Notch Agonists: Emerging as a Feasible Therapeutic Approach in AML.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 1419-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Sutphin ◽  
Wendy Fang ◽  
Claudia Miller ◽  
Patrick A. Zweidler-McKay
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Tumor Suppressor ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Growth Arrest ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Fold Increase

Abstract Introduction: The Notch pathway regulates critical cell-fate decisions affecting the growth and development of human hematopoietic cells. Although Notch1 is a known T cell oncogene, we have discovered that Notch signaling behaves as a tumor suppressor in acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) inducing growth arrest and apoptosis in both cell lines and patient samples. To characterize the mechanism of this effect we have evaluated the influence of the Notch pathway on key effectors of differentiation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in human AML. Results: Notch signaling induces rapid growth arrest and apoptosis in a panel of human AML cell lines representing a range of AML FAB subtypes (M2–M6). Specifically, activated Notch1 expression caused a 70–95% reduction in AML cells compared to controls (p<0.001) (Figure 1). Notch-mediated growth arrest occurred in 24–48 hours with cells accumulating in G0/G1. Apoptosis was demonstrated by a 3.8-fold increase in AnnexinV binding (p<0.004) and a 3-fold upregulation of caspase 3 activity (p=0.0002) within 24 hours. The caspase 3 activity was abolished by the caspase 8 inhibitor IETD (p<0.0001) suggesting a potential role for the extrinsic death pathway. We also found that all four Notch receptors (1–4) are capable of inducing this effect, as is the Notch target gene HES1, suggesting a generalized Notch tumor suppressor effect in AML. Furthermore, Notch signaling through HES1 modulates the expression of key regulators of myeloid differentiation and cell cycle progression including downregulation of CEBPα 2.5-fold (p<0.02) and upregulation of p21WAF1 6-fold (p<0.004) suggesting potential mechanisms. As a novel therapeutic approach, we synthesized Notch agonists which effectively induce Notch signaling with a >18-fold increase in HES1 expression (p<.0001). Exposure of human AML cell lines and primary patient AML samples to this Notch agonist for 24 hours led to a 3 to 9-fold increase in apoptosis (p<0.017) compared to controls (Figure 2). Conclusions: We report here that Notch signaling is a novel tumor suppressor pathway in human AML. We demonstrate how Notch agonists can be used to induce growth arrest and apoptosis in human AML cell lines and patient AML samples. As a regulator of cell fate, proliferation and differentiation, Notch effectively disrupts multiple pathways in AML. We propose that Notch agonists represent a novel and feasible therapeutic approach in AML. Pre-clinical evaluation is underway. Figure.1 Effect of Notch on growth of AML cells Figure.1. Effect of Notch on growth of AML cells Figure.2 Notch Agonist induces apoptosis in AML Figure.2. Notch Agonist induces apoptosis in AML

A Critical Role for the Bcl-2 Pathway in Notch-Mediated B Cell Apoptosis, Where Growth Arrest Is Independent of the E2A, IL-3 and p21Waf1/p27Kip1 Pathways.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 237-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick A. Zweidler-McKay ◽  
Julian J. Lum ◽  
Craig B. Thompson ◽  
Warren S. Pear
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Growth Arrest ◽  
Model System ◽  
B Cell Malignancies ◽  
Induce Growth Arrest

Abstract The Notch receptor pathway regulates critical cell fate decisions in multiple developmental systems, including hematopoiesis. We have previously demonstrated that Notch signaling induces growth arrest and apoptosis in a wide range of human B cell malignancies and has potential as a B cell-specific therapeutic approach. In order to identify the mechanisms of growth arrest and apoptosis we analyzed an immortalized murine progenitor B cell line derived from Bax/Bak double knockout mice. These cells are unable to undergo apoptosis since they lack the pro-apoptotic effectors of the Bcl-2 pathway, and have been shown to be resistant to multiple apoptotic stimuli. Here we report that induction of Notch signaling through expression of several family members (Notch1, Notch4, Hes1) leads to rapid growth arrest, but not apoptosis, within 48 hours in these Bax-/Bak- progenitor B cells. These findings provide the first evidence for a critical role of the Bcl-2 pathway in Notch-mediated B cell apoptosis, and establish a mitochondrial-dependent mechanism for this effect. Importantly, the kinetics of growth arrest are accelerated with the expression of the Notch downstream target Hes1 as compared to the Notch receptors 1 and 4. These results extend our observation that Hes1 is sufficient to reproduce Notch-mediated B cell death, by demonstrating that Hes1 is more proximal to the critical growth inhibiting events, and may therefore provide a therapeutic target. In this model system we can isolate growth arrest from the effects on the apoptotic cascade. This provides a unique opportunity to explore the mechanism of Notch-mediated growth arrest. Prior studies have suggested that Notch signaling may induce growth arrest through inhibition of the E2A pathway, or through upregulation of the cell cycle regulators p21Waf1 and p27Kip1. In this model system, inhibition of the E2A pathway is not sufficient to induce growth arrest. Similarly, Hes1 does not upregulate either p21Waf1 or p27Kip1, suggesting that this is not the mechanism of growth arrest. To explore whether Notch/Hes1 induce growth arrest through inhibition of the IL-3 pathway, we compared phenotypic and functional aspects of Hes1 expression and IL-3 withdrawal. Although the timing and phenotypic effects (cell size, cell cycle and metabolic studies) were quite similar, Hes1 growth arrested cells lose their ability to migrate in response to the pan-B chemo-attractant SDF1a compared to IL-3 withdrawn cells. In summary, these results demonstrate that Notch/Hes1-mediated B cell apoptosis relies critically on pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 pathway, Bax/Bak. Furthermore, growth arrest when isolated from apoptosis does not rely on inhibition of the E2A or IL-3 pathways, nor upregulation of p21Waf1/ p27Kip1. These findings provide the first insight into the mechanisms of Notch/Hes1-mediated B cell growth arrest and apoptosis and will help guide the development of Notch/Hes1 signaling as a cell-type specific therapeutic approach for B cell malignancies.

