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Abroon S, Nouri M, Mahdavi M. Hesperidin/Salinomycin Combination; a Natural Product for Deactivation of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway and Anti-Apoptotic Factors in KG1a Cells. J Fluoresc 2024:10.1007/s10895-024-03808-4. [PMID: 38916633 DOI: 10.1007/s10895-024-03808-4] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
AML is a highly aggressive malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic origin. Hesperidin as a polyphenol glycoside, Activates the apoptotic pathway and salinomycin as a k + selective ionophore. We examined how hesperidin and salinomycin induce pro-apoptotic effects in KG1a cells. Cells were divided into four groups; 1) control cells (CRTL), 2) cells treated with hesperidin 85 μM, 3) cells treated with 2 μM salinomycin, 4) cells treated with combination of salinomycin and hesperidin. The MTT assay was implemented to determine the IC50 of hesperidin and salinomycin in KG1a cell lines. Propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry were used to analyze the distribution of the cell cycle. The level of ROS was evaluated by fluorescent microscopy and spectrophotometry. Additionally, Akt, XIAP, Bad, and FOXO1 gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. Hesperidin/Salinomycin decreased the viability of KG1a leukemic cells more than Hesperidin and Salinomycin separately. Changes in the shape of apoptotic cells and rise in ROS levels were detected after Hesperidin/Salinomycin treatment. Our findings showed that following Hesperidin/Salinomycin treatment, the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway related genes (AKT, PTEN and FOXO1), were in line with the destruction of KG-1a cells. Furthermore, XIAP and BAD mRNA were regulated to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells. The study discovered that hesperidin and salinomycin, could effectively hinder the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in leukemia cancer cells. Also, the combination of hesperidin and salinomycin has the potential to be a treatment option for acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Abroon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of biochemistry and clinical laboratories, Faculty of medicine, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of biochemistry and clinical laboratories, Faculty of medicine, Tabriz University of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Majid Mahdavi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Lee WP, Liao SX, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lan KH. Akt1 is involved in HCV release by promoting endoplasmic reticulum-to-endosome transition of infectious virions. Life Sci 2024; 338:122412. [PMID: 38191051 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122412] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) relies on the viral and host factors to complete its life cycle. It has evolved to profit from Akt activation at some stage in its life cycle through various mechanisms, notably by activating lipogenesis, which is crucial for infectious virions production. MATERIALS AND METHODS By employing an Akt-specific inhibitor, the impact of Akt on intracellular and extracellular infectivity was investigated. To ascertain the role of Akt in the HCV life cycle, the two-part cell culture-derived HCV infection protocol utilizing Akt1 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) was implemented. The impact of Akt1 on intracellular HCV transition was determined using membrane flotation assay and proximity ligation assay coupled with Anti-Rab7 immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. KEY FINDINGS Akt1 silencing reduced infectious virions release to a degree comparable to that of ApoE, a host component involved in the HCV assembly and release, suggesting Akt1 was critical in the late stage of the HCV life cycle. Extracellular infectivity of HCV was inhibited by brefeldin A, and the inhibitory effect was augmented by Akt1 silencing and partially restored by ectopic Akt1 expression. Immunofluorescence revealed that Akt1 inhibition suppressed the interaction between HCV core protein and lipid droplet. Akt1 silencing impeded the transition of HCV from the endoplasmic reticulum to the endosome and hence inhibited the secretion of HCV infectious virions from the late endosome. SIGNIFICANCE Our study demonstrates that Akt1 has an impact on the lipogenesis pathway and plays a critical role in the assembly and secretion of infectious HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ping Lee
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Xian Liao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Hsin Lan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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3
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Haynes D, Morgan EE, Chu EY. Cutaneous adverse reactions resulting from targeted cancer therapies: histopathologic and clinical findings. Hum Pathol 2023; 140:129-143. [PMID: 37146945 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeted cancer treatments-designed to interfere with specific molecular signals responsible for tumor survival and progression-have shown benefit over conventional chemotherapies but may lead to diverse cutaneous adverse effects. This review highlights clinically significant dermatologic toxicities and their associated histopathologic findings, resulting from various targeted cancer drugs. Case reports and series, clinical trials, reviews, and meta-analyses are included for analysis and summarized herein. Cutaneous side effects resulting from targeted cancer therapies were reported with incidences as high as 90% for certain medications, and reactions are often predictable based on mechanism(s) of action of a given drug. Common and important reaction patterns included: acneiform eruptions, neutrophilic dermatoses, hand-foot skin reaction, secondary cutaneous malignancies, and alopecia. Clinical and histopathologic recognition of these toxicities remains impactful for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Haynes
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Eric E Morgan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Emily Y Chu
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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4
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Glaviano A, Foo ASC, Lam HY, Yap KCH, Jacot W, Jones RH, Eng H, Nair MG, Makvandi P, Geoerger B, Kulke MH, Baird RD, Prabhu JS, Carbone D, Pecoraro C, Teh DBL, Sethi G, Cavalieri V, Lin KH, Javidi-Sharifi NR, Toska E, Davids MS, Brown JR, Diana P, Stebbing J, Fruman DA, Kumar AP. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling transduction pathway and targeted therapies in cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:138. [PMID: 37596643 PMCID: PMC10436543 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) signaling pathway is a highly conserved signal transduction network in eukaryotic cells that promotes cell survival, cell growth, and cell cycle progression. Growth factor signalling to transcription factors in the PAM axis is highly regulated by multiple cross-interactions with several other signaling pathways, and dysregulation of signal transduction can predispose to cancer development. The PAM axis is the most frequently activated signaling pathway in human cancer and is often implicated in resistance to anticancer therapies. Dysfunction of components of this pathway such as hyperactivity of PI3K, loss of function of PTEN, and gain-of-function of AKT, are notorious drivers of treatment resistance and disease progression in cancer. In this review we highlight the major dysregulations in the PAM signaling pathway in cancer, and discuss the results of PI3K, AKT and mTOR inhibitors as monotherapy and in co-administation with other antineoplastic agents in clinical trials as a strategy for overcoming treatment resistance. Finally, the major mechanisms of resistance to PAM signaling targeted therapies, including PAM signaling in immunology and immunotherapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Glaviano
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Aaron S C Foo
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiu Y Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Kenneth C H Yap
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - William Jacot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Inserm U1194, Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
| | - Robert H Jones
- Cardiff University and Velindre Cancer Centre, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Huiyan Eng
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Madhumathy G Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Birgit Geoerger
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Inserm U1015, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Matthew H Kulke
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard D Baird
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Camilla Pecoraro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniel B L Teh
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, and Neurobiology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Kevin H Lin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Eneda Toska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew S Davids
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Justin Stebbing
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - David A Fruman
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, 216 Sprague Hall, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alan P Kumar
- Department of Surgery, National University Hospital Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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5
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Paccosi E, Balzerano A, Proietti-De-Santis L. Interfering with the Ubiquitin-Mediated Regulation of Akt as a Strategy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032809. [PMID: 36769122 PMCID: PMC9917864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt modulates the functions of numerous substrates, many of them being involved in cell proliferation and growth, metabolism, angiogenesis, resistance to hypoxia and migration. Akt is frequently deregulated in many types of human cancers, its overexpression or abnormal activation being associated with the increased proliferation and survival of cancer cells. A promising avenue for turning off the functionality of Akt is to either interfere with the K63-linked ubiquitination that is necessary for Akt membrane recruitment and activation or increase the K48-linked polyubiquitination that aims to target Akt to the proteasome for its degradation. Recent evidence indicates that targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system is effective for certain cancer treatments. In this review, the functions and roles of Akt in human cancer will be discussed, with a main focus on molecules and compounds that target various elements of the ubiquitination processes that regulate the activation and inactivation of Akt. Moreover, their possible and attractive implications for cancer therapy will be discussed.
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6
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Liu F, Xu J, Yang R, Liu S, Hu S, Yan M, Han F. New light on treatment of cervical cancer: Chinese medicine monomers can be effective for cervical cancer by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114084. [PMID: 36481407 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC), as the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, is infamous for its high morbidity and mortality rates. Its development and metastasis are intricate because numerous signaling pathways are involved. Since the cancer and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway are closely intertwined, direct inhibition of either the PI3K/Akt pathway or its target genes and molecules may be remarkably constructive for treatment. Albeit remarkable advances in the treatment of CC, existing common anti-cancer medications are not without problems. These problems include myelotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, genotoxicity, and vasospasm, which are the most common and well-recognized toxicities associated with these medications. Therefore, it is necessary and urgent to develop novel, potent, secure, and more reasonably priced anticancer medications that are void of the above problems. Against this backdrop, Chinese medicine monomers have received more attention in recent years owing to their safety, low toxicity, few side effects, and anti-tumor properties. By regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, Chinese medicine monomers are effective not only in inhibiting CC growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and reversing drug resistance but also in a variety of targets. Most previous earlier studies focused on the use of a single traditional Chinese medicine monomer to treat CC by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway rather than a combination of several such monomers. More importantly, to our knowledge, there has hardly been any study providing an exhaustive and comprehensive review of all the Chinese medicine monomers at CC. In response to this scarcity, we attempt in this paper to provide a comprehensive review of all the literature to date on traditional Chinese medicine monomers at cervical cancer, highlight the mechanisms and future prospects for their use in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jiayue Xu
- Xi'an Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shaoxuan Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Siya Hu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Mengyu Yan
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Fengjuan Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China.
