scholarly journals Selective Targeting of Ras Mutant Cancers via a New Small Molecule

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhairavi Tolani ◽  
Anna Celli ◽  
Yanmin Yao ◽  
Yong Zi Tan ◽  
Richard Fetter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Chemical Genetic ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model ◽  
Selective Targeting ◽  
Ras Family ◽  
Small Molecule Screen ◽  
Mutant Cells ◽  
Atpase Localization ◽  
Lysosomal Acidification

ABSTRACTMutations in the Ras family of oncogenes are implicated in 33% of human cancers, making Ras an intensely pursued target in drug discovery. As an alternative to direct pharmacological inhibition of Ras, we looked for sensitivities in RAS mutant cells. Using a small molecule screen in cell lines with mutations in Ras and its effector Raf, we discovered 249C as a Ras-mutant selective cytotoxic agent against a spectrum of RAS-mutant cancers. By combining CRISPR chemical-genetic screening, comparative profiling and chemoproteomics, we identified that 249C binds to a unique subunit on vacuolar (V)-ATPase with nanomolar affinity, inhibiting its biochemical activity and, unexpectedly, altering V-ATPase translocation in Ras-induced macropinocytosis. Via binding to V-ATPase, 249C prevents lysosomal acidification and inhibits autophagy and macropinocytosis pathways that several Ras-driven cancers rely on for survival. In characterizing 249C’s mechanism, we show that potency varies with the identity of the RAS driver mutation highlighting a mutant-specific dependence on autophagy and macropinocytosis. Indeed, 249C potently inhibits tumor growth without adverse side effects in a mouse xenograft model of KRAS-driven non-small cell lung cancer. These data establish proof-of-concept for targeting V-ATPase as a way to indirectly target specific Ras mutants, and provide a fundamental link between V-ATPase localization and specific Ras mutant tumor-related activity.

scholarly journals PROTAC-induced BET protein degradation as a therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (26) ◽  
pp. 7124-7129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanak Raina ◽  
Jing Lu ◽  
Yimin Qian ◽  
Martha Altieri ◽  
Deborah Gordon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Secondary Resistance ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Castration Resistant ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model ◽  
Bet Inhibitors

Prostate cancer has the second highest incidence among cancers in men worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths of men in the United States. Although androgen deprivation can initially lead to remission, the disease often progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which is still reliant on androgen receptor (AR) signaling and is associated with a poor prognosis. Some success against CRPC has been achieved by drugs that target AR signaling, but secondary resistance invariably emerges, and new therapies are urgently needed. Recently, inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins have shown growth-inhibitory activity in preclinical models of CRPC. Here, we demonstrate that ARV-771, a small-molecule pan-BET degrader based on proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, demonstrates dramatically improved efficacy in cellular models of CRPC as compared with BET inhibition. Unlike BET inhibitors, ARV-771 results in suppression of both AR signaling and AR levels and leads to tumor regression in a CRPC mouse xenograft model. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate efficacy with a small-molecule BET degrader in a solid-tumor malignancy and potentially represents an important therapeutic advance in the treatment of CRPC.

scholarly journals A Small Molecule Inhibitor of ETV1, YK-4-279, Prevents Prostate Cancer Growth and Metastasis in a Mouse Xenograft Model

PLoS ONE ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e114260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Said Rahim ◽  
Tsion Minas ◽  
Sung-Hyeok Hong ◽  
Sarah Justvig ◽  
Haydar Çelik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Small Molecule Inhibitor ◽  
Cancer Growth ◽  
Mouse Xenograft ◽  
Molecule Inhibitor ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model

scholarly journals HNC0014, a Multi-Targeted Small-Molecule, Inhibits Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Suppressing c-Met/STAT3/CD44/PD-L1 Oncoimmune Signature and Eliciting Antitumor Immune Responses

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3759
Author(s):  
Jih-Chin Lee ◽  
Alexander T.H. Wu ◽  
Jia-Hong Chen ◽  
Wen-Yen Huang ◽  
Bashir Lawal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model