scholarly journals Notch Signaling Regulation in HCC: From Hepatitis Virus to Non-Coding RNAs

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 521
Author(s):  
Catia Giovannini ◽  
Francesca Fornari ◽  
Fabio Piscaglia ◽  
Laura Gramantieri
Keyword(s):  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Hepatitis Virus ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Notch Receptor ◽  
Gamma Secretase ◽  
Stem Cell Maintenance ◽  
Pathway Activation ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Approach ◽  
Conserved Genes

The Notch family includes evolutionary conserved genes that encode for single-pass transmembrane receptors involved in stem cell maintenance, development and cell fate determination of many cell lineages. Upon activation by different ligands, and depending on the cell type, Notch signaling plays pleomorphic roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) affecting neoplastic growth, invasion capability and stem like properties. A specific knowledge of the deregulated expression of each Notch receptor and ligand, coupled with resultant phenotypic changes, is still lacking in HCC. Therefore, while interfering with Notch signaling might represent a promising therapeutic approach, the complexity of Notch/ligands interactions and the variable consequences of their modulations raises concerns when performed in undefined molecular background. The gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), representing the most utilized approach for Notch inhibition in clinical trials, are characterized by important adverse effects due to the non-specific nature of GSIs themselves and to the lack of molecular criteria guiding patient selection. In this review, we briefly summarize the mechanisms involved in Notch pathway activation in HCC supporting the development of alternatives to the γ-secretase pan-inhibitor for HCC therapy.

Notch restricts lymphatic vessel sprouting induced by vascular endothelial growth factor

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 1154-1162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zheng ◽  
Tuomas Tammela ◽  
Masahiro Yamamoto ◽  
Andrey Anisimov ◽  
Tanja Holopainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Lymphatic Vessels ◽  
Soluble Form ◽  
Fibrin Gel ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Abstract Notch signaling plays a central role in cell-fate determination, and its role in lateral inhibition in angiogenic sprouting is well established. However, the role of Notch signaling in lymphangiogenesis, the growth of lymphatic vessels, is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate Notch pathway activity in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), as well as induction of delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) and Notch target genes on stimulation with VEGF or VEGF-C. Suppression of Notch signaling by a soluble form of Dll4 (Dll4-Fc) synergized with VEGF in inducing LEC sprouting in 3-dimensional (3D) fibrin gel assays. Expression of Dll4-Fc in adult mouse ears promoted lymphangiogenesis, which was augmented by coexpressing VEGF. Lymphangiogenesis triggered by Notch inhibition was suppressed by a monoclonal VEGFR-2 Ab as well as soluble VEGF and VEGF-C/VEGF-D ligand traps. LECs transduced with Dll4 preferentially adopted the tip cell position over nontransduced cells in 3D sprouting assays, suggesting an analogous role for Dll4/Notch in lymphatic and blood vessel sprouting. These results indicate that the Notch pathway controls lymphatic endothelial quiescence, and explain why LECs are poorly responsive to VEGF compared with VEGF-C. Understanding the role of the Notch pathway in lymphangiogenesis provides further insight for the therapeutic manipulation of the lymphatic vessels.