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7
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Fu D, Hu Z, Xu X, Dai X, Liu Z. Key signal transduction pathways and crosstalk in cancer: Biological and therapeutic opportunities. Transl Oncol 2022; 26:101510. [PMID: 36122506 PMCID: PMC9486121 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101510] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Several different signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms have been identified as responsible for controlling critical functions in human cancer cells, such as selective growth and proliferative advantage, altered stress response favoring overall survival, vascularization, invasion and metastasis, metabolic rewiring, an abetting microenvironment, and immune modulation. This concise summary will provide a selective review of recent studies of key signal transduction pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which are altered in cancer cells, as the novel and promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliao Fu
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Xinyang Xu
- Zhengzhou Foreign Language School, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dai
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, No.280, Waihuan East Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, China.
| | - Ziyi Liu
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20891, United States.
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8
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Chemoprevention of 4NQO-Induced Mouse Tongue Carcinogenesis by AKT Inhibitor through the MMP-9/RhoC Signaling Pathway and Autophagy. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:3770715. [PMID: 36247874 PMCID: PMC9556259 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3770715] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer (OC), the most common cancer in the head and neck, which has a poor prognosis, histopathologically follows a stepwise pattern of hyperplasia, dysplasia, and cancer. Blocking the progression of OC in the precancer stage could greatly improve the survival and cure rates. AKT protein plays a critical role in the signal transduction of cancer cells, and we found that AKT was overexpressed in human OC samples through analysis of TCGA database. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the chemopreventive effect of an AKT inhibitor (MK2206 2HCl) on OC. In vivo, we established a 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide- (4NQO-) induced mouse tongue carcinogenesis model to investigate the potential chemopreventive effect of MK2206 2HCl on mouse OC resulting from 4NQO. The results showed that MK2206 2HCl could significantly reduce the incidence rate and growth of OC, inhibit the transformation of dysplasia to cancer in the 4NQO-induced mouse tongue carcinogenesis model, and simultaneously markedly suppress cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and mast cell (MC) infiltration in 4NQO-induced mouse tongue cancers. In vitro, our results revealed that MK2206 2HCl could also inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell malignant biological behaviors, including cell proliferation, colony formation, cell invasion, and migration, while promoting apoptosis. Mechanistic studies revealed that MK2206 2HCl suppressed matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and RhoC expression and promoted autophagy gene LC3 II expression. In summary, our findings demonstrated the chemopreventive effect of MK2206 2HCl on the 4NQO-induced mouse tongue carcinogenesis model, which likely has an underlying mechanism mediated by the MMP-9/RhoC signaling pathway and autophagy.
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9
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Walkowski B, Kleibert M, Majka M, Wojciechowska M. Insight into the Role of the PI3K/Akt Pathway in Ischemic Injury and Post-Infarct Left Ventricular Remodeling in Normal and Diabetic Heart. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091553. [PMID: 35563860 PMCID: PMC9105930 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant decline in mortality, cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death worldwide. Among them, myocardial infarction (MI) seems to be the most important. A further decline in the death rate may be achieved by the introduction of molecularly targeted drugs. It seems that the components of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway are good candidates for this. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a key role in the regulation of the growth and survival of cells, such as cardiomyocytes. In addition, it has been shown that the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway results in the alleviation of the negative post-infarct changes in the myocardium and is impaired in the state of diabetes. In this article, the role of this pathway was described in each step of ischemia and subsequent left ventricular remodeling. In addition, we point out the most promising substances which need more investigation before introduction into clinical practice. Moreover, we present the impact of diabetes and widely used cardiac and antidiabetic drugs on the PI3K/Akt pathway and discuss the molecular mechanism of its effects on myocardial ischemia and left ventricular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Walkowski
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Marcin Kleibert
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Miłosz Majka
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Małgorzata Wojciechowska
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
- Invasive Cardiology Unit, Independent Public Specialist Western Hospital John Paul II, Daleka 11, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
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10
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Ahmad Z, Somanath PR. AKT Isoforms in the Immune Response in Cancer. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:349-366. [PMID: 36243852 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_15] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AKT is a protein kinase that exists in three isoforms: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Though similar in structure, these isoforms display different effects. AKT is activated downstream of PI3K, and together, this signaling pathway helps regulate cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and apoptosis. Disruption in these pathways has been associated with disorders including cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders, inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. In cancer, deregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway can be manifested as tumorigenesis, pathological angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased activity has been correlated with tumor progression and resistance to cancer treatments. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the development, expansion, and proliferation of cells of the immune system. Additionally, AKT has been found to play an important role in differentiating regulatory T cells, activating B cells, and augmenting tumor immunosurveillance. This emphasizes AKT as a potential target for inhibition in cancer therapy. This chapter reviews AKT structure and regulation, its different isoforms, its role in immune cells, and its modulation in oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayd Ahmad
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Georgia Cancer Center, Vascular Biology Center and Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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11
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Smit DJ, Jücker M. AKT Isoforms as a Target in Cancer and Immunotherapy. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:409-436. [PMID: 36243855 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_18] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, targeted therapies have received tremendous attention in cancer therapy. One of the most frequently targeted pathways is the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway that regulates crucial cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and migration. In a wide variety of cancer entities, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was found to be a critical driver of disease progression, indicating a noteworthy target in cancer therapy. This chapter focuses on targeted therapies against AKT, which is a key enzyme within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Although the three different isoforms of AKT, namely AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, have a high homology, the isoforms exhibit different biological functions. Recently, direct inhibitors against all AKT isoforms as well as selective inhibitors against specific AKT isoforms have been extensively investigated in preclinical work as well as in clinical trials to attenuate proliferation of cancer cells. While no AKT inhibitor has been approved by the FDA for cancer therapy to date, AKT still plays a crucial role in a variety of treatment strategies including immune checkpoint inhibition. In this chapter, we summarize the status of AKT inhibitors either targeting all or specific AKT isoforms. Furthermore, we explain the role of AKT signaling in direct inhibition of tumor cell growth as well as in immune cells and immune checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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12
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Liu Q, Dong H, Zhao W, Zhang G, Li S, Xu Q, Zhang Y. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of APN and AKT Dual-Target Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1932-1941. [PMID: 34917257 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein a novel series of APN and AKT dual inhibitors were derived from the clinical AKT inhibitor AZD5363. It was demonstrated that most compounds exhibited remarkable APN inhibitory activities with the most potent compound 8b (IC50 = 0.05 ± 0.01 μM) being over 70-fold more potent than the approved APN inhibitor bestatin (IC50 = 3.64 ± 0.56 μM). The moderate AKT inhibitory potencies of target compounds were also confirmed, with 5f and 5h possessing AKT1 IC50 values of 0.12 and 0.27 μM, respectively. More importantly, the APN IC50 values of 5f and 5h were 0.96 and 0.21 μM, respectively, indicating their balanced APN and AKT dual inhibition. HUVEC tube formation assays confirmed the superior APN inhibitory activities of 5f and 5h relative to bestatin at the cellular level. Western blot analysis demonstrated that 5h could effectively inhibit the phosphorylation of GSK3β, the intracellular substrate of AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji’nan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Hang Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji’nan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji’nan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Guozhen Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji’nan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Shunda Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji’nan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Qifu Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji’nan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Ji’nan, Shandong 250012, P.R. China
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13
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Li L, Liu J, Wang X, Xiong X, Huang S, Wang X. Microarray analysis of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs in daidzein-treated lung cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:789. [PMID: 34630702 PMCID: PMC8488333 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13050] [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: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Daidzein has been found to significantly inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer cells, while its potential molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To determine the molecular mechanism of daidzein on lung cancer cells, the Capital Bio Technology Human long non-coding (lnc) RNA Array v4, 4×180K chip was used to detect the gene expression profiles of 40,000 lncRNAs and 34,000 mRNAs in a human cancer cell line. Reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q) PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of target lncRNA and mRNAs in the H1299 cells treated with and without daidzein, using the lncRNA and mRNA gene chip. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to determine the differentially expressed genes from the results of the chip assays. There were 119 and 40 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, respectively, that had a 2-fold change in expression level. A total of eight lncRNAs were upregulated in the H1299 lung cancer cells, while 111 lncRNAs were downregulated. Furthermore, five mRNAs were upregulated, and 35 mRNAs were downregulated. A total of six differentially expressed lncRNAs (ENST00000608897.1, ENST00000444196.1, ENST00000608741.1, XR_242163.1, ENST00000505196.1 and ENST00000498032.1) were randomly selected to validate the microarray data, which were consistent with the RT-qPCR analysis results. Differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in important Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that daidzein affected the expression level of lncRNAs in lung cancer cells, suggesting that daidzein may have potential effects on lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laifang Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.,Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, School of Basic Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332005, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, School of Basic Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332005, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.,Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, School of Basic Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332005, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Xiong
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Shaoxin Huang
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, School of Basic Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332005, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, School of Basic Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332005, P.R. China
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14
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Alonazi ASA, Willets JM. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 is essential to enable vasoconstrictor-mediated arterial smooth muscle proliferation. Cell Signal 2021; 88:110152. [PMID: 34555505 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110152] [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] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is associated with increased production and circulation of vasoconstrictors, resulting in enhanced signalling through their cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Prolonged vasoconstrictor GPCR signalling increases arterial contraction and stimulates signalling pathways that promote vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, contributing to the development of atherosclerotic plaques, re-stenosis lesions and vascular remodelling. GPCR signalling through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) promotes VSMC proliferation. In VSMC, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is known to regulate numerous vasoconstrictor GPCRs and their downstream signalling pathways. As GRK2 is implicated in controlling various aspects of cellular growth, we examined whether GRK2 could affect VSMC proliferation. Using two indices of cell growth, we show that PI3K inhibition and depletion of GRK2 expression produced a similar ablation of pro-proliferative vasoconstrictor-stimulated VSMC growth. Furthermore, GRK2-knockdown ablated the sustained phase of endothelin-1 and angiotensin-II-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, whilst the peak (5 min) phase was unaffected. Conversely, the GRK2 inhibitor compound 101 did not affect vasoconstrictor-driven Akt phosphorylation. Vasoconstrictor-stimulated phosphorylation of the Akt substrates GSK3α and GSK3β was ablated following RNAi-mediated GRK2 depletion, or after PI3K inhibition. Moreover, GRK2 knockdown prevented endothelin-1 and angiotensin-II from increasing cyclin D1 expression. These data suggest GRK2 expression is essential to facilitate vasoconstrictor-driven VSMC proliferation through its ability to promote efficient prolonged PI3K-Akt signalling, and thus relieve the GSK3-mediated block on cell cycling. Considering VSMC GRK2 expression increases early in the development of hypertension, this highlights the potential for GRK2 to promote VSMC growth and exacerbate hypertensive pathophysiological vascular remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma S A Alonazi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jonathon M Willets
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome Building, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom.
