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Law ME, Dulloo ZM, Eggleston SR, Takacs GP, Alexandrow GM, Wang M, Su H, Forsyth B, Chiang CW, Sharma A, Kanumuri SRR, Guryanova OA, Harrison JK, Tirosh B, Castellano RK, Law BK. DR5 disulfide bonding as a sensor and effector of protein folding stress. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583390. [PMID: 38496520 PMCID: PMC10942403 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
New agents are needed that selectively kill cancer cells without harming normal tissues. The TRAIL ligand and its receptors, DR5 and DR4, exhibit cancer-selective toxicity, but TRAIL analogs or agonistic antibodies targeting these receptors have not received FDA approval for cancer therapy. Small molecules for activating DR5 or DR4 independently of protein ligands may bypass some of the pharmacological limitations of these protein drugs. Previously described Disulfide bond Disrupting Agents (DDAs) activate DR5 by altering its disulfide bonding through inhibition of the Protein Disulfide Isomerases (PDIs) ERp44, AGR2, and PDIA1. Work presented here extends these findings by showing that disruption of single DR5 disulfide bonds causes high-level DR5 expression, disulfide-mediated clustering, and activation of Caspase 8-Caspase 3 mediated pro-apoptotic signaling. Recognition of the extracellular domain of DR5 by various antibodies is strongly influenced by the pattern of DR5 disulfide bonding, which has important implications for the use of agonistic DR5 antibodies for cancer therapy. Disulfide-defective DR5 mutants do not activate the ER stress response or stimulate autophagy, indicating that these DDA-mediated responses are separable from DR5 activation and pro-apoptotic signaling. Importantly, other ER stressors, including Thapsigargin and Tunicamycin also alter DR5 disulfide bonding in various cancer cell lines and in some instances, DR5 mis-disulfide bonding is potentiated by overriding the Integrated Stress Response (ISR) with inhibitors of the PERK kinase or the ISR inhibitor ISRIB. These observations indicate that the pattern of DR5 disulfide bonding functions as a sensor of ER stress and serves as an effector of proteotoxic stress by driving extrinsic apoptosis independently of extracellular ligands.
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Li Y, Li J, Lu Y, Ma Y. ZnO nanomaterials target mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways in cancer cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3909. [PMID: 38269499 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the application of engineering nanomaterials has significantly contributed to the development of various biomedical fields. Zinc oxide nanomaterials (ZnO NMts) have gained wide popularity due to their biocompatibility, unique physical and chemical properties, stability, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production. They have emerged as potential materials for anticancer applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of the synthesis methods of ZnO NMts and highlights the advantages of combining ZnO NMts with anticancer drugs as a nano platform for cancer treatment. Additionally, the article briefly explains the mechanism of action of ZnO NMts in tumor cells, focusing on the mitochondrial pathways that target cell apoptosis and autophagy. It is observed that these pathways are primarily influenced by reactive oxygen species generated through oxidative stress. The article discusses the promising prospects of ZnO NMts combined with anticancer drugs in the field of cancer medicine and emphasizes the need for further in-depth research on the mitochondrial apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Lu
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yonghua Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
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Kaczynski TJ, Husami NJ, Au ED, Farkas MH. Dysregulation of a lncRNA within the TNFRSF10A locus activates cell death pathways. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:242. [PMID: 37443108 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01544-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
TNFRSF10A (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 10A) encodes a cell surface receptor protein involved in apoptotic, necroptotic, and inflammatory pathways. Dysregulation of TNFRSF10A has been implicated in sensitization to apoptosis and to the development of multiple diseases, yet little is known of the AC100861.1 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that lies head-to-head with TNFRSF10A. Given its genomic positioning, we sought to investigate the function of AC100861.1, focusing on its potential relationship with TNFRSF10A and the role it may play in death receptor signaling. Using knockdown and overexpression strategies, we probed cell viability and examined transcript and protein-level changes in key genes involved in apoptosis, necroptosis, and inflammation. Decreased cell viability was observed upon TNFRSF10A overexpression, regardless of whether the cells were subjected to the chemical stressor tunicamycin. Similarly, overexpression of AC100861.1 led to increased cell death, with a further increase observed under conditions of cellular stress. Knockdown of TNFRSF10A increased cell death only when the cells were stressed, and AC100861.1 knockdown exhibited no effect on cell death. Neither knockdown nor overexpression of either of these genes greatly affected the expression of the other. Manipulating AC100861.1, however, led to marked changes in the expression of genes involved in necroptosis and inflammatory cell-signaling pathways. Additionally, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) revealed that the AC100861.1 transcript is localized primarily to the cytoplasm. Together, these data suggest that AC100861.1 may have a role in regulating necroptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways and that this function is separate from changes in TNFRSF10A expression. Given the importance of this genomic locus for cell survival, these data provide insight into the function of a poorly understood lncRNA with potential implications regarding disease pathology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz J Kaczynski
- Research Service, VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nadine J Husami
- Research Service, VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Au
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Michael H Farkas