Abstract 3380: Acetylation-dependent Regulation Of Notch1 Signaling In Endothelial Cells

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Guarani ◽  
Franck Dequiedt ◽  
Andreas M Zeiher ◽  
Stefanie Dimmeler ◽  
Michael Potente
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Trichostatin A ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Class Iii ◽  
Cell Fate Decisions ◽  
Knock Down

The Notch signaling pathway is a versatile regulator of cell fate decisions and plays an essential role for embryonic and postnatal vascular development. As only modest differences in Notch pathway activity suffice to determine dramatic differences in blood vessel development, this pathway is tightly regulated by a variety of molecular mechanisms. Reversible acetylation has emerged as an important post-translational modification of several non-histone proteins, which are targeted by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Here, we report that specifically the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) is itself an acetylated protein and that its acetylation level is tightly regulated by the SIRT1 deacetylase, which we have previously identified as a key regulator of endothelial angiogenic functions during vascular growth. Coexpression of NICD with histone acetyltransferases such as p300 or PCAF induced a dose- and time-dependent acetylation of NICD. Blocking HDAC activity using the class III HDAC inhibitor nicotinamid (NAM), but not the class I/II HDAC inhibior trichostatin A, resulted in a significant increase of NICD acetylation suggesting that NICD is targetd by class III HDACs for deacetylation. Among the class III HDACs with deacetylase activity (SIRT1, 2, 3, 5), knock down of specifically SIRT1 resulted in enhanced acetylation of NICD. Moreover, wild type SIRT1, but not a catalytically inactive mutant catalyzed the deacetylation of NICD in a nicotinamid-dependent manner. SIRT1, but SIRT2, SIRT3 or SIRT5, associated with NICD through its catalytic domain demonstrating that SIRT1 is a direct NICD deacetylase. Enhancing NICD acetylation by either overexpression of p300 or inhibition of SIRT1 activity using NAM or RNAi-mediated knock down resulted in enhanced NICD protein stability by blocking its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Consistent with these results, loss of SIRT1 amplified Notch target gene expression in endothelial cells in response to NICD overexpression or treatment with the Notch ligand Dll4. In summary, our results identify reversible acetylation of NICD as a novel molecular mechanism to control Notch signaling and suggest that deacetylation of NICD by SIRT1 plays a key role in the dynamic regulation of Notch signaling in endothelial cells.

Serrate and Notch specify cell fates in the heart field by suppressing cardiomyogenesis

Development ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 127 (17) ◽  
pp. 3865-3876
Author(s):  
M.S. Rones ◽  
K.A. McLaughlin ◽  
M. Raffin ◽  
M. Mercola
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Myocardial Cell ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Cell Fates ◽  
Cell Fate Decisions ◽  
Heart Field

Notch signaling mediates numerous developmental cell fate decisions in organisms ranging from flies to humans, resulting in the generation of multiple cell types from equipotential precursors. In this paper, we present evidence that activation of Notch by its ligand Serrate apportions myogenic and non-myogenic cell fates within the early Xenopus heart field. The crescent-shaped field of heart mesoderm is specified initially as cardiomyogenic. While the ventral region of the field forms the myocardial tube, the dorsolateral portions lose myogenic potency and form the dorsal mesocardium and pericardial roof (Raffin, M., Leong, L. M., Rones, M. S., Sparrow, D., Mohun, T. and Mercola, M. (2000) Dev. Biol., 218, 326–340). The local interactions that establish or maintain the distinct myocardial and non-myocardial domains have never been described. Here we show that Xenopus Notch1 (Xotch) and Serrate1 are expressed in overlapping patterns in the early heart field. Conditional activation or inhibition of the Notch pathway with inducible dominant negative or active forms of the RBP-J/Suppressor of Hairless [Su(H)] transcription factor indicated that activation of Notch feeds back on Serrate1 gene expression to localize transcripts more dorsolaterally than those of Notch1, with overlap in the region of the developing mesocardium. Moreover, Notch pathway activation decreased myocardial gene expression and increased expression of a marker of the mesocardium and pericardial roof, whereas inhibition of Notch signaling had the opposite effect. Activation or inhibition of Notch also regulated contribution of individual cells to the myocardium. Importantly, expression of Nkx2. 5 and Gata4 remained largely unaffected, indicating that Notch signaling functions downstream of heart field specification. We conclude that Notch signaling through Su(H) suppresses cardiomyogenesis and that this activity is essential for the correct specification of myocardial and non-myocardial cell fates.

scholarly journals Notch signaling is necessary for epithelial growth arrest by TGF-β

2007 ◽  
Vol 176 (5) ◽  
pp. 695-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideki Niimi ◽  
Katerina Pardali ◽  
Michael Vanlandewijck ◽  
Carl-Henrik Heldin ◽  
Aristidis Moustakas
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Tumor Invasiveness ◽  
Transcriptional Induction ◽  
Notch1 Receptor ◽  
Epithelial Growth