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15
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Gong B, Zhang J, Hua Z, Liu Z, Thiele CJ, Li Z. Downregulation of ATXN3 Enhances the Sensitivity to AKT Inhibitors (Perifosine or MK-2206), but Decreases the Sensitivity to Chemotherapeutic Drugs (Etoposide or Cisplatin) in Neuroblastoma Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:686898. [PMID: 34322387 PMCID: PMC8311598 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.686898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy resistance is the major cause of failure in neuroblastoma (NB) treatment. ATXN3 has been linked to various types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its roles in NB have not been established. The aim of our study was to explore the role of ATXN3 in the cell death induced by AKT inhibitor (perifosine or MK-2206) or chemotherapy drugs (etoposide or cisplatin) in NB cells. Methods The expressions of ATXN3 and BCL-2 family members were detected by Western blot. Cell survival was evaluated by CCK8, cell confluence was measured by IncuCyte, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. AS and BE2 were treated with AKT inhibitors or chemotherapeutics, respectively. Results Downregulation of ATXN3 did not block, but significantly increased the perifosine/MK-2206-induced cell death. Among the BCL-2 family members, the expression of pro-apoptotic protein BIM and anti-proapoptotic protein Bcl-xl expression increased significantly when ATXN3 was down-regulated. Downregulation of BIM protected NB cells from the combination of perifosine/MK-2206 and ATXN3 downregulation. Downregulation of ATXN3 did not increase, but decrease the sensitivity of NB cells to etoposide/cisplatin, and knockdown of Bcl-xl attenuated this decrease in sensitivity. Conclusion Downregulation of ATXN3 enhanced AKT inhibitors (perifosine or MK-2206) induced cell death by BIM, but decreased the cell death induced by chemotherapeutic drugs (etoposide or cisplatin) via Bcl-xl. The expression of ATXN3 may be an indicator in selecting different treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baocheng Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongyan Hua
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Carol J Thiele
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Section, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Medical Research Center, Liaoning Key Laboratory of Research and Application of Animal Models for Environment and Metabolic Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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16
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Junaid M, Akter Y, Afrose SS, Tania M, Khan MA. Biological Role of AKT and Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathway by Thymoquinone: Perspectives in Cancer Therapeutics. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:288-301. [PMID: 33019927 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666201005143818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKT/PKB is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions, and its overexpression is related to carcinogenesis. AKT stimulates different signaling pathways that are downstream of activated tyrosine kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, hence functions as an important target for anti-cancer drugs. OBJECTIVE In this review article, we have interpreted the role of AKT signaling pathway in cancer and the natural inhibitory effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) in AKT and its possible mechanisms. METHOD We have collected the updated information and data on AKT, its role in cancer and the inhibitory effect of TQ in AKT signaling pathway from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Elsevier, Scopus, and many more. RESULTS Many drugs are already developed, which can target AKT, but very few among them have passed clinical trials. TQ is a natural compound, mainly found in black cumin, which has been found to have potential anti-cancer activities. TQ targets numerous signaling pathways, including AKT, in different cancers. In fact, many studies revealed that AKT is one of the major targets of TQ. The preclinical success of TQ suggests its clinical studies on cancer. CONCLUSION This review article summarizes the role of AKT in carcinogenesis, its potent inhibitors in clinical trials, and how TQ acts as an inhibitor of AKT and TQ's future as a cancer therapeutic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Junaid
- Molecular Modeling Drug-design and Discovery Laboratory, Pharmacology Research Division, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Yeasmin Akter
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science & Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mousumi Tania
- Division of Molecular Cancer, Red Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Khan
- The research center for preclinical medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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17
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Nguyen LH, Bordey A. Convergent and Divergent Mechanisms of Epileptogenesis in mTORopathies. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:664695. [PMID: 33897381 PMCID: PMC8064518 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.664695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) due to mutations in genes along the PI3K-mTOR pathway and the GATOR1 complex causes a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders (termed mTORopathies) associated with malformation of cortical development and intractable epilepsy. Despite these gene variants’ converging impact on mTORC1 activity, emerging findings suggest that these variants contribute to epilepsy through both mTORC1-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Here, we review the literature on in utero electroporation-based animal models of mTORopathies, which recapitulate the brain mosaic pattern of mTORC1 hyperactivity, and compare the effects of distinct PI3K-mTOR pathway and GATOR1 complex gene variants on cortical development and epilepsy. We report the outcomes on cortical pyramidal neuronal placement, morphology, and electrophysiological phenotypes, and discuss some of the converging and diverging mechanisms responsible for these alterations and their contribution to epileptogenesis. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for epilepsy, beyond mTORC1 inhibition with rapamycin or everolimus, that could offer personalized medicine based on the gene variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena H Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Angélique Bordey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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18
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Chen YH, Yang SF, Yang CK, Tsai HD, Chen TH, Chou MC, Hsiao YH. Metformin induces apoptosis and inhibits migration by activating the AMPK/p53 axis and suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling in human cervical cancer cells. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:88. [PMID: 33236135 PMCID: PMC7716426 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide, and it is expected to result in 460,000 deaths per year by 2040. Moreover, patients with cervical cancer often display drug resistance and severe side effects; therefore, the development of effective novel chemotherapeutic agents is important. In the present study, the effects of metformin, a first-line therapeutic drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, were evaluated in cervical cancer. Compared with the control group, metformin significantly inhibited cell viability and migration, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human cervical cancer cell lines (CaSki and HeLa). Following metformin treatment, the protein expression levels of p-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), which promotes cell death, and the tumor suppressor protein p-p53 were remarkably upregulated in CaSki and C33A cells compared with the control group. Furthermore, compared with the control group, metformin significantly suppressed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in CaSki, C33A and HeLa cells. Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) significantly reversed the effects of metformin on CaSki, C33A and HeLa cell viability, and AMPK and p53 phosphorylation. The results of the present study suggested that metformin induced AMPK-mediated apoptosis, thus metformin may serve as a chemotherapeutic agent for human cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chueh-Ko Yang
- Women's Health Research Laboratory, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Horng-Der Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tze-Ho Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Chih Chou
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Hsuan Hsiao
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan, R.O.C
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19
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Smit DJ, Cayrefourcq L, Haider MT, Hinz N, Pantel K, Alix-Panabières C, Jücker M. High Sensitivity of Circulating Tumor Cells Derived from a Colorectal Cancer Patient for Dual Inhibition with AKT and mTOR Inhibitors. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092129. [PMID: 32962206 PMCID: PMC7566012 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells shed from the primary tumor into the bloodstream. While many studies on solid tumor cells exist, data on CTCs are scarce. The mortality of cancer is mostly associated with metastasis and recent research identified CTCs as initiators of metastasis. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is an intracellular pathway that regulates essential functions including protein biosynthesis, cell growth, cell cycle control, survival and migration. Importantly, activating oncogenic mutations and amplifications in this pathway are frequently observed in a wide variety of cancer entities, underlining the significance of this signaling pathway. In this study, we analyzed the functional role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the CTC-MCC-41 line, derived from a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer. One striking finding in our study was the strong sensitivity of this CTC line against AKT inhibition using MK2206 and mTOR inhibition using RAD001 within the nanomolar range. This suggests that therapies targeting AKT and mTOR could have been beneficial for the patient from which the CTC line was isolated. Additionally, a dual targeting approach of AKT/mTOR inside the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the colorectal CTCs showed synergistic effects in vitro. Depending on the phenotypical behavior of CTC-MCC-41 in cell culture (adherent vs. suspension), we identified altered phosphorylation levels inside the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. We observed a downregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, but not of the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway, in CTCs growing in suspension in comparison to adherent CTCs. Our results highlight distinct functions of AKT isoforms in CTC-MCC-41 cells with respect to cell proliferation. Knockdown of AKT1 and AKT2 leads to significantly impaired proliferation of CTC-MCC-41 cells in vitro. Therefore, our data demonstrate that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays a key role in the proliferation of CTC-MCC-41.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Smit
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.J.S.); (N.H.)