- Research Service, VA Medical Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Zhai B, Wu J, Li T. Fibroblast Growth Factor 11 Enables Tumor Cell Immune Escape by Promoting T Cell Exhaustion and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:9303632. [PMID: 37250453 PMCID: PMC10219772 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9303632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) accelerates tumor proliferation in a variety of cancer types. This study aimed to examine the link between FGF11 and the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. FGF11 was searched in the Tumor Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and ImmProt databases. The link between FGF11 and lung cancer clinical data was investigated using TCGA and Kaplan-Meier (KM)-plotter databases, and we developed a prediction model. Putative mechanisms of action were investigated using Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses. The GeneMANIA and STRING databases were used to search for genes that interact with FGF11, and the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database was used to discover connections between FGF11 and immune cells, as well as any correlations with immune-related genes. We found that FGF11 expression was higher in the lung adenocarcinoma tissue than in the paracancerous tissue, and patients with high FGF11 expression had a lower overall survival, progression-free survival, and disease specific survival rate than those with low FGF11 expression. The expression of FGF11 was inversely linked to six types of infiltrating immune cells in the TIMER database and was associated with EGFR, VEGFA, BRAF, and MET expressions. The FGF11 gene is negatively correlated with the expression of most immune cells, mainly with various functional T cells including Th1, Th1-like, Treg, and Resting Treg characterization genes. These results indicate that FGF11 has the potential to be a new lung adenocarcinoma biomarker. It increases tumor cell immune escape by boosting T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to the poor prognosis of the patients with lung adenocarcinoma. These results provide incentive to further research FGF11 as a possible biomarker and drug target for patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqian Zhai
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, Yancheng City No. 1 People's Hospital, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng 224005, China
| | - Jiacheng Wu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University & Nantong Tumor Hospital, No. 30, Tongyang bei Road, Tongzhou District, Nantong 226361, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University &Nantong Tumor Hospital, No. 30, Tongyang bei Road, Tongzhou District, Nantong 226361, China
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Zhao W, Yu D, Zhai Y, Sun SY. ALK inhibitors downregulate the expression of death receptor 4 in ALK-mutant lung cancer cells via facilitating Fra-1 and c-Jun degradation and subsequent AP-1 suppression. Neoplasia 2023; 42:100908. [PMID: 37192591 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2023.100908] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The successful treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring chromosomal rearrangements of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) represents a promising targeted therapy. As a result, various ALK-TKIs have been rapidly developed, some of which are approved while some are being tested in clinical trials. Death receptor 4 (DR4; also called TNFRSF10A or TRAIL-R1) is a cell surface protein, which functions as a pro-apoptotic protein that transduces TRAIL death signaling to trigger apoptosis. DR4 expression is positively regulated by MEK/ERK signaling and thus can be downregulated by MEK/ERK inhibition. This study thus focused on determining the effects of AKL-TKIs on DR4 expression and the underlying mechanisms. Three tested ALK-TKIs including APG-2449, brigatinib and alectinib effectively and preferentially inhibited Akt/mTOR as well as MEK/ERK signaling and decreased cell survival in ALK-mutant (ALKm) NSCLC cells with induction of apoptosis. This was also true for DR4 downregulation, which occurred even at 2 h post treatment. These ALK-TKIs did not affect DR4 protein stability, rather decreased DR4 mRNA expression. In parallel, they promoted degradation and reduced the levels of Fra-1 and c-Jun, two critical components of AP-1, and suppressed AP-1 (Fra-1/c-Jun)-dependent transcription/expression of DR4. Hence, it appears that ALK-TKIs downregulate DR4 expression in ALKm NSCLC cells via facilitating Fra-1 and c-Jun degradation and subsequent AP-1 suppression. Our findings thus warrant further investigation of the biological significance of DR4 downregulation in ALK-targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Danlei Yu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yifan Zhai
- Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co., Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Song X, Cao L, Ni B, Wang J, Qin X, Sun X, Xu B, Wang X, Li J. Challenges of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC and the potential role of herbs and active compounds: From mechanism to clinical practice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1090500. [PMID: 37089959 PMCID: PMC10120859 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1090500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are the most common oncogenic driver in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are widely used in the treatment of lung cancer, especially in the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC, and EGFR-TKIs monotherapy has achieved better efficacy and tolerability compared with standard chemotherapy. However, acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and associated adverse events pose a significant obstacle to targeted lung cancer therapy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to seek effective interventions to overcome these limitations. Natural medicines have shown potential therapeutic advantages in reversing acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and reducing adverse events, bringing new options and directions for EGFR-TKIs combination therapy. In this paper, we systematically demonstrated the resistance mechanism of EGFR-TKIs, the clinical strategy of each generation of EGFR-TKIs in the synergistic treatment of NSCLC, the treatment-related adverse events of EGFR-TKIs, and the potential role of traditional Chinese medicine in overcoming the resistance and adverse reactions of EGFR-TKIs. Herbs and active compounds have the potential to act synergistically through multiple pathways and multiple mechanisms of overall regulation, combined with targeted therapy, and are expected to be an innovative model for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Song
