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Cervello M, Augello G, Cocco L, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Cusimano A, Montalto G, McCubrey JA. The potential of the nutraceutical berberine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver diseases such as NAFLD and NASH. Adv Biol Regul 2024:101032. [PMID: 38693042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2024.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer which unfortunately has poor outcomes. Common anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy have not increased patient survival significantly. A common treatment for HCC patients is transplantation, however, it has limitations and complications. Novel approaches are necessary to more effectively treat HCC patients. Berberine (BBR) is a nutraceutical derived from various fruits and trees, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes and inflammation. More recently, the anti-proliferation effects of BBR have been investigated in the treatment of patients with various cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this review, we will focus on studies with BBR in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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2
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McCubrey JA, Meher AK, Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, LaHair MM, Franklin RA, Martelli AM, Ratti S, Cocco L, Barbaro F, Duda P, Gizak A. Wild type and gain of function mutant TP53 can regulate the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, EGFR/Ras/Raf/MEK, and PI3K/mTORC1/GSK-3 pathway inhibitors, nutraceuticals and alter metabolic properties. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:3365-3386. [PMID: 35477123 PMCID: PMC9085237 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
TP53 is a master regulator of many signaling and apoptotic pathways involved in: aging, cell cycle progression, gene regulation, growth, apoptosis, cellular senescence, DNA repair, drug resistance, malignant transformation, metastasis, and metabolism. Most pancreatic cancers are classified as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). The tumor suppressor gene TP53 is mutated frequently (50-75%) in PDAC. Different types of TP53 mutations have been observed including gain of function (GOF) point mutations and various deletions of the TP53 gene resulting in lack of the protein expression. Most PDACs have point mutations at the KRAS gene which result in constitutive activation of KRas and multiple downstream signaling pathways. It has been difficult to develop specific KRas inhibitors and/or methods that result in recovery of functional TP53 activity. To further elucidate the roles of TP53 in drug-resistance of pancreatic cancer cells, we introduced wild-type (WT) TP53 or a control vector into two different PDAC cell lines. Introduction of WT-TP53 increased the sensitivity of the cells to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transduction inhibitors, drugs and nutraceuticals and influenced key metabolic properties of the cells. Therefore, TP53 is a key molecule which is critical in drug sensitivity and metabolism of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Akshaya K. Meher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Shaw M. Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Stephen L. Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S. Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Michelle M. LaHair
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Richard A. Franklin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fulvio Barbaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Re.Mo.Bio.S. Laboratory, Anatomy Section, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Przemysław Duda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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Chiarini F, Paganelli F, Balestra T, Capanni C, Fazio A, Manara MC, Landuzzi L, Petrini S, Evangelisti C, Lollini PL, Martelli AM, Lattanzi G, Scotlandi K. Lamin A and the LINC complex act as potential tumor suppressors in Ewing Sarcoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:346. [PMID: 35422060 PMCID: PMC9010457 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lamin A, a main constituent of the nuclear lamina, is involved in mechanosignaling and cell migration through dynamic interactions with the LINC complex, formed by the nuclear envelope proteins SUN1, SUN2 and the nesprins. Here, we investigated lamin A role in Ewing Sarcoma (EWS), an aggressive bone tumor affecting children and young adults. In patients affected by EWS, we found a significant inverse correlation between LMNA gene expression and tumor aggressiveness. Accordingly, in experimental in vitro models, low lamin A expression correlated with enhanced cell migration and invasiveness and, in vivo, with an increased metastatic load. At the molecular level, this condition was linked to altered expression and anchorage of nuclear envelope proteins and increased nuclear retention of YAP/TAZ, a mechanosignaling effector. Conversely, overexpression of lamin A rescued LINC complex organization, thus reducing YAP/TAZ nuclear recruitment and preventing cell invasiveness. These effects were also obtained through modulation of lamin A maturation by a statin-based pharmacological treatment that further elicited a more differentiated phenotype in EWS cells. These results demonstrate that drugs inducing nuclear envelope remodeling could be exploited to improve therapeutic strategies for EWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Unit of Bologna, 40136, Bologna, Italy. .,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Unit of Bologna, 40136, Bologna, Italy.,Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tommaso Balestra
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Experimental Oncology Laboratory, 40136, Bologna, Italy.,Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristina Capanni
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Unit of Bologna, 40136, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonietta Fazio
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Manara
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Experimental Oncology Laboratory, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorena Landuzzi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Experimental Oncology Laboratory, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Research Center, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital IRCCS, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lattanzi
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Unit of Bologna, 40136, Bologna, Italy. .,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Experimental Oncology Laboratory, 40136, Bologna, Italy.
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4
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Abrams SL, Duda P, Akula SM, Steelman LS, Follo ML, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Montalto G, Emma MR, Cervello M, Rakus D, Gizak A, McCubrey JA. Effects of the Mutant TP53 Reactivator APR-246 on Therapeutic Sensitivity of Pancreatic Cancer Cells in the Presence and Absence of WT-TP53. Cells 2022; 11:794. [PMID: 35269416 PMCID: PMC8909756 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The TP53 tumor suppressor is mutated in ~75% of pancreatic cancers. The mutant TP53 protein in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) promotes tumor growth and metastasis. Attempts have been made to develop molecules that restore at least some of the properties of wild-type (WT) TP53. APR-246 is one such molecule, and it is referred to as a mutant TP53 reactivator. To understand the potential of APR-246 to sensitize PDAC cells to chemotherapy, we introduced a vector encoding WT-TP53 into two PDAC cell lines, one lacking the expression of TP53 (PANC-28) and one with a gain-of-function (GOF) mutant TP53 (MIA-PaCa-2). APR-246 increased drug sensitivity in the cells containing either a WT or mutant TP53 protein with GOF activity, but not in cells that lacked TP53. The introduction of WT-T53 into PANC-28 cells increased their sensitivity to the TP53 reactivator, chemotherapeutic drugs, and signal transduction inhibitors. The addition of WT-TP53 to PDAC cells with GOF TP53 also increased their sensitivity to the drugs and therapeutics, indicating that APR-246 could function in cells with WT-TP53 and GOF TP53. These results highlight the importance of knowledge of the type of TP53 mutation that is present in cancer patients before the administration of drugs which function through the reactivation of TP53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L. Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (S.M.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Przemysław Duda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland; (P.D.); (D.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Shaw M. Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (S.M.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Linda S. Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (S.M.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Matilde L. Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.F.); (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.F.); (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.F.); (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (M.L.F.); (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.E.); (M.C.)
| | - Maria Rita Emma
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.E.); (M.C.)
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy; (M.R.E.); (M.C.)
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland; (P.D.); (D.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, 50-335 Wrocław, Poland; (P.D.); (D.R.); (A.G.)
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (S.M.A.); (L.S.S.)
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5
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McCubrey JA, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Lombardi P, Gizak A, Duda P. APR-246—The Mutant TP53 Reactivator—Increases the Effectiveness of Berberine and Modified Berberines to Inhibit the Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020276. [PMID: 35204775 PMCID: PMC8961609 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer. In ~75% of PDAC, the tumor suppressor TP53 gene is mutated. Novel approaches to treat cancer involve compounds called mutant TP53 reactivators. They interact with mutant TP53 proteins and restore some of their growth suppressive properties, but they may also interact with other proteins, e.g., TP63 and TP73. We examined the ability of the TP53 reactivator APR-246 to interact with eleven modified berberine compounds (NAX compounds) in the presence and absence of WT-TP53 in two PDAC cell lines: the MIA-PaCa-2, which has gain of function (GOF) TP53 mutations on both alleles, and PANC-28, which lacks expression of the WT TP53 protein. Our results indicate the TP53 reactivator-induced increase in therapeutic potential of many modified berberines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Andrew McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (L.S.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephen L. Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Linda S. Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; (S.L.A.); (L.S.S.)
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (S.R.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, 20026 Novate Milanese, Italy;
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, 50-335 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (P.D.)
| | - Przemysław Duda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, 50-335 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (P.D.)