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Center of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (C.A.-P.)
| | - Marie-Therese Haider
- Molecular Skeletal Biology Laboratory, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Nico Hinz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.J.S.); (N.H.)
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Center of Montpellier, 34093 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (C.A.-P.)
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (D.J.S.); (N.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-40-7410-56339
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20
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Uko NE, Güner OF, Matesic DF, Bowen JP. Akt Pathway Inhibitors. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:883-900. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200224101808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a devastating disease that has plagued humans from ancient times to this day. After
decades of slow research progress, promising drug development, and the identification of new targets,
the war on cancer was launched, in 1972. The P13K/Akt pathway is a growth-regulating cellular signaling
pathway, which in many human cancers is over-activated. Studies have demonstrated that a decrease
in Akt activity by Akt inhibitors is associated with a reduction in tumor cell proliferation. There have
been several promising drug candidates that have been studied, including but not limited to ipatasertib
(RG7440), 1; afuresertib (GSK2110183), 2; uprosertib (GSK2141795), 3; capivasertib (AZD5363), 4;
which reportedly bind to the ATP active site and inhibit Akt activity, thus exerting cytotoxic and antiproliferative
activities against human cancer cells. For most of the compounds discussed in this review,
data from preclinical studies in various cancers suggest a mechanistic basis involving hyperactivated
Akt signaling. Allosteric inhibitors are also known to alter the activity of kinases. Perifosine (KRX-
0401), 5, an alkylphospholipid, is known as the first allosteric Akt inhibitor to enter clinical development
and is mechanistically characterized as a PH-domain dependent inhibitor, non-competitive with
ATP. This results in a reduction in Akt enzymatic and cellular activities. Other small molecule (MK-
2206, 6, PHT-427, Akti-1/2) inhibitors with a similar mechanism of action, alter Akt activity through the
suppression of cell growth mediated by the inhibition of Akt membrane localization and subsequent activation.
The natural product solenopsin has been identified as an inhibitor of Akt. A few promising solenopsin
derivatives have emerged through pharmacophore modeling, energy-based calculations, and
property predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nne E. Uko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - Osman F. Güner
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
| | - Diane F. Matesic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
| | - J. Phillip Bowen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, United States
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21
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The PI3K-Akt-mTOR Signaling Pathway in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082907. [PMID: 32326335 PMCID: PMC7215987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Malignant cell growth is characterized by disruption of normal intracellular signaling, caused by mutations or aberrant external signaling. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway (PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway) is among one of the intracellular pathways aberrantly upregulated in cancers including AML. Activation of this pathway seems important in leukemogenesis, and given the central role of this pathway in metabolism, the bioenergetics of AML cells may depend on downstream signaling within this pathway. Furthermore, observations suggest that constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway differs between patients, and that increased activity within this pathway is an adverse prognostic parameter in AML. Pharmacological targeting of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway with specific inhibitors results in suppression of leukemic cell growth. However, AML patients seem to differ regarding their susceptibility to various small-molecule inhibitors, reflecting biological heterogeneity in the intracellular signaling status. These findings should be further investigated in both preclinical and clinical settings, along with the potential use of this pathway as a prognostic biomarker, both in patients receiving intensive curative AML treatment and in elderly/unfit receiving AML-stabilizing treatment.
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miR-548x and miR-4698 controlled cell proliferation by affecting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in Glioblastoma cell lines. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1558. [PMID: 32005873 PMCID: PMC6994486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57588-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and prevalent form of brain tumor cancers that originate from glial cells. This study proposed to investigate the effect of miR-548x and miR-4698 on the proliferation and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in glioblastoma cell lines. The molecular features of glioblastoma were studied using KEGG and TCGA sites. Next, by using miRwalk 2.0 and TargetScan version 7.1, the microRNAs that target critical genes in the PI3k/AKT pathway were selected according to score. The pre-miR-548x and pre-miR-4698 were cloned in a pCDH plasmid to produced lentiviral vector. The expression levels of miR-548x, miR-4698 and target genes were detected by qRT-PCR. The MTT, cell cycle, annexin and colony formation assay was used to detect the cell proliferation. MiR-548x and miR-4698 predicted target genes (Rheb, AKT1, mTOR, PDK1) were also evaluated by luciferase assay. The expression of AKT was detected by western blotting. Our results described that overexpression of miR-548x and miR-4698 could inhibit proliferation of A-172 and U251 cells. Also, miR-548x promoted the cell cycle arrest of GBM cell lines. The luciferase reporter assay results showed the 3′ UTR of PDK1, RHEB, and mTOR are direct targets of the miR-548x and miR-4698. Too, the western blot analysis revealed that miR-548x and miR-4698 could downregulate the AKT1 protein expression. Overall, our findings suggest that miR-548x and miR-4698 could function as tumor suppressor genes in glioblastoma by controlling the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and may act as gene therapy for clinical treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.
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23
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O’Byrne SN, Scott JW, Pilotte JR, Santiago ADS, Langendorf CG, Oakhill JS, Eduful BJ, Couñago RM, Wells CI, Zuercher WJ, Willson TM, Drewry DH. In Depth Analysis of Kinase Cross Screening Data to Identify CAMKK2 Inhibitory Scaffolds. Molecules 2020; 25:E325. [PMID: 31941153 PMCID: PMC7024175 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CAMKK2) activates CAMK1, CAMK4, AMPK, and AKT, leading to numerous physiological responses. The deregulation of CAMKK2 is linked to several diseases, suggesting the utility of CAMKK2 inhibitors for oncological, metabolic and inflammatory indications. In this work, we demonstrate that STO-609, frequently described as a selective inhibitor for CAMKK2, potently inhibits a significant number of other kinases. Through an analysis of literature and public databases, we have identified other potent CAMKK2 inhibitors and verified their activities in differential scanning fluorimetry and enzyme inhibition assays. These inhibitors are potential starting points for the development of selective CAMKK2 inhibitors and will lead to tools that delineate the roles of this kinase in disease biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean N. O’Byrne
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.N.O.); (J.R.P.); (B.J.E.); (C.I.W.); (W.J.Z.); (T.M.W.)
| | - John W. Scott
- St Vincent’s Institute and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 3065, Australia; (J.W.S.); (C.G.L.); (J.S.O.)
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph R. Pilotte
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.N.O.); (J.R.P.); (B.J.E.); (C.I.W.); (W.J.Z.); (T.M.W.)
| | - André da S. Santiago
- Centro de Química Medicinal (CQMED), Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas SP 13083-875, Brazil; (A.d.S.S.); (R.M.C.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Biologia, UNICAMP, Campinas SP 13083-886, Brazil
| | - Christopher G. Langendorf
- St Vincent’s Institute and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 3065, Australia; (J.W.S.); (C.G.L.); (J.S.O.)
| | - Jonathan S. Oakhill
- St Vincent’s Institute and Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 3065, Australia; (J.W.S.); (C.G.L.); (J.S.O.)
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Benjamin J. Eduful
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.N.O.); (J.R.P.); (B.J.E.); (C.I.W.); (W.J.Z.); (T.M.W.)
| | - Rafael M. Couñago
- Centro de Química Medicinal (CQMED), Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas SP 13083-875, Brazil; (A.d.S.S.); (R.M.C.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Biologia, UNICAMP, Campinas SP 13083-886, Brazil
| | - Carrow I. Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.N.O.); (J.R.P.); (B.J.E.); (C.I.W.); (W.J.Z.); (T.M.W.)
| | - William J. Zuercher
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.N.O.); (J.R.P.); (B.J.E.); (C.I.W.); (W.J.Z.); (T.M.W.)
| | - Timothy M. Willson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.N.O.); (J.R.P.); (B.J.E.); (C.I.W.); (W.J.Z.); (T.M.W.)
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (S.N.O.); (J.R.P.); (B.J.E.); (C.I.W.); (W.J.Z.); (T.M.W.)