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Luchang Cao
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyi Ni
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Respiratory, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qin
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Xu
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmiao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang’ Anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Nishihara S, Yamaoka T, Ishikawa F, Higuchi K, Hasebe Y, Manabe R, Kishino Y, Kusumoto S, Ando K, Kuroda Y, Ohmori T, Sagara H, Yoshida H, Tsurutani J. Mechanisms of EGFR-TKI-Induced Apoptosis and Strategies Targeting Apoptosis in EGFR-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13122183. [PMID: 36553449 PMCID: PMC9778480 DOI: 10.3390/genes13122183] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeostasis is achieved by balancing cell survival and death. In cancer cells, especially those carrying driver mutations, the processes and signals that promote apoptosis are inhibited, facilitating the survival and proliferation of these dysregulated cells. Apoptosis induction is an important mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanisms by which EGFR-TKIs induce apoptosis have not been fully elucidated. A deeper understanding of the apoptotic pathways induced by EGFR-TKIs is essential for the developing novel strategies to overcome resistance to EGFR-TKIs or to enhance the initial efficacy through therapeutic synergistic combinations. Recently, therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis have been developed for cancer. Here, we review the state of knowledge on EGFR-TKI-induced apoptotic pathways and discuss the therapeutic strategies for enhancing EGFR-TKI efficiency. We highlight the great progress achieved with third-generation EGFR-TKIs. In particular, combination therapies of EGFR-TKIs with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor inhibitors or chemotherapy have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Nevertheless, further breakthroughs are needed to yield an appropriate standard care for patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, which requires gaining a deeper understanding of cancer cell dynamics in response to EGFR-TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigetoshi Nishihara
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
| | - Toshimitsu Yamaoka
- Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
- Division of Respirology and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-3-3784-8146
| | | | - Kensuke Higuchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
| | - Yuki Hasebe
- Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Ryo Manabe
- Division of Respirology and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kishino
- Division of Respirology and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Ebara Hospital, Tokyo 145-0065, Japan
| | - Sojiro Kusumoto
- Division of Respirology and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
| | - Koichi Ando
- Division of Respirology and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kuroda
- Tokyo Metropolitan Ebara Hospital, Tokyo 145-0065, Japan
| | - Tohru Ohmori
- Division of Respirology and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Ebara Hospital, Tokyo 145-0065, Japan
| | - Hironori Sagara
- Division of Respirology and Allergology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan
| | - Junji Tsurutani
- Advanced Cancer Translational Research Institute, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
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Sun SY. Targeting apoptosis to manage acquired resistance to third generation EGFR inhibitors. Front Med 2022; 16:701-713. [PMID: 36152124 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-022-0951-0] [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: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A significant clinical challenge in lung cancer treatment is management of the inevitable acquired resistance to third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), such as osimertinib, which have shown remarkable success in the treatment of advanced NSCLC with EGFR activating mutations, in order to achieve maximal response duration or treatment remission. Apoptosis is a major type of programmed cell death tightly associated with cancer development and treatment. Evasion of apoptosis is considered a key hallmark of cancer and acquisition of apoptosis resistance is accordingly a key mechanism of drug acquired resistance in cancer therapy. It has been clearly shown that effective induction of apoptosis is a key mechanism for third generation EGFR-TKIs, particularly osimertinib, to exert their therapeutic efficacies and the development of resistance to apoptosis is tightly associated with the emergence of acquired resistance. Hence, restoration of cell sensitivity to undergo apoptosis using various means promises an effective strategy for the management of acquired resistance to third generation EGFR-TKIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Liu C, Qian L, Vallega KA, Ma G, Zong D, Chen L, Wang S, Ramalingam SR, Qin Z, Sun SY. The novel BET degrader, QCA570, is highly active against the growth of human NSCLC cells and synergizes with osimertinib in suppressing osimertinib-resistant EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:779-792. [PMID: 35261801 PMCID: PMC8900006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide despite advances in knowledge in cancer biology and options of various targeted therapies. Efforts in identifying innovative and effective therapies are still highly appreciated. Targeting bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) proteins that function as epigenetic readers and master transcription coactivators is now a potential cancer therapeutic strategy. The current study evaluates the therapeutic efficacies of the novel BET degrader, QCA570, in lung cancer and explores its underlying mechanisms. QCA570 at low nanomolar ranges effectively decreased the survival of a panel of human lung cancer cell lines with induction of apoptosis in vitro. As expected, it potently induced degradation of BET proteins including BRD4, BRD3 and BRD2. Moreover, it potently decreased Mcl-1 levels due to transcriptional suppression and protein degradation; this event is critical for mediating apoptosis induced by QCA570. Moreover, QCA570 synergized with osimertinib in suppressing the growth of osimertinib-resistant cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting potential in overcoming acquired resistance to osimertinib. These preclinical findings support the potential of QCA570 in treatment of lung cancer either as a single agent or in combination with others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangsha 410011, Hunan, China