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Abrams SL, Akula SM, Steelman LS, Follo ML, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Libra M, Falzone L, Candido S, Montalto G, Cervello M, Lombardi P, McCubrey JA. Effects of the MDM2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a on sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to berberine and modified berberines in the presence and absence of WT-TP53. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 83:100840. [PMID: 34866036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2021.100840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Approaches to improve pancreatic cancer therapy are essential as this disease has a very bleak outcome. Approximately 80% of pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). A key regulatory gene frequently mutated (∼75%) in PDAC is the TP53 tumor suppressor gene which controls the transcription of multiple genes involved in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cancer progression and other growth regulatory processes. The mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) gene product is a nuclear-localized E3 ubiquitin ligase and negatively regulates the TP53 protein which results in its proteasomal degradation. Various MDM2 inhibitors have been isolated and examined in clinical trials, especially in patients with hematological malignancies. Nutlin-3a is one of the first MDM2 inhibitors isolated. Berberine (BBR) is a natural product found in many fruits and berries and used in traditional medicine for centuries. It has many biological effects, and some are anti-proliferative in nature. BBR may activate the expression of TP53 and inhibit cell cycle progression as well as other events important in cell growth. To understand more about the potential of compounds like BBR and chemical modified BBRs (NAX compounds) to sensitize PDAC cells to MDM2 inhibitors, we introduced either WT-TP53 or the pLXSN empty vector control into two PDAC cell lines, one lacking expression of TP53 (PANC-28) and one with gain-of-function mutant TP53 on both alleles (MIA-PaCa-2). Our results indicate that nutlin-3a was able to increase the sensitivity to BBR and certain NAX compounds. The effects of nutlin-3a were usually more substantial in those cells containing an introduced WT TP53 gene. These results highlight the importance of knowledge of the type of TP53 mutation that is present in cancer patients before the administration of drugs which function by stabilization of the TP53 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Matilde L Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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7
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Martelli AM, Evangelisti C, Paganelli F, Chiarini F, McCubrey JA. GSK-3: a multifaceted player in acute leukemias. Leukemia 2021; 35:1829-1842. [PMID: 33811246 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01243-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) consists of two isoforms (α and β) that were originally linked to glucose metabolism regulation. However, GSK-3 is also involved in several signaling pathways controlling many different key functions in healthy cells. GSK-3 is a unique kinase in that its isoforms are constitutively active, while they are inactivated mainly through phosphorylation at Ser residues by a variety of upstream kinases. In the early 1990s, GSK-3 emerged as a key player in cancer cell pathophysiology. Since active GSK-3 promotes destruction of multiple oncogenic proteins (e.g., β-catenin, c-Myc, Mcl-1) it was considered to be a tumor suppressor. Accordingly, GSK-3 is frequently inactivated in human cancer via aberrant regulation of upstream signaling pathways. More recently, however, it has emerged that GSK-3 isoforms display also oncogenic properties, as they up-regulate pathways critical for neoplastic cell proliferation, survival, and drug-resistance. The regulatory roles of GSK-3 isoforms in cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, tumor metabolism, invasion, and metastasis reflect the therapeutic relevance of these kinases and provide the rationale for combining GSK-3 inhibitors with other targeted drugs. Here, we discuss the multiple and often conflicting roles of GSK-3 isoforms in acute leukemias. We also review the current status of GSK-3 inhibitor development for innovative leukemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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8
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Tanaka T, Nakano T, Hozumi Y, Martelli AM, Goto K. Regulation of p53 and NF-κB transactivation activities by DGKζ in catalytic activity-dependent and -independent manners. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2021; 1868:118953. [PMID: 33450306 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) constitutes a family of enzymes that phosphorylate diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid (PA). These lipids serve as second messengers, thereby activating distinct downstream cascades and different cellular responses. Therefore, DG-to-PA conversion activity induces a phase transition of signaling pathways. One member of the family, DGKζ, is involved closely with stress responses. Morphological data showing that DGKζ localizes predominantly to the nucleus and that it shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm implicate DGKζ in the regulation of transcription factors during stress responses. Tumor suppressor p53 and NF-κB are major stress-responsive transcription factors. They exert opposing effects on cellular pathophysiology. Herein, we summarize DGKζ catalytic activity-dependent and -independent regulatory mechanisms of p53 and NF-κB transactivation activities, including p53 degradation and NF-κB nuclear translocation. We also discuss how each component of DGKζ-interacting protein complex modulates the specificity and selectivity of target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Tomoyuki Nakano
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Yasukazu Hozumi
- Department of Cell Biology and Morphology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita 010-8543, Japan
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Kaoru Goto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
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9
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Abrams SL, Akula SM, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Libra M, Candido S, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Steelman LS, McCubrey JA. Sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transduction inhibitors and nutraceuticals can be regulated by WT-TP53. Adv Biol Regul 2021; 79:100780. [PMID: 33451973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic malignancy. Approximately 85% of pancreatic cancers are classified as PDACs. The survival of PDAC patients is very poor and only 5-10% of patients survive 5 years after diagnosis. Mutations at the KRAS and TP53 gene are frequently observed in PDAC patients. The PANC-28 cell line lacks wild-type (WT) TP53. In the following study, we have investigated the effects of restoration of WT TP53 activity on the sensitivity of PANC-28 pancreatic cancer cells to various drugs which are used to treat PDAC patients as well as other cancer patients. In addition, we have examined the effects of signal transduction inhibitors which target critical pathways frequently deregulated in cancer. The effects of the anti-diabetes drug metformin and the anti-malarial drug chloroquine were also examined as these drugs may be repurposed to treat other diseases. Finally, the effects of certain nutraceuticals which are used to treat various ailments were also examined. Introduction of WT-TP53 activity in PANC-28 PDAC cells, can increase their sensitivity to various drugs. Attempts are being made clinically to increase TP53 activity in various cancer types which will often inhibit cell growth by multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834.
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10
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Steelman LS, Chappell WH, Akula SM, Abrams SL, Cocco L, Manzoli L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Candido S, McCubrey JA. Therapeutic resistance in breast cancer cells can result from deregulated EGFR signaling. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 78:100758. [PMID: 33022466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) interacts with various downstream molecules including phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC), Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/PTEN/Akt/GSK-3, Jak/STAT and others. Often these pathways are deregulated in human malignancies such as breast cancer. Various therapeutic approaches to inhibit the activity of EGFR family members including small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) have been developed. A common problem with cancer treatments is the development of drug-resistance. We examined the effects of a conditionally-activated EGFR (v-Erb-B:ER) on the resistance of breast cancer cells to commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin, daunorubicin, paclitaxel, cisplatin and 5-flurouracil as well as ionizing radiation (IR). v-Erb-B is similar to the EGFR-variant EGFRvIII, which is expressed in various cancers including breast, brain, prostate. Both v-Erb-B and EGFRvIII encode the EGFR kinase domain but lack key components present in the extracellular domain of EGFR which normally regulate its activity and ligand-dependence. The v-Erb-B oncogene was ligated to the hormone binding domain of the estrogen receptor (ER) which results in regulation of the activity of the v-Erb-ER construct by addition of either estrogen (E2) or 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4HT) to the culture media. Introduction of the v-Erb-B:ER construct into the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line increased the resistance to the cells to various chemotherapeutic drugs, hormonal-based therapeutics and IR. These results point to the important effects that aberrant expression of EGFR kinase domain can have on therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - William H Chappell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
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11
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Ratti S, Lonetti A, Follo MY, Paganelli F, Martelli AM, Chiarini F, Evangelisti C. B-ALL Complexity: Is Targeted Therapy Still A Valuable Approach for Pediatric Patients? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123498. [PMID: 33255367 PMCID: PMC7760974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary B-ALL is the more frequent childhood malignancy. Even though significant improvements in patients’ survival, some pediatric B-ALL have still poor prognosis and novel strategies are needed. Recently, new genetic abnormalities and altered signaling pathways have been described, defining novel B-ALL subtypes.Innovative targeted therapeutic drugs may potentially show a great impact on the treatment of B-ALL subtypes, offering an important chance to block multiple signaling pathways and potentially improving the clinical management of B-ALL younger patients, especially for the new identified subtypes that lack efficient chemotherapeutic protocols. In this review, we shed light on the up-to-date knowledge of the novel childhood B-ALL subtypes and the altered signaling pathways that could become new druggable targets. Abstract B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a hematologic malignancy that arises from the clonal expansion of transformed B-cell precursors and predominately affects childhood. Even though significant progresses have been made in the treatment of B-ALL, pediatric patients’ outcome has to be furtherly increased and alternative targeted treatment strategies are required for younger patients. Over the last decade, novel approaches have been used to understand the genomic landscape and the complexity of the molecular biology of pediatric B-ALL, mainly next generation sequencing, offering important insights into new B-ALL subtypes, altered pathways, and therapeutic targets that may lead to improved risk stratification and treatments. Here, we will highlight the up-to-date knowledge of the novel B-ALL subtypes in childhood, with particular emphasis on altered signaling pathways. In addition, we will discuss the targeted therapies that showed promising results for the treatment of the different B-ALL subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.R.); (M.Y.F.); (F.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Annalisa Lonetti
- Giorgio Prodi Cancer Research Center, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti, 11, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Matilde Y. Follo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.R.); (M.Y.F.); (F.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.R.); (M.Y.F.); (F.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (S.R.); (M.Y.F.); (F.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (C.E.); Tel.: +39-051-209-1581 (F.C.); +39-051-209-1581 (C.E.)
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via Di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (C.E.); Tel.: +39-051-209-1581 (F.C.); +39-051-209-1581 (C.E.)
