1
|
Zhou M, Yin X, Zhang L, Cui Z, Jiang X, Ji Q, Ma S, Chen C. RNA-Binding Protein Lin28B Promotes Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Blast Crisis by Transcriptionally Upregulating miR-181d. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:932-942. [PMID: 38847604 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
The blast crisis (BC) of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has poor efficacy against existing treatments and extremely short survival. However, the molecular mechanism of CML-chronic phase (CP) transformation to CML-BC is not yet fully understood. Here, we show that Lin28B, an RNA-binding protein, acted as an activator enhancing the transformation to CML-BC by mediating excessive cell proliferation. The level of Lin28B expression was apparently elevated in patients with CML-BC compared with newly diagnosed patients with CML-CP. The overexpression of Lin28B promoted the proliferation of leukemia cells. Mechanistically, we identified Lin28B as a DNA-binding protein by binding to the promoter region of miR-181d and upregulating its expression, which inhibited the expression of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) by binding to the PDCD4 3'UTR region, thereby enhancing the proliferation of CML cells. Overall, the "Lin28B-miR-181d-PDCD4" regulatory axis promoted CML blast crisis. Implications: Our findings highlight the oncogenic role of Lin28B in CML blast crisis, acting as a DNA-binding protein that transcriptionally upregulates miR-181d expression.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/metabolism
- Blast Crisis/genetics
- Blast Crisis/pathology
- Blast Crisis/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Mice
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Animals
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minran Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Yin
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Zelong Cui
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Xinwen Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Qingli Ji
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Sai Ma
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Drif AI, Yücer R, Damiescu R, Ali NT, Abu Hagar TH, Avula B, Khan IA, Efferth T. Anti-Inflammatory and Cancer-Preventive Potential of Chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Comprehensive In Silico and In Vitro Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1484. [PMID: 39062057 PMCID: PMC11275008 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071484] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Chamomile tea, renowned for its exquisite taste, has been appreciated for centuries not only for its flavor but also for its myriad health benefits. In this study, we investigated the preventive potential of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) towards cancer by focusing on its anti-inflammatory activity. METHODS AND RESULTS A virtual drug screening of 212 phytochemicals from chamomile revealed β-amyrin, β-eudesmol, β-sitosterol, apigenin, daucosterol, and myricetin as potent NF-κB inhibitors. The in silico results were verified through microscale thermophoresis, reporter cell line experiments, and flow cytometric determination of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential. An oncobiogram generated through comparison of 91 anticancer agents with known modes of action using the NCI tumor cell line panel revealed significant relationships of cytotoxic chamomile compounds, lupeol, and quercetin to microtubule inhibitors. This hypothesis was verified by confocal microscopy using α-tubulin-GFP-transfected U2OS cells and molecular docking of lupeol and quercetin to tubulins. Both compounds induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and necrosis rather than apoptosis. Interestingly, lupeol and quercetin were not involved in major mechanisms of resistance to established anticancer drugs (ABC transporters, TP53, or EGFR). Performing hierarchical cluster analyses of proteomic expression data of the NCI cell line panel identified two sets of 40 proteins determining sensitivity and resistance to lupeol and quercetin, further pointing to the multi-specific nature of chamomile compounds. Furthermore, lupeol, quercetin, and β-amyrin inhibited the mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL6 in NF-κB reporter cells (HEK-Blue Null1). Moreover, Kaplan-Meier-based survival analyses with NF-κB as the target protein of these compounds were performed by mining the TCGA-based KM-Plotter repository with 7489 cancer patients. Renal clear cell carcinomas (grade 3, low mutational rate, low neoantigen load) were significantly associated with shorter survival of patients, indicating that these subgroups of tumors might benefit from NF-κB inhibition by chamomile compounds. CONCLUSION This study revealed the potential of chamomile, positioning it as a promising preventive agent against inflammation and cancer. Further research and clinical studies are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assia I. Drif
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.I.D.); (R.Y.); (R.D.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Rümeysa Yücer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.I.D.); (R.Y.); (R.D.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Roxana Damiescu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.I.D.); (R.Y.); (R.D.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Nadeen T. Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.I.D.); (R.Y.); (R.D.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Tobias H. Abu Hagar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.I.D.); (R.Y.); (R.D.); (N.T.A.)
| | - Bharati Avula
- National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR), School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA; (B.A.); (I.A.K.)
| | - Ikhlas A. Khan
- National Center for Natural Products Research (NCNPR), School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS 38677, USA; (B.A.); (I.A.K.)