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24
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Nie X, Zhou Y, Li X, Xu J, Pan X, Yin R, Lu B. Calycosin down-regulates c-Met to suppress development of glioblastomas. J Biosci 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-019-9904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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25
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Bjune K, Wierød L, Naderi S. Inhibitors of AKT kinase increase LDL receptor mRNA expression by two different mechanisms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218537. [PMID: 31216345 PMCID: PMC6583949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase B (AKT) is a serine/threonine kinase that functions as an important downstream effector of phosphoinositide 3-kinase. We have recently shown that MK-2206 and triciribine, two highly selective AKT inhibitors increase the level of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mRNA which leads to increased amount of cell-surface LDLRs. However, whereas MK-2206 induces transcription of the LDLR gene, triciribine stabilizes LDLR mRNA, raising the possibility that the two inhibitors may actually affect other kinases than AKT. In this study, we aimed to ascertain the role of AKT in regulation of LDLR mRNA expression by examining the effect of five additional AKT inhibitors on LDLR mRNA levels. Here we show that in cultured HepG2 cells, AKT inhibitors ARQ-092, AKT inhibitor VIII, perifosine, AT7867 and CCT128930 increase LDLR mRNA levels by inducing the activity of LDLR promoter. CCT128930 also increased the stability of LDLR mRNA. To study the role of AKT isoforms on LDLR mRNA levels, we examined the effect of siRNA-mediated knockdown of AKT1 or AKT2 on LDLR promoter activity and LDLR mRNA stability. Whereas knockdown of either AKT1 or AKT2 led to upregulation of LDLR promoter activity, only knockdown of AKT2 had a stabilizing effect on LDLR mRNA. Taken together, these results provide strong evidence for involvement of AKT in regulation of LDLR mRNA expression, and point towards the AKT isoform specificity for upregulation of LDLR mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Bjune
- Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Lene Wierød
- Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Soheil Naderi
- Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Song M, Bode AM, Dong Z, Lee MH. AKT as a Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Cancer Res 2019; 79:1019-1031. [PMID: 30808672 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 470] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many cellular processes in cancer are attributed to kinase signaling networks. V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT) plays a major role in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. AKT is activated by PI3K or phosphoinositide-dependent kinases (PDK) as well as growth factors, inflammation, and DNA damage. Signal transduction occurs through downstream effectors such as mTOR, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), or forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). The abnormal overexpression or activation of AKT has been observed in many cancers, including ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancers, and is associated with increased cancer cell proliferation and survival. Therefore, targeting AKT could provide an important approach for cancer prevention and therapy. In this review, we discuss the rationale for targeting AKT and also provide details regarding synthetic and natural AKT-targeting compounds and their associated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqiu Song
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota
| | - Zigang Dong
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota.,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mee-Hyun Lee
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China
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27
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Nakashima Y, Miyagi-Shiohira C, Noguchi H, Omasa T. Atorvastatin Inhibits the HIF1α-PPAR Axis, Which Is Essential for Maintaining the Function of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1715-1734. [PMID: 29929789 PMCID: PMC6036234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We herein report a novel mechanism of action of statin preparations using a new drug discovery method. Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 protein (MFG-E8) was identified from the secretory component of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) as a cell adhesion-promoting factor effective for screening active cellular agents of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in vitro using electrochemical impedance. Our analyses showed that atorvastatin did not cause death in myocardial cells differentiated from hiPSCs but reduced the pluripotent cell survival in vitro when using serum- and albumin-free media, and inhibited the ability to form teratomas in mice. This result could have been already the cytopathic effect of atorvastatin, and complete elimination of hiPSCs was confirmed in the xenotransplantation assay. The administration of atorvastatin to hiPSCs caused the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)1α mRNA to be unchanged at 6 hr and downregulated at 24 hr. In addition, the inhibition of the survival of hiPSCs was confirmed by HIF1α-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) axis inhibition. These results suggest that the addition of atorvastatin to hiPSC cultures reduces the survival of pluripotent cells by suppressing the HIF1α-PPAR axis. In summary, the HIF1α-PPAR axis has an important role in maintaining the survival of pluripotent hiPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Nakashima
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan; Department of Material and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan.
| | - Chika Miyagi-Shiohira
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Noguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa 903-0215, Japan
| | - Takeshi Omasa
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8506, Japan; Department of Material and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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28
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Anticancer effect of acid ceramidase inhibitor ceranib-2 in human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA MB-231 by the activation of SAPK/JNK, p38 MAPK apoptotic pathways, inhibition of the Akt pathway, downregulation of ERα. Anticancer Drugs 2018; 29:50-60. [PMID: 29023248 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acid ceramidase is the key enzyme of the ceramide metabolic pathway, which plays a vital role in regulating ceramide - sphingosine-1-phosphate rheostat. Ceramide acts as a proapoptotic molecule, but its metabolite sphingosine-1-phosphate, in contrast, signals for cell proliferation, cell survival, and angiogenesis. Acid ceramidase is highly upregulated in breast tumors and treatment with an acid ceramidase inhibitor, ceranib-2, significantly induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms underlying the induction of apoptosis remain ambiguous to date. Hence, in the present study, we have explored ceranib-2-mediated apoptotic signaling pathways in human breast cancer cell lines. MCF-7 and MDA MB-231 cells were treated with IC50 doses of ceranib-2 and tamoxifen. Nuclear changes showed the apoptotic effect of ceranib-2 in both the cell lines. Loss in the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed only in ceranib-2-treated MCF-7 cells. Ceranib-2 activated intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in MCF-7 cells, but only the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was activated in MDA MB-231 cells. Further, ceranib-2 induced apoptosis by activating SAPK/JNK (stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase), p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) apoptotic pathways and by inhibiting the Akt (antiapoptotic) pathway in both the cell lines. Most importantly, ERα (estrogen receptor-α) expression was highly downregulated after ceranib-2 treatment and a docking study predicted the highest binding affinity of ceranib-2 than tamoxifen with ERα in MCF-7 cells. Hence, ceranib-2 may have potential as a chemotherapeutic drug of breast cancer.
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29
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Liu X, Wu J, Zhang D, Wang K, Duan X, Meng Z, Zhang X. Network Pharmacology-Based Approach to Investigate the Mechanisms of Hedyotis diffusa Willd. in the Treatment of Gastric Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:7802639. [PMID: 29853970 PMCID: PMC5954954 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7802639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (HDW) is one of the renowned herbs often used in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). However, its curative mechanism has not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE To systematically investigate the mechanisms of HDW in GC. METHODS A network pharmacology approach mainly comprising target prediction, network construction, and module analysis was adopted in this study. RESULTS A total of 353 targets of the 32 bioactive compounds in HDW were obtained. The network analysis showed that CA isoenzymes, p53, PIK3CA, CDK2, P27Kip1, cyclin D1, cyclin B1, cyclin A2, AKT1, BCL2, MAPK1, and VEGFA were identified as key targets of HDW in the treatment of GC. The functional enrichment analysis indicated that HDW probably produced the therapeutic effects against GC by synergistically regulating many biological pathways, such as nucleotide excision repair, apoptosis, cell cycle, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study holistically illuminates the fact that the pharmacological mechanisms of HDW in GC might be strongly associated with its synergic modulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinkui Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Kaihuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Xiaojiao Duan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Ziqi Meng
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100102, China
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30
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Bondy-Chorney E, Denoncourt A, Sai Y, Downey M. Nonhistone targets of KAT2A and KAT2B implicated in cancer biology 1. Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 97:30-45. [PMID: 29671337 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2017-0297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysine acetylation is a critical post-translation modification that can impact a protein's localization, stability, and function. Originally thought to only occur on histones, we now know thousands of nonhistone proteins are also acetylated. In conjunction with many other proteins, lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) are incorporated into large protein complexes that carry out these modifications. In this review we focus on the contribution of two KATs, KAT2A and KAT2B, and their potential roles in the development and progression of cancer. Systems biology demands that we take a broad look at protein function rather than focusing on individual pathways or targets. As such, in this review we examine KAT2A/2B-directed nonhistone protein acetylations in cancer in the context of the 10 "Hallmarks of Cancer", as defined by Hanahan and Weinberg. By focusing on specific examples of KAT2A/2B-directed acetylations with well-defined mechanisms or strong links to a cancer phenotype, we aim to reinforce the complex role that these enzymes play in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Bondy-Chorney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada
| | - Alix Denoncourt
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada
| | - Yuka Sai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada
| | - Michael Downey
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON KIH 8M5, Canada
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31
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Aghajanian C, Bell-McGuinn KM, Burris HA, Siu LL, Stayner LA, Wheler JJ, Hong DS, Kurkjian C, Pant S, Santiago-Walker A, Gauvin JL, Antal JM, Opalinska JB, Morris SR, Infante JR. A phase I, open-label, two-stage study to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the oral AKT inhibitor GSK2141795 in patients with solid tumors. Invest New Drugs 2018; 36:1016-1025. [PMID: 29611022 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-018-0591-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Background We sought to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) and schedule of GSK2141795, an oral pan-AKT kinase inhibitor. Patients and Methods Patients with solid tumors were enrolled in the dose-escalation phase. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis after a single dose (Cycle 0) informed dose escalation using accelerated dose titration. Once one grade 2 toxicity or dose-limiting toxicity was observed in Cycle 1, the accelerated dose titration was terminated and a 3 + 3 dose escalation was started. Continuous daily dosing was evaluated along with two intermittent regimens (7 days on/7 days off and 3 times per week). In the expansion phase at RP2D, patients with endometrial or prostate cancer, as well as those with select tumor types with a PIK3CA mutation, AKT mutation or PTEN loss, were enrolled. Patients were evaluated for adverse events (AEs), PK parameters, blood glucose and insulin levels, and tumor response. Results The RP2D of GSK2141795 for once-daily dosing is 75 mg. The most common (>10%) treatment-related AEs included diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Most AEs were low grade. The frequency of hyperglycemia increased with dose; however, at the RP2D, grade 3 hyperglycemia was only reported in 4% of patients and no grade 4 events were observed. PK characteristics were favorable, with a prolonged half-life and low peak-to-trough ratio. There were two partial responses at the RP2D in patients with either a PIK3CA mutation or PTEN loss. Conclusion GSK2141795 was safe and well-tolerated, with clinical activity seen as monotherapy at the RP2D of 75 mg daily. NCT00920257.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Aghajanian
- Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), 300 East 66th Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Katherine M Bell-McGuinn
- Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), 300 East 66th Street, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.,Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Howard A Burris
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | - David S Hong
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carla Kurkjian
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Shubham Pant
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Gauvin
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA.,Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Orlanda, Florida, USA
| | - Joyce M Antal
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA.,MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Joanna B Opalinska
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA.,Boehringer-Ingelheim, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Shannon R Morris
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA.,MedImmune, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Infante
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.,Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
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32
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Yu Y, Dai M, Lu A, Yu E, Merlino G. PHLPP1 mediates melanoma metastasis suppression through repressing AKT2 activation. Oncogene 2018; 37:2225-2236. [PMID: 29391600 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-017-0061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PI3K/AKT pathway activation is thought to be a driving force in metastatic melanomas. Members of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain leucine-rich repeat protein Ser/Thr specific phosphatase family (PHLPP1 and PHLPP2) can regulate AKT activation. By dephosphorylating specific serine residues in the hydrophobic motif, PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 restrain AKT signalings, thereby regulating cell proliferation and survival. We here show that PHLPP1 expression was significantly downregulated or lost and correlated with metastatic potential in melanoma. Forcing expression of either PHLPP1 or PHLPP2 in melanoma cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation in soft agar; but PHLPP1 had the most profound inhibitory effect on metastasis. Moreover, expression of PH mutant forms of PHLPP1 continued to inhibit metastasis, whereas a phosphatase-dead C-terminal mutant did not. The introduction of activated PHLPP1-specific targets AKT2 or AKT3 also promoted melanoma metastasis, while the non-PHLPP1 target AKT1 did not. AKT2 and AKT3 could even rescue the PHLPP1-mediated inhibition of metastasis. An AKT inhibitor blocked the activity of AKT2 and inhibited AKT2-mediated tumor growth and metastasis in a preclinical mouse model. Our data demonstrate that PHLPP1 functions as a metastasis suppressor through its phosphatase activity, and suggest that PHLPP1 represents a novel diagnostic and therapeutic marker for metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Meng Dai
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Andrew Lu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ellen Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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33
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Ock S, Lee WS, Kim HM, Park KS, Kim YK, Kook H, Park WJ, Lee TJ, Abel ED, Kim J. Connexin43 and zonula occludens-1 are targets of Akt in cardiomyocytes that correlate with cardiac contractile dysfunction in Akt deficient hearts. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:1183-1191. [PMID: 29378301 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
While deletion of Akt1 results in a smaller heart size and Akt2-/- mice are mildly insulin resistant, Akt1-/-/Akt2-/- mice exhibit perinatal lethality, indicating a large degree of functional overlap between the isoforms of the serine/threonine kinase Akt. The present study aimed to determine the cooperative contribution of Akt1 and Akt2 on the structure and contractile function of adult hearts. To generate an inducible, cardiomyocyte-restricted Akt2 knockout (KO) model, Akt2flox/flox mice were crossed with tamoxifen-inducible MerCreMer transgenic (MCM) mice and germline Akt1-/- mice to generate the following genotypes:Akt1+/+; Akt2flox/flox (WT), Akt2flox/flox; α-MHC-MCM (iAkt2 KO), Akt1-/-, and Akt1-/-; Akt2flox/flox; α-MHC-MCM mice (Akt1-/-/iAkt2 KO). At 28 days after the first tamoxifen injection, Akt1-/-/iAkt2 KO mice developed contractile dysfunction paralleling increased atrial and brain natriuretic peptide (ANP and BNP) levels, and repressed mitochondrial gene expression. Neither cardiac fibrosis nor apoptosis were detected in Akt1-/-/iAkt2 KO hearts. To explore potential molecular mechanisms for contractile dysfunction, we investigated myocardial microstructure before the onset of heart failure. At 3 days after the first tamoxifen injection, Akt1-/-/iAkt2 KO hearts showed decreased expression of connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin-interacting protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Furthermore, Akt1/2 silencing significantly decreased both Cx43 and ZO-1 expression in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes in concert with reduced beating frequency. Akt1 and Akt2 are required to maintain cardiac contraction. Loss of Akt signaling disrupts gap junction protein, which might precipitate early contractile dysfunction prior to heart failure in the absence of myocardial remodeling, such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, or cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangmi Ock
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wang Soo Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Min Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sang Park
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonjoo, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kook Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kook
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research Center for Gene Regulation, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jin Park
- Department of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Jin Lee
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - E D Abel
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Jaetaek Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Resistance to the Antiproliferative In Vitro Effect of PI3K-Akt-mTOR Inhibition in Primary Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells Is Associated with Altered Cell Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020382. [PMID: 29382066 PMCID: PMC5855604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive signaling through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-Akt-mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K-Akt-mTOR) pathway is present in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. However, AML is a heterogeneous disease, and we therefore investigated possible associations between cellular metabolism and sensitivity to PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway inhibitors. We performed non-targeted metabolite profiling to compare the metabolome differences of primary human AML cells derived from patients susceptible or resistant to the in vitro antiproliferative effects of mTOR and PI3K inhibitors. In addition, the phosphorylation status of 18 proteins involved in PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling and the effect of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin on their phosphorylation status was investigated by flow cytometry. Strong antiproliferative effects by inhibitors were observed only for a subset of patients. We compared the metabolite profiles for responders and non-responders towards PI3K-mTOR inhibitors, and 627 metabolites could be detected. Of these metabolites, 128 were annotated and 15 of the annotated metabolites differed significantly between responders and non-responders, including metabolites involved in energy, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. To conclude, leukemia cells that are susceptible or resistant to PI3K-Akt-mTOR inhibitors differ in energy, amino acid, and arachidonic acid metabolism, and modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism alters the activation of mTOR and its downstream mediators.
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Wu X, Wang K, Hua W, Li S, Liu X, Liu W, Song Y, Zhang Y, Shao Z, Yang C. Down-regulation of islet amyloid polypeptide expression induces death of human annulus fibrosus cells via mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:1479-1491. [PMID: 28433710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) exerts its biological effects by participating in the regulation of glucose metabolism and cell apoptosis. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the expression of IAPP in degenerated intervertebral disc tissue and IAPP's modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) catabolic and anabolic genes in human AF cells. We found that the expression of IAPP, the calcitonin receptor, and receptor activity modifying protein decreased considerably in AF cells during the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Meanwhile, transfection with pLV-siIAPP decreased the expression of IAPP and its receptors and reduced glucose uptake and the expression of aggrecan, Col2A1, and BG. Down-regulation of IAPP also induced a significant increase in reactive oxygen species generation in AF cells, along with a decrease in matrix metalloproteinases and an increase in the concentration of cellular Ca2+, ultimately leading to death. Further analysis revealed that siIAPP intervention promoted the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, resulting in the activation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9. In contrast, significantly decreased expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 was observed in AF cells transfected with pLV-IAPP. The concentrations of Fas and FasL proteins were significantly decreased in AF cells transfected with PLV-IAPP, while activation of the Fas/FasL system and cell death were induced by siIAPP intervention. Mechanistically, AMPK/Akt-mTOR signaling pathways were involved. In conclusion, down-regulation of IAPP expression induces the death of human AF cells via mitochondrial and death receptor pathways, potentially offering a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghuo Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenbin Hua
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xianzhe Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Cao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Wang X, Yang X, Li Y, Wang X, Zhang Y, Dai X, Niu B, Wu J, Yuan X, Xiong A, Liu Z, Zhong N, Wu M, Li G. Lyn kinase represses mucus hypersecretion by regulating IL-13-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in asthma. EBioMedicine 2016; 15:137-149. [PMID: 28024734 PMCID: PMC5233819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In asthma, mucus hypersecretion is thought to be a prominent pathological feature associated with widespread mucus plugging. However, the current treatments for mucus hypersecretion are often ineffective or temporary. The potential therapeutic targets of mucus hypersecretion in asthma remain unknown. Here, we show that Lyn is a central effector of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and mucous hypersecretion in asthma. In Lyn-transgenic mice (Lyn-TG) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice exposed to ovalbumin (OVA), Lyn overexpression attenuates mucus hypersecretion and ER stress. Interleukin 13 (IL-13) induced MUC5AC expression by enhancing ER stress in vitro. Lyn serves as a negative regulator of IL-13-induced ER stress and MUC5AC expression. We further find that an inhibitor of ER stress, which is likely involved in the PI3K p85α/Akt pathway and NFκB activity, blocked MUC5AC expression in Lyn-knockdown cells. Furthermore, PI3K/Akt signaling is required for IL-13-induced ER stress and MUC5AC expression in airway epithelial cells. The ER stress regulation of MUC5AC expression depends on NFκB in Lyn-knockdown airway epithelial cells. Our studies indicate not only a concept of mucus hypersecretion in asthma that involves Lyn kinase but also an important therapeutic candidate for asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Yang
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yin Li
- The First Clinic College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Xi Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Bin Niu
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Wu
- First Department of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiefang Yuan
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Anjie Xiong
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China; State Key Laboratories of Respiratory Disease, Ghuangzhou Medical University, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Nanshan Zhong
- State Key Laboratories of Respiratory Disease, Ghuangzhou Medical University, Guangdong 510120, China.
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 N Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58203-9037, United States.
| | - Guoping Li
- Inflammation & Allergic Diseases Research Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China; First Department of Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.