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12
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Akula SM, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Candido S, Libra M, Lerpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Ramazzotti G, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Blalock WL, Piazzi M, Montalto G, Cervello M, Notarbartolo M, Basecke J, McCubrey JA. Cancer therapy and treatments during COVID-19 era. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 77:100739. [PMID: 32773105 PMCID: PMC7319627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2020.100739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a serious strain on health treatments as well at the economies of many nations. Unfortunately, there is not currently available vaccine for SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19. Various types of patients have delayed treatment or even routine check-ups and we are adapting to a virtual world. In many cases, surgeries are delayed unless they are essential. This is also true with regards to cancer treatments and screening. Interestingly, some existing drugs and nutraceuticals have been screened for their effects on COVID-19. Certain FDA approved drugs, vitamin, natural products and trace minerals may be repurposed to treat or improve the prevention of COVID-19 infections and disease progression. This review article will summarize how the treatments of various cancer patients has changed during the COVID-19 era as well as discuss the promise of some existing drugs and other agents to be repurposed to treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences-Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences-Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Kvin Lerpiriyapong
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - William L Blalock
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare-Luigi Luca Cavalli Sforza, UOS Bologna, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Bologna, Italy; IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Piazzi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare-Luigi Luca Cavalli Sforza, UOS Bologna, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IGM-CNR), Bologna, Italy; IRCCS, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Notarbartolo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jorg Basecke
- Sankt-Josefs Hospital, Krankenhausstrasse 13, 49661, Cloppenburg, Germany
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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13
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Chappell WH, Candido S, Abrams SL, Akula SM, Steelman LS, Martelli AM, Ratti S, Cocco L, Cervello M, Montalto G, Nicoletti F, Libra M, McCubrey JA. Influences of TP53 and the anti-aging DDR1 receptor in controlling Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt expression and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity in prostate cancer cell lines. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:10194-10210. [PMID: 32492656 PMCID: PMC7346063 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: TP53 plays critical roles in sensitivity to chemotherapy, and aging. Collagen is very important in aging. The molecular structure and biochemical properties of collagen changes during aging. The discoidin domain receptor (DDR1) is regulated in part by collagen. Elucidating the links between TP53 and DDR1 in chemosensitivity and aging could improve therapies against cancer and aging. Results: Restoration of WT-TP53 activity resulted in increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs and elevated expression of key components of the Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt and DDR1 pathways. DDR1 could modulate the levels of Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways as well as sensitize the cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. In contrast, suppression of WT TP53 with a dominant negative (DN) TP53 gene, suppressed DDR1 protein levels and increased their chemoresistance. Conclusion: Restoration of WT TP53 activity or increased expression of the anti-aging DDR1 collagen receptor can result in enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Our innovative studies indicate the important links between WT TP53 and DDR1 which can modulate Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling as well as chemosensitivity and aging. Methods: We investigated the roles of wild type (WT) and mutant TP53 on drug sensitivity of prostate cancer cells and the induction of Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt and DDR1 expression and chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Chappell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.,Current Address: Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), BD Diagnostics, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy.,Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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14
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Martelli AM, Paganelli F, Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, McCubrey JA. The Unfolded Protein Response: A Novel Therapeutic Target in Acute Leukemias. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020333. [PMID: 32024211 PMCID: PMC7072709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an evolutionarily conserved adaptive response triggered by the stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) due, among other causes, to altered cell protein homeostasis (proteostasis). UPR is mediated by three main sensors, protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α), and inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (IRE1α). Given that proteostasis is frequently disregulated in cancer, UPR is emerging as a critical signaling network in controlling the survival, selection, and adaptation of a variety of neoplasias, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and glioblastoma. Indeed, cancer cells can escape from the apoptotic pathways elicited by ER stress by switching UPR into a prosurvival mechanism instead of cell death. Although most of the studies on UPR focused on solid tumors, this intricate network plays a critical role in hematological malignancies, and especially in multiple myeloma (MM), where treatment with proteasome inhibitors induce the accumulation of unfolded proteins that severely perturb proteostasis, thereby leading to ER stress, and, eventually, to apoptosis. However, UPR is emerging as a key player also in acute leukemias, where recent evidence points to the likelihood that targeting UPR-driven prosurvival pathways could represent a novel therapeutic strategy. In this review, we focus on the oncogene-specific regulation of individual UPR signaling arms, and we provide an updated outline of the genetic, biochemical, and preclinical therapeutic findings that support UPR as a relevant, novel target in acute leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-209-1580
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.E.)
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (C.E.)
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
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15
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Evangelisti C, Chiarini F, Cappellini A, Paganelli F, Fini M, Santi S, Martelli AM, Neri LM, Evangelisti C. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5413-5428. [PMID: 31904116 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological disorder that results from the clonal transformation of T-cell precursors. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways play a crucial role in T-cell development and in self-renewal of healthy and leukemic stem cells. Notably, β-catenin is a transcriptional regulator of several genes involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival. In this way, aberrations of components belonging to the aforementioned networks contribute to T-ALL pathogenesis. For this reason, inhibition of both pathways could represent an innovative strategy in this hematological malignancy. Here, we show that combined targeting of Wnt/β-catenin pathway through ICG-001, a CBP/β-catenin transcription inhibitor, and of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis through ZSTK-474, a PI3K inhibitor, downregulated proliferation, survival, and clonogenic activity of T-ALL cells. ICG-001 and ZSTK-474 displayed cytotoxic effects, and, when combined together, induced a significant increase in apoptotic cells. This induction of apoptosis was associated with the downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. All these findings were confirmed under hypoxic conditions that mimic the bone marrow niche where leukemic stem cells are believed to reside. Taken together, our findings highlight potentially promising treatment consisting of cotargeting Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways in T-ALL settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cappellini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Milena Fini
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Spartaco Santi
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA-Electron Microscopy Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Bologna, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Akula SM, Candido S, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Lertpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Ramazzotti G, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Bueno-Silva B, Matias de Alencar S, Falasca M, Montalto G, Cervello M, Notarbartolo M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Libra M, McCubrey JA. Abilities of β-Estradiol to interact with chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transduction inhibitors and nutraceuticals and alter the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Adv Biol Regul 2020; 75:100672. [PMID: 31685431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.100672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Improving the effects of chemotherapy and reducing the side effects are important goals in cancer research. Various approaches have been examined to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. For example, signal transduction inhibitors or hormonal based approaches have been included with chemo- or radio-therapy. MIA-PaCa-2 and BxPC-3 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells both express the estrogen receptor (ER). The effects of β-estradiol on the growth of PDAC cells has not been examined yet the ER is expressed in PDAC cells. We have examined the effects of combining β-estradiol with chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transcription inhibitors, natural products and nutraceuticals on PDAC. In most cases, inclusion of β-estradiol with chemotherapeutic drugs increased chemosensitivity. These results indicate some approaches involving β-estradiol which may be used to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic and other drugs on the growth of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Bruno Bueno-Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil; Dental Research Division, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Dipartimento di Promozione Della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Notarbartolo
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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Evangelisti C, Chiarini F, Paganelli F, Marmiroli S, Martelli AM. Crosstalks of GSK3 signaling with the mTOR network and effects on targeted therapy of cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2019; 1867:118635. [PMID: 31884070 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of therapeutics targeting specific tumor-promoting oncogenic or non-oncogenic signaling pathways has revolutionized cancer treatment. Mechanistic (previously mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR), a highly conserved Ser/Thr kinase, is a central hub of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR network, one of the most frequently deregulated signaling pathways in cancer, that makes it an attractive target for therapy. Numerous mTOR inhibitors have progressed to clinical trials and two of them have been officially approved as anticancer therapeutics. However, mTOR-targeting drugs have met with a very limited success in cancer patients. Frequently, the primary impediment to a successful targeted therapy in cancer is drug-resistance, either from the very beginning of the therapy (innate resistance) or after an initial response and upon repeated drug treatment (evasive or acquired resistance). Drug-resistance leads to treatment failure and relapse/progression of the disease. Resistance to mTOR inhibitors depends, among other reasons, on activation/deactivation of several signaling pathways, included those regulated by glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), a protein that targets a vast number of substrates in its repertoire, thereby orchestrating many processes that include cell proliferation and survival, metabolism, differentiation, and stemness. A detailed knowledge of the rewiring of signaling pathways triggered by exposure to mTOR inhibitors is critical to our understanding of the consequences such perturbations cause in tumors, including the emergence of drug-resistant cells. Here, we provide the reader with an updated overview of intricate circuitries that connect mTOR and GSK3 and we relate them to the efficacy (or lack of efficacy) of mTOR inhibitors in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolical, and Neurological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, MO, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy.