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany; (A.I.D.); (R.Y.); (R.D.); (N.T.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li J, Wu Z, Pan Y, Chen Y, Chu J, Cong Y, Fang Q. GNL3L exhibits pro-tumor activities via NF-κB pathway as a poor prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia. J Cancer 2024; 15:4072-4080. [PMID: 38947394 PMCID: PMC11212074 DOI: 10.7150/jca.95339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the leukemia with the worst prognosis, and current knowledge of AML pathogenesis and available therapies for AML remain limited. 40% of AML patients exhibit elevated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity, which provides a compelling rationale for targeting the NF-κB pathway in AML. Guanine nucleotide-binding protein-like 3-like protein (GNL3L) is a recently identified pro-oncogene that promotes NF-κB activation in a variety of malignancies. For the first time, we comprehensively examined GNL3L expression in AML, reporting GNL3L as a poor prognostic factor in three independent AML cohorts. GNL3L enhanced RELA activity, activated NF-κB, promoted AML cell proliferation, resisted apoptosis, and encouraged cytarabine resistance in AML. In conclusion, these data suggest a role for GNL3L in the malignant process of AML and as a promising therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Li
- Department of Hematology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Guiyang maternal and child health care hospital, Guiyang Children's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550003, China
| | - Yipeng Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310020, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Hematology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, the Clinical Medical Research Center of Breast and Thyroid Tumor in Xinjiang, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 830011, China
| | - Junfeng Chu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China
| | - Yun Cong
- Department of Oncology II, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Qingliang Fang
- Radiation Oncology Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pakjoo M, Ahmadi SE, Zahedi M, Jaafari N, Khademi R, Amini A, Safa M. Interplay between proteasome inhibitors and NF-κB pathway in leukemia and lymphoma: a comprehensive review on challenges ahead of proteasome inhibitors. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:105. [PMID: 38331801 PMCID: PMC10851565 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The current scientific literature has extensively explored the potential role of proteasome inhibitors (PIs) in the NF-κB pathway of leukemia and lymphoma. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a critical component in regulating protein degradation in eukaryotic cells. PIs, such as BTZ, are used to target the 26S proteasome in hematologic malignancies, resulting in the prevention of the degradation of tumor suppressor proteins, the activation of intrinsic mitochondrial-dependent cell death, and the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. NF-κB is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tumor migration. Despite the successful use of PIs in various hematologic malignancies, there are limitations such as resistant to these inhibitors. Some reports suggest that PIs can induce NF-κB activation, which increases the survival of malignant cells. This article discusses the various aspects of PIs' effects on the NF-κB pathway and their limitations. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Pakjoo
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- ATMP department, Breast cancer research center, Motamed cancer institute, ACECR, P.O. BOX:15179/64311, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Ahmadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zahedi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Allied Medicine, Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Jaafari
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Khademi
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Amini
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liao F, Cao Y, Huang M, Chu L, Wang T. Correlation between expression of Lin28B and C-myc in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and clinicopathological features and prognosis. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:165-171. [PMID: 36999462 PMCID: PMC10930344 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.220421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignant tumor of head and neck. Screening of target genes for malignant tumor therapy is one of the focuses of cancer research, with proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor gene as the breakthrough. It has become an urgent need to find the target gene related to the treatment and prognosis of LSCC.This study aims to explore the role of Lin28B and C-myc in LSCC by detecting the expressions of these two proteins and analyze the correlation between the expression of Lin28B and C-myc and clinicopathological features and prognosis of LSCC. METHODS We detected the expression of Lin28B and C-myc proteins in 102 specimens of LSCC and 90 specimens of adjacent tissues by immunochemistry, and analyzed the correlation between Lin28B and C-myc protein expressions in LSCC as well as the correlation between the expressions of the two proteins and the clinicopathological features of LSCC. At the same time, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relation between Lin28B and C-myc protein levels with the postoperative survival rate of LSCC patients. RESULTS The protein levels of Lin28B and C-myc in the LSCC tissnes were significantly higher than those in the adjacent tissues (both P<0.05),and there was a positive correlation between the expression of Lin28B and C-myc in LSCC (r=0.476, P<0.05). The expression of Lin28B protein was closely related to age, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, tumor size, and pathological differentiation of LSCC patients (all P<0.05). while the expression of C-myc protein was closely related to lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, tumor size, and pathological differentiation of LSCC patients (all P<0.05). A relevant survival analysis showed that in patients with higher level of Lin28B (P=0.001) or C-myc protein (P<0.001), the postoperative survival rate was relatively low. CONCLUSIONS Lin28B and C-myc proteins are highly expressed in LSCC with a positive correlation. Furthermore, they are closely related to lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, tumor size, pathological differentiation and prognosis, suggesting that both Lin28B and C-myc might be involved in the occurrence and development of LSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Liao
