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Cardona-Echeverry A, Prada-Arismendy J. Deciphering the role of Wnt signaling in acute myeloid leukemia prognosis: how alterations in DNA methylation come into play in patients' prognosis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:3097-3109. [PMID: 32980885 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03407-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant clonal disorder affecting myeloid differentiation through mechanisms that include epigenetic dysregulation. Abnormal changes in DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of pathways involved in hematopoietic development, such as Wnt/β-catenin, contribute to the transformation, development, and maintenance of leukemic cells. This review summarizes the alterations of Wnt signaling-related genes at the epigenetic and transcriptional level and their implications for AML prognosis. Among the implications of epigenetic alterations in AML, methylation of Wnt antagonists is related to poor prognosis, whereas their upregulation has been associated with a better clinical outcome. Furthermore, Wnt target genes c-Myc and LEF-1 present distinct implications. LEF-1 expression positively influences the patient overall survival. c-Myc upregulation has been associated with treatment resistance in AML, although c-Myc expression is not exclusively dependent of Wnt signaling. Understanding the signaling abnormalities could help us to further understand leukemogenesis, improve the current risk stratification for AML patients, and even serve to propose novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Cardona-Echeverry
- Grupo de Investigación e innovación Biomédica-GI2B, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Aplicadas, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano-ITM, 050034, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Jeanette Prada-Arismendy
- Grupo de Investigación e innovación Biomédica-GI2B, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Aplicadas, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano-ITM, 050034, Medellín, Colombia.
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SHP1 and SHP2 inhibition enhances the pro-differentiative effect of phorbol esters: an alternative approach against acute myeloid leukemia. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:80. [PMID: 30764849 PMCID: PMC6376690 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The differentiation-based therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is an inspiring example for the search of novel strategies aimed at treatment of other subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Thus, the discovery of new molecular players in cell differentiation becomes a paramount research area to achieve this goal. Here, the involvement of the protein tyrosine phosphatases SHP1 and SHP2 on leukemic cells differentiation is shown, along with the therapeutic possibilities of their targeting to enhance the differentiation induction effect of phorbol esters. Methods The oxidation status and enzymatic activity of SHP1 and SHP2 during PMA-induced differentiation of HEL cells was evaluated. Additionally, the effects of RNAi-mediated downregulation of these phosphatases on cell differentiation was studied. Afterwards, the impact of chemical inhibition of SHP1 and SHP2 on differentiation both in the presence and absence of phorbol esters was tested. Finally, the anti-leukemic potential of phorbol esters and chemical inhibitors of SHP1 and SHP2 was addressed in several AML model cell lines, a xenograft mouse model and AML primary cells in vitro. Results An increase of oxidation with a concomitant decrease of activity was observed for both phosphatases at the onset of PMA-induced differentiation. Consistently, silencing of these proteins favored the process, with an enhanced effect upon their simultaneous downregulation. Moreover, the proteins SRC and β-catenin were identified as downstream targets of SHP1 and SHP2 in this context. In agreement with these findings, chemical inhibition of the phosphatases promoted cell differentiation itself and enhanced the effect of phorbol esters. Interestingly, treatment with the phorbol ester prostratin and the dual inhibitor of SHP1 and SHP2 NSC87877 synergistically hampered the proliferation of AML cell lines, prolonged the survival of xenografted mice and reduced the clonogenic potential of AML primary cells. Conclusions SHP1 and SHP2 are relevant mediators of differentiation in AML cells and their inhibition either alone or in combination with prostratin seems a promising differentiation-based therapeutic strategy against different subtypes of AML beyond APL. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1097-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Molecular characterization of Wnt pathway and function of β-catenin overexpression in medulloblastoma cell lines. Cytotechnology 2018; 70:1713-1722. [PMID: 30374857 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-018-0260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant childhood brain tumor. MB is currently classified into four molecular subgroups (Wnt, Shh, Group 3, and Group 4). The wingless (Wnt) pathway is responsible for embryonic development and is deregulated in MB. We analyzed the activation of the Wnt pathway in MB cell lines and its correlation with the Shh pathway, with emphasis on the importance of cellular characterization. Transient β-catenin transfection led to an increase in the β-catenin gene and protein expression in MB cell lines. Wnt pathway activation resulted in a reduced number of colonies in all cell lines studied and a significant increase in the G2/M cell cycle phase only in ONS-76 cells. Regarding the Shh pathway, transfection caused a reduced expression of the PTCH1 and SMO genes only in the UW473 cells. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism underlying the molecular events associated with the effects of Wnt activation in MB.