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Tanaka T, Hozumi Y, Martelli AM, Iino M, Goto K. Nucleosome assembly proteins NAP1L1 and NAP1L4 modulate p53 acetylation to regulate cell fate. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research 2019; 1866:118560. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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19
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Paganelli F, Lonetti A, Anselmi L, Martelli AM, Evangelisti C, Chiarini F. New advances in targeting aberrant signaling pathways in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 74:100649. [PMID: 31523031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.100649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive disorder characterized by malignant transformation of immature progenitors primed towards T-cell development. Over the past 15 years, advances in the molecular characterization of T-ALL have uncovered oncogenic key drivers and crucial signaling pathways of this disease, opening new chances for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Currently, T-ALL patients are still treated with aggressive therapies, consisting of high dose multiagent chemotherapy. To minimize and overcome the unfavorable effects of these regimens, it is critical to identify innovative targets and test selective inhibitors of such targets. Major efforts are being made to develop small molecules against deregulated signaling pathways, which sustain T-ALL cell growth, survival, metabolism, and drug-resistance. This review will focus on recent improvements in the understanding of the signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of T-ALL and on the challenging opportunities for T-ALL targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paganelli
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza-CNR National Research Council of Italy, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Lonetti
- "Giorgio Prodi" Cancer Research Center, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Anselmi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza-CNR National Research Council of Italy, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza-CNR National Research Council of Italy, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
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20
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Akula SM, Candido S, Libra M, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Lertpiriyapong K, Ramazzotti G, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Bueno-Silva B, Matias de Alencar S, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Mao W, Lin HL, Lombardi P, McCubrey JA. Abilities of berberine and chemically modified berberines to interact with metformin and inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 73:100633. [PMID: 31047842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is devastating cancer worldwide with few if any truly effective therapies. Pancreatic cancer has an increasing incidence and may become the second leading cause of death from cancer. Novel, more effective therapeutic approaches are needed as pancreatic cancer patients usually survive for less than a year after being diagnosed. Control of blood sugar levels by the prescription drug metformin in diseases such as diabetes mellitus has been examined in association with pancreatic cancer. While the clinical trials remain inconclusive, there is hope that certain diets and medications may affect positively the outcomes of patients with pancreatic and other cancers. Other natural compounds may share some of the effects of metformin. One "medicinal" fruit consumed by millions worldwide is berberine (BBR). Metformin and BBR both activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which is a key mediator of glucose metabolism. Glucose metabolism has been shown to be very important in cancer and its significance is increasing. In the following studies, we have examined the effects of metformin, BBR and a panel of modified BBRs (NAX compounds) and chemotherapeutic drugs on the growth of four different human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (PDAC). Interestingly, the effects of metformin could be enhanced by BBR and certain modified BBRs. Upon restoration of WT-TP53 activity in MIA-PaCa-2 cells, an altered sensitivity to the combination of certain NAX compounds and metformin was observed compared to the parental cells which normally lack WT-TP53. Certain NAX compounds may interact with WT-TP53 and metformin treatment to alter the expression of key molecules involved in cell growth. These results suggest a therapeutic approach by combining certain pharmaceutical drugs and nutraceuticals to suppress the growth of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Bruno Bueno-Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil; Dental Research Division, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | | | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Dipartimento di Promozione Della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Weifeng Mao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Heng-Liang Lin
- Catholic Fu Jen University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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Martelli AM, Paganelli F, Fazio A, Bazzichetto C, Conciatori F, McCubrey JA. The Key Roles of PTEN in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Development, Progression, and Therapeutic Response. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050629. [PMID: 31064074 PMCID: PMC6562458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive blood cancer that comprises 10–15% of pediatric and ~25% of adult ALL cases. Although the curative rates have significantly improved over the past 10 years, especially in pediatric patients, T-ALL remains a challenge from a therapeutic point of view, due to the high number of early relapses that are for the most part resistant to further treatment. Considerable advances in the understanding of the genes, signaling networks, and mechanisms that play crucial roles in the pathobiology of T-ALL have led to the identification of the key drivers of the disease, thereby paving the way for new therapeutic approaches. PTEN is critical to prevent the malignant transformation of T-cells. However, its expression and functions are altered in human T-ALL. PTEN is frequently deleted or mutated, while PTEN protein is often phosphorylated and functionally inactivated by casein kinase 2. Different murine knockout models recapitulating the development of T-ALL have demonstrated that PTEN abnormalities are at the hub of an intricate oncogenic network sustaining and driving leukemia development by activating several signaling cascades associated with drug-resistance and poor outcome. These aspects and their possible therapeutic implications are highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Francesca Paganelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Antonietta Fazio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bazzichetto
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Conciatori
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy.
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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22
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Candido S, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, Lertpiriyapong K, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Follo MY, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Bueno-Silva B, de Alencar SM, Lombardi P, Mao W, Montalto G, Cervello M, Rakus D, Gizak A, Lin HL, Libra M, Akula SM, McCubrey JA. Effects of the MDM-2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a on PDAC cells containing and lacking WT-TP53 on sensitivity to chemotherapy, signal transduction inhibitors and nutraceuticals. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 72:22-40. [PMID: 30898612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mutations at the TP53 gene are readily detected (approximately 50-75%) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. TP53 was previously thought to be a difficult target as it is often mutated, deleted or inactivated on both chromosomes in certain cancers. In the following study, the effects of restoration of wild-type (WT) TP53 activity on the sensitivities of MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells to the MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3a in combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, as well as, nutraceuticals were examined. Upon introduction of the WT-TP53 gene into MIA-PaCa-2 cells, which contain a TP53 gain of function (GOF) mutation, the sensitivity to the MDM2 inhibitor increased. However, effects of nutlin-3a were also observed in MIA-PaCa-2 cells lacking WT-TP53, as upon co-treatment with nutlin-3a, the sensitivity to certain inhibitors, chemotherapeutic drugs and nutraceuticals increased. Interestingly, co-treatment with nutlin-3a and certain chemotherapeutic drug such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin resulted in antagonistic effects in cells both lacking and containing WT-TP53 activity. These studies indicate the sensitizing abilities that WT-TP53 activity can have in PDAC cells which normally lack WT-TP53, as well as, the effects that the MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3a can have in both cells containing and lacking WT-TP53 to various therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Bruno Bueno-Silva
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil; Dental Research Division, Guarulhos University, Guarulhos, Brazil
| | | | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026, Italy
| | - Weifeng Mao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Dipartimento di Promozione Della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieska Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Heng-Liang Lin
- Catholic Fu Jen University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Research Center for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer (PreDiCT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Shaw M Akula
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834.
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA, 27834.
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Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, Lattanzi G, McCubrey JA, Martelli AM. Advances in understanding the mechanisms of evasive and innate resistance to mTOR inhibition in cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2019; 1866:1322-1337. [PMID: 30928610 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of drug-resistance by neoplastic cells is recognized as a major cause of targeted therapy failure and disease progression. The mechanistic (previously mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved Ser/Thr kinase that acts as the catalytic subunit of two structurally and functionally distinct large multiprotein complexes, referred to as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Both mTORC1 and mTORC2 play key roles in a variety of healthy cell types/tissues by regulating physiological anabolic and catabolic processes in response to external cues. However, a body of evidence identified aberrant activation of mTOR signaling as a common event in many human tumors. Therefore, mTOR is an attractive target for therapeutic targeting in cancer and this fact has driven the development of numerous mTOR inhibitors, several of which have progressed to clinical trials. Nevertheless, mTOR inhibitors have met with a very limited success as anticancer therapeutics. Among other reasons, this failure was initially ascribed to the activation of several compensatory signaling pathways that dampen the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors. The discovery of these regulatory feedback mechanisms greatly contributed to a better understanding of cancer cell resistance to mTOR targeting agents. However, over the last few years, other mechanisms of resistance have emerged, including epigenetic alterations, compensatory metabolism rewiring and the occurrence of mTOR mutations. In this article, we provide the reader with an updated overview of the mechanisms that could explain resistance of cancer cells to the various classes of mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Chiarini
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lattanzi
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, BO, Italy.
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Giordano FM, Burattini S, Buontempo F, Canonico B, Martelli AM, Papa S, Sampaolesi M, Falcieri E, Salucci S. Diet Modulation Restores Autophagic Flux in Damaged Skeletal Muscle Cells. J Nutr Health Aging 2019; 23:739-745. [PMID: 31560032 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-019-1245-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autophagy is a physiological and highly regulated mechanism, crucial for cell homeostasis maintenance. Its impairment seems to be involved in the onset of several diseases, including muscular dystrophies, myopathies and sarcopenia. According to few papers, chemotherapeutic drug treatment is able to trigger side effects on skeletal muscle tissue and, among these, a defective autophagic activation, which leads to the persistence of abnormal organelles within cells and, finally, to myofiber degeneration. The aim of this work is to find a strategy, based on diet modulation, to prevent etoposide-induced damage, in a model of in vitro skeletal muscle cells. METHODS Glutamine supplementation and nutrient deprivation have been chosen as pre-treatments to counteract etoposide effect, a chemotherapeutic drug known to induce oxidative stress and cell death. Cell response has been evaluated by means of morpho-functional, cytofluorimetric and molecular analyses. RESULTS Etoposide treated cells, if compared to control, showed dysfunctional mitochondria presence, ER stress and lysosomal compartment damage, confirmed by molecular investigations. CONCLUSIONS Interestingly, both dietary approaches were able to rescue myofiber from etoposide-induced damage. Glutamine supplementation, in particular, seemed to be a good strategy to preserve cell ultrastructure and functionality, by preventing the autophagic impairment and partially restoring the normal lysosomal activity, thus maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Giordano
- Sara Salucci, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy,
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25
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Abrams SL, Follo MY, Steelman LS, Lertpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Candido S, Libra M, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Mao W, Lombardi P, McCubrey JA. Abilities of berberine and chemically modified berberines to inhibit proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Adv Biol Regul 2019; 71:172-182. [PMID: 30361003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a common nutraceutical consumed by millions worldwide. BBR has many different effects on human health, e.g., diabetes, diarrhea, inflammation and now more recently it has been proposed to have potent anti-cancer effects. BBR has been shown to suppress the growth of cancer cells more than normal cells. BBR has been proposed to exert its growth-inhibitory effects by many different biochemical mechanisms including: suppression of cell cycle progression, induction of reactive oxygen species, induction of apoptosis and autophagy and interactions with DNA potentially leading to DNA damage, and altered gene expression. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cancer worldwide associated with a poor prognosis. As our population ages, pancreatic cancer has an increasing incidence and will likely become the second leading cause of death from cancer. There are few truly-effective therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer. Surgery and certain chemotherapeutic drugs are used to treat pancreatic cancer patients. Novel approaches to treat pancreatic cancer patients are direly needed as they usually survive for less than a year after being diagnosed. In the following manuscript, we discuss the abilities of BBR and certain chemically-modified BBRs (NAX compounds) to suppress growth of pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA; Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Weifeng Mao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese, 20026, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA.
