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Hogh-Binder SA, Klein D, Wolfsperger F, Huber SM, Hennenlotter J, Stenzl A, Rudner J. Protein Levels of Anti-Apoptotic Mcl-1 and the Deubiquitinase USP9x Are Cooperatively Upregulated during Prostate Cancer Progression and Limit Response of Prostate Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092496. [PMID: 37173959 PMCID: PMC10177233 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy constitutes an important therapeutic option for prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer cells often acquire resistance during cancer progression, limiting the cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy. Among factors regulating sensitivity to radiotherapy are members of the Bcl-2 protein family, known to regulate apoptosis at the mitochondrial level. Here, we analyzed the role of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and USP9x, a deubiquitinase stabilizing Mcl-1 protein levels, in prostate cancer progression and response to radiotherapy. METHODS Changes in Mcl-1 and USP9x levels during prostate cancer progression were determined by immunohistochemistry. Neutralization of Mcl-1 and USP9x was achieved by siRNA-mediated knockdown. We analyzed Mcl-1 stability after translational inhibition by cycloheximide. Cell death was determined by flow cytometry using an exclusion assay of mitochondrial membrane potential-sensitive dye. Changes in the clonogenic potential were examined by colony formation assay. RESULTS Protein levels of Mcl-1 and USP9x increased during prostate cancer progression, and high protein levels correlated with advanced prostate cancer stages. The stability of Mcl-1 reflected Mcl-1 protein levels in LNCaP and PC3 prostate cancer cells. Moreover, radiotherapy itself affected Mcl-1 protein turnover in prostate cancer cells. Particularly in LNCaP cells, the knockdown of USP9x expression reduced Mcl-1 protein levels and increased sensitivity to radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Posttranslational regulation of protein stability was often responsible for high protein levels of Mcl-1. Moreover, we demonstrated that deubiquitinase USP9x as a factor regulating Mcl-1 levels in prostate cancer cells, thus limiting cytotoxic response to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Hogh-Binder
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Diana Klein
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 173, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Frederik Wolfsperger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan M Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hennenlotter
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Arnulf Stenzl
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Justine Rudner
- Institute for Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 173, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Reece MD, Song C, Hancock SC, Pereira Ribeiro S, Kulpa DA, Gavegnano C. Repurposing BCL-2 and Jak 1/2 inhibitors: Cure and treatment of HIV-1 and other viral infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033672. [PMID: 36569952 PMCID: PMC9782439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family proteins are involved in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and are key modulators of cellular lifespan, which is dysregulated during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other viral infections, thereby increasing the lifespan of cells harboring virus, including the latent HIV-1 reservoir. Long-lived cells harboring integrated HIV-1 DNA is a major barrier to eradication. Strategies reducing the lifespan of reservoir cells could significantly impact the field of cure research, while also providing insight into immunomodulatory strategies that can crosstalk to other viral infections. Venetoclax is a first-in-class orally bioavailable BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) mimetic that recently received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treatment in myeloid and lymphocytic leukemia. Venetoclax has been recently investigated in HIV-1 and demonstrated anti-HIV-1 effects including a reduction in reservoir size. Another immunomodulatory strategy towards reduction in the lifespan of the reservoir is Jak 1/2 inhibition. The Jak STAT pathway has been implicated in BCL-2 and interleukin 10 (IL-10) expression, leading to a downstream effect of cellular senescence. Ruxolitinib and baricitinib are FDA-approved, orally bioavailable Jak 1/2 inhibitors that have been shown to indirectly decay the HIV-1 latent reservoir, and down-regulate markers of HIV-1 persistence, immune dysregulation and reservoir lifespan in vitro and ex vivo. Ruxolitinib recently demonstrated a significant decrease in BCL-2 expression in a human study of virally suppressed people living with HIV (PWH), and baricitinib recently received emergency use approval for the indication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), underscoring their safety and efficacy in the viral infection setting. BCL-2 and Jak 1/2 inhibitors could be repurposed as immunomodulators for not only HIV-1 and COVID-19, but other viruses that upregulate BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins. This review examines potential routes for BCL-2 and Jak 1/2 inhibitors as immunomodulators for treatment and cure of HIV-1 and other viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica D. Reece
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Colin Song
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sarah C. Hancock
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Susan Pereira Ribeiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Deanna A. Kulpa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christina Gavegnano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for the Study of Human Health, College of Arts and Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Zhao S, Tang Y, Wang R, Najafi M. Mechanisms of cancer cell death induction by paclitaxel: an updated review. Apoptosis 2022; 27:647-667. [PMID: 35849264 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01750-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance of cancer cells is a major problem in treating cancer. Knowledge of how cancer cells may die or resist cancer drugs is critical to providing certain strategies to overcome tumour resistance to treatment. Paclitaxel is known as a chemotherapy drug that can suppress the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and induction of mitotic catastrophe. However, today, it is well known that paclitaxel can induce multiple kinds of cell death in cancers. Besides the induction of mitotic catastrophe that occurs during mitosis, paclitaxel has been shown to induce the expression of several pro-apoptosis mediators. It also can modulate the activity of anti-apoptosis mediators. However, certain cell-killing mechanisms such as senescence and autophagy can increase resistance to paclitaxel. This review focuses on the mechanisms of cell death, including apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, senescence, autophagic cell death, pyroptosis, etc., following paclitaxel treatment. In addition, mechanisms of resistance to cell death due to exposure to paclitaxel and the use of combinations to overcome drug resistance will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, 422000, Hunan, China.
| | - Yufei Tang
- College of Medical Technology, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, 422000, Hunan, China
| | - Ruohan Wang
- School of Nursing, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, 422000, Hunan, China.
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Targeting the Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathway: A Window of Opportunity for Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010051. [PMID: 35008216 PMCID: PMC8750516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer treatment has improved over the last 20 years; despite this, approximately 33,000 men died from the disease in the United States in 2020. In view of this, new treatment options are urgently needed for advanced prostate cancer. Eradicating cancer cells by triggering apoptosis (a form of cell death) is an attractive strategy, and a novel class of drugs, called BH3 mimetics, have been designed to do this. They have been shown to work for blood cancers and may also have a role in solid cancers. Herein, we discuss cell death, focusing on the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and consider how BH3 mimetics may be used to help treat prostate cancer. Abstract Despite major improvements in the management of advanced prostate cancer over the last 20 years, the disease remains invariably fatal, and new effective therapies are required. The development of novel hormonal agents and taxane chemotherapy has improved outcomes, although primary and acquired resistance remains problematic. Inducing cancer cell death via apoptosis has long been an attractive goal in the treatment of cancer. Apoptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is a highly controlled process, split into two main pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic), and is stimulated by a multitude of factors, including cellular and genotoxic stress. Numerous therapeutic strategies targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway are in clinical development, and BH3 mimetics have shown promising efficacy for hematological malignancies. Utilizing these agents for solid malignancies has proved more challenging, though efforts are ongoing. Molecular characterization and the development of predictive biomarkers is likely to be critical for patient selection, by identifying tumors with a vulnerability in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review provides an up-to-date overview of cell death and apoptosis, specifically focusing on the intrinsic pathway. It summarizes the latest approaches for targeting the intrinsic apoptosis pathway with BH3 mimetics and discusses how these strategies may be leveraged to treat prostate cancer.