Despite advancements in diagnostic and standard treatment modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, overall survival rates of advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients have remained stagnant for over three decades. Failure of these treatment modalities, coupled with post-therapy complications, underscores the need for alternative interventions and an in-depth understanding of the complex signaling networks involved in developing treatment resistance. Using bioinformatics tools, we identified an increased expression of c-Met, STAT3, and CD44 corresponding to a poor prognosis and malignant phenotype of HNSCC. Subsequently, we showed that tumorsphere-derived exosomes promoted cisplatin (CDDP) resistance and colony and tumorsphere formation in parental HNSCC cells, accompanied by an increased level of oncogenic/immune evasive markers, namely, c-Met, STAT3, CD44, and PD-L1. We then evaluated the therapeutic potential of a new small molecule, HNC0014. The molecular docking analysis suggested strong interactions between HNC0014 and oncogenic molecules; c-Met, STAT3, CD44, and PD-L1. Subsequently, we demonstrated that HNC0014 treatment suppressed HNSCC tumorigenic and expression of stemness markers; HNC0014 also reduced cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) transformation by Exosp- and CAF-induced tumorigenic properties. HNC0014 treatment alone suppressed tumor growth in a cisplatin-resistant (SAS tumorspheres) mouse xenograft model and with higher inhibitory efficacy when combined with CDDP. More importantly, HNC0014 treatment significantly delayed tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse HNSCC model, elicited an antitumor immune profile, and reduced the total c-Met, STAT3, and their phosphorylated forms, PD-L1 and CD44, contents in serum exosomes. Collectively, our findings provide supports for HNC0014 as a multi-targeted immunotherapeutic lead compound for further development.

The Small-Molecule VEGF-Receptor Inhibitor Pazopanib (GW786034B) Targets Both Tumor and Endothelial Cells in Multiple Myeloma.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 5003-5003
Author(s):  
Klaus Podar ◽  
Giovanni Tonon ◽  
Martin Sattler ◽  
Yu-Tzu Tai ◽  
Steven LeGouill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model ◽  
Synergistic Cytotoxicity ◽  
Receptor Inhibitor

Abstract A critical role for vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis. Here we characterized the effect of the novel and potent small-molecule VEGF-receptor inhibitor pazopanib on MM cells in the bone marrow milieu. Pazopanib inhibits VEGF-triggered signaling pathways in both tumor and endothelial cells, thereby blocking in vitro MM cell growth, survival, and migration; and inhibits VEGF-induced upregulation of adhesion molecules on both endothelial and tumor cells, thereby abrogating endothelial cell-MM cell binding and associated cell proliferation. We show that pazopanib is the first-in-class VEGF-receptor inhibitor to inhibit in vivo tumor cell growth associated with increased MM cell apoptosis, decreased angiogenesis, and prolonged survival in a mouse xenograft model of human MM. Low-dose pazopanib demonstrates synergistic cytotoxicity with conventional (melphalan) and novel (bortezomib, immunomodulatory drugs) therapies. Finally, gene expression and signaling network analysis show transcriptional changes of several cancer-related genes, in particular cMyc. Using siRNA, we confirm the role of cMyc in VEGF-production and -secretion, as well as angiogenesis. These preclinical studies provide the rationale for clinical evaluation of pazopanib, alone and in combination with conventional and novel therapies, to increase efficacy, overcome drug resistance, reduce toxicity, and improve patient outcome in MM.

scholarly journals Arsenic nano complex induced degradation of YAP sensitized ESCC cancer cells to radiation and chemotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhou ◽  
Meiyue Liu ◽  
Xia Li ◽  
Peng Zhang ◽  
Jiong Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Migration Ability ◽  
Mouse Xenograft ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model

Abstract Background Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by arsenic treatment in solid tumors showed to be effective to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapies. Arsenic nano compounds are known to increase the ROS production in solid tumors. Methods In this study we developed arsenic–ferrosoferric oxide conjugated Nano Complex (As2S2–Fe3O4, AFCNC) to further promote the ROS induction ability of arsenic reagent in solid tumors. We screen for the molecular pathways that are affect by arsenic treatment in ESCC cancer cells. And explored the underlying molecular mechanism for the arsenic mediated degradations of the key transcription factor we identified in the gene microarray screen. Mouse xenograft model were used to further verify the synthetic effects of AFCNC with chemo and radiation therapies, and the molecular target of arsenic treatment is verified with IHC analysis. Results With gene expression microarray analysis we found Hippo signaling pathway is specifically affected by arsenic treatment, and induced ubiquitination mediated degradation of YAP in KYSE-450 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. Mechanistically we proved PML physically interacted with YAP, and arsenic induced degradation PML mediated the degradation of YAP in ESCC cells. As a cancer stem cell related transcription factor, YAP 5SA over expressions in cancer cells are correlated with resistance to chemo and radiation therapies. We found AFCNC treatment inhibited the increased invasion and migration ability of YAP 5SA overexpressing KYSE-450 cells. AFCNC treatment also effectively reversed protective effects of YAP 5SA overexpression against cisplatin induced apoptosis in KYSE-450 cells. Lastly, with ESCC mouse xenograft model we found AFCNC combined with cisplatin treatment or radiation therapy significantly reduced the tumor volumes in vivo in the xenograft ESCC tumors. Conclusions Together, these findings suggested besides ROS, YAP is a potential target for arsenic based therapy in ESCC, which should play an important role in the synthetic effects of arsenic nano complex with chemo and radiation therapy.