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
| | - Yuxin Cao
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013
| | - Meixiang Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Ling Chu
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
| | - Tiansheng Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Di Francesco B, Verzella D, Capece D, Vecchiotti D, Di Vito Nolfi M, Flati I, Cornice J, Di Padova M, Angelucci A, Alesse E, Zazzeroni F. NF-κB: A Druggable Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3557. [PMID: 35884618 PMCID: PMC9319319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy that relies on highly heterogeneous cytogenetic alterations. Although in the last few years new agents have been developed for AML treatment, the overall survival prospects for AML patients are still gloomy and new therapeutic options are still urgently needed. Constitutive NF-κB activation has been reported in around 40% of AML patients, where it sustains AML cell survival and chemoresistance. Given the central role of NF-κB in AML, targeting the NF-κB pathway represents an attractive strategy to treat AML. This review focuses on current knowledge of NF-κB's roles in AML pathogenesis and summarizes the main therapeutic approaches used to treat NF-κB-driven AML.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ren C, Han X, Lu C, Yang T, Qiao P, Sun Y, Yu Z. Ubiquitination of NF-κB p65 by FBXW2 suppresses breast cancer stemness, tumorigenesis, and paclitaxel resistance. Cell Death Differ 2022; 29:381-392. [PMID: 34465889 PMCID: PMC8816940 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00862-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The F-box and WD-repeat-containing protein 2 (FBXW2) plays a crucial role as an E3 ligase in regulating tumorigenesis. However, the functions of FBXW2 in breast cancer are still unknown. Here, we find that nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) p65 is a new substrate of FBXW2. FBXW2 directly binds to p65, leading to its ubiquitination and degradation. Interestingly, p300 acetylation of p65 blocks FBXW2 induced p65 ubiquitination. FBXW2-p65 axis is a crucial regulator of SOX2-induced stemness in breast cancer. Moreover, FBXW2 inhibits breast tumor growth by regulating p65 degradation in vitro and in vivo. FBXW2 overexpression abrogates the effects of p65 on paclitaxel resistance in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, FBXW2 induced p65 degradation is also confirmed in FBXW2-knockout mice. Our results identify FBXW2 as an important E3 ligase for p65 degradation, which provide insights into the tumor suppressor functions of FBXW2 in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chune Ren
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, PR China
| | - Xue Han
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, PR China
| | - Chao Lu
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, PR China
| | - Tingting Yang
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, PR China
| | - Pengyun Qiao
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, PR China
| | - Yonghong Sun
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, PR China
| | - Zhenhai Yu
- grid.268079.20000 0004 1790 6079Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodrigues ACBDC, Costa RGA, Silva SLR, Dias IRSB, Dias RB, Bezerra DP. Cell signaling pathways as molecular targets to eliminate AML stem cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103277. [PMID: 33716201 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains the most lethal of leukemias and a small population of cells called leukemic stem cells (LSCs) has been associated with disease relapses. Some cell signaling pathways play an important role in AML survival, proliferation and self-renewal properties and are abnormally activated or suppressed in LSCs. This includes the NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch, EGFR, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TGF/SMAD and PPAR pathways. This review aimed to discuss these pathways as molecular targets for eliminating AML LSCs. Herein, inhibitors/activators of these pathways were summarized as a potential new anti-AML therapy capable of eliminating LSCs to guide future researches. The clinical use of cell signaling pathways data can be useful to enhance the anti-AML therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafaela G A Costa
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Suellen L R Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Ingrid R S B Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Rosane B Dias
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Daniel P Bezerra
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Bahia, 40296-710, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Darici S, Alkhaldi H, Horne G, Jørgensen HG, Marmiroli S, Huang X. Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR in AML: Rationale and Clinical Evidence. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2934. [PMID: 32932888 PMCID: PMC7563273 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematopoietic malignancy characterized by excessive proliferation and accumulation of immature myeloid blasts in the bone marrow. AML has a very poor 5-year survival rate of just 16% in the UK; hence, more efficacious, tolerable, and targeted therapy is required. Persistent leukemia stem cell (LSC) populations underlie patient relapse and development of resistance to therapy. Identification of critical oncogenic signaling pathways in AML LSC may provide new avenues for novel therapeutic strategies. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, is often hyperactivated in AML, required to sustain the oncogenic potential of LSCs. Growing evidence suggests that targeting key components of this pathway may represent an effective treatment to kill AML LSCs. Despite this, accruing significant body of scientific knowledge, PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have not translated into clinical practice. In this article, we review the laboratory-based evidence of the critical role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in AML, and outcomes from current clinical studies using PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors. Based on these results, we discuss the putative mechanisms of resistance to PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibition, offering rationale for potential candidate combination therapies incorporating PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors for precision medicine in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salihanur Darici