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and Notch act as tumor suppressors by inhibiting epithelial cell proliferation. TGF-β additionally promotes tumor invasiveness and metastasis, whereas Notch supports oncogenic growth. We demonstrate that TGF-β and ectopic Notch1 receptor cooperatively arrest epithelial growth, whereas endogenous Notch signaling was found to be required for TGF-β to elicit cytostasis. Transcriptomic analysis after blocking endogenous Notch signaling uncovered several genes, including Notch pathway components and cell cycle and apoptosis factors, whose regulation by TGF-β requires an active Notch pathway. A prominent gene coregulated by the two pathways is the cell cycle inhibitor p21. Both transcriptional induction of the Notch ligand Jagged1 by TGF-β and endogenous levels of the Notch effector CSL contribute to p21 induction and epithelial cytostasis. Cooperative inhibition of cell proliferation by TGF-β and Notch is lost in human mammary cells in which the p21 gene has been knocked out. We establish an intimate involvement of Notch signaling in the epithelial cytostatic response to TGF-β.

p21WAF1 Control of Epithelial Cell Cycle and Cell Fate

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 453-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy C. Weinberg ◽  
Mitchell F. Denning
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Growth Arrest ◽  
Nuclear Antigen ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase ◽  
Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor

As a broad-acting cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p21WAF1 occupies a central position in the cell cycle regulation of self-renewing tissues such as oral mucosa and skin. In addition to regulating normal cell cycle progression decisions, p21WAF1 integrates genotoxic insults into growth arrest and apoptotic signaling pathways that ultimately determine cell fate. As a result of its complex interactions with cell cycle machinery and response to mutagenic agents, p21WAF1 also has stage-specific roles in epithelial carcinogenesis. Finally, a view is emerging of p21WAF1 as not merely a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, but also as a direct participant in regulating genes involved in growth arrest, senescence, and aging, thus providing an additional layer of control over matters of the cell cycle. This review discusses these various roles played by p21WAF1 in cell cycle control, and attempts to relate these to epithelial cell biology, with special emphasis on keratinocytes. (Abbreviations used include the following: Brdu, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine; cdk, cyclin-dependent kinase; EGF, epidermal growth factor; KIP, kinase inhibitor protein; PCNA, proliferating cell nuclear antigen; and TPA, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.)

scholarly journals Fucoxanthin, A Carotenoid Derived from Phaeodactylum tricornutum Exerts Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Activities In Vitro

Antioxidants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Neumann ◽  
Felix Derwenskus ◽  
Verena Flaiz Flister ◽  
Ulrike Schmid-Staiger ◽  
Thomas Hirth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Phaeodactylum Tricornutum ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Microalgae contain a multitude of nutrients and can be grown sustainably. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid from Phaeodactylum tricornutum, could have beneficial health effects. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiproliferative effects of fucoxanthin derived from this diatom in vitro. The effects of purified fucoxanthin on metabolic activity were assessed in blood mononuclear cells and different cell lines. In cell lines, caspase 3/7 activity was also analyzed. Nitrogen monoxide release and mRNA-expression of proinflammatory cytokines were measured. For antioxidant assays, cell free assays were conducted. Additionally, the antioxidant effect in neutrophils was quantified and glutathione was determined in HeLa cells. The results show that neither did fucoxanthin have anti-inflammatory properties nor did it exert cytotoxic effects on mononuclear cells. However, the metabolic activity of cell lines was decreased up to 58% and fucoxanthin increased the caspase 3/7 activity up to 4.6-fold. Additionally, dose-dependent antioxidant effects were detected, resulting in a 63% decrease in chemiluminescence in blood neutrophils and a 3.3-fold increase in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione. Our studies show that fucoxanthin possesses antiproliferative and antioxidant activities in vitro. Hence, this carotenoid or the whole microalgae P. tricornutum could be considered as a food or nutraceutical in human nutrition, showcasing beneficial health effects.

scholarly journals Cancer Stem Cells, Quo Vadis? The Notch Signaling Pathway in Tumor Initiation and Progression

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian T. Meisel ◽  
Cristina Porcheri ◽  
Thimios A. Mitsiadis
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Notch Pathway ◽  
Notch Signaling Pathway ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Cell Fate Decisions

The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, cytodifferentiation and cell fate decisions in both embryonic and adult life. Several aspects of stem cell maintenance are dependent from the functionality and fine tuning of the Notch pathway. In cancer, Notch is specifically involved in preserving self-renewal and amplification of cancer stem cells, supporting the formation, spread and recurrence of the tumor. As the function of Notch signaling is context dependent, we here provide an overview of its activity in a variety of tumors, focusing mostly on its role in the maintenance of the undifferentiated subset of cancer cells. Finally, we analyze the potential of molecules of the Notch pathway as diagnostic and therapeutic tools against the various cancers.

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