scholarly journals Anticancer effects of the combined Thai noni juice ethanolic extracts and 5-fluorouracil against cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeerati Prompipak ◽  
Thanaset Senawong ◽  
Banchob Sripa ◽  
Albert J. Ketterman ◽  
Suppawit Utaiwat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nude Mice ◽  
Combination Treatment ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Model Combination ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model ◽  
Ethanolic Extracts

AbstractApplication of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is limited by adverse side effects and chemoresistance. Therefore, the combination therapy of 5-FU with other substances, especially natural products may provide a new strategy for CCA treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination effects of 5-FU and two ethanolic extracts of Thai noni juice (TNJ) products on CCA cell lines and nude mice xenografts. The results of antiproliferative assay showed the combination treatment of 5-FU and each TNJ ethanolic extract exerted more cytotoxicity on CCA cells than either single agent treatment. Synergistic effects of drug combinations can enable the dose reduction of 5-FU. The mechanism underlying a combination treatment was apoptosis induction through an activation of p53 and Bax proteins. In the nude mouse xenograft model, combination treatments of 5-FU with each TNJ ethanolic extract suppressed the growth of CCA cells implanted mice more than single agent treatments with no effects on mouse body weight, kidney, and spleen. Moreover, low doses of TNJ ethanolic extracts reduced the hepatotoxicity of 5-FU in nude mice. Taken together, these data suggested that the ethanolic extracts of TNJ products can enhance the anti-CCA effect and reduce toxicity of 5-FU.

scholarly journals Oncogenic lncRNA ZNF561-AS1 is essential for colorectal cancer proliferation and survival through regulation of miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zizhen Si ◽  
Lei Yu ◽  
Haoyu Jing ◽  
Lun Wu ◽  
Xidi Wang
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Cancer Proliferation ◽  
Mouse Xenograft ◽  
Mouse Xenograft Model

Abstract Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are reported to influence colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Currently, the functions of the lncRNA ZNF561 antisense RNA 1 (ZNF561-AS1) in CRC are unknown. Methods ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 expression in CRC patient samples and CRC cell lines was evaluated through TCGA database analysis, western blot along with real-time PCR. SRSF6 expression in CRC cells was also examined upon ZNF561-AS1 depletion or overexpression. Interaction between miR-26a-3p, miR-128-5p, ZNF561-AS1, and SRSF6 was examined by dual luciferase reporter assay, as well as RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated knockdown experiments were performed to assess the role of ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 in the proliferative actives and apoptosis rate of CRC cells. A mouse xenograft model was employed to assess tumor growth upon ZNF561-AS1 knockdown and SRSF6 rescue. Results We find that ZNF561-AS1 and SRSF6 were upregulated in CRC patient tissues. ZNF561-AS1 expression was reduced in tissues from treated CRC patients but upregulated in CRC tissues from relapsed patients. SRSF6 expression was suppressed and enhanced by ZNF561-AS1 depletion and overexpression, respectively. Mechanistically, ZNF561-AS1 regulated SRSF6 expression by sponging miR-26a-3p and miR-128-5p. ZNF561-AS1-miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis was required for CRC proliferation and survival. ZNF561-AS1 knockdown suppressed CRC cell proliferation and triggered apoptosis. ZNF561-AS1 depletion suppressed the growth of tumors in a model of a nude mouse xenograft. Similar observations were made upon SRSF6 depletion. SRSF6 overexpression reversed the inhibitory activities of ZNF561-AS1 in vivo, as well as in vitro. Conclusion In summary, we find that ZNF561-AS1 promotes CRC progression via the miR-26a-3p/miR-128-5p-SRSF6 axis. This study reveals new perspectives into the role of ZNF561-AS1 in CRC.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document