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Avsar Abdik E, Abdik H, Turan D, Sahin F, Berger MR, Kaleagasioglu F. Dual Akt and Bcl-2 inhibition induces cell-type specific modulation of apoptotic and autophagic signaling in castration resistant prostate cancer cell lines. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7755-7765. [PMID: 34647221 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06786-z] [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: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cell survival depends on the cross-regulation between apoptosis and autophagy which share common signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Bcl-2. The aim of this study was to elucidate the modulation patterns between apoptosis and autophagy following dual inhibition by Akt inhibitor erufosine and Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cell lines, PC-3 (Bax+) and DU-145 (Bax-). METHODS AND RESULTS Cell cycle progression, apoptotic and autophagic signaling were examined by flow cytometry, multi-caspase assay, Hoechst staining, acridine orange staining of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs), qRT-PCR and Western Blot. Dual inhibition increased G2/M arrest in PC-3 and DU-145, but not in the healthy prostate epithelium cells, PNT-1A. Only in PC-3, dual inhibition induced synergistic apoptotic and additive autophagic effects. In DU-145 and PNT-1A cells, ABT-737 did not display any remarkable effect on multicaspase activity and erufosine and ABT-737, neither alone nor in combination induced AVOs. By dual inhibition, AKT, BCL-2 and NF-κB gene expressions were downregulated in PC-3, both ATG-5 and BECLIN-1 gene expressions were upregulated in DU-145 but Beclin-1 protein expression was substantially reduced in both CRPC cells. Dual inhibition-induced synergistic multicaspase activation in PC-3 degrades and disrupts autophagic activity of Beclin-1, enhancing caspase-dependent apoptosis. However, in DU-145, following dual inhibition, rate of multicaspase induction and apoptosis are lower but autophagy is completely abolished despite markedly increased BECLIN-1 gene expression. CONCLUSION In conclusion, antineoplastic drug combinations may display cell-type specific modulation of apoptotic and autophagic signaling and lack of protective autophagy may not necessarily indicate increased chemotherapeutic sensitivity in heterogenous tumor subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Avsar Abdik
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Abdik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Duygu Turan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fikrettin Sahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Martin R Berger
- Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ferda Kaleagasioglu
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Istinye University Faculty of Medicine, Topkapı Campus, Maltepe Neighbourhood, Teyyareci Sami St., No. 3, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Lee SS, Verstovsek S, Pemmaraju N. Novel Therapies in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Beyond JAK Inhibitor Monotherapy. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2021; 4:117-128. [PMID: 35663101 PMCID: PMC9138435 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-20-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic disorders that consist classically of polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF). Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have become the standard of therapy in treating patients with intermediate- to higher-risk MF. However, JAK inhibitor (JAKi) treatment can be associated with development of resistance, suboptimal response, relapse, or treatment-related adverse effects. With no approved therapies beyond the JAKi class, the estimated median survival, post JAKi failure, is approximately two years or less; therefore, novel therapies are urgently needed in the MF field. In this review, we discuss ruxolitinib use in MPNs as well as causes of ruxolitinib failure or discontinuation. In addition, we review novel therapies being investigated alone or in combination with JAKi administration. We summarize concepts and mechanisms behind emerging novel therapies being studied for MPNs. This review of emerging novel therapies outlines several novel mechanisms of agents, including via promotion of apoptosis, alteration of the microenvironment, activation or inactivation of various pathways, targeting fibrosis, and telomerase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia S. Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas School of Health Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naveen Pemmaraju
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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7
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Lim JJ, Li X, Lehmler HJ, Wang D, Gu H, Cui JY. Gut Microbiome Critically Impacts PCB-induced Changes in Metabolic Fingerprints and the Hepatic Transcriptome in Mice. Toxicol Sci 2021; 177:168-187. [PMID: 32544245 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitously detected and have been linked to metabolic diseases. Gut microbiome is recognized as a critical regulator of disease susceptibility; however, little is known how PCBs and gut microbiome interact to modulate hepatic xenobiotic and intermediary metabolism. We hypothesized the gut microbiome regulates PCB-mediated changes in the metabolic fingerprints and hepatic transcriptome. Ninety-day-old female conventional and germ-free mice were orally exposed to the Fox River Mixture (synthetic PCB mixture, 6 or 30 mg/kg) or corn oil (vehicle control, 10 ml/kg), once daily for 3 consecutive days. RNA-seq was conducted in liver, and endogenous metabolites were measured in liver and serum by LC-MS. Prototypical target genes of aryl hydrocarbon receptor, pregnane X receptor, and constitutive androstane receptor were more readily upregulated by PCBs in conventional conditions, indicating PCBs, to the hepatic transcriptome, act partly through the gut microbiome. In a gut microbiome-dependent manner, xenobiotic, and steroid metabolism pathways were upregulated, whereas response to misfolded proteins-related pathways was downregulated by PCBs. At the high PCB dose, NADP, and arginine appear to interact with drug-metabolizing enzymes (ie, Cyp1-3 family), which are highly correlated with Ruminiclostridium and Roseburia, providing a novel explanation of gut-liver interaction from PCB-exposure. Utilizing the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures L1000 database, therapeutics targeting anti-inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways are predicted to be remedies that can mitigate PCB toxicity. Our findings demonstrate that habitation of the gut microbiota drives PCB-mediated hepatic responses. Our study adds knowledge of physiological response differences from PCB exposure and considerations for further investigations for gut microbiome-dependent therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Jongpyo Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Xueshu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242; and
| | - Hans-Joachim Lehmler
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242; and
| | - Dongfang Wang
- Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
| | - Haiwei Gu
- Arizona Metabolomics Laboratory, School of Nutrition and Health Promotion, College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
| | - Julia Yue Cui
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
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Rizzo M. Mechanisms of docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer: The key role played by miRNAs. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1875:188481. [PMID: 33217485 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the main problems with the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer is that, despite an initial positive response, the majority of patients develop resistance and progress. In particular, the resistance to docetaxel, the gold standard therapy for metastatic prostate cancer since 2010, represents one of the main factors responsible for the failure of prostate cancer therapy. According to the present knowledge, different processes contribute to the appearance of docetaxel resistance and non-coding RNA seems to play a relevant role in them. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the miRNA network involved in docetaxel resistance is described, highlighting the pathway/s affected by their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Rizzo
- Non-coding RNA Group, Functional Genetics and Genomics Lab, Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), CNR, Pisa, Italy.
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9
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Maloney SM, Hoover CA, Morejon-Lasso LV, Prosperi JR. Mechanisms of Taxane Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3323. [PMID: 33182737 PMCID: PMC7697134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The taxane family of chemotherapy drugs has been used to treat a variety of mostly epithelial-derived tumors and remain the first-line treatment for some cancers. Despite the improved survival time and reduction of tumor size observed in some patients, many have no response to the drugs or develop resistance over time. Taxane resistance is multi-faceted and involves multiple pathways in proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and the transport of foreign substances. In this review, we dive deeper into hypothesized resistance mechanisms from research during the last decade, with a focus on the cancer types that use taxanes as first-line treatment but frequently develop resistance to them. Furthermore, we will discuss current clinical inhibitors and those yet to be approved that target key pathways or proteins and aim to reverse resistance in combination with taxanes or individually. Lastly, we will highlight taxane response biomarkers, specific genes with monitored expression and correlated with response to taxanes, mentioning those currently being used and those that should be adopted. The future directions of taxanes involve more personalized approaches to treatment by tailoring drug-inhibitor combinations or alternatives depending on levels of resistance biomarkers. We hope that this review will identify gaps in knowledge surrounding taxane resistance that future research or clinical trials can overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Maloney
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
| | - Camden A. Hoover
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (C.A.H.); (L.V.M.-L.)
| | - Lorena V. Morejon-Lasso
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (C.A.H.); (L.V.M.-L.)
| | - Jenifer R. Prosperi
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN 46617, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN 46617, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; (C.A.H.); (L.V.M.-L.)