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Jiang X, Mak PY, Mu H, Tao W, Mak DH, Kornblau S, Zhang Q, Ruvolo P, Burks JK, Zhang W, McQueen T, Pan R, Zhou H, Konopleva M, Cortes J, Liu Q, Andreeff M, Carter BZ. Disruption of Wnt/β-Catenin Exerts Antileukemia Activity and Synergizes with FLT3 Inhibition in FLT3-Mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:2417-2429. [PMID: 29463558 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for leukemic stem cell function. FLT3 mutations are frequently observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Anomalous FLT3 signaling increases β-catenin nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are used clinically to treat FLT3-mutated AML patients, but with limited efficacy. We investigated the antileukemia activity of combined Wnt/β-catenin and FLT3 inhibition in FLT3-mutant AML.Experimental Design: Wnt/β-catenin signaling was inhibited by the β-catenin/CBP antagonist C-82/PRI-724 or siRNAs, and FLT3 signaling by sorafenib or quizartinib. Treatments on apoptosis, cell growth, and cell signaling were assessed in cell lines, patient samples, and in vivo in immunodeficient mice by flow cytometry, Western blot, RT-PCR, and CyTOF.Results: We found significantly higher β-catenin expression in cytogenetically unfavorable and relapsed AML patient samples and in the bone marrow-resident leukemic cells compared with circulating blasts. Disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling suppressed AML cell growth, induced apoptosis, abrogated stromal protection, and synergized with TKIs in FLT3-mutated AML cells and stem/progenitor cells in vitro The aforementioned combinatorial treatment improved survival of AML-xenografted mice in two in vivo models and impaired leukemia cell engraftment. Mechanistically, the combined inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin and FLT3 cooperatively decreased nuclear β-catenin and the levels of c-Myc and other Wnt/β-catenin and FLT3 signaling proteins. Importantly, β-catenin inhibition abrogated the microenvironmental protection afforded the leukemic stem/progenitor cells.Conclusions: Disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling exerts potent activities against AML stem/progenitor cells and synergizes with FLT3 inhibition in FLT3-mutant AML. These findings provide a rationale for clinical development of this strategy for treating FLT3-mutated AML patients. Clin Cancer Res; 24(10); 2417-29. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Jiang
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Po Yee Mak
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hong Mu
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Duncan H Mak
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Steven Kornblau
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Qi Zhang
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Peter Ruvolo
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jared K Burks
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Weiguo Zhang
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Teresa McQueen
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Rongqing Pan
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hongsheng Zhou
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jorge Cortes
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Qifa Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Bing Z Carter
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Kim DM, Jang H, Shin MG, Kim JH, Shin SM, Min SH, Kim IC. β-catenin induces expression of prohibitin gene in acute leukemic cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:3201-3208. [PMID: 28440457 PMCID: PMC5442404 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Prohibitin (PHB) is a multifunctional protein conserved in eukaryotic systems and shows various expression levels in tumor cells. However, regulation of PHB is not clearly understood. Here, we focused on the regulation of PHB expression by Wnt signaling, one of dominant regulatory signals in various leukemic cells. High mRNA levels of PHB were found in half of clinical leukemia samples. PHB expression was increased by inhibition of the MAPK pathway and decreased by activation of EGF signal. Although cell proliferating signals downregulated the transcription of PHB, treatment with lithium chloride, an analog of the Wnt signal, induced PHB level in various cell types. We identified the TCF-4/LEF-1 binding motif, CATCTG, in the promoter region of PHB by site-directed mutagenesis and ChIP assay. This β-catenin-mediated activation of PHB expression was independent of c‑MYC activation, a product of Wnt signaling. These data indicate that PHB is a direct target of β-catenin and the increased level of PHB in leukemia can be regulated by Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Min Kim
- Center for Applied Life Science, Hanbat National University, Daejon 305-719, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanbit Jang
- Medical Proteomics Research Center, KRIBB, Daejon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University, Hwasun 519-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Medical Proteomics Research Center, KRIBB, Daejon 305-806, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Mo Shin
- Center for Applied Life Science, Hanbat National University, Daejon 305-719, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Min
- New Drug Development Center, DGMIF, Daegu 701-310, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Chul Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