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26
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Bertacchini J, Mediani L, Beretti F, Guida M, Ghalali A, Brugnoli F, Bertagnolo V, Petricoin E, Poti F, Arioli J, Anselmi L, Bari A, McCubrey J, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Capitani S, Marmiroli S. Clusterin enhances AKT2‐mediated motility of normal and cancer prostate cells through a PTEN and PHLPP1 circuit. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:11188-11199. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Laura Mediani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Francesca Beretti
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, and Morphology University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Marianna Guida
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Aram Ghalali
- Institute of Environment Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden
| | - Federica Brugnoli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Valeria Bertagnolo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Emanuel Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics & Molecular Medicine, GMU Fairfax Virginia
| | - Francesco Poti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery‐Unit of Neurosciences University of Parma Parma Italy
| | - Jessica Arioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Laura Anselmi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - Alessia Bari
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical Medicine and Public Health Program of Innovative Therapy in Oncology and Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
| | - James McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville North Carolina
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences University of Bologna Bologna Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine Section of Anatomy and Histology and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences Section of Morphology, Signal Transduction Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena Italy
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27
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Bonora E, Bianco F, Stanzani A, Giancola F, Astolfi A, Indio V, Evangelisti C, Martelli AM, Boschetti E, Lugaresi M, Ioannou A, Torresan F, Stanghellini V, Clavenzani P, Seri M, Moonen A, Van Beek K, Wouters M, Boeckxstaens GE, Zaninotto G, Mattioli S, De Giorgio R. INPP4B overexpression and c-KIT downregulation in human achalasia. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30:e13346. [PMID: 29644781 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Achalasia is a rare motility disorder characterized by myenteric neuron and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) abnormalities leading to deranged/absent peristalsis and lack of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The mechanisms contributing to neuronal and ICC changes in achalasia are only partially understood. Our goal was to identify novel molecular features occurring in patients with primary achalasia. METHODS Esophageal full-thickness biopsies from 42 (22 females; age range: 16-82 years) clinically, radiologically, and manometrically characterized patients with primary achalasia were examined and compared to those obtained from 10 subjects (controls) undergoing surgery for uncomplicated esophageal cancer (or upper stomach disorders). Tissue RNA extracted from biopsies of cases and controls was used for library preparation and sequencing. Data analysis was performed with the "edgeR" option of R-Bioconductor. Data were validated by real-time RT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS Quantitative transcriptome evaluation and cluster analysis revealed 111 differentially expressed genes, with a P ≤ 10-3 . Nine genes with a P ≤ 10-4 were further validated. CYR61, CTGF, c-KIT, DUSP5, EGR1 were downregulated, whereas AKAP6 and INPP4B were upregulated in patients vs controls. Compared to controls, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a clear increase in INPP4B, whereas c-KIT immunolabeling resulted downregulated. As INPP4B regulates Akt pathway, we used western blot to show that phospho-Akt was significantly reduced in achalasia patients vs controls. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The identification of altered gene expression, including INPP4B, a regulator of the Akt pathway, highlights novel signaling pathways involved in the neuronal and ICC changes underlying primary achalasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bonora
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Bianco
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Veterinary Sciences, DIMEVET, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Stanzani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Veterinary Sciences, DIMEVET, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Giancola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Veterinary Sciences, DIMEVET, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Ricerca Biomedica Applicata, St.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Astolfi
- Interdepartmental Center for Cancer Research "G. Prodi" (CIRC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Indio
- Interdepartmental Center for Cancer Research "G. Prodi" (CIRC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Evangelisti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A M Martelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Boschetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Centro di Ricerca Biomedica Applicata, St.Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Lugaresi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Ioannou
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Torresan
- Department of Digestive System, St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - V Stanghellini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Clavenzani
- Department of Medical and Veterinary Sciences, DIMEVET, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Seri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Moonen
- Translational Research in GastroIntestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - K Van Beek
- Translational Research in GastroIntestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Wouters
- Translational Research in GastroIntestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G E Boeckxstaens
- Translational Research in GastroIntestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Zaninotto
- Division of Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S Mattioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna and St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - R De Giorgio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Nuovo Arcispedale S.Anna at Cona (Ferrara), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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28
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Chappell WH, Candido S, Abrams SL, Russo S, Ove R, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ramazzotti G, Cervello M, Montalto G, Steelman LS, Leng X, Arlinghaus RB, Libra M, McCubrey JA. Roles of p53, NF-κB and the androgen receptor in controlling NGAL expression in prostate cancer cell lines. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 69:43-62. [PMID: 29861174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL a.k.a lipocalin 2, lnc2) is a secreted protein which can form a complex with matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). This MMP9/NGAL complex has been associated with metastasis. MMP9 and NGAL are detected in the urine of patients afflicted with many different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. The effects of p53, NF-κB and the androgen receptor (AR) on the expression of NGAL was examined in four prostate cancer cell lines. Prostate cancer cell lines that are AR negative and expressed either mutant or no p53 (DU145 and PC3) displayed higher levels of NGAL expression compared to the prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and 22Rv-1) which are AR positive and express wild type (WT) p53. Introduction of WT-p53 into the PC3 prostate cancer cell line, resulted in reduction of the levels of NGAL expression. Conversely, introduction of dominant negative (DN) p53 or a retroviral construct expressing NF-κB into LNCaP cells increased NGAL expression. NGAL expression had functional effects on the ability of the cells to form colonies in soft agar. Whereas suppression of WT-53 in LNCaP cells increased NGAL expression, the introduction of WT-p53 suppressed NGAL transcription activity in PC3 prostate cells which normally express high level of NGAL. NF-κB and p53 were determined to regulate NGAL expression by positive and negative mechanisms, respectively. Our data indicate that prostate cancer growth, progression and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs are regulated in part by NGAL and may involve complex interactions between NGAL, MMP9, NF-κB and p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Chappell
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA; Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), BD Diagnostics, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Suzanne Russo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Roger Ove
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ramazzotti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy; Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Xiaohong Leng
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas Medical Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ralph B Arlinghaus
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas Medical Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA.
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29
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Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Yang LV, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Falasca M, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Lombardi P, Libra M, Candido S, Montalto G, Cervello M, Steelman LS, McCubrey JA. Introduction of WT-TP53 into pancreatic cancer cells alters sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted therapeutics and nutraceuticals. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 69:16-34. [PMID: 29980405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive, highly metastatic malignancy and accounts for 85% of pancreatic cancers. PDAC patients have poor prognosis with a five-year survival of only 5-10%. Mutations at the TP53 gene are readily detected in pancreatic tumors isolated from PDAC patients. We have investigated the effects of restoration of wild-type (WT) TP53 activity on the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to: chemotherapy, targeted therapy, as well as, nutraceuticals. Upon introduction of the WT-TP53 gene into the MIA-PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cell line, the sensitivity to drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer cells such as: gemcitabine, fluorouracil (5FU), cisplatin, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and paclitaxel increased significantly. Likewise, the sensitivity to drugs used to treat other cancers such as: doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, and 4 hydroxy tamoxifen (4HT) also increased upon introduction of WT-TP53 into MIA-PaCa-2 cells. Furthermore, the sensitivity to certain inhibitors which target: PI3K/mTORC1, PDK1, SRC, GSK-3, and biochemical processes such as proteasomal degradation and the nutraceutical berberine as increased upon introduction of WT-TP53. Furthermore, in some cases, cells with WT-TP53 were more sensitive to the combination of drugs and suboptimal doses of the MDM2 inhibitor nutlin-3a. However, TP53-independent effects of nutlin-3a were observed upon treatment with either a proteasomal or a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor. These studies indicate the sensitizing effects that WT-TP53 can have in PDAC cells which normally lack WT-TP53 to various therapeutic agents and suggest approaches to improve PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese 20026, Italy; Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Pathology & Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Pathology & Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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30