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer InstituteAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Luxi Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer InstituteAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Karin A Vallega
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer InstituteAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Guangzhi Ma
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer InstituteAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Zong
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer InstituteAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luxiao Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Suresh R Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer InstituteAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Zhaohui Qin
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health of Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer InstituteAtlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Qian G, Guo J, Vallega KA, Hu C, Chen Z, Deng Y, Wang Q, Fan S, Ramalingam SS, Owonikoko TK, Wei W, Sun SY. Membrane-Associated RING-CH 8 Functions as a Novel PD-L1 E3 Ligase to Mediate PD-L1 Degradation Induced by EGFR Inhibitors. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1622-1634. [PMID: 34183449 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on cancer cells is a critical mechanism contributing to immunosuppression and immune escape. PD-L1 expression may also affect therapeutic outcomes of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy (e.g., with osimertinib/AZD9291) against EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and can even be altered during the treatment albeit with largely undefined mechanisms. This study primarily focuses on elucidating the mechanism by which osimertinib induces PD-L1 degradation in addition to validating osimertinib's effect on decreasing PD-L1 expression in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells and tumors. Osimertinib and other EGFR inhibitors effectively decreased PD-L1 levels primarily in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs and xenografted tumors. Osimertinib not only decreased PD-L1 mRNA expression, but also prompted proteasomal degradation of PD-L1 protein, indicating both transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms accounting for osimertinib-induced reduction of PD-L1. Knockdown of β-TrCP or inhibition of GSK3 failed to prevent PD-L1 reduction induced by osimertinib. Rather, knockdown of membrane-associated RING-CH 8 (MARCH8) that encodes a membrane-bound E3 ubiquitin ligase rescued osimertinib-induced PD-L1 reduction. Furthermore, manipulation of MARCH8 expression accordingly altered PD-L1 degradation rate. Critically, MARCH8 interacted with PD-L1 through its N-terminal region and also ubiquitinated PD-L1 in cells. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that MARCH8 is a previously undiscovered E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for PD-L1 degradation including osimertinib-induced PD-L1 degradation, establishing a novel connection between MARCH8 and PD-L1 regulation. IMPLICATIONS: This study has demonstrated a previously undiscovered function of MARCH8 in mediating PD-L1 degradation induced by EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells, establishing a novel connection between MARCH8 and PD-L1 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jianping Guo
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karin A Vallega
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Changjiang Hu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Yunfu Deng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Qiming Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Songqing Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Suresh S Ramalingam
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Taofeek K Owonikoko
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Zhao L, Zhu L, Oh YT, Qian G, Chen Z, Sun SY. Rictor, an essential component of mTOR complex 2, undergoes caspase-mediated cleavage during apoptosis induced by multiple stimuli. Apoptosis 2021; 26:338-347. [PMID: 33905036 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-021-01676-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-mediated cleavage of proteins ensures the irreversible commitment of cells to undergo apoptosis, and is thus a hallmark of apoptosis. Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (rictor) functions primarily as a core and essential component of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) to critically regulate cellular homeostasis. However, its role in the regulation of apoptosis is largely unknown. In the current study, we found that rictor was cleaved to generate two small fragments at ~ 50 kD and ~ 130 kD in cells undergoing apoptosis upon treatment with different stimuli such as the death ligand, TRAIL, and the small molecule, AZD9291. This cleavage was abolished when caspases were inhibited and could be reproduced when directly incubating rictor protein and caspase-3 in vitro. Furthermore, the cleavage site of caspase-3 on rictor was mapped at D1244 (VGVD). These findings together robustly demonstrate that rictor is a substrate of caspase-3 and undergoes cleavage during apoptosis. These results add new information for understanding the biology of rictor in the regulation of cell survival and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Zhao
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Screening & Evaluation, Wannan Medical College School of Pharmacy and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Active Biological Macromolecules, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - You-Take Oh
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Shi-Yong Sun
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, 1365-C Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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