PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ isoforms have distinct functions in regulating pro-tumoural signalling in the multiple myeloma microenvironment

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase and protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) is upregulated in multiple myeloma (MM). Using a combination of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus-mediated knockdown and pharmacologic isoform-specific inhibition we investigated the role of the PI3K p110γ (PI3Kγ) subunit in regulating MM proliferation and bone marrow microenvironment-induced MM interactions. We compared this with inhibition of the PI3K p110δ (PI3kδ) subunit and with combined PI3kδ/γ dual inhibition. We found that MM cell adhesion and migration were PI3Kγ-specific functions, with PI3kδ inhibition having no effect in MM adhesion or migration assays. At concentration of the dual PI3Kδ/γ inhibitor duvelisib, which can be achieved in vivo we saw a decrease in AKT phosphorylation at s473 after tumour activation by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and interleukin-6. Moreover, after drug treatment of BMSC/tumour co-culture activation assays only dual PI3kδ/γ inhibition was able to induce MM apoptosis. shRNA lentiviral-mediated targeting of either PI3Kδ or PI3Kγ alone, or both in combination, increased survival of NSG mice xeno-transplanted with MM cells. Moreover, treatment with duvelisib reduced MM tumour burden in vivo. We report that PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ isoforms have distinct functions in MM and that combined PI3kδ/γ isoform inhibition has anti-MM activity. Here we provide a scientific rationale for trials of dual PI3kδ/γ inhibition in patients with MM.

Role of eicosanoids in regulation of macrophage phagocytic functions by platelet-activating factor during endotoxic shock

We studied the role of eicosanoids in the regulation of macrophage phagocytic functions by products secreted in heterogeneous populations of macrophages and platelet-activating factor during endotoxic shock. Phagocytic activity depended on the metabolism of arachidonic acid in target macrophages and the ratio between its cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase metabolites produced by heterogeneous populations of macrophages and affecting target cells. The regulatory effect of platelet-activating factor on phagocytosis was related to its interaction with products of the arachidonic acid cascade. Depending on the quantitative ratio of eicosanoids, platelet-activating factor produced various effects on phagocytic functions of heterogeneous macrophage populations.