [PMID: 33718194 PMCID: PMC7951055 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.626309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly regulated multi-step process that occurs at the basal level in almost all cells. Although the deregulation of the autophagy process has been described in several pathologies, the role of autophagy in cancer as a cytoprotective mechanism is currently well established and supported by experimental and clinical evidence. Our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the autophagy process has largely contributed to defining how we can harness this process to improve the benefit of cancer therapies. While the role of autophagy in tumor resistance to chemotherapy is extensively documented, emerging data point toward autophagy as a mechanism of cancer resistance to radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, manipulating autophagy has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome tumor resistance to various anti-cancer therapies, and autophagy modulators are currently evaluated in combination therapies in several clinical trials. In this review, we will summarize our current knowledge of the impact of genetically and pharmacologically modulating autophagy genes and proteins, involved in the different steps of the autophagy process, on the therapeutic benefit of various cancer therapies. We will also briefly discuss the challenges and limitations to developing potent and selective autophagy inhibitors that could be used in ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malina Xiao
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Alice Benoit
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Meriem Hasmim
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Caroline Duhem
- Department of Hemato-oncology, Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Guillaume Vogin
- Université de Lorraine - UMR 7365, Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire (IMoPA), Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Centre François Baclesse, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Guy Berchem
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.,Department of Hemato-oncology, Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Muhammad Zaeem Noman
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Bassam Janji
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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Yang W, Li Y, Liu S, Sun W, Huang H, Zhang Q, Yan J. Inhibition of ULK1 promotes the death of leukemia cell in an autophagy irrelevant manner and exerts the antileukemia effect. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e282. [PMID: 33463048 PMCID: PMC7803353 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Biomedical Engineering, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunlei Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory, Shenzhen Sami International Medical Center (Shenzhen Fourth People's Hospital), Shenzhen, China
| | - Weimin Sun
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hualan Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiqing Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, The Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People's Hospital) of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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50
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In silico approaches using pharmacophore model combined with molecular docking for discovery of novel ULK1 inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:341-361. [PMID: 33427493 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Discovery of effective autophagy-initiating kinase ULK1 inhibitors has attracted more and more attention in cancer treatment. Methodology & results: The present study describes the application of a pharmacophore-based virtual screening and structure-based docking approach guided drug design. Compound U-2 exhibited a nanomolar range of IC50 against the ULK1 target. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to assess the quality of docking studies. The determinants of binding affinity were investigated, and a different binding pattern was observed. Subsequently, prediction properties of ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) and hepatotoxicity in vitro studies indicated that U-2 possessed good drug-like properties. Moreover, western blot analysis indicated that the compound inhibited autophagic flux in cells. Conclusion: The present study provides an appropriate guideline for discovering novel ULK1 inhibitors. The novel compound may serve as a good starting point for further development and optimizations.
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