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10
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ABT-737 and erufosine combination against castration-resistant prostate cancer: a promising but cell-type specific response associated with the modulation of anti-apoptotic signaling. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 30:383-393. [PMID: 30557204 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the molecular basis of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) paved the way for the rational design and development of targeted therapies, which yielded promising preclinical results. However, translation of these potentially promising agents into clinics has usually failed, partly because of tumor heterogeneity. In this study, anticancer activities of the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 and the Akt-inhibitor erufosine (ErPC3) alone and in combination were compared between CRPC (PC-3 and DU-145) and healthy (PNT-1A) cell lines. The combination of ABT-737 and ErPC3 showed synergistic antiproliferative, antimigratory, and apoptotic effects in PC-3 cells. In DU-145 cells, ErPC3 showed a resistant profile, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values more than two-fold of PC-3, and combining ErPC3 with ABT-737 yielded no added benefit for all the incubation periods compared with ErPC3 alone. In PNT-1A cells, ABT-737 and ErPC3 alone and in combination reduced cell survival slightly and only at the highest concentrations. Apoptosis analysis showed that ABT-737 induced increased Akt expression and ErPC3 induced increased Mcl-1 expression in DU-145 cells. In conclusion, the ABT-737 and ErPC3 combination seems to be promising against CRPC, with a favorable safety profile in healthy cells. However, CRPC cell-type-specific resistance may be induced by enhancement of antiapoptotic signaling.
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Dar KB, Bhat AH, Amin S, Anjum S, Reshi BA, Zargar MA, Masood A, Ganie SA. Exploring Proteomic Drug Targets, Therapeutic Strategies and Protein - Protein Interactions in Cancer: Mechanistic View. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:430-448. [PMID: 30073927 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666180803104631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) drive major signalling cascades and play critical role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and trafficking. Deregulated PPIs are implicated in multiple malignancies and represent the critical targets for treating cancer. Herein, we discuss the key protein-protein interacting domains implicated in cancer notably PDZ, SH2, SH3, LIM, PTB, SAM and PH. These domains are present in numerous enzymes/kinases, growth factors, transcription factors, adaptor proteins, receptors and scaffolding proteins and thus represent essential sites for targeting cancer. This review explores the candidature of various proteins involved in cellular trafficking (small GTPases, molecular motors, matrix-degrading enzymes, integrin), transcription (p53, cMyc), signalling (membrane receptor proteins), angiogenesis (VEGFs) and apoptosis (BCL-2family), which could possibly serve as targets for developing effective anti-cancer regimen. Interactions between Ras/Raf; X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)/second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac/DIABLO); Frizzled (FRZ)/Dishevelled (DVL) protein; beta-catenin/T Cell Factor (TCF) have also been studied as prospective anticancer targets. Efficacy of diverse molecules/ drugs targeting such PPIs although evaluated in various animal models/cell lines, there is an essential need for human-based clinical trials. Therapeutic strategies like the use of biologicals, high throughput screening (HTS) and fragment-based technology could play an imperative role in designing cancer therapeutics. Moreover, bioinformatic/computational strategies based on genome sequence, protein sequence/structure and domain data could serve as competent tools for predicting PPIs. Exploring hot spots in proteomic networks represents another approach for developing targetspecific therapeutics. Overall, this review lays emphasis on a productive amalgamation of proteomics, genomics, biochemistry, and molecular dynamics for successful treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Bashir Dar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Aashiq Hussain Bhat
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Shajrul Amin
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Syed Anjum
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bilal Ahmad Reshi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Mohammad Afzal Zargar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Akbar Masood
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Showkat Ahmad Ganie
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
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12
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Mallick DJ, Eastman A. AT101 [(-)-Gossypol] Selectively Inhibits MCL1 and Sensitizes Carcinoma to BH3 Mimetics by Inducing and Stabilizing NOXA. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2298. [PMID: 32824203 PMCID: PMC7464284 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins are important targets for cancer therapy as cancers depend on their activity for survival. Direct inhibitors of MCL1 have entered clinical trials, although their efficacy may be limited by toxicity. An alternative approach may be to induce the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA which selectively inhibits MCL1 in cells. Many compounds originally proposed as inhibitors of the BCL2 family were subsequently found to induce the pro-apoptotic protein NOXA through the unfolded protein response. In the present study, we compared various putative BH3 mimetics across a panel of carcinoma cell lines and measured expression of NOXA protein and mRNA, as well as the kinetics of NOXA induction. We found that AT101 [(-)-gossypol] induces high levels of NOXA in carcinoma cell lines yet cells survive. When combined with an appropriate BCL2 or BCL-XL inhibitor, NOXA-dependent sensitization occurs. NOXA protein continues to accumulate for many hours after AT101 is removed, providing a window for administering these combinations. As MCL1 promotes drug resistance and overall survival, we propose that NOXA induction is an alternative therapeutic strategy to target MCL1 and either kill cancer cells that are dependent on MCL1 or sensitize cancer cells to other BCL2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Mallick
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA;
| | - Alan Eastman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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13
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Activation of Piezo1 sensitizes cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through mitochondrial outer membrane permeability. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:837. [PMID: 31685811 PMCID: PMC6828775 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
TRAIL specifically induces apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. However, TRAIL’s cancer cytotoxicity was insufficient in clinical trials. Circulatory-shear stress is known to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL. In this study, we examine the mechanism of this TRAIL sensitization with the goal of translating it to static conditions. GsMTx-4, a Piezo1 inhibitor, was found to reduce shear stress-related TRAIL sensitization, implicating Piezo1 activation as a potential TRAIL-sensitizer. The Piezo1 agonist Yoda1 recreated shear stress-induced TRAIL sensitization under static conditions. A significant increase in apoptosis occurred when PC3, COLO 205, or MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with Yoda1 and TRAIL in combination, but not in Bax-deficient DU145 cells. Calpastatin inhibited apoptosis in Yoda1-TRAIL treated cells, indicating that calpain activation is necessary for apoptosis by Yoda1 and TRAIL. Yoda1 and TRAIL treated PC3 cells showed increased mitochondrial outer membrane permeability (MOMP), mitochondrial depolarization, and activated Bax. This implies that Piezo1 activation sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL through a calcium influx that activates calpains. The Calpains then induce MOMP by enhancing Bax activation. From these experiments a computational model was developed to simulate apoptosis for cells treated with TRAIL and increased calcium. The computational model elucidated the proapoptotic or antiapoptotic roles of Bax, Bcl-2, XIAP, and other proteins important in the mitochondrial-apoptotic signaling pathway.
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14
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Regulating the BCL2 Family to Improve Sensitivity to Microtubule Targeting Agents. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040346. [PMID: 31013740 PMCID: PMC6523793 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic targeting of microtubules has been the standard of care in treating a variety of malignancies for decades. During mitosis, increased microtubule dynamics are necessary for mitotic spindle formation and successful chromosomal segregation. Microtubule targeting agents (MTAs) disrupt the dynamics necessary for successful spindle assembly and trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis). As the critical regulators of apoptosis, anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members are often amplified during carcinogenesis that can result in MTA resistance. This review outlines how BCL2 family regulation is positioned within the context of MTA treatment and explores the potential of combination therapy of MTAs with emerging BCL2 family inhibitors.
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15
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Peptidomimetics: A Synthetic Tool for Inhibiting Protein–Protein Interactions in Cancer. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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16
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Inhibiting Multiple Deubiquitinases to Reduce Androgen Receptor Expression in Prostate Cancer Cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13146. [PMID: 30177856 PMCID: PMC6120934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31567-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa), a leading cause of cancer-related death in men, becomes resistant to androgen deprivation therapy by inducing androgen receptor (AR) activity, which is known as castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). Enzalutamide is an approved drug that inhibits AR activity and increases overall survival. However, resistance to enzalutamide develops rapidly often by increasing AR activity, suggesting that new therapies are required for CRPC. We investigated whether betulinic acid (BA), a small molecule from plants that inhibits multiple deubiquitinases (DUBs), reduces AR, and selectively kills PCa cells, can provide an adjuvant strategy for CRPC. Our data indicated that BA reduced AR protein stability and mRNA expression, making it an attractive agent for CRPC. BA decreased AR mRNA possibly by inhibiting a histone 2A DUB thereby increasing ubiquitinated histone 2A, a transcriptional repressor. We identified multiple and specific DUBs inhibited by BA either in PCa cells or using recombinant DUBs. Similar results were obtained using another multi-DUB inhibitor WP1130, suggesting that these DUB inhibitors can decrease AR expression and increase PCa-specific death. Our results also suggest that combining multi-DUB inhibitors BA or WP1130 with enzalutamide may provide a novel strategy for CRPC by further decreasing AR expression and increasing apoptotic cell death.
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17
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Inao T, Iida Y, Moritani T, Okimoto T, Tanino R, Kotani H, Harada M. Bcl-2 inhibition sensitizes triple-negative human breast cancer cells to doxorubicin. Oncotarget 2018; 9:25545-25556. [PMID: 29876007 PMCID: PMC5986635 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers can be divided into several types. Because triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most refractory to current anti-cancer therapies, efficient treatment has been urgently required. Members of the Bcl-2 family play pro- and anti-apoptotic roles in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Some Bcl-2 family members are expressed in breast cancer and influence the response to anti-cancer therapies. In this study, we investigated whether Bcl-2 inhibition could sensitize TNBC cells to the genotoxic drug doxorubicin (DR). Treatment with a combination of the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199 and DR synergistically decreased the viability of the TNBC cell lines MDA-MB-231 and BT-549. In an apoptosis assay, the combination treatment resulted in only a marginal effect in BT-549 cells, whereas drastic apoptosis was induced in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with both ABT-199 and DR. Both caspase-8 and -9 were involved in the combination treatment-induced apoptosis. Short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Bcl-2 increased the sensitivity of both cell lines to DR. The combination treatment also significantly decreased the colony-forming ability of the TNBC cell lines. In a xenograft mouse model, oral administration of ABT-199 augmented the DR-induced antitumor effect on subcutaneously established MDA-MB-231 cells. These results indicate that the combination of DR with Bcl-2 inhibitors, including ABT-199, may be a promising treatment modality for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Touko Inao
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan.,Department of Breast Surgery, Takasago City Hospital, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Iida
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Tamami Moritani
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Tamio Okimoto
- Division of Medical Oncology & Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Tanino
- Division of Medical Oncology & Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kotani
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Mamoru Harada
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
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18
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Pang AL, Xiong LL, Xia QJ, Liu F, Wang YC, Liu F, Zhang P, Meng BL, Tan S, Wang TH. Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Is Associated with Inhibition of Apoptosis, Bcl-xL Upregulation, and Recovery of Neurological Function in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury. Cell Transplant 2018; 26:1262-1275. [PMID: 28933221 PMCID: PMC5657736 DOI: 10.1177/0963689717715168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common disease that usually causes severe neurological damage, and current treatment is far from satisfactory. The neuroprotective effects of neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation in the injured nervous system have largely been known, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and their limited sources impede their clinical application. Here, we established a rat model of TBI by dropping a weight onto the cortical motor area of the brain and explored the effect of engrafted NSCs (passage 3, derived from the hippocampus of embryonic 12- to 14-d green fluorescent protein transgenic mice) on TBI rats. Moreover, RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to investigate the possible mechanism associated with NSC grafts. We found rats with TBI exhibited a severe motor and equilibrium dysfunction, while NSC transplantation could partly improve the motor function and significantly reduce cell apoptosis and increase B-cell lymphoma–extra large (Bcl-xL) expression at 7 d postoperation. However, other genes including Bax, B-cell lymphoma 2, Fas ligand, and caspase3 did not exhibit significant differences in expression. Moreover, to test whether Bcl-xL could be used as a therapeutic target, herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 carrying Bcl-xL recombinant was constructed and injected into the pericontusional cortices. Bcl-xL overexpression not only resulted in a significant improvement in neurological function but also inhibits cell apoptosis, as compared with the TBI rats, and exhibits the same effects as the administration of NSC. The present study therefore indicated that NSC transplantation could promote the recovery of TBI rats in a manner similar to that of Bcl-xL overexpression. Therefore, Bcl-xL overexpression, to some extent, could be considered as a useful strategy to replace NSC grafting in the treatment of TBI in future clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Lan Pang
- 1 Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,4 Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Liu-Lin Xiong
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing-Jie Xia
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fen Liu
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - You-Cui Wang
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Liu
- 3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Piao Zhang
- 2 Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bu-Liang Meng
- 5 Department of Human Anatomy Histology and Embryology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Sheng Tan
- 1 Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting-Hua Wang
- 2 Institute of Neuroscience, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,3 Institute of Neurological Disease, Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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19
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Deng X, Apple S, Zhao H, Song J, Lee M, Luo W, Wu X, Chung D, Pietras RJ, Chang HR. CD24 Expression and differential resistance to chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38294-38308. [PMID: 28418843 PMCID: PMC5503533 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapies are effective in reducing risks of recurrence and have contributed to reduced BC mortality. Although targeted adjuvant treatments determined by biomarkers for endocrine and HER2-directed therapies are largely successful, predicting clinical benefit from chemotherapy is more challenging. Drug resistance is a major reason for treatment failures. Efforts are ongoing to find biomarkers to select patients most likely to benefit from chemotherapy. Importantly, cell surface biomarkers CD44+/CD24- are linked to drug resistance in some reports, yet underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study focused on the potential role of CD24 expression in resistance to either docetaxel or doxorubicin in part by the use of triple-negative BC (TNBC) tissue microarrays. In vitro assays were also done to assess changes in CD24 expression and differential drug susceptibility after chemotherapy. Further, mouse tumor xenograft studies were done to confirm in vitro findings. Overall, the results show that patients with CD24-positive TNBC had significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival after taxane-based treatment. Also, in vitro cell studies show that CD44+/CD24+/high cells are more resistant to docetaxel, while CD44+/CD24-/low cells are resistant to doxorubicin. Both in vitro and in vivo studies show that cells with CD24-knockdown are more sensitive to docetaxel, while CD24-overexpressing cells are more sensitive to doxorubicin. Further, mechanistic studies indicate that Bcl-2 and TGF-βR1 signaling via ATM-NDRG2 pathways regulate CD24. Hence, CD24 may be a biomarker to select chemotherapeutics and a target to overcome TNBC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Deng
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA
| | - Sophia Apple
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1732, USA
| | - Hong Zhao
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA.,Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P. R. China
| | - Jeongyoon Song
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA.,Department of Surgery, East-West Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02447 South Korea
| | - Minna Lee
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA
| | - William Luo
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA
| | - Xiancheng Wu
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA
| | - Debra Chung
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA
| | - Richard J Pietras
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1678, USA
| | - Helena R Chang
- Gonda, UCLA Breast Cancer Research Laboratory and Revlon, UCLA Breast Center, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7028, USA
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20
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Noll T, Schultze-Seemann S, Kuckuck I, Michalska M, Wolf P. Synergistic cytotoxicity of a prostate cancer-specific immunotoxin in combination with the BH3 mimetic ABT-737. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:413-422. [PMID: 29188305 PMCID: PMC11028116 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In many tumors, including prostate cancer, anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family are overexpressed and cause cell death resistance, which is a typical hallmark of cancer. Different therapeutic approaches, therefore, aim to restore the death mechanisms for enhanced apoptosis. Our recombinant immunotoxin D7(VL-VH)-PE40 is composed of the scFv D7(VL-VH) against the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on the surface of prostate cancer cells and of the cytotoxic domain of the bacterial toxin Pseudomonas Exotoxin A (PE40). Since Pseudomonas Exotoxin A-based immunotoxins are known to preferentially inhibit the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, the rationale was to test our immunotoxin in combination with the BH3 mimetic ABT-737, which specifically inhibits Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and Bcl-w for enhanced induction of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. The immunotoxin showed high and specific binding and cytotoxicity against PSMA expressing prostate cancer cells marked by a direct inhibition of Mcl-1. The combination of the immunotoxin with a subtoxic concentration of ABT-737 caused additive or even synergistic effects, which were based on an enhanced apoptosis induction as detected by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Caspase-3 cleavage in Western blot. Our study shows that the combination therapy of immunotoxin plus ABT-737 is a promising approach for the future treatment of advanced prostate cancer to improve therapeutic efficacy and to reduce adverse side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Noll
- Department of Urology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 66, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Schultze-Seemann
- Department of Urology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 66, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Irina Kuckuck
- Department of Urology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 66, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marta Michalska
- Department of Urology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 66, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 66, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
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21
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Kim JH, Lee H, Shin EA, Kim DH, Choi JB, Kim SH. Implications of Bcl-2 and its interplay with other molecules and signaling pathways in prostate cancer progression. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:911-920. [PMID: 28816549 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1369044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among several genetic alterations involved in the progression of prostate cancer, B cell lymphoma gene number 2 (BCL-2) is an important target molecule in the progression of androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) after androgen ablation or castration. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of BCL-2 in prostate cancer progression remains elusive and controversial. In the current review, we discuss the critical role of BCL-2 in the carcinogenesis of prostate cancer with experimental evidences on the BCL-2 molecular networks in AIPC and androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC) and subsequently suggest perspective research targeting BCL-2. Areas covered: This review focused on the molecular implications of BCL-2 in association with other molecules and signaling pathways involved in the progression and carcinogenesis of prostate cancer. Expert opinion: BCL-2 plays a pivotal role in the progression of AIPC than in ADPC since androgen represses BCL-2. BCL-2 acts as a pro-survival molecule in association with androgen-related signaling in the progression of ADPC, while BCL-2 upregulation, PTEN loss, PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation are primarily involved in AIPC. To identify more effective prostate cancer therapy, further mechanistic studies are required with BCL-2 inhibitors in AIPC and ADPC, considering a multi-target therapy against BCL-2 and its related signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Ha Kim
- a Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine , Kyung Hee University , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Hyemin Lee
- a Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine , Kyung Hee University , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Eun Ah Shin
- a Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine , Kyung Hee University , Seoul , South Korea
| | - Dong Hee Kim
- b Department of East West Medical Science, Graduate School of East West Medical Science , Kyung Hee University , Yongin , South Korea
| | - Jhin Baek Choi
- b Department of East West Medical Science, Graduate School of East West Medical Science , Kyung Hee University , Yongin , South Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- a Cancer Molecular Targeted Herbal Research Center, College of Korean Medicine , Kyung Hee University , Seoul , South Korea
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22
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Wolf P. BH3 Mimetics for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:557. [PMID: 28868037 PMCID: PMC5563364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improved diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, advanced prostate cancer (PC) remains incurable. The acquired resistance of PC cells to current treatment protocols has been traced to apoptosis resistance based on the upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family. The use of BH3 mimetics, mimicking pro-apoptotic activator or sensitizer proteins of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, is therefore a promising treatment strategy. The present review gives an overview of preclinical and clinical studies with pan- and specific BH3 mimetics as sensitizers for cell death and gives an outlook how they could be effectively used for the therapy of advanced PC in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Wolf
- Department of Urology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of FreiburgFreiburg, Germany
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23
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Bcl-xL inhibition by molecular-targeting drugs sensitizes human pancreatic cancer cells to TRAIL. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41902-15. [PMID: 26506422 PMCID: PMC4747197 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in various types of cancer cells without damaging normal cells. However, in terms of pancreatic cancer, not all cancer cells are sensitive to TRAIL. In this study, we examined a panel of human pancreatic cancer cell lines for TRAIL sensitivity and investigated the effects of Bcl-2 family inhibitors on their response to TRAIL. Both ABT-263 and ABT-737 inhibited the function of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-w. Of the nine pancreatic cancer cell lines tested, six showed no or low sensitivity to TRAIL, which correlated with protein expression of Bcl-xL. ABT-263 significantly sensitized four cell lines (AsPC-1, Panc-1, CFPAC-1, and Panc10.05) to TRAIL, with reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis. Knockdown of Bcl-xL, but not Bcl-2, by siRNA transfection increased the sensitivity of AsPC-1 and Panc-1 cells to TRAIL. ABT-263 treatment had no effect on protein expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, or c-FLIPs. In Panc-1 cells, ABT-263 increased the surface expression of death receptor (DR) 5; the NF-κB pathway, but not endoplasmic reticulum stress, participated in the increase. In xenograft mouse models, the combination of TRAIL and ATB-737 suppressed the in vivo tumor growth of AsPC-1 and Panc-1 cells. These results indicate that Bcl-xL is responsible for TRAIL resistance in human pancreatic cancer cells, and that Bcl-2 family inhibitors could represent promising reagents to sensitize human pancreatic cancers in DR-targeting therapy.
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Luna-Vargas MPA, Chipuk JE. Physiological and Pharmacological Control of BAK, BAX, and Beyond. Trends Cell Biol 2016; 26:906-917. [PMID: 27498846 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cellular commitment to the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is accomplished when proapoptotic B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma (BCL)-2 proteins compromise mitochondrial integrity through the process of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). For nearly three decades, intensive efforts focused on the identification and interactions of two key proapoptotic BCL-2 proteins: BCL-2 antagonist killer (BAK) and BCL-2-associated X (BAX). Indeed, we now have critical insights into which BCL-2 proteins interact with BAK/BAX to either preserve survival or initiate MOMP. In contrast, while mitochondria are targeted by BAK/BAX, a molecular understanding of how these organelles govern BAK/BAX function remains less clear. Here, we integrate recent mechanistic insights of proapoptotic BCL-2 protein function in the context of mitochondrial environment, and discuss current and potential pharmacological opportunities to control MOMP in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P A Luna-Vargas
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jerry Edward Chipuk
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; The Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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25
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Kroon J, Kooijman S, Cho NJ, Storm G, van der Pluijm G. Improving Taxane-Based Chemotherapy in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:451-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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26
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Inhibition of Bcl-2 family members sensitises soft tissue leiomyosarcomas to chemotherapy. Br J Cancer 2016; 114:1219-26. [PMID: 27140314 PMCID: PMC4891502 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a 5-year survival rate of 15 to 60%. Treatment options for inoperable or metastatic patients are limited owing to frequent resistance of tumours to chemotherapy and radiation. In this study, we hypothesised that antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins might contribute to leiomyosarcoma chemoresistance and therefore inhibition of Bcl-2 family proteins might sensitise leiomyosarcomas to conventional chemotherapy. Methods: Expression of the Bcl-2 family proteins Bcl-xL, Bcl-w and Bcl-2 was investigated using immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray containing 43 leiomyosarcomas. Furthermore, we investigated whether ABT-737, a potent BH3 mimetic, sensitises leiomyosarcoma cells to doxorubicin treatment in vitro. Results: Seventy-seven per cent, 84% and 42% of leiomyosarcomas demonstrated high expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bcl-w, respectively. Single-agent treatment with ABT-737 resulted in a minor reduction of cell viability. However, combination treatment of ABT-737 and doxorubicin revealed synergism in all four cell lines, by inducing apoptosis. Conclusions: In conclusion, Bcl-2 family proteins contribute to soft tissue leiomyosarcoma chemoresistance. Antiapoptotic proteins are highly expressed in leiomyosarcoma of soft tissue, and inhibition of these proteins using a BH3 mimetic increases leiomyosarcoma sensitivity to doxorubicin.
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Santer FR, Erb HHH, Oh SJ, Handle F, Feiersinger GE, Luef B, Bu H, Schäfer G, Ploner C, Egger M, Rane JK, Maitland NJ, Klocker H, Eder IE, Culig Z. Mechanistic rationale for MCL1 inhibition during androgen deprivation therapy. Oncotarget 2016; 6:6105-22. [PMID: 25749045 PMCID: PMC4467425 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy induces apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Here we set out to analyze whether MCL1, a known mediator of chemotherapy resistance regulates the cellular response to androgen withdrawal. Analysis of MCL1 protein and mRNA expression in PCa tissue and primary cell culture specimens of luminal and basal origin, respectively, reveals higher expression in cancerous tissue compared to benign origin. Using PCa cellular models in vitro and in vivo we show that MCL1 expression is upregulated in androgen-deprived PCa cells. Regulation of MCL1 through the AR signaling axis is indirectly mediated via a cell cycle-dependent mechanism. Using constructs downregulating or overexpressing MCL1 we demonstrate that expression of MCL1 prevents induction of apoptosis when PCa cells are grown under steroid-deprived conditions. The BH3-mimetic Obatoclax induces apoptosis and decreases MCL1 expression in androgen-sensitive PCa cells, while castration-resistant PCa cells are less sensitive and react with an upregulation of MCL1 expression. Synergistic effects of Obatoclax with androgen receptor inactivation can be observed. Moreover, clonogenicity of primary basal PCa cells is efficiently inhibited by Obatoclax. Altogether, our results suggest that MCL1 is a key molecule deciding over the fate of PCa cells upon inactivation of androgen receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric R Santer
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Holger H H Erb
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria.,Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Su Jung Oh
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Handle
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gertrud E Feiersinger
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Luef
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Huajie Bu
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Ploner
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Egger
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jayant K Rane
- Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Norman J Maitland
- Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
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28
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Yang MC, Lin RW, Huang SB, Huang SY, Chen WJ, Wang S, Hong YR, Wang C. Bim directly antagonizes Bcl-xl in doxorubicin-induced prostate cancer cell apoptosis independently of p53. Cell Cycle 2016; 15:394-402. [PMID: 26694174 PMCID: PMC4943702 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1127470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin and other anthracycline compounds exert their anti-cancer effects by causing DNA damage and initiating cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, followed by apoptosis. DNA damage generally activates a p53-mediated pathway to initiate apoptosis by increasing the level of the BH3-only protein, Puma. However, p53-mediated apoptosis in response to DNA damage has not yet been validated in prostate cancers. In the current study, we used LNCaP and PC3 prostate cancer cells, representing wild type p53 and a p53-null model, to determine if DNA damage activates p53-mediated apoptosis in prostate cancers. Our results revealed that PC3 cells were 4 to 8-fold less sensitive than LNCaP cells to doxorubicin-inuced apoptosis. We proved that the differential response of LNCaP and PC3 to doxorubicin was p53-independent by introducing wild-type or dominant negative p53 into PC3 or LNCaP cells, respectively. By comparing several apoptosis-related proteins in both cell lines, we found that Bcl-xl proteins were much more abundant in PC3 cells than in LNCaP cells. We further demonstrated that Bcl-xl protects LNCaP and PC3 cells from doxorubicin-induced apoptosis by using ABT-263, an inhibitor of Bcl-xl, as a single agent or in combination with doxorubicin to treat LNCaP or PC3 cells. Bcl-xl rather than p53, likely contributes to the differential response of LNCaP and PC3 to doxorubicin in apoptosis. Finally, co-immunoprecipitation and siRNA analysis revealed that a BH3-only protein, Bim, is involved in doxorubicin-induced apoptosis by directly counteracting Bcl-xl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chi Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Wei Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Bo Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Yuan Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jie Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Yi-Ren Hong
- Department of Biochemistry & Graduate Institute of Medicine, Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chihuei Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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29
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Zhang H, Zhong X, Zhang X, Shang D, Zhou YI, Zhang C. Enhanced anticancer effect of ABT-737 in combination with naringenin on gastric cancer cells. Exp Ther Med 2015; 11:669-673. [PMID: 26893664 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-associated mortality and is a frequently occurring cancer worldwide. Multiple drug resistance of gastric cancer cells leads to the poor prognosis. In addition, overexpression of anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 have been demonstrated in various cancer cells and is closely associated with drug resistance and poor prognosis. Naringenin is a flavonoid that has antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities in numerous cancer types. In the present study, naringenin and a Bcl-2 inhibitor, ABT-737, were used to investigate their combinative anticancer effect in the SGC7901 gastric cancer cell line. The results revealed that naringenin and ABT-737 were able to inhibit SGC7901 cell growth and colony formation, alone or in combination. Furthermore, the combination of these drugs was found to further increase the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase. Naringenin and ABT-737 also decreased Akt activation and increased p53 expression, suggesting the involvement of these pathways in the inhibition of gastric cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xia Zhong
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong 250014, P.R. China
| | - Deya Shang
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Y I Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Chunqing Zhang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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30
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Mohammad RM, Muqbil I, Lowe L, Yedjou C, Hsu HY, Lin LT, Siegelin MD, Fimognari C, Kumar NB, Dou QP, Yang H, Samadi AK, Russo GL, Spagnuolo C, Ray SK, Chakrabarti M, Morre JD, Coley HM, Honoki K, Fujii H, Georgakilas AG, Amedei A, Niccolai E, Amin A, Ashraf SS, Helferich WG, Yang X, Boosani CS, Guha G, Bhakta D, Ciriolo MR, Aquilano K, Chen S, Mohammed SI, Keith WN, Bilsland A, Halicka D, Nowsheen S, Azmi AS. Broad targeting of resistance to apoptosis in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35 Suppl:S78-S103. [PMID: 25936818 PMCID: PMC4720504 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 512] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis or programmed cell death is natural way of removing aged cells from the body. Most of the anti-cancer therapies trigger apoptosis induction and related cell death networks to eliminate malignant cells. However, in cancer, de-regulated apoptotic signaling, particularly the activation of an anti-apoptotic systems, allows cancer cells to escape this program leading to uncontrolled proliferation resulting in tumor survival, therapeutic resistance and recurrence of cancer. This resistance is a complicated phenomenon that emanates from the interactions of various molecules and signaling pathways. In this comprehensive review we discuss the various factors contributing to apoptosis resistance in cancers. The key resistance targets that are discussed include (1) Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins; (2) autophagy processes; (3) necrosis and necroptosis; (4) heat shock protein signaling; (5) the proteasome pathway; (6) epigenetic mechanisms; and (7) aberrant nuclear export signaling. The shortcomings of current therapeutic modalities are highlighted and a broad spectrum strategy using approaches including (a) gossypol; (b) epigallocatechin-3-gallate; (c) UMI-77 (d) triptolide and (e) selinexor that can be used to overcome cell death resistance is presented. This review provides a roadmap for the design of successful anti-cancer strategies that overcome resistance to apoptosis for better therapeutic outcome in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Interim translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Leroy Lowe
- Getting to Know Cancer, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Clement Yedjou
- C-SET, [Jackson, #229] State University, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Hsue-Yin Hsu
- Department of Life Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Markus David Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Carmela Fimognari
- Dipartimento di Scienze per la Qualità della Vita Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, Italy
| | - Nagi B Kumar
- Moffit Cancer Center, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Q Ping Dou
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States; Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit MI, United States
| | - Huanjie Yang
- The School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | | | - Gian Luigi Russo
- Institute of Food Sciences National Research Council, Avellino, Italy
| | - Carmela Spagnuolo
- Institute of Food Sciences National Research Council, Avellino, Italy
| | - Swapan K Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Mrinmay Chakrabarti
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - James D Morre
- Mor-NuCo, Inc, Purdue Research Park, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Helen M Coley
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Kanya Honoki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Fujii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Alexandros G Georgakilas
- Department of Physics, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, university of florence, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, university of florence, Italy
| | - Amr Amin
- Department of Biology, College of Science, UAE University, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - S Salman Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAE University, United Arab Emirates
| | - William G Helferich
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Xujuan Yang
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Chandra S Boosani
- Department of BioMedical Sciences, School of Medicine Creighton University, Omaha NE, United States
| | - Gunjan Guha
- School of Chemical and Bio Technology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Dipita Bhakta
- School of Chemical and Bio Technology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | | | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Italy
| | - Sophie Chen
- Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Research Trust Laboratory, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - W Nicol Keith
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Ireland
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Ireland
| | - Dorota Halicka
- Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Somaira Nowsheen
- Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic Medical Scientist Training Program, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
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31
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Reiner T, de Las Pozas A, Parrondo R, Palenzuela D, Cayuso W, Rai P, Perez-Stable C. Mcl-1 protects prostate cancer cells from cell death mediated by chemotherapy-induced DNA damage. Oncoscience 2015; 2:703-15. [PMID: 26425662 PMCID: PMC4580064 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 is highly expressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), resulting in resistance to apoptosis and association with poor prognosis. Although predominantly localized in the cytoplasm, there is evidence that Mcl-1 exhibits nuclear localization where it is thought to protect against DNA damage-induced cell death. The role of Mcl-1 in mediating resistance to chemotherapy-induced DNA damage in prostate cancer (PCa) is not known. We show in human PCa cell lines and in TRAMP, a transgenic mouse model of PCa, that the combination of the antimitotic agent ENMD-1198 (analog of 2-methoxyestradiol) with betulinic acid (BA, increases proteotoxic stress) targets Mcl-1 by increasing its proteasomal degradation, resulting in increased γH2AX (DNA damage) and apoptotic/necrotic cell death. Knockdown of Mcl-1 in CRPC cells leads to elevated γH2AX, DNA strand breaks, and cell death after treatment with 1198 + BA- or doxorubicin. Additional knockdowns in PC3 cells suggests that cytoplasmic Mcl-1 protects against DNA damage by blocking the mitochondrial release of apoptosis-inducing factor and thereby preventing its nuclear translocation and subsequent interaction with the cyclophilin A endonuclease. Overall, our results suggest that chemotherapeutic agents that target Mcl-1 will promote cell death in response to DNA damage, particularly in CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresita Reiner
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research Service, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alicia de Las Pozas
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research Service, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA ; Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA
| | - Ricardo Parrondo
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research Service, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deanna Palenzuela
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research Service, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
| | - William Cayuso
- Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA
| | - Priyamvada Rai
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research Service, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA ; Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA ; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA
| | - Carlos Perez-Stable
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center and Research Service, Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA ; Division of Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA ; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami FL, USA
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32
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Tamaki H, Harashima N, Hiraki M, Arichi N, Nishimura N, Shiina H, Naora K, Harada M. Bcl-2 family inhibition sensitizes human prostate cancer cells to docetaxel and promotes unexpected apoptosis under caspase-9 inhibition. Oncotarget 2015; 5:11399-412. [PMID: 25333266 PMCID: PMC4294332 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Docetaxel (DTX) is a useful chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. However, emergence of DTX resistance has been a therapeutic hurdle. In this study, we investigated the effect of combining DTX with Bcl-2 family inhibitors using human prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, LNCaP, and DU145 cells). PC3 cells were less sensitive to DTX than were the other two cell lines. In contrast to ABT-199, which inhibits Bcl-2 and Bcl-w, both ABT-263 and ABT-737, which inhibit Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-w, significantly augmented the antitumor effect of DTX on PC3 cells. ABT-263 also enhanced the antitumor effect of DTX on a DTX-resistant PC3 variant cell line. The antitumor effect of ABT-263 was due mainly to its inhibitory effect on Bcl-xL. In a xenograft mouse model, DTX and ABT-737 combination therapy significantly inhibited PC3 tumor growth. Interestingly, although ABT-263 activated caspase-9 in PC3 cells, inhibition of caspase-9 unexpectedly promoted ABT-263-induced apoptosis in a caspase- 8-dependent manner. This augmented apoptosis was also observed in LNCaP cells. These findings indicate that Bcl-xL inhibition can sensitize DTX-resistant prostate cancer cells to DTX, and they reveal a unique apoptotic pathway in which antagonism of Bcl-2 family members in caspase-9-inhibited prostate cancer cells triggers caspase-8-dependent apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tamaki
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan. Department of Pharmacy, Shimane University Hospital, Shimane, Japan
| | - Nanae Harashima
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Miho Hiraki
- Department of Urology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Naoko Arichi
- Department of Urology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | | | - Hiroaki Shiina
- Department of Urology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kohji Naora
- Department of Pharmacy, Shimane University Hospital, Shimane, Japan
| | - Mamoru Harada
- Department of Immunology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Shimane, Japan
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33
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Vela L, Marzo I. Bcl-2 family of proteins as drug targets for cancer chemotherapy: the long way of BH3 mimetics from bench to bedside. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2015; 23:74-81. [PMID: 26079328 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2015.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Bcl-2 proteins are key determinants in the life-death balance. In recent years, proteins in this family have been identified as drug targets in the design of new anti-tumor therapies. Advances in the knowledge of the mechanism of action of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family have enabled the development of the so-called 'BH3 mimetics'. These compounds act by inhibiting anti-apoptotic proteins of the family, imitating the function of the BH3-only subset of pro-apoptotic members. Combinations of BH3-mimetics with anti-tumor drugs are being evaluated in both preclinical models and clinical trials. Recent advances in these approaches will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vela
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, IIS, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Isabel Marzo
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, IIS, University of Zaragoza, Spain.
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34
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Razi SS, Rehmani S, Li X, Park K, Schwartz GS, Latif MJ, Bhora FY. Antitumor activity of paclitaxel is significantly enhanced by a novel proapoptotic agent in non–small cell lung cancer. J Surg Res 2015; 194:622-630. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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35
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Wang C, Huang SB, Yang MC, Lin YT, Chu IH, Shen YN, Chiu YH, Hung SH, Kang L, Hong YR, Chen CH. Combining paclitaxel with ABT-263 has a synergistic effect on paclitaxel resistant prostate cancer cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120913. [PMID: 25811469 PMCID: PMC4374961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed the capability of paclitaxel, one of the taxanes, to induce death in two prostate cancer lines, LNCaP and PC3. Paclitaxel drove an apoptotic pathway in LNCaP, but not in PC3 cells, in response to G2/M arrest. An examination of the levels of anti-apoptotic proteins revealed that Bcl-xl was much higher in PC3 cells than in LNCaP cells and Bcl2 could be detected only in PC3 cells, not in LNCaP cells. Knocking down Bcl-xl enhanced paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells, while we were unable to knock down Bcl-xl efficiently in PC3 cells. Significantly, a comparison of ABT-263, a specific inhibitor of Bcl2 and Bcl-xl, with ABT-199, a Bcl2 selective inhibitor, disclosed that only ABT-263, not ABT-199, could induce apoptosis in LNCaP and PC3 cells. The results indicate that Bcl-xl has a protective role against paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in LNCaP and PC3 cells, and its overexpression causes the paclitaxel resistance seen in PC3 cells. Interestingly, combined paclitaxel with ABT-263 to treat LNCaP and PC3 cells demonstrated synergistic apoptosis activation, indicating that ABT-263 could enhance paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells and overcome Bcl-xl overexpression to trigger paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in PC3 cells. We also observed that the activation of apoptosis in LNCaP cells was more efficient than in PC3 cells in response to paclitaxel plus ABT-263 or to ABT-263 alone, suggesting that the apoptosis pathway in PC3 cells might have further differences from that in LNCaP cells even after Bcl-xl overexpression is accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihuei Wang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CW); (CHC)
| | - Shih-Bo Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Min-Chi Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsen Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Hung Chu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ni Shen
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Ho Chiu
- Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hung Hung
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Fooyin University Hospital, Pinutung, Taiwan
| | - Lin Kang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ren Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hwan Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (CW); (CHC)