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Qin J, Teng J, Zhu Z, Chen J, Huang WJ. Genistein induces activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt in colorectal cancer cells. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2016; 54:74-9. [PMID: 25880142 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1014921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Genistein inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells; however, the underling molecular mechanisms remain to be determined. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate whether genistein reduces cell viability by suppressing the phosphorylation of AKT and activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in colorectal cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The anti-proliferative effects of genistein (0, 25, 50, and 100 μM) on HCT-116 and LoVo cells were assessed using MTT assay. Genistein-induced apoptosis was measured by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. The mRNA level of Bax was detected by real-time PCR. The protein levels of Bax, total Akt, and phosphorylated Akt were assessed by western blot. RESULTS The IC50 values of genistein were 690, 135, and 61 μM in HCT-116 cells and 204, 135, and 93 μM in LoVo cells after treatment for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. After treatment with different concentrations of genistein (0, 25, 50, and 100 μM) for 48 h, the early apoptotic cells in HCT-116 increased from 1.99% ± 0.55% to 6.78% ± 2.12%, 23.16% ± 3.87%, and 36.99% ± 3.76%, respectively. The same concentrations of genistein increased the early apoptotic cells in LoVo from 2.56% ± 1.42% to 3.21% ± 1.52%, 18.22% ± 3.56%, and 23.56% ± 3.02%, respectively. Moreover, genistein increased the mRNA and protein levels of Bax, while it inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt in HCT-116 cells. CONCLUSION Genistein inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. Genistein induced the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in HCT-116 cells by inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qin
- a Department of Radiation Oncology of Clinical Cancer Center
| | - JiaAn Teng
- b Department of Cadre Medicine , Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and
| | - Zhou Zhu
- c Department of Gastrointestinal and Peripheral Vascular Surgery , the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Nanning , China , and
| | - JiaXin Chen
- a Department of Radiation Oncology of Clinical Cancer Center
| | - Wen-Jun Huang
- d Department of Physiology , Guilin Medical University , Guilin , China
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Abeyrathna P, Su Y. The critical role of Akt in cardiovascular function. Vascul Pharmacol 2015; 74:38-48. [PMID: 26025205 PMCID: PMC4659756 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Akt kinase, a member of AGC kinases, is important in many cellular functions including proliferation, migration, cell growth and metabolism. There are three known Akt isoforms which play critical and diverse roles in the cardiovascular system. Akt activity is regulated by its upstream regulatory pathways at transcriptional and post-translational levels. Beta-catenin/Tcf-4, GLI1 and Stat-3 are some of few known transcriptional regulators of AKT gene. Threonine 308 and serine 473 are the two critical phosphorylation sites of Akt1. Translocation of Akt to the cell membrane facilitates PDK1 phosphorylation of the threonine site. The serine site is phosphorylated by mTORC2. Ack1, Src, PTK6, TBK1, IKBKE and IKKε are some of the non-canonical pathways which affect the Akt activity. Protein-protein interactions of Akt to actin and Hsp90 increase the Akt activity while Akt binding to other proteins such as CTMP and TRB3 reduces the Akt activity. The action of Akt on its downstream targets determines its function in cardiovascular processes such as cell survival, growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, vasorelaxation, and cell metabolism. Akt promotes cell survival via caspase-9, YAP, Bcl-2, and Bcl-x activities. Inhibition of FoxO proteins by Akt also increases cell survival by transcriptional mechanisms. Akt stimulates cell growth and proliferation through mTORC1. Akt also increases VEGF secretion and mediates eNOS phosphorylation, vasorelaxation and angiogenesis. Akt can increase cellular metabolism through its downstream targets GSK3 and GLUT4. The alterations of Akt signaling play an important role in many cardiovascular pathological processes such as atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and vascular remodeling. Several Akt inhibitors have been developed and tested as anti-tumor agents. They could be potential novel therapeutics for the cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Abeyrathna
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yunchao Su
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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Santi SA, Douglas AC, Lee H. The Akt isoforms, their unique functions and potential as anticancer therapeutic targets. Biomol Concepts 2015; 1:389-401. [PMID: 25962012 DOI: 10.1515/bmc.2010.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt (also known as protein kinase B or PKB) is the major downstream nodal point of the PI3K signaling pathway. This pathway is a promising anticancer therapeutic target, because constitutive activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway is correlated with tumor development, progression, poor prognosis, and resistance to cancer therapies. The Akt serine/threonine kinase regulates diverse cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, glucose metabolism, and survival. Although all three known Akt isoforms (Akt1-3) are encoded by separate genes, their amino acid sequences show a high degree of similarity. For this and other reasons, it has long been assumed that all three Akt isoforms are activated in the same way, and their functions largely overlap. However, accumulating lines of evidence now suggest that the three Akt isoforms might have unique modes of activation and many distinct functions. In particular, it has recently been found that the Akt isoforms are localized at different subcellular compartments in both adipocytes and cancer cells. In this review, we highlight the unique roles of each Akt isoform by introducing published data obtained from both in vitro and in vivo studies. We also discuss the significant potential of the Akt isoforms as effective anticancer therapeutic targets.
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Cao J, Yang X, Li WT, Zhao CL, Lv SJ. Silencing of COX-2 by RNAi modulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells partially dependent on the PGE2 cascade. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:9967-72. [PMID: 25520137 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.22.9967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to prove whether downregulation of COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) could modulate the epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer, celecoxib and siRNA were respectively used to inhibit COX-2 function and expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. The EMT reversal effect in the RNAi treated group was better than that of the celecoxib group while there were no obvious differences in the medium PGE2 levels between the two groups. The results show that COX-2 pathways may contribute considerably to EMT of breast cancer cells, partially dependent on the PGE2 cascade. Akt2, ZEB2 and Snail were measured to clarify the underlying mechanisms of COX-2 on EMT; COX-2 may modulate EMT of breast cancer by regulating these factors. This finding may be helpful to elucidate the mechanisms of selective COX-2 inhibitor action in EMT modulation in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cao
- Department of Health Care, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong Province, China E-mail :
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Sasaki T, Kuniyasu H. Significance of AKT in gastric cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2014; 45:2187-92. [PMID: 25270272 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
AKT is a serine/threonine kinase activated downstream of integrin, which is a receptor for various pro-proliferation and bioactive substances as well as the extracellular matrix receptor. The activation of AKT often contributes to tumorigenesis and plays a role in regulating cell motility, which is critical for local invasion and metastasis. In recent years, it has also drawn attention as a target of new molecular-targeted agents. When analyzing the role of AKT in cancer cells, it is important to consider the microenvironment and variations of cancers. In this review, a basic overview of the role of AKT in normal and malignant tissues is provided, along with an in-depth discussion of its role in gastric cancer and its potential as a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamitsu Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, Jonan‑ku, Fukuoka 814‑0180, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634‑8521, Japan
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Vanli G, Peltzer N, Dubuis G, Widmann C. The activity of the anti-apoptotic fragment generated by the caspase-3/p120 RasGAP stress-sensing module displays strict Akt isoform specificity. Cell Signal 2014; 26:2992-7. [PMID: 25246356 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The caspase-3/p120 RasGAP module acts as a stress sensor that promotes pro-survival or pro-death signaling depending on the intensity and the duration of the stressful stimuli. Partial cleavage of p120 RasGAP generates a fragment, called fragment N, which protects stressed cells by activating Akt signaling. Akt family members regulate many cellular processes including proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis and metabolism. These cellular processes are regulated by three distinct Akt isoforms: Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3. However, which of these isoforms are required for fragment N mediated protection have not been defined. In this study, we investigated the individual contribution of each isoform in fragment N-mediated cell protection against Fas ligand induced cell death. To this end, DLD1 and HCT116 isogenic cell lines lacking specific Akt isoforms were used. It was found that fragment N could activate Akt1 and Akt2 but that only the former could mediate the protective activity of the RasGAP-derived fragment. Even overexpression of Akt2 or Akt3 could not rescue the inability of fragment N to protect cells lacking Akt1. These results demonstrate a strict Akt isoform requirement for the anti-apoptotic activity of fragment N.
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Affiliation(s)
- Güliz Vanli
- Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nieves Peltzer
- Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Dubuis
- Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Girardi C, James P, Zanin S, Pinna LA, Ruzzene M. Differential phosphorylation of Akt1 and Akt2 by protein kinase CK2 may account for isoform specific functions. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1843:1865-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Zhang Y, Guo X, Yang M, Yu L, Li Z, Lin N. Identification of AKT kinases as unfavorable prognostic factors for hepatocellular carcinoma by a combination of expression profile, interaction network analysis and clinical validation. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 10:215-22. [PMID: 24247267 DOI: 10.1039/c3mb70400a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM identification of key markers that differentiate occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is of great significance to develop novel prognostic factors and improve therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to screen novel markers for HCC by combining expression profile, interaction network analysis and clinical validation. METHODS & RESULTS HCC significant molecules which were differentially expressed in HCC tissues were obtained from five existing HCC related databases (OncoDB.HCC, HCC.net, dbHCCvar, EHCO and Liverome). The protein-protein interaction network of HCC significant proteins was constructed and 331 candidate HCC markers were identified by calculating four topological features of the network ('Degree', 'Betweenness', 'Closeness' and 'K-coreness'). According to the enrichment analysis on Gene ontology items and KEGG pathways, these candidate HCC markers were more frequently involved in cellular protein metabolic processes, translational elongation and intracellular signaling cascade, which are associated with cancer development and metastasis. Among 331 candidate HCC markers, the three AKT kinase family members (AKT1-AKT3) were selected for clinical validation by immunohistochemistry analysis using 130 HCC specimens and matched adjacent non-neoplastic liver tissues. Interestingly, the upregulation of AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3 proteins were all significantly associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis in patients with HCC. CONCLUSION this study provided an integrated analysis by combining expression profile and interaction network analysis to identify a list of biologically significant HCC related markers and pathways. Further experimental validation also indicated that AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3 proteins may all be novel unfavorable prognostic factors for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, No. 16, Nanxiaojie, Dongzhimennei, Beijing 100700, China.