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Siveen KS, Uddin S, Mohammad RM. Targeting acute myeloid leukemia stem cell signaling by natural products. Mol Cancer 2017; 16:13. [PMID: 28137265 PMCID: PMC5282735 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0571-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most commonly diagnosed leukemia in adults (25%) and comprises 15-20% in children. It is a genetically heterogeneous aggressive disease characterized by the accumulation of somatically acquired genetic changes, altering self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells, resulting in uncontrolled clonal proliferation of malignant progenitor myeloid cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and occasionally in other body tissues. Treatment with modern chemotherapy regimen (cytarabine and daunorubicin) usually achieves high remission rates, still majority of patients are found to relapse, resulting in only 40-45% overall 5 year survival in young patients and less than 10% in the elderly AML patients. The leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are characterized by their unlimited self-renewal, repopulating potential and long residence in a quiescent state of G0/G1 phase. LSCs are considered to have a pivotal role in the relapse and refractory of AML. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies to target LSCs with limited toxicity towards the normal hematopoietic population is critical for the ultimate curing of AML. Ongoing research works with natural products like parthenolide (a natural plant extract derived compound) and its derivatives, that have the ability to target multiple pathways that regulate the self-renewal, growth and survival of LSCs point to ways for a possible complete remission in AML. In this review article, we will update and discuss various natural products that can target LSCs in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodappully Sivaraman Siveen
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
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Pleyer L, Valent P, Greil R. Mesenchymal Stem and Progenitor Cells in Normal and Dysplastic Hematopoiesis-Masters of Survival and Clonality? Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071009. [PMID: 27355944 PMCID: PMC4964385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are malignant hematopoietic stem cell disorders that have the capacity to progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Accumulating evidence suggests that the altered bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in general, and in particular the components of the stem cell niche, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their progeny, play a pivotal role in the evolution and propagation of MDS. We here present an overview of the role of MSCs in the pathogenesis of MDS, with emphasis on cellular interactions in the BM microenvironment and related stem cell niche concepts. MSCs have potent immunomodulatory capacities and communicate with diverse immune cells, but also interact with various other cellular components of the microenvironment as well as with normal and leukemic stem and progenitor cells. Moreover, compared to normal MSCs, MSCs in MDS and AML often exhibit altered gene expression profiles, an aberrant phenotype, and abnormal functional properties. These alterations supposedly contribute to the “reprogramming” of the stem cell niche into a disease-permissive microenvironment where an altered immune system, abnormal stem cell niche interactions, and an impaired growth control lead to disease progression. The current article also reviews molecular targets that play a role in such cellular interactions and possibilities to interfere with abnormal stem cell niche interactions by using specific targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Pleyer
- 3rd Medical Department with Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
- Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials at Salzburg Cancer Research Institute, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
- 3rd Medical Department, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Peter Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology & Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Richard Greil
- 3rd Medical Department with Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
- Center for Clinical Cancer and Immunology Trials at Salzburg Cancer Research Institute, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
- 3rd Medical Department, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neoplastic niche is a specific microenvironment for growth and proliferation of malignant cells. Here we review the leukemic niche and its constituent stem cells, signaling pathways and essential chemokines. METHODS Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search (2000-2013) of English-language literature using the terms neoplastic niche, chemokines, and leukemia. DISCUSSION Leukemia is caused by malignant hematopoietic stem cells and precursors. Important molecules and signals are involved in interactions between leukemic cells and their microenvironment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in expression regulation of oncogenes, transcription factors, signaling molecules and in eventual fate of the cell. It seems necessary to evaluate the relationship between aberrant miRNA expression and malignant transformation of bone marrow niche. CONCLUSIONS Characterizing malignant leukemic cells, activated signaling pathways, and molecules involved in disease progression will result in understanding the causes of drug resistance, relapse factors, and effective treatments.
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Sands WA, Copland M, Wheadon H. Targeting self-renewal pathways in myeloid malignancies. Cell Commun Signal 2013; 11:33. [PMID: 23675967 PMCID: PMC3665484 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-11-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental property of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is the ability to self-renew. This is a complex process involving multiple signal transduction cascades which control the fine balance between self-renewal and differentiation through transcriptional networks. Key activators/regulators of self-renewal include chemokines, cytokines and morphogens which are expressed in the bone marrow niche, either in a paracrine or autocrine fashion, and modulate stem cell behaviour. Increasing evidence suggests that the downstream signaling pathways induced by these ligands converge at multiple levels providing a degree of redundancy in steady state hematopoiesis. Here we will focus on how these pathways cross-talk to regulate HSC self-renewal highlighting potential therapeutic windows which could be targeted to prevent leukemic stem cell self-renewal in myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Sands
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Mhairi Copland
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK
| | - Helen Wheadon
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK
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