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Hazem Alkhaldi
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Gillian Horne
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Heather G. Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0ZD, UK; (H.A.); (G.H.); (H.G.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tian N, Shangguan W, Zhou Z, Yao Y, Fan C, Cai L. Lin28b is involved in curcumin-reversed paclitaxel chemoresistance and associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer 2019; 10:6074-6087. [PMID: 31762817 PMCID: PMC6856568 DOI: 10.7150/jca.33421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance remains a big challenge in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Several studies indicated that RNA-binding protein Lin28B serves an oncogenic role in HCC, but its activity in HCC chemotherapy has never been assessed. In this study, we found that overexpression of Lin28B significantly increased the paclitaxel chemoresistance in two different HCC cells lines while silencing Lin28B reduced the chemoresistance in paclitaxel-resistance HCC cells. Curcumin, a natural anti-cancer agent, increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to paclitaxel through inhibiting NF-κB stimulated Lin28B expression both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, by analyzing TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) LIHC (liver hepatocellular carcinoma) and GSE14520 databases, we found that Lin28B was highly upregulated in HCC tissue compared with that in normal tissue and associated with α‑fetoprotein levels, and that patients with Lin28B higher expression had a significant shorter overall survival time than those with Lin28B lower expression. Our data reveal that Lin28B may serve as a predictive biomarker and a treatment target to reverse HCC chemotherapy resistance in future clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Tian
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Life Science College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenbing Shangguan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Life Science College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zuolin Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Life Science College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Life Science College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunlei Fan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Life Science College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Cai
- Department of gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jia Y, Chng WJ, Zhou J. Super-enhancers: critical roles and therapeutic targets in hematologic malignancies. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:77. [PMID: 31311566 PMCID: PMC6636097 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) in a broad range of human cell types are large clusters of enhancers with aberrant high levels of transcription factor binding, which are central to drive expression of genes in controlling cell identity and stimulating oncogenic transcription. Cancer cells acquire super-enhancers at oncogene and cancerous phenotype relies on these abnormal transcription propelled by SEs. Furthermore, specific inhibitors targeting SEs assembly and activation have offered potential targets for treating various tumors including hematological malignancies. Here, we first review the identification, functional significance of SEs. Next, we summarize recent findings of SEs and SE-driven gene regulation in normal hematopoiesis and hematologic malignancies. The importance and various modes of SE-mediated MYC oncogene amplification are illustrated. Finally, we highlight the progress of SEs as selective therapeutic targets in basic research and clinical trials. Some open questions regarding functional significance and future directions of targeting SEs in the clinic will be discussed too.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunlu Jia
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.,Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), 1E, Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Republic of Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou J, Chng WJ. Resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia: Molecular mechanisms and resensitizing strategies. World J Clin Oncol 2018; 9:90-97. [PMID: 30254964 PMCID: PMC6153124 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v9.i5.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is classified as a type III receptor tyrosine kinase, which exerts a key role in regulation of normal hematopoiesis. FLT3 mutation is the most common genetic mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and represents an attractive therapeutic target. Targeted therapy with FLT3 inhibitors in AML shows modest promising results in current ongoing clinical trials suggesting the complexity of FLT3 targeting in therapeutics. Importantly, resistance to FLT3 inhibitors may explain the lack of overwhelming response and could obstruct the successful treatment for AML. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of primary resistance and acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors and discuss the strategies to circumvent the emergency of drug resistance and to develop novel treatment intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, NUHS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|