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Iida M, Brand TM, Campbell DA, Starr MM, Luthar N, Traynor AM, Wheeler DL. Targeting AKT with the allosteric AKT inhibitor MK-2206 in non-small cell lung cancer cells with acquired resistance to cetuximab. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 14:481-91. [PMID: 23760490 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.24342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a central regulator of tumor progression in human cancers. Cetuximab is an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody that has been approved for use in oncology. Despite clinical success the majority of patients do not respond to cetuximab and those who initially respond frequently acquire resistance. To understand how tumor cells acquire resistance to cetuximab we developed a model of resistance using the non-small cell lung cancer line NCI-H226. We found that cetuximab-resistant (Ctx (R) ) clones manifested strong activation of EGFR, PI3K/AKT and MAPK. To investigate the role of AKT signaling in cetuximab resistance we analyzed the activation of the AKT pathway effector molecules using a human AKT phospho-antibody array. Strong activation was observed in Ctx (R) clones for several key AKT substrates including c-jun, GSK3β, eIF4E, rpS6, IKKα, IRS-1 and Raf1. Inhibition of AKT signaling by siAKT1/2 or by the allosteric AKT inhibitor MK-2206 resulted in robust inhibition of cell proliferation in all Ctx (R) clones. Moreover, the combinational treatment of cetuximab and MK-2206 resulted in further decreases in proliferation than either drug alone. This combinatorial treatment resulted in decreased activity of both AKT and MAPK thus highlighting the importance of simultaneous pathway inhibition to maximally affect the growth of Ctx (R) cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that AKT activation is an important pathway in acquired resistance to cetuximab and suggests that combinatorial therapy directed at both the AKT and EGFR/MAPK pathways may be beneficial in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, Madison, WI, USA
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Sami A, Karsy M. Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in glioblastoma: novel therapeutic agents and advances in understanding. Tumour Biol 2013; 34:1991-2002. [PMID: 23625692 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-0800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a grade IV astrocytoma with a median survival of 12 months despite current multi-modal treatment options. GBM is distinguished clinicopathologically into primary and secondary subtypes. Mutations of phosphatase and tensin homolog, and subsequent upregulation of the downstream protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, are commonly seen in primary GBM and less predominantly in secondary GBM. While investigations into targeted treatments of mTOR have been attempted, feedback regulation within the mTOR signaling pathway may account for therapeutic resistance. Currently, rapamycin analogs, dual-targeted mTOR complex 1 and 2 agents as well as dual mTOR and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase-targeted agents are being investigated experimentally and in clinical trials. This review will discuss the experimental potential of these agents in the treatment of GBM and their current stage in the GBM drug pipeline. Knowledge obtained from the application of these agents can help in understanding the pathogenesis of GBM as well as delineating subsequent treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshawn Sami
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Liang ZL, Kang K, Yoon S, Huang SM, Lim JS, Kim JM, Lim JS, Lee HJ. NDRG2 is involved in the oncogenic properties of renal cell carcinoma and its loss is a novel independent poor prognostic factor after nephrectomy. Ann Surg Oncol 2012; 19:2763-2772. [PMID: 22246425 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-011-2204-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although NDRG2 is a candidate tumor suppressor, its exact role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not fully understood. We investigated the functional role of NDRG2 and its clinical relevance in RCC tumorigenesis. METHODS NDRG2 expression and its clinical implications in clear cell RCC were evaluated. Biological function was assessed by a proliferation assay, anchorage-independent growth assay, and wound healing and transwell migration assays in RCC cell lines overexpressing NDRG2 coupled with an investigation of the effects of NDRG2 expression on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RESULTS NDRG2 was differentially expressed in patients with RCC. A loss of NDRG2 was significantly associated with a higher proportion of tumors >10 cm and a high nuclear grade. Furthermore, multivariate analyses indicated that a loss of NDRG2 was an independent poor prognostic factor for patient survival (recurrence-free survival, hazard ratio 7.901; disease-specific survival, hazard ratio 15.395; overall survival, hazard ratio 11.339; P < 0.001 for all parameters). NDRG2 expression inhibited the anchorage-independent growth and migration of RCC cells. NDRG2 expression also modulated the expression of EMT-related genes such as Snail, Slug, and SIP1, and it decreased EMT signaling in RCC cells. Finally, NDRG2 recovered E-cadherin expression in E-cadherin-negative RCC cells. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that a lack of NDRG2 is associated with oncogenic properties through the loss of its role as a tumor suppressor, and that NDRG2 is an independent poor prognostic factor predicting survival in clear cell RCC, suggesting that it can serve as a novel prognostic biomarker.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Blotting, Western
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/mortality
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Renal Cell/surgery
- Cell Movement
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Kidney Neoplasms/metabolism
- Kidney Neoplasms/mortality
- Kidney Neoplasms/pathology
- Kidney Neoplasms/surgery
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/metabolism
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/surgery
- Neoplasm Staging
- Nephrectomy/mortality
- Postoperative Complications
- Prognosis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Signal Transduction
- Survival Rate
- Tissue Array Analysis
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins/metabolism
- Wound Healing
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Long Liang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, and Infection Signaling Network Research Center, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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48
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Saegusa M, Hashimura M, Suzuki E, Yoshida T, Kuwata T. Transcriptional up-regulation of Sox9 by NF-κB in endometrial carcinoma cells, modulating cell proliferation through alteration in the p14(ARF)/p53/p21(WAF1) pathway. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 181:684-92. [PMID: 22698986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Revised: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Sox factors are a large family of transcription factors that play important roles in tumor development and progression in a variety of human malignancies and diverse developmental processes, but little is known about their roles in endometrial tumorigenesis. Herein, we focus on the functions of Sox9 in endometrial carcinomas. Cells stably overexpressing Sox9 showed a low proliferation rate, particularity in the exponential growth phase, along with increased amounts of p21(WAF1). Transient transfection of Sox9 caused transactivation of p21(WAF1) and p14(ARF) promoters, in cooperation with p53, resulting in activation of the p14(ARF)/p53/p21(WAF1) pathway. Overexpression of p65, and the constitutively active form myristylated Akt, led to an increase in Sox9 expression through transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms. In normal endometrium, biphasic up-regulation of Sox9 expression was observed during the menstrual cycle, labeling indices being significantly higher in the proliferative stage than in the secretory stage. Moreover, expression also showed a significant stepwise increase from normal through grade 1 to grade 2/3 tumors, being correlated positively with labeling indices of p53, p21(WAF1), pp65, and Ki-67, probably due to a feedback system regarding cell proliferation through NF-κB and Akt signaling. These data, therefore, suggest that associations between Sox9 and NF-κB signaling, as well as Akt status, may participate in modulation of the cell kinetics of endometrial carcinomas cells through alteration in the p14(ARF)/p53/p21(WAF1) pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saegusa
- Department of Pathology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.
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49
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Role of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:450179. [PMID: 22666248 PMCID: PMC3362130 DOI: 10.1155/2012/450179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is one of the most frequently observed molecular alterations in many human malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A growing body of evidence demonstrates the prime importance of the PI3K pathway at each stage of tumorigenesis, that is, tumor initiation, progression, recurrence, and metastasis. Expectedly, targeting the PI3K pathway yields some promising results in both preclinical studies and clinical trials for certain cancer patients. However, there are still many questions that need to be answered, given the complexity of this pathway and the existence of its multiple feedback loops and interactions with other signaling pathways. In this paper, we will summarize recent advances in the understanding of the PI3K pathway role in human malignancies, with an emphasis on HNSCC, and discuss the clinical applications and future direction of this field.
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50
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Salhia B, Van Cott C, Tegeler T, Polpitiya A, Duquette RA, Gale M, Hostteter G, Petritis K, Carpten J. Differential effects of AKT1(p.E17K) expression on human mammary luminal epithelial and myoepithelial cells. Hum Mutat 2012; 33:1216-27. [PMID: 22505016 DOI: 10.1002/humu.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we identified a somatic mutation in AKT1, which results in a glutamic acid to lysine substitution (p.Glu17Lys or E17K). E17K mutations appear almost exclusively in breast cancers of luminal origin. Cellular models involving cell lines such as human mammary epithelial and MCF10 are model systems that upon transformation lead to rare forms of human breast cancer. Hence, we studied the effects of E17K using a clinically pertinent luminal cell line model while providing evidence to explain why E17K mutations do not occur in the mammary myoepithelium. Thus the purpose of our study was to perform a functional and differential proteomics study to assess the role of AKT1(E17K) in the development of breast cancer. We used a set of genetically matched nontumorigenic and tumorigenic mammary luminal and myoepithelial cells. We demonstrated that in myoepithelial cells, expression of E17K inhibited growth, migration, and protein synthesis compared with wild-type AKT1. In luminal cells, E17K enhanced cell survival and migration, possibly offering a selective advantage in this type of cell. However, antineoplastic effects of E17K in luminal cells, such as inhibition of growth and protein synthesis, may ultimately be associated with favorable prognosis. Our study illustrates the importance of cellular context in determining phenotypic effects of putative oncogenic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodour Salhia
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, USA
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