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36
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Yuan Y, Makita N, Cao D, Mihara K, Kadomatsu K, Takei Y. Atelocollagen-mediated intravenous siRNA delivery specific to tumor tissues orthotopically xenografted in prostates of nude mice and its anticancer effects. Nucleic Acid Ther 2015; 25:85-94. [PMID: 25692652 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2014.0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful short interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy for cancers depends on functional siRNA delivery specific to tumors. In our previous report, we have shown systemic siRNA delivery specific to human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 subcutaneous tumors in nude mice by atelocollagen, a collagen derivative, for formulating a complex with siRNA. We used an siRNA for human Bcl-xL as a model target. In the present study, we examined the antitumor effect on PC-3 orthotopic tumors in nude mice, as these tumors resemble the human clinical situation. The systemic intravenous administration of the complex (siRNA, 50 μg/shot) significantly reduced Bcl-xL expression and induced apoptosis in the tumors, and suppressed their growth. Liver metastasis was also inhibited in the orthotopic model. We successfully showed tumor-specific accumulation of the siRNA by Cy3-labeled siRNA and the direct quantification of the siRNA via reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The tumor-specific delivery was achieved by the enhanced permeability and retention effect, which is characteristic of macromolecular drugs. The high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A in the tumors provided adequate conditions to promote the permeability in the tumors, and to finally form the enhanced permeability and retention effect. In conclusion, our siRNA delivery is specific to the PC-3 orthotopic tumors in nude mice, and is practically feasible to treat tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yuan
- 1 Division of Disease Models, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine , Nagoya, Japan
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Dieni CA, Storey KB. Protein kinase C in the wood frog, Rana sylvatica: reassessing the tissue-specific regulation of PKC isozymes during freezing. PeerJ 2014; 2:e558. [PMID: 25210662 PMCID: PMC4157297 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The wood frog, Rana sylvatica, survives whole-body freezing and thawing each winter. The extensive adaptations required at the biochemical level are facilitated by alterations to signaling pathways, including the insulin/Akt and AMPK pathways. Past studies investigating changing tissue-specific patterns of the second messenger IP3 in adapted frogs have suggested important roles for protein kinase C (PKC) in response to stress. In addition to their dependence on second messengers, phosphorylation of three PKC sites by upstream kinases (most notably PDK1) is needed for full PKC activation, according to widely-accepted models. The present study uses phospho-specific immunoblotting to investigate phosphorylation states of PKC—as they relate to distinct tissues, PKC isozymes, and phosphorylation sites—in control and frozen frogs. In contrast to past studies where second messengers of PKC increased during the freezing process, phosphorylation of PKC tended to generally decline in most tissues of frozen frogs. All PKC isozymes and specific phosphorylation sites detected by immunoblotting decreased in phosphorylation levels in hind leg skeletal muscle and hearts of frozen frogs. Most PKC isozymes and specific phosphorylation sites detected in livers and kidneys also declined; the only exceptions were the levels of isozymes/phosphorylation sites detected by the phospho-PKCα/βII (Thr638/641) antibody, which remained unchanged from control to frozen frogs. Changes in brains of frozen frogs were unique; no decreases were observed in the phosphorylation levels of any of the PKC isozymes and/or specific phosphorylation sites detected by immunoblotting. Rather, increases were observed for the levels of isozymes/phosphorylation sites detected by the phospho-PKCα/βII (Thr638/641), phospho-PKCδ (Thr505), and phospho-PKCθ (Thr538) antibodies; all other isozymes/phosphorylation sites detected in brain remained unchanged from control to frozen frogs. The results of this study indicate a potential important role for PKC in cerebral protection during wood frog freezing. Our findings also call for a reassessment of the previously-inferred importance of PKC in other tissues, particularly in liver; a more thorough investigation is required to determine whether PKC activity in this physiological situation is indeed dependent on phosphorylation, or whether it deviates from the generally-accepted model and can be “overridden” by exceedingly high levels of second messengers, as has been demonstrated with certain PKC isozymes (e.g., PKCδ).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth B Storey
- Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University , Ottawa, Ontario , Canada
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Emodin enhances ATRA-induced differentiation and induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:2076-84. [PMID: 25174432 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Emodin, an extracted natural compound from the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum L, has been shown to have multiple biological activities including anticancer functions in previous studies. In this study, we investigated the anti-leukemic activity of emodin alone or emodin in the presence all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and the potential signaling pathway involved. We demonstrated that emodin could significantly enhance the sensitivity to ATRA and present additive differentiation-inducing effects in AML cell line NB4 cells and, especially, in NB4-derived ATRA-resistant MR2 cells. Further study showed that increasing dose of emodin could effectively induce growth inhibition and apoptotic effects in both cell lines as well as in primary leukemic cells from AML patients. Moreover, the apoptotic induction in AML cells was associated with the activation of caspase cascades involving caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. In addition, leukemic cell response to emodin stimuli in vitro was observed through the decreased expression levels of Bcl-2 and retinoic acid receptor α (RARα). Importantly, emodin was demonstrated as a new inhibitor of PI3K/Akt in AML cells, even in primary AML cells. It inhibited Akt phosphoration (p-Akt) at Ser473 as efficiently as mTOR at Ser2448. Consistently, it exerted suppression effects on the phosphoration of mTOR downstream targets, 4E-BP1 and p70S6K. Taken together, these findings indicate that emodin might be developed as a promising anti-leukemic agent to improve the patient outcome in AML.
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Nirantar SR, Li X, Siau JW, Ghadessy FJ. Rapid screening of protein–protein interaction inhibitors using the protease exclusion assay. Biosens Bioelectron 2014; 56:250-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists sensitize, and resensitize, prostate cancer cells to docetaxel in a p53-dependent manner. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93713. [PMID: 24722580 PMCID: PMC3983111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors are expressed in prostate cancer, specifically in the most aggressive stage of the tumor (castration-resistant prostate cancer, CRPC) for which the standard treatment, docetaxel-based chemotherapy, can only improve the median survival time by few months. We previously showed that GnRH agonists exert an antitumor activity in CRPC cells; however, a link between GnRH receptors and the apoptotic machinery remains to be defined. Aim of this study was to evaluate whether, in CRPC cells, GnRH agonists might affect the expression/activity of apoptosis-related proteins and might sensitize, or resensitize, cancer cells to chemotherapeutics. We demonstrated that, in p53-positive DU145 cells, GnRH agonists: a) increase the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bax; this effect is mediated by the phosphorylation (activation) of p53, triggered by the p38 MAPK; b) potentiate the antiproliferative/proapoptotic activity of docetaxel; c) resensitize docetaxel-resistant cells to the antitumor activity of the cytotoxic drug. These data indicate that GnRH agonists sensitize and, more importantly, resensitize DU145 CRPC cells to chemotherapy in a p53-dependent manner. To confirm the crucial role of p53 in the activity of GnRH agonists, experiments were performed in p53-null PC3 cells. We found that GnRH agonists fail to increase Bax expression and do not potentiate the cytotoxic activity of docetaxel. These results may provide a rationale for novel combination treatment strategies, especially for docetaxel-resistant CRPC patients expressing a functional p53 protein.
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Synergistic antitumor activities of docetaxel and octreotide associated with apoptotic-upregulation in castration-resistant prostate cancer. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91817. [PMID: 24632829 PMCID: PMC3954761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy has become the fist-line treatment of metastatic prostate cancer; however, progression to castrate resistance disease occurs in the majority of patients. Thus, there is an urgent need for improvements in therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer. The aims of the present study were to determine the efficacy somatostatin analogue octreotide (OCT) combined with a low dose of docetaxel (DTX) using castration resistant prostate cancer cells and to investigate the involved molecular mechanisms in vitro. The anti-proliferative and synergism potential effects were determined by MTT assay. Induction of apoptosis was analyzed employing annexing V and propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. VEGFA, CASP9, CASP3 and ABCB1 gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR and Q-RT-PCR analysis. OCT in combination with DTX treatments on DU145 cell migration was also evaluated. Investigation revealed that combined administration of DTX and OCT had significant, synergistically greater cytotoxicity than DTX or OCT treatment alone. The combination of the two drugs caused a more marked increase in apoptosis and resulted in greater suppression of invasive potential than either individual agent. There was obvious increase in caspase 3 expression in the OCT alone and two-drug combined treatment groups, however, VEGFA expression was markedly suppressed in them. These results support the conclusion that somatostatin analogues combined with docetaxel may enhance the chemotherapy efficacies through multiple mechanisms in castration-resistant PCa cell line. This work provides a preclinical rationale for the therapeutic strategies to improve the treatment in castrate resistance disease.
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