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Candido S, Abrams SL, Steelman L, Lertpiriyapong K, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Follo MY, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Lombardi P, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Suh PG, Libra M, McCubrey JA. Metformin influences drug sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 68:13-30. [PMID: 29482945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive, highly metastatic malignancy and accounts for 85% of pancreatic cancers. PDAC patients have poor prognosis with a five-year survival of only 5-10% after diagnosis and treatment. Pancreatic cancer has been associated with type II diabetes as the frequency of recently diagnosed diabetics that develop pancreatic cancer within a 10-year period of initial diagnosis of diabetes in increased in comparison to non-diabetic patients. Metformin is a very frequently prescribed drug used to treat type II diabetes. Metformin acts in part by stimulating AMP-kinase (AMPK) and results in the suppression of mTORC1 activity and the induction of autophagy. In the following studies, we have examined the effects of metformin in the presence of various chemotherapeutic drugs, signal transduction inhibitors and natural products on the growth of three different PDAC lines. Metformin, by itself, was not effective at suppressing growth of the pancreatic cancer cell lines at concentration less than 1000 nM, however, in certain PDAC lines, a suboptimal dose of metformin (250 nM) potentiated the effects of various chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat pancreatic cancer (e.g., gemcitabine, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) and other cancer types (e.g., doxorubicin, docetaxel). Furthermore, metformin could increase anti-proliferative effects of mTORC1 and PI3K/mTOR inhibitors as well as natural products such as berberine and the anti-malarial drug chloroquine in certain PDAC lines. Thus, metformin can enhance the effects of certain drugs and signal transduction inhibitors which are used to treat pancreatic and various other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Pathology & Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Linda Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese 20026, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Pann-Gill Suh
- School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Pathology & Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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31
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Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway in B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An update. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6440-6454. [PMID: 29667769 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in treatment protocols, B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) displays a poor prognosis in about 15-20% of pediatric cases and about 60% of adult patients. In addition, life-long irreversible late effects from chemo- and radiation therapy, including secondary malignancies, are a growing problem for leukemia survivors. Targeted therapy holds promising perspectives for cancer treatment as it may be more effective and have fewer side effects than conventional therapies. The phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a key regulatory cascade which controls proliferation, survival and drug-resistance of cancer cells, and it is frequently upregulated in the different subtypes of B-ALL, where it plays important roles in the pathophysiology, maintenance and progression of the disease. Moreover, activation of this signaling cascade portends a poorer prognosis in both pediatric and adult B-ALL patients. Promising preclinical data on PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have documented their anticancer activity in B-ALL and some of these novel drugs have entered clinical trials as they could lead to a longer event-free survival and reduce therapy-associated toxicity for patients with B-ALL. This review highlights the current status of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in B-ALL, with an emphasis on emerging evidence of the superior efficacy of synergistic combinations involving the use of traditional chemotherapeutics or other novel, targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Salucci S, Burattini S, Buontempo F, Orsini E, Furiassi L, Mari M, Lucarini S, Martelli AM, Falcieri E. Marine bisindole alkaloid: A potential apoptotic inducer in human cancer cells. Eur J Histochem 2018; 62:2881. [PMID: 29943949 PMCID: PMC6038113 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine organisms such as corals, sponges and tunicates produce active molecules which could represent a valid starting point for new drug development processes. Among the various structural classes, the attention has been focused on 2,2-bis(6-bromo-3-indolyl) ethylamine, a marine alkaloid which showed a good anticancer activity against several tumor cell lines. Here, for the first time, the mechanisms of action of 2,2-bis(6-bromo-3-indolyl) ethylamine have been evaluated in a U937 tumor cell model. Morpho-functional and molecular analyses, highlighting its preferred signaling pathway, demonstrated that apoptosis is the major death response induced by this marine compund. Chromatin condensation, micronuclei formation, blebbing and in situ DNA fragmentation, occurring through caspase activation (extrinsic and intrinsic pathways), were observed. In particular, the bisindole alkaloid induces a mitochondrial involvement in apoptosis machinery activation with Blc-2/Bcl-x down-regulation and Bax up-regulation. These findings demonstrated that 2,2-bis(6-bromo-3-indolyl) ethylamine alkaloid-induced apoptosis is regulated by the Bcl-2 protein family upstream of caspase activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Salucci
- University of Urbino, Department of Biomolecular Sciences.
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Ultimo S, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Cardiovascular disease-related miRNAs expression: potential role as biomarkers and effects of training exercise. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17238-17254. [PMID: 29682219 PMCID: PMC5908320 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide, therefore the need of effective preventive strategies is imperative. Aging is associated with significant changes in both cardiovascular structure and function that lower the threshold for clinical signs and symptoms, making older people more susceptible to CVDs morbidity and mortality. microRNAs (miRNAs) modulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level and increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs are involved in cardiovascular physiology and in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Physical activity is recommended by the medical community and the cardiovascular benefits of exercise are multifactorial and include important systemic effects on skeletal muscle, the peripheral vasculature, metabolism, and neuroendocrine systems, as well as beneficial modifications within the myocardium itself. In this review we describe the role of miRNAs and their dysregulation in several types of CVDs. We provide an overview of miRNAs in CVDs and of the effects of physical activity on miRNA regulation involved in both cardiovascular pathologies and age-related cardiovascular changes and diseases. Circulating miRNAs in response to acute and chronic sport exercise appear to be modulated following training exercise, and may furthermore serve as potential biomarkers for CVDs and different age-related CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Simioni C, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, Ultimo S, Milani D, Neri LM. Physical training interventions for children and teenagers affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia and related treatment impairments. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17199-17209. [PMID: 29682216 PMCID: PMC5908317 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A decreased physical fitness has been reported in patients and survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is influenced by the negative effects of the disease and by the treatments of childhood cancer. In the past, children were advised to recover in bed, and to take as much relax as possible. Nowadays, it is considered that too much immobility may result in a further decrease of physical fitness and functioning. Exercise training for ALL children has frequently been reported to improve physical fitness and the well-being of the children, since it prevents the negative effects of a sedentary life-style, such as obesity and a poor skeletal health. In recent years, different studies and protocols on this subject has become available for children and young adults with cancer, both during and after treatment. The efficacy of recent physical exercise training interventions, that act on several ALL impairments in children such as skeletal, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems, fatigue, body balance disorders and metabolism alterations have been examined. These side effects might be prevented or significantly reduced by introducing a physical exercise program during or shortly after cancer treatment. Several interventions are discussed and presented for each impairment, reducing their level caused by the disease and thus suggesting the importance of physical training activity in ameliorating the children quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Milani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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35
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Simioni C, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, Sacchetti G, Gonelli A, Neri LM. Oxidative stress: role of physical exercise and antioxidant nutraceuticals in adulthood and aging. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17181-17198. [PMID: 29682215 PMCID: PMC5908316 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise is considered to be one of the beneficial factors of a proper lifestyle and is nowadays seen as an indispensable element for good health, able to lower the risk of disorders of the cardiovascular, endocrine and osteomuscular apparatus, immune system diseases and the onset of potential neoplasms. A moderate and programmed physical exercise has often been reported to be therapeutic both in the adulthood and in aging, since capable to promote fitness. Regular exercise alleviates the negative effects caused by free radicals and offers many health benefits, including reduced risk of all-cause mortality, sarcopenia in the skeletal muscle, chronic disease, and premature death in elderly people. However, physical performance is also known to induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle fatigue. Many efforts have been carried out to identify micronutrients and natural compounds, also known as nutraceuticals, able to prevent or attenuate the exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of this review is to discuss the benefits deriving from a constant physical activity and by the intake of antioxidant compounds to protect the body from oxidative stress. The attention will be focused mainly on three natural antioxidants, which are quercetin, resveratrol and curcumin. Their properties and activity will be described, as well as their benefits on physical activity and on aging, which is expected to increase through the years and can get favorable benefits from a constant exercise activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gianni Sacchetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M. Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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36
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Ultimo S, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Influence of physical exercise on microRNAs in skeletal muscle regeneration, aging and diseases. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17220-17237. [PMID: 29682218 PMCID: PMC5908319 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is a dynamic tissue with remarkable plasticity and its growth and regeneration are highly organized, with the activation of specific transcription factors, proliferative pathways and cytokines. The decline of skeletal muscle tissue with age, is one of the most important causes of functional loss of independence in older adults. Maintaining skeletal muscle function throughout the lifespan is a prerequisite for good health and independent living. Physical activity represents one of the most effective preventive agents for muscle decay in aging. Several studies have underlined the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the control of myogenesis and of skeletal muscle regeneration and function. In this review, we reported an overview and recent advances about the role of miRNAs expressed in the skeletal muscle, miRNAs regulation by exercise in skeletal muscle, the consequences of different physical exercise training modalities in the skeletal muscle miRNA profile, their regulation under pathological conditions and the role of miRNAs in age-related muscle wasting. Specific miRNAs appear to be involved in response to different types of exercise and therefore to play an important role in muscle fiber identity and myofiber gene expression in adults and elder population. Understanding the roles and regulation of skeletal muscle miRNAs during muscle regeneration may result in new therapeutic approaches in aging or diseases with impaired muscle function or re-growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, USA
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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McCubrey JA, Lertpiriyapong K, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Yang LV, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Scalisi A, Neri LM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Laidler P, Dulińska-Litewka J, Rakus D, Gizak A, Lombardi P, Nicoletti F, Candido S, Libra M, Montalto G, Cervello M. Effects of resveratrol, curcumin, berberine and other nutraceuticals on aging, cancer development, cancer stem cells and microRNAs. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 9:1477-1536. [PMID: 28611316 PMCID: PMC5509453 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural products or nutraceuticals have been shown to elicit anti-aging, anti-cancer and other health-enhancing effects. A key target of the effects of natural products may be the regulation of microRNA (miR) expression which results in cell death or prevents aging, diabetes, cardiovascular and other diseases. This review will focus on a few natural products, especially on resveratrol (RES), curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR). RES is obtained from the skins of grapes and other fruits and berries. RES may extend human lifespan by activating the sirtuins and SIRT1 molecules. CUR is isolated from the root of turmeric (Curcuma longa). CUR is currently used in the treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving an inflammatory process. CUR and modified derivatives have been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects, especially on cancer stem cells (CSC). BBR is also isolated from various plants (e.g., Coptis chinensis) and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat diseases such as adult- onset diabetes. Understanding the benefits of these and other nutraceuticals may result in approaches to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.,Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
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38
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Ferioli M, Zauli G, Martelli AM, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Ultimo S, Capitani S, Neri LM. Impact of physical exercise in cancer survivors during and after antineoplastic treatments. Oncotarget 2018; 9:14005-14034. [PMID: 29568412 PMCID: PMC5862633 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients experience symptoms and adverse effects of treatments that may last even after the end of treatments. Exercise is a safe, non-pharmacological and cost-effective therapy that can provide several health benefits in cancer patient and survivors, reducing cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. The purpose of this review is to describe how the physical exercise is capable to reduce cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. We realized a pragmatic classification of symptoms, dividing them into physical, psychological and psycho-physical aspects. For each symptom we discuss causes, therapies, we analyse the effects of physical exercise and we summarize the most effective type of exercise to reduce the symptoms. This review also points out what are the difficulties that patients and survivors face during the practice of physical activity and provides some solutions to overcome these barriers. Related to each specific cancer, it emerges that type, frequency and intensity of physical exercise could be prescribed and supervised as a therapeutic program, like it occurs for the type, dose and duration of a drug treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferioli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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39
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Ultimo S, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Vitale M, Calin GA, Neri LM. Roles and clinical implications of microRNAs in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:5642-5654. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Alberto M. Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Sport and Exercise Medicine Centre (SEM)University of ParmaParmaItaly
- CoreLabHospital‐University of ParmaParmaItaly
| | - George A. Calin
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics and LeukemiaThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
- Center for RNA Interference and Non‐Coding RNAsThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Luca M. Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
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Alameen AAM, Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Ultimo S, McCubrey JA, Gonelli A, Marisi G, Ulivi P, Capitani S, Neri LM. Healthy CD4+ T lymphocytes are not affected by targeted therapies against the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 7:55690-55703. [PMID: 27494886 PMCID: PMC5342446 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An attractive molecular target for novel anti-cancer therapies is the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway which is commonly deregulated in many types of cancer. Nevertheless, the effects of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors on T lymphocytes, a key component of immune responses, have been seldom explored. In this study we investigated the effects on human CD4+ T-cells of a panel of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors: BGT226, Torin-2, MK-2206, and ZSTK474. We also assessed their efficacy against two acute leukemia T cell lines. T lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Inhibitor effects on cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry, while cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assays. In addition, the activation status of the pathway as well as induction of autophagy were analyzed by Western blotting. Quiescent healthy T lymphocytes were unaffected by the drugs whereas mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes as well as leukemic cell lines displayed a cell cycle block, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and dephosphorylation of key components of the signaling pathway. Autophagy was also induced in proliferating lymphocytes and in JURKAT and MOLT-4 cell lines. When autophagy was inhibited by 3-methyladenine or Bafilomycin A1, drug cytotoxicity was increased, indicating that autophagy is a protective mechanism. Therefore, our findings suggest that PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors preserve lymphocyte viability. This is a valuable result to be taken into account when selecting drugs for targeted cancer therapy in order to minimize detrimental effects on immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A M Alameen
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Arianna Gonelli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgia Marisi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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41
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Ultimo S, Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Evangelisti C, Celeghini C, McCubrey JA, Marisi G, Ulivi P, Capitani S, Neri LM. PI3K isoform inhibition associated with anti Bcr-Abl drugs shows in vitro increased anti-leukemic activity in Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines. Oncotarget 2018; 8:23213-23227. [PMID: 28390196 PMCID: PMC5410298 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a malignant disorder characterized by the abnormal proliferation of B-cell progenitors. Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) B-ALL is a subtype that expresses the Bcr-Abl fusion protein which represents a negative prognostic factor. Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) network is a common feature of B-ALL, influencing cell growth and survival. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of PI3K isoform inhibition in B-ALL cell lines harboring the Bcr-Abl fusion protein.We studied the effects of anti Bcr-Abl drugs Imatinib, Nilotinib and GZD824 associated with PI3K isoform inhibitors. We used a panel of six compounds which specifically target PI3K isoforms including the pan-PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474, p110α BYL719 inhibitor and the dual p110γ/p110δ inhibitor IPI145. The effects of single drugs and of several drug combinations were analyzed to assess cytotoxicity by MTS assays, apoptosis and autophagy by flow cytometry and Western blot, as well as the phosphorylation status of the pathway.ZSTK474, BYL719 and IPI145 administered in combination with imatinib, nilotinib and GZD824 for 48 h, decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis and autophagy in a marked synergistic manner.These findings suggest that selected PI3K isoform inhibitors used in combination with anti Bcr-Abl drugs may be an attractive novel therapeutic intervention in Ph+ B-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Giorgia Marisi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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McCubrey JA, Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Candido S, Libra M, Murata RM, Rosalen PL, Lombardi P, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D, Steelman LS. Effects of berberine, curcumin, resveratrol alone and in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs and signal transduction inhibitors on cancer cells-Power of nutraceuticals. Adv Biol Regul 2018; 67:190-211. [PMID: 28988970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the past fifty years, society has become aware of the importance of a healthy diet in terms of human fitness and longevity. More recently, the concept of the beneficial effects of certain components of our diet and other compounds, that are consumed often by different cultures in various parts of the world, has become apparent. These "healthy" components of our diet are often referred to as nutraceuticals and they can prevent/suppress: aging, bacterial, fungal and viral infections, diabetes, inflammation, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases and have other health-enhancing effects. Moreover, they are now often being investigated because of their anti-cancer properties/potentials. Understanding the effects of various natural products on cancer cells may enhance their usage as anti-proliferative agents which may be beneficial for many health problems. In this manuscript, we discuss and demonstrate how certain nutraceuticals may enhance other anti-cancer drugs to suppress proliferation of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA; Center of Comparative Medicine and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ramiro M Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; Department of Foundational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, East Carolina University, USA
| | - Pedro L Rosalen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Paolo Lombardi
- Naxospharma, Via Giuseppe Di Vittorio 70, Novate Milanese 20026, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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43
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Steelman LS, Fitzgerald T, Lertpiriyapong K, Cocco L, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Neri LM, Marmiroli S, Libra M, Candido S, Nicoletti F, Scalisi A, Fenga C, Drobot L, Rakus D, Gizak A, Laidler P, Dulinska-Litewka J, Basecke J, Mijatovic S, Maksimovic-Ivanic D, Montalto G, Cervello M, Milella M, Tafuri A, Demidenko Z, Abrams SL, McCubrey JA. Critical Roles of EGFR Family Members in Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: Targets for Therapy. Curr Pharm Des 2017; 22:2358-88. [PMID: 26947958 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666160304151011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The roles of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway in various cancers including breast, bladder, brain, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, head and neck, hepatocellular, lung, neuroblastoma, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, renal and other cancers have been keenly investigated since the 1980's. While the receptors and many downstream signaling molecules have been identified and characterized, there is still much to learn about this pathway and how its deregulation can lead to cancer and how it may be differentially regulated in various cell types. Multiple inhibitors to EGFR family members have been developed and many are in clinical use. Current research often focuses on their roles and other associated pathways in cancer stem cells (CSCs), identifying sites where therapeutic resistance may develop and the mechanisms by which microRNAs (miRs) and other RNAs regulate this pathway. This review will focus on recent advances in these fields with a specific focus on breast cancer and breast CSCs. Relatively novel areas of investigation, such as treatments for other diseases (e.g., diabetes, metabolism, and intestinal parasites), have provided new information about therapeutic resistance and CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Brody Building 5N98C, Greenville, NC 27858 USA.
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44
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Buontempo F, McCubrey JA, Orsini E, Ruzzene M, Cappellini A, Lonetti A, Evangelisti C, Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, Barata JT, Martelli AM. Therapeutic targeting of CK2 in acute and chronic leukemias. Leukemia 2017; 32:1-10. [PMID: 28951560 PMCID: PMC5770594 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CK2 is a ubiquitously expressed, constitutively active Ser/Thr protein kinase, which is considered the most pleiotropic protein kinase in the human kinome. Such a pleiotropy explains the involvement of CK2 in many cellular events. However, its predominant roles are stimulation of cell growth and prevention of apoptosis. High levels of CK2 messenger RNA and protein are associated with CK2 pathological functions in human cancers. Over the last decade, basic and translational studies have provided evidence of CK2 as a pivotal molecule driving the growth of different blood malignancies. CK2 overexpression has been demonstrated in nearly all the types of hematological cancers, including acute and chronic leukemias, where CK2 is a key regulator of signaling networks critical for cell proliferation, survival and drug resistance. The findings that emerged from these studies suggest that CK2 could be a valuable therapeutic target in leukemias and supported the initiation of clinical trials using CK2 antagonists. In this review, we summarize the recent advances on the understanding of the signaling pathways involved in CK2 inhibition-mediated effects with a particular emphasis on the combinatorial use of CK2 inhibitors as novel therapeutic strategies for treating both acute and chronic leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Buontempo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - J A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - E Orsini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Ruzzene
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Cappellini
- Department of Human, Social and Health Sciences, University of Cassino, Cassino, Italy
| | - A Lonetti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy.,Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Chiarini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Bologna, Italy.,Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - J T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - A M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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45
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McCubrey JA, Fitzgerald TL, Yang LV, Lertpiriyapong K, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Montalto G, Cervello M, Neri LM, Cocco L, Martelli AM, Laidler P, Dulińska-Litewka J, Rakus D, Gizak A, Nicoletti F, Falzone L, Candido S, Libra M. Roles of GSK-3 and microRNAs on epithelial mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:14221-14250. [PMID: 27999207 PMCID: PMC5355173 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Various signaling pathways exert critical roles in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). The Wnt/beta-catenin, PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, hedgehog (Hh), Notch and TP53 pathways elicit essential regulatory influences on cancer initiation, EMT and progression. A common kinase involved in all these pathways is moon-lighting kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). These pathways are also regulated by micro-RNAs (miRs). TP53 and components of these pathways can regulate the expression of miRs. Targeting members of these pathways may improve cancer therapy in those malignancies that display their abnormal regulation. This review will discuss the interactions of the multi-functional GSK-3 enzyme in the Wnt/beta-catenin, PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Hh, Notch and TP53 pathways. The regulation of these pathways by miRs and their effects on CSC generation, EMT, invasion and metastasis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Piotr Laidler
- Chair of Medical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences - Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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46
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Abrams SL, Ruvolo PP, Ruvolo VR, Ligresti G, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Ratti S, Tafuri A, Steelman LS, Candido S, Libra M, McCubrey JA. Targeting signaling and apoptotic pathways involved in chemotherapeutic drug-resistance of hematopoietic cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:76525-76557. [PMID: 29100331 PMCID: PMC5652725 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical problem in leukemia as well as other cancer therapies is the development of chemotherapeutic drug-resistance. We have developed models of hematopoietic drug resistance that are based on expression of dominant-negative TP53 [TP53 (DN)] or constitutively-active MEK1 [MEK1(CA)] oncogenes in the presence of chemotherapeutic drugs. In human cancer, functional TP53 activity is often lost in human cancers. Also, activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway frequently occurs due to mutations/amplification of upstream components of this and other interacting pathways. FL5.12 is an interleukin-3 (IL−3) dependent hematopoietic cell line that is sensitive to doxorubicin (a.k.a Adriamycin). FL/Doxo is a derivative cell line that was isolated by culturing the parental FL5.12 cells in doxorubicin for prolonged periods of time. FL/Doxo + TP53 (DN) and FL/Doxo + MEK1 (CA) are FL/Doxo derivate cell lines that were infected with retrovirus encoding TP53 (DN) or MEK1 (CA) and are more resistant to doxorubicin than FL/Doxo cells. This panel of cell lines displayed differences in the sensitivity to inhibitors that suppress mTORC1, BCL2/BCLXL, MEK1 or MDM2 activities, as well as, the proteasomal inhibitor MG132. The expression of key genes involved in cell growth and drug-resistance (e.g., MDM2, MDR1, BAX) also varied in these cells. Thus, we can begin to understand some of the key genes that are involved in the resistance of hematopoietic cells to chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Peter P Ruvolo
- Section of Signal Transduction and Apoptosis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Current/Present address: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivian R Ruvolo
- Section of Signal Transduction and Apoptosis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Current/Present address: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Current/Present address: Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Agostino Tafuri
- Hematology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pathology and Oncology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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47
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McCubrey JA, Lertpiriyapong K, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Cocco L, Ratti S, Martelli AM, Candido S, Libra M, Montalto G, Cervello M, Gizak A, Rakus D. Regulation of GSK-3 activity by curcumin, berberine and resveratrol: Potential effects on multiple diseases. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 65:77-88. [PMID: 28579298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural products or nutraceuticals promote anti-aging, anti-cancer and other health-enhancing effects. A key target of the effects of natural products may be the regulation of the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1/GSK-3 pathway. This review will focus on the effects of curcumin (CUR), berberine (BBR) and resveratrol (RES), on the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1/GSK-3 pathway, with a special focus on GSK-3. These natural products may regulate the pathway by multiple mechanisms including: reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokine receptors, mirco-RNAs (miRs) and many others. CUR is present the root of turmeric (Curcuma longa). CUR is used in the treatment of many disorders, especially in those involving inflammatory processes which may contribute to abnormal proliferation and promote cancer growth. BBR is also isolated from various plants (Berberis coptis and others) and is used in traditional medicine to treat multiple diseases/conditions including: diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cancer and bacterial infections. RES is present in red grapes, other fruits and berries such as blueberries and raspberries. RES may have some anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. Understanding the effects of these natural products on the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1/GSK-3 pathway may enhance their usage as anti-proliferative agent which may be beneficial for many health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Saverio Candido
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Oncological, Clinical and General Pathology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
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48
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McCubrey JA, Lertpiriyapong K, Fitzgerald TL, Martelli AM, Cocco L, Rakus D, Gizak A, Libra M, Cervello M, Montalto G, Yang LV, Abrams SL, Steelman LS. Roles of TP53 in determining therapeutic sensitivity, growth, cellular senescence, invasion and metastasis. Adv Biol Regul 2016; 63:32-48. [PMID: 27776972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
TP53 is a critical tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cellular senescence and many other properties critical for control of normal cellular growth and death. Due to the pleiotropic effects that TP53 has on gene expression and cellular physiology, mutations at this tumor suppressor gene result in diverse physiological effects. T53 mutations are frequently detected in numerous cancers. The expression of TP53 can be induced by various agents used to treat cancer patients such as chemotherapeutic drugs and ionizing radiation. Radiation will induce Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and other kinases that results in the phosphorylation and activation of TP53. TP53 is also negatively regulated by other mechanisms, such as ubiquitination by ligases such as MDM2. While TP53 has been documented to control the expression of many "classical" genes (e.g., p21Cip-1, PUMA, Bax) by transcriptional mechanisms for quite some time, more recently TP53 has been shown to regulate microRNA (miR) gene expression. Different miRs can promote oncogenesis (oncomiR) whereas others act to inhibit tumor progression (tumor suppressor miRs). Targeted therapies to stabilize TP53 have been developed by various approaches, MDM2/MDM4 inhibitors have been developed to stabilize TP53 in TP53-wild type (WT) tumors. In addition, small molecules have been isolated that will reactivate certain mutant TP53s. Both of these types of inhibitors are in clinical trials. Understanding the actions of TP53 may yield novel approaches to suppress cancer, aging and other health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Guiseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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49
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McCubrey JA, Rakus D, Gizak A, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Fitzgerald TL, Yang LV, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Nicoletti F, Scalisi A, Torino F, Fenga C, Neri LM, Marmiroli S, Cocco L, Martelli AM. Effects of mutations in Wnt/β-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and PI3K pathways on GSK-3 activity-Diverse effects on cell growth, metabolism and cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta 2016; 1863:2942-2976. [PMID: 27612668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in an array of critical cellular processes. GSK-3 was first characterized as an enzyme that phosphorylated and inactivated glycogen synthase. However, subsequent studies have revealed that this moon-lighting protein is involved in numerous signaling pathways that regulate not only metabolism but also have roles in: apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell renewal, differentiation, embryogenesis, migration, regulation of gene transcription, stem cell biology and survival. In this review, we will discuss the roles that GSK-3 plays in various diseases as well as how this pivotal kinase interacts with multiple signaling pathways such as: PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Wnt/beta-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and TP53. Mutations that occur in these and other pathways can alter the effects that natural GSK-3 activity has on regulating these signaling circuits that can lead to cancer as well as other diseases. The novel roles that microRNAs play in regulation of the effects of GSK-3 will also be evaluated. Targeting GSK-3 and these other pathways may improve therapy and overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Medical Oncology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section - Policlinico "G. Martino" - University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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50
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Simioni C, Cani A, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Alameen AAM, Ultimo S, Tabellini G, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. The novel dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BGT226 displays cytotoxic activity in both normoxic and hypoxic hepatocarcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:17147-60. [PMID: 26003166 PMCID: PMC4627298 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common lethal human malignancies worldwide and its advanced status is frequently resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. We evaluated the cytotoxic effect of the orally bioavailable dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, NVP-BGT226, on a panel of HCC cell lines, since hyperactivated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway could represent a biomolecular target for Small Inhibitor Molecules in this neoplasia. We analyzed the drug activity in both normoxia and hypoxia conditions, the latter playing often a relevant role in the induction of chemoresistance and angiogenesis.In normoxia NVP-BGT226 caused cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, induced apoptosis and autophagy at low concentrations. Interestingly the drug inactivated p-Akt and p-S6 at < 10 nM concentration.In hypoxia NVP-BGT226 maintained its cytotoxic efficacy at the same concentration as documented by MTT assays and Western blot analysis. Moreover, the drug showed in hypoxia inhibitory properties against angiogenesis by lowering the expression of the transcription factor HIF-1α and of VEGF.Our results indicate that NVP-BGT226 has a potent cytotoxic effect on HCC cell lines also in hypoxia condition, thus emerging as a potential candidate for cancer treatment in HCC targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Cani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Ayman A M Alameen
